Hello, welcome to a new chapter of FTNT and I hope you enjoy it.
wellingtonlucas282 – Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Re Lovely Lover – Yeah, Ur seems like a popular character, so I felt like I had to bring her back. It took me a while to figure out a way that wasn't too…stupid really.
Tenma Kirin – Enjoy the next chapter.
NinjaFang1331 – Thank you so much.
human dragon – Thanks a lot. Hope you like the next chapter.
ikusatsunagi – I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I think she should be in the harem considering how well they got along.
danielsnow – Ur was a popular choice and one of my favourite lesser characters. I was originally going to make her (somehow) younger, but it was way too close to the TheWhiteTitan's story 'The Demon Fox of Fairy Tail'. I didn't one to rip off another person's work so that's the main reason why.
I am really sorry. I didn't mean to single you out over Erza. It's just that I had this entire plan about why Erza is distant to NT and I just didn't want the readers to think that I was bashing her character. It wasn't just you who I was referring to btw and I didn't mean to be so critical. I'm so sorry again.
An NT and Erza quest sounds like an interesting concept, I would have to make a plan for that.
djinn – A lot had happened in the last chapter. This chapter will be a bit sadder and will explain more of Night Terror's past. Hope you enjoy.
Lelouch of Zero – I'm so glad you liked the way NT brought her back. It was a bit difficult trying to find a way that made sense. I'm also really glad you liked the stories. I have always loved mythology so it's exciting creating my own. Thank you so much and enjoy the next chapter.
Rusbell 123 – Thank you so much and I'm glad you like it so far. Now for your questions. Will Night Terror and Ultear be friends? Eventually. She doesn't appear much until Tenrou Island so it will probably happen after, unless I decide to some chapters based on her and Night. Does the guild know what he looks like? Apart from Makarov, no. Even I don't know what he looks like. When will he show everyone what he looks like? You would have to keep on reading to find out. Sorry.
Poseidon3000 – Thank you so much.
The Kromann – Thanks a lot. Hope you like the next chapter.
Thanks for the reviews.
Enjoy :)
(A.N: Everything in italics is in Timorin. I translated it into English for convience.)
Chapter 11: A Town Called Elend
The Shores of the Island of Fear
Eight Years Ago
Two young Phobos were on the grey sands overlooking the black water that surrounded their homeland. They both wore their dark blue robes which they have to wear to protect them from the island's hostile environment. Like most of the Phobos clothing, it concealed their features.
One Phobos was sat on the sand as she watched her friend relieving his anger by throwing pebbles into the dark waters. Finally, he ran out of pebbles and resulted to kicking heaps of sand all over the place.
"Can you stop now," the female Phobos crossly said, "sand is getting into my eye."
The male Phobos stopped and turned sharply to his friend, "Five years," he complained, "five years I have trained and the Grand Master says I'm not ready."
The female Phobos sighed, "I know I was there, but acting like a baby is not helping so sit down," she demanded.
The male Phobos grunted in annoyance before sitting next to his friend. His head bowed sadly as he all the anger left his system.
"What did I do wrong?" he questioned.
"You did nothing wrong, you just...I don't know. Maybe you should talk to the Grand Master," she suggested.
"He hasn't left the temple since the ceremony. He's avoiding me."
The female Phobos placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "He's not. He loves you like a grandson, he wouldn't just abandon you. Something just spooked him and he needs time to figure it out."
The male Phobos suddenly stood up and made his back into the forest, much to his friend's confusion.
"Where are you going?" she questioned.
He stopped and looked over his shoulder at her, "I'm going to the outside lands. I'll prove to him I'm rea- ah!"
He cried out in pain as his friend pushed him into a tree, "Are you insane?" she snarled as he fell to the ground, "you need the elders' permission to go outside which they will not give you because you have done the trials. You can barely speak their language."
"I can speak well enough," the male Phobos groaned as he stood back up, "and you'll be coming with me," he said as he began walking away again.
"You're not dragging me into this."
"I don't have to. You'll just follow me."
The female Phobos growled in frustration as she watched her friend walk away from her, "You'll die!" she shouted.
"Then make sure I don't and come with me," he said over his shoulder as he confided to walk to the docks.
She glared at him as he left, 'Why is he doing this?' she thought in frustration, 'this has got to be the stupidest thing he has ever done.'
After a couple moments of deciding what to do, she sighed reluctantly and trudged towards her friend. The male Phobos smiled as he heard his friend approach and walk beside him.
"Not a single word," she muttered at him.
"All I was going to say was thank you," he said in a genuine tone, "I don't know what I'll be without you."
The female Phobos glanced at him before turning away with a blush, "You'll be lying dead somewhere in a ditch, you idiot," she grumbled trying to hide her bashfulness, 'but you're my idiot,' she thought to herself before making her feelings go away, "do you even know where we're going?"
"I was hoping that will wonder until we find something," he replied, earning a groan from his companion.
"We could do that or I heard from the Beathach that a town is being attacked by an army of Olc," she suggested.
The male Phobos raised his eyebrows in interest, "Really? Where?"
"On the border of Fiore. I think it's called..."
Flashback End
"...Elend," Night Terror said to himself.
The Phobos was upon his shadow horse as they stood on the ridge of a hill overlooking the desolate wasteland. Dark clouds had appeared out of nowhere, threatening to rain upon them.
A town used to stand here. It wasn't wealthy nor poor, but it was prosperous; full of life and activity. The residents were happy, its children felt safe to play by the river or in the meadows, it had warm summers and cool winters.
All of that was gone.
The houses had toppled over and buried in dirt and sand, the river had dried up, the fields were nothing but dust, and there was no sign of life.
Night Terror hummed and ordered Mabel to travel to what was left of Elend. He had no idea why Zalty knew of this place, but he wanted to why.
He sighed as the shadow horse trotted along the old dirt road, "I'm sorry Muireall. I should have never have brought you here."
Magnolia Town
Lucy sighed for what felt like the hundredth time as they walked back to the guild. She was feeling a mixture of emotions. Upset, angry, confused, depressed but most of all worried about Night Terror.
As soon as the ship docked on the mainland, Night Terror rode off without giving a single explanation. He told Erza to take the others back to the guild and to tell Makarov that he will be gone for a little while. Night Terror was very quiet (more so than usual) when Natsu gave him the message. No matter how much she tried to talk to him, he would only give simple replies like 'Everything is perfectly fine, Miss Lucy,' and 'there is nothing to worry about'.
She had known him long enough that everything is not perfectly fine.
Ur glanced at the blonde's depressed expression and offered her a reassuring smile, "Hey, he will be alright. He just needs to do something. Besides he said he will come back before the day ends."
"I know," Lucy groaned as she hung her head, "but I can't help it. One on hand, I have no business getting involved his private life, especially when it comes to his Clan, but on the other, I'm his friend and I feel like it's my responsibly to help him."
Ur nodded. She understood how Lucy was split between being respectful to Night Terror, but at the same time wanting to know more about him. It must be difficult for her. Ur couldn't find a solution to her problem, so she decided to tease her out of her depression.
"Friend, huh?" she smirked mischievously.
Lucy gave her a confused look, "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"Oh nothing," Ur casually mused, "it just sounds like you want to be more than his friend that's all."
Lucy blinked in bemusement, trying to think what she was implying. Soon it dawned on her and her face turned completely red.
"W-w-wait a minute!" she stammered, her hands waving frantically in front of her, "I wasn't trying to…I mean I am…but…it's not like that!" she cried, making Ur snicker in amusement.
"Lucy looooooves him," Happy sang, flying over to join in the fun.
Lucy, her face still red, growled at the blue cat and tried to swipe him out of the air, "Shut up, cat! Why do you always do this to me!?"
Happy dodged her attacks and giggled at her reaction, "Wow, Lucy is in love with a person she doesn't even know what they look like. That says a lot about her," he teased avoiding another attack.
"No, it doesn't, and I told you to shut up!" she screamed at him.
Erza glanced at Lucy attacking happy and sighed, "Whatever Night Terror is doing, I'm sure he can handle it. He is a strong mage after all."
"Yeah, he is," Natsu interjected, "that's why when he comes back, I'm going to fight him," he declared.
"Is that all you think about," Grey muttered from behind him.
Erza grabbed the scruff of Natsu's collar, making him stop suddenly, "You're not fighting anyone until you see the master," Erza sternly said as she began dragging him to the guild.
"No please! I'm sorry" Natsu cried in fear as the others followed quickly behind them, "I'll be good, I pro-ow!" he shouted in pain when Erza suddenly stopped and Natsu hit his head on her leg armour, "What's the hold…"
His words trailed off as he stood up and looked up at their guild before them. Lucy, Happy, Grey and Ur had caught up and joined Erza and Natsu in their shocked. Their faces filled with horror.
The guild hall was impaled by a number of giant black iron rods. Holes in the walls and the roofs had opened up showing splinted wooden timbers and broken pieces of plaster. The Fairy Tail mages and Ur gaped at the damage that has been brought upon the guild hall.
Lucy was the first one to break the silence.
"We've been attacked."
The Ruins of Elend
Night Terror rode to the edge of Elend before he dismounted and sent Mabel back into the shadows. He slowly walked across the destroyed town, taking in the devastation. The wood that hadn't rotted away was burnt to charcoal. The streets were no longer recognisable. Years of wind, rain and neglect had worn down the ruins, leaving a ghostly feel behind.
Night Terror walked to the centre and observed his surroundings. He did not know what to expect. The memory of Eland and its whereabouts had only just been revealed to him as soon as Natsu gave him the message.
For years Night Terror has had difficulty remembering his past. Porlyusica suggested it was memory loss caused by childhood trauma, but that reason never seemed right to him. He was able to remember everything about his Clan, his childhood, his teachings with no problem, but the attack and events leading up to it was a blur. It was as if a mist had fallen over some parts while making the others clear.
The first time that some of his memory returned to him was when Levy showed him the letter. It was only brief and hazy, but it was enough for Night Terror. It was as if the memory was locked in a box only to emerge once a key made itself clear. The next memory to be unlocked was much stronger the last.
Elend.
Once Natsu said that word it was something in his mind unlocked. He remembered his childhood friend who belonged to the kin of Faceless Ones. She was the one who wrote the letter with him and sent it to Everlue.
How could he forget her? Why did he forget her? Where is she now?
More questions without answers.
The next thing he remembered was them travelling to Elend against the elders' orders. The town was peaceful when they arrived but it wasn't long till it turned to hell.
He remembered the raging fires that surrounded him.
The taste of the smoke that choked him.
The sounds of a thousand mouthless screams.
The desolation that fell on him.
It was his fault.
All his fault.
A cry of surprise snapped him out of it. He looked down and saw a middle aged man on the ground staring up at him. The man had grey hair, pale skin and a bushy moustache. Judging by his workmen's clothes and wide brimmed hat, he was a farmer or labourer. The man had a startled expression on his face and it took a few moments for Night Terror to realise that he had his claw raised above the man. On instinct, Night Terror brought his claw in defence, making the man fall over in surprise.
Night Terror lowered his claw, "My deepest apologies, sir. You startled me," he said as he helped him up and off the debris.
The man brushed off the dust from his clothes and gave Night Terror a reassuring smile, "That's what I get for sneaking on you," he joked gently.
"I hope I am not trespassing," Night Terror said in worry, but he man waved him off.
"No worries. You ain't done nothing wrong," he told him, "my cottage is on the other side of that hill and I saw you as I was coming back from the market," he explained, pointing to a cart pulled by two horses, "I pass this way all the time and I have never seen anybody here before. Not even the local villagers come here. When I saw you and I thought you were lost, but I didn't realise you were busy."
"I see," Night Terror uttered, "my apologies again, I was too...occupied."
The man nodded in understanding and silence fell between them. Nothing but the wind through the desolation made a sound.
"Have you lost someone here?" the man gravelly asked as he looked over ruins.
"I do not know," Night Terror replied sadly. He turned his head to the man, "You mentioned that you live nearby, can you perhaps tell me what happened here?"
Much to Night Terror's disappointment, the man shook his head, "Sorry, the wife and I only moved here a few years ago. I know nothing about the tragedy that befell this town.
"Of course. Thank you fo-"
"However, my wife might now," the man suddenly said, "she lived in the next village when it happened before moving away. You can ask her," he suggested.
Night Terror nodded, "That will be excellent. I am grateful for you assistance, Mr..."
"Call me Matthew," the man said as he waved Night Terror over towards his cart, "let's go back to the house before it starts raining," he suggested, eyeing the grey clouds overheard wearily.
"Thank you. I am the Night Terror, a member of Fairy Tail," the Phobos introduced himself as they walked toward the cart.
"Nice to meet you," Matthew said, "has anybody ever told you that you're scary looking?"
"All the time."
The two climbed onto the cart and Matthew began driving away. Night Terror looked over the ruins once more, hoping that a new memory will be unlocked. Nothing jumped out at him and was about to turn back when he noticed something.
It wasn't something he saw or heard, but it was a feeling. A feeling of being watched.
His eyes scanned the tree line on the hill had he travelled down. It was the only possible place for anyone to hide. However, he didn't see anything. He used his fear sense, but there was nothing.
Frowning in suspicion, he turned back to the front of the cart and tried to ignore the feeling. He had questions that needed to be answered.
From the tree line Night Terror had looked over, a dark figure watched Night Terror leave upon Matthew's cart. It continued to watch until the two disappeared behind a forest before deciding to leave.
"Fairy Tail," it hummed as they walked deeper into the woods.
Fairy Tail Guild Hall
The Fairy Tail mages walked into the destroyed hall and saw the piles of debris and dust scattered everywhere. It was completely deserted of members making them worry even more.
Suddenly the doors to the kitchen opened up and Mirajane stepped in with a bright smile as if the guild was totally fine, "I thought I heard people enter," she chirped, "Welcome bac- Where's Night?" she asked quickly when she didn't see the Phobos.
"You could have least finished your last sentence," Grey muttered with a small sweat drop.
"Night Terror has business he needed to intend to," Erza firmly answered, "what happened here?" she demanded, making Mirajane frown slightly.
"We'll explain everything as soon as we get to the basement," she told them, "follow me."
They followed the white haired woman through the kitchen and then down to the basement where the Fairy Tail members have gathered. Everybody seemed to be perfectly alright although the mood was considerably sombre. The mages were sat down at makeshift tables gently sipping their beers. A few of them were talking, but only in whispers.
The only person that didn't seem to be effected by the attack was Makarov who was sat cross-legged on a crate chugging a tankard of beer, his cheeks slightly rosy with drunkenness.
"Yo! What's up kids," Makarov slurred in greetings with a lazy wave.
The mages who just arrived shared an uneasy look before Natsu stepped forward crossly, "Why the hell are you all sitting around here!?" he angrily asked.
Makarov ignored his shout at turned to Ur with an amused look, "Ha, you look much different without your cloak, Night Terror," he joked, "I got to say I like the new look."
Ur gave him a deadpanned expression while Mirajane scolded him from beside him.
"Hey, don't ignore me!" Natsu shouted as Erza stepped up beside him.
"Master, don't you understand the gravity of this situation," she sternly told him.
"The guild hall is completely destroyed," Grey added.
Makarov snorted and took another swig of his tankard, "Now, now. It's not like it's the end of the world or something. It just goes to show how cowardly those idiots at Phantom Lord are. They struck when nobody was here. You think that's worth bragging about?" he chuckled, "I'm just lucky that Night Terror isn't here. If he found out his second home was destroyed like his first, he would raze Phantom Lord's guild to the ground."
Mirajane frowned, "Master that isn't funny," she sternly scolded, but Makarov just waved her off.
Erza sighed, "I guess we should be lucky that nobody was hurt," she mused.
A sudden shattering of wooden boards echoed through the basement. Everybody turned to see Natsu, his face filled with fury, had punched a crate stack beside him.
"We can't let them get away with this!" Natsu shouted, "We have to fight back!"
"We are not talking about this any longer," Makarov firmly denied, "we will be doing jobs down here until upstairs is repaired."
"But-!" Natsu started to complain before Makarov gave him a severe look.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" he bellowed before he jumped down from the crates, "I'm going to take a leak," he muttered drunkenly before heading upstairs.
The mages watched him leave, anger and frustration on their faces.
"I can't believe him," Natsu muttered angrily, "why is he being like this?"
Mirajane sighed sadly, "Listen, this is just as hard on him as it is on you. He's mad, but conflict between rival guilds ins forbidden by the council."
"But they were the ones who started it," Grey protested.
"I know but that doesn't matter," Mirajane told him.
Erza stepped up with a serious expression on her face, "If the master has told us not to retaliate then we need to respect his wishes," she said before looking over at the seething Natsu, "and that means you too, Natsu."
Natsu grumbled and took off somewhere. Erza and Grey were equally as distraught, but they understood Makarov's orders made sense. They soon left leaving behind Lucy, Ur and Mirajane behind.
"I can't help but feel I came at a wrong time," Ur mused, earning a sheepish smile from Lucy.
"Let's get you signed up," Lucy told her before turning to Mirajane, "Mira this is Ur, she would like to sign up to guild," she introduced.
Mirajane's smile returned, and she clapped her hands in delight, "O wonderful," she looked passed them at Lisanna carrying a tray of drinks to a table, "Lisanna can you bring me a sign up sheet?" she asked politely.
"Coming right up," Lisanna replied.
"So, what's Phantom Lord?" Ur asked while they waited for Lisanna, "And why did they attack you?"
"I've heard of them," Lucy told her, "I was actually thinking of joining them before I came to Fairy Tail."
Mirajane nodded, "Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord have been rivals for a very long time and we constantly fight over popularity. They are equal to us in terms of strength. Not only is there guild master, Jose Porla, one of the Ten Wizard Saints, but they have an elite team called the Element Four and Gajeel Redfox who is an Iron Dragon Slayer."
"A Dragon Slayer," Lucy gasped, "I didn't know there were others other than Natsu," she commented earning a nod of confirmation from Mirajane.
"I can see why the master is reluctant to retaliate," Ur sighed wearily, "if a war breaks out between the guilds it could lead to a disaster."
"But are we really going to just sit and wait?" Lucy worriedly questioned.
Ur shrugged, "I can't see what else you can do, I'm afraid."
Lisanna returned with a sign-up sheet and a pen and gave them to Ur, "Here you go."
"Thanks," she told her before leaning over a crate and being filling out the sheet.
Lucy glanced over the form as she filled out and raised an eyebrow in confusion, "You're putting your age as 28?" she questioned.
"Yeah, why?" Ur questioned.
"Oh sorry, I just thought that since you were trapped in the ice for so long, you would be ol-" Lucy trailed off as Ur sent her a deadly glare, "You know what, that's none of my business," she squeaked in fear.
Matthew's Cottage
"Thank you for your hospitality," Night Terror told Matthew and his wife Lisa as he took a seat on the armchair, they offered him.
"No worries. Would like anything to drink? We have some tea," Matthew asked as he headed into the kitchen, leaving Lisa on the sofa across from the Phobos.
"Tea would be lovely, thank you," Night Terror answered back.
As Matthew predicted, rain started to fall as soon as they parked by his small but cosy cottage. The famer told him he only built a few years ago, but the red brick and straw roof made it seem much older than it was. After helping him unsaddle the horses and lead them to their stables, Night Terror followed Matthew into the cottage where he met his wife.
Lisa looked to be around the same age as her husband. She had long black hair that was staring to grey, dark tanned skin, and brown eyes. She wore a white apron over a green dress. Her reaction at seeing Night Terror was something the Phobos was used to, but after Matthew calmed her down, she shakily welcomed the Phobos to their home.
Now they were sat in the living room, the fireplace was lit and bathed the room in a warm glow. As soon as her husband left, Lisa cleared her throat to get the Phobos's attention.
"Matthew told me you were at the ruins," Lisa started, "I remember the event well."
"Indeed," Night Terror calmly answered, "I have reason to believe that I was there at the time, however my memory is…foggy. I hope I am not demanding too much from you by asking what happened, Miss Lisa."
Lisa shook her head, "Not at all. It's has been a while since anybody has talked about it. Such a tragedy," she sighed, "many years ago an army was ransacking the town of Elend. Nobody knew where it came from. Some said they were invaders from another nation, others said they were mutineers from the kingdom of Fiore, while others said they were mercenaries that were not paid. Whatever they were, they decided to take out their anger out on Elend. Back then it was wealthy, many merchants and traders took advantage of the resources and made the town prosperous. It made it a perfect target for the army and their leader Buia. Every evening for three weeks, Buia and his men would ride into Elend and take everything that they can carry and go back to their hideout. This continued to happen until…" Lisa trailed off as she looked sadly to the floor.
Night Terror frowned in worry, "Miss Lisa?" he questioned.
"…they set the town on fire," Lisa finally answered, grief and sadness etched into her face, "the whole thing. Every man, woman and child were trapped in the inferno. We only knew what happened when saw the sky glow and the screams echo across the valley."
Matthew had returned by then, set the tea on the coffee table, and held his wife's hands comfortingly. Night Terror remained silent as well, thinking about the event and the pain it caused.
It was too similar to what he witnessed.
"I am sorry, Miss Lisa," Night Terror eventually said, "I didn't mean to bring up terrible memories."
Lisa brushed a tear from her eye and smiled kindly at the Phobos, "It is quite alright. However, the strangest thing happened. Once Buia and his men burned Elend, the army vanished."
"Vanished?"
"Absolutely. We though they were coming after our town next, but they were gone. Every single last one of them."
"I see," Night Terror mused thinking over her words.
"Did that help jog your memory?" Matthew asked, but Night Terror shook his head.
"Unfortunately, not. Thank you ever so much for telling me what occurred. It has been very helpful," Night Terror told them.
'Nothing,' the Phobos thought, "Not a single memory had resurfaced. I must continue my search another time,' he internally sighed.
Night Terror stood up from his armchair, "Thank you once again, but I must be going back to my gui-"
He stopped when he saw something he hadn't noticed until then. His eyes happened to glance around the room and fell on a glass box on the fireplace mantle. He approached the box and inspected its contents.
It was a doll.
It was small, no bigger than an outstretched hand. The fabric was slightly off-colour from some sort of damage, but its felt blue dress looked new. There was some damage to brown hair and the black buttons were slightly askew.
Night Terror recognised it.
"This doll," Night Terror said the couple, "Where did you get?"
Lisa and Matthew shared a look in confusion, "I found it," Lisa told him, "in the ruins not long after the incident. I mended it as best as I could. I couldn't just leave something that was precious to somebody once."
Night Terror turned back to the doll. Despite the repairs, Night Terror still recognised it. It was the same one he found among the ruins.
And instantly the fog that hid his memories for so long lifted.
Flashback Eight Years Ago
On the outskirts of Elend
"Is this the place?" young Night Terror asked, nodding his head at the town ahead.
Muireall looked up from her book and nodded, "That's it," she confirmed, "looks nice for a place outside the island."
"I like it. It looks interesting," Night Terror said, earning an annoyed sigh from his friend as they approached the town.
They had managed to leave the island without being detected. They were both dressed in their training robes and packed all the basic essentials. It took them a while to reach the town, using their Dall Ri Eagal to hide from every Daonna traveller and settlement.
(A.N: Daonna is the Phobos word for any person not belong to the Phobos. I don't believe I ever explained that before.)
Night Terror was very excited. This had been the first time he had left the island and was taking in all the sights. Muireall was more worried and couldn't concentrate on her surroundings. The weight of disobeying the Clan's orders weighed heavily on her mind and she couldn't shake of the feeling that something bad was going to happen. She decided to focus on her book and her teachings to keep her mind off it.
They were nearing the town when they heard the screams. Instantly, they ran through the streets until the found the main road. Soldiers in black armour rode down the cobblestone streets, ransacking and pillaging every house, shop and building. The locals couldn't do anything to stop them as they stole everything from them.
Night Terror and Muireall shared a look, before nodding in agreement.
"This is what I'm talking about," Night Terror eagerly said as they slowly approached the raiders, releasing as much Fear Magic as they can.
It wasn't long until the raiders felt a shiver go down their spines. Then their horses started to act out of control, neighing and stamping their hooves in distress.
"What's going on!?" one raider cried as he tried to keep his horse under control, dropping the bag of coins he had looted.
Among the party of raiders was a tall, muscular man known as Buia. The leader of the raiders had long dirty black hair, pale skin and a straggly beard. His eyes were blood red filled with cruelty. He was hurrying to look at, but right now he too was feeling afraid of something. As he struggled to stay on his horse, he spotted the reason for their fear ominously coming closer and closer. He gasped and instinctively flinch as he saw the two young Phobos, causing his men to notice them as well.
The Phobos stopped near them and waited for the tension to build up. Night Terror nodded at his friend to indicate that she should do the talking since she speaks the language better.
"Pillagers," she started using her dark voice, "return these people's possessions, leave and never return," she demanded, making the raiders shiver in fear.
Buia frowned in annoyance. His anger had overcome his fear and he snarled at their demands.
"Or what," he spat before pointing at two of his men, "deal with them."
The two raiders glanced at each other uncertainty before taking out their swords and ordering their horses to charge at the Phobos.
'How predictable,' Night Terror internally sighed before sending two shadow tendrils hurtling towards the raiders' chests, knocking them off their horses.
The raiders fell painfully onto the cobblestone while their horses galloped away. They sat up and were about to pick up their swords when Muireall's red gloved hands picked up the blades first. They raiders gasped in fear as the swords started to rust and then turn into dust in the Phobos's hands, turning it into nothingness before their eyes.
"I will repeat myself one more time," she growled, making the raiders anxiously back away, "LEAVE!" she shrieked.
The Buia and his men listened this time. Shouting in terror, the raiders dopped everything they stole, turned their horses around and galloped out of town. The two raiders before Muireall scrambled to their feet and fled with their fellow men. They didn't even bother getting back their horses.
Once the raiders were out of the town and out of sight, the residents celebrated, hugging each other, cheering, and thanking the two Phobos.
"That was easy," Night Terror whispered to Muireall.
"That's because you didn't do anything," she crossly replied.
Night Terror was about retort when he heard a small voice behind him.
"Excuse me," the voice said, making the two Phobos turn around and see a five year old girl standing before them, "thank you for scaring them away," she brightly said with a happy smile.
She had long red hair tied in a braid, bright blue eyes and freckles. She looked up at them without a single hint of fear on her face.
"Err…you…welcome," Night Terror tried to say to the girl, but was failing. Muireall rolled her eyes while the young girl giggled.
"Macy!" a male voice called out.
From the crowd of celebrating townspeople, a man in his thirties stepped out and sighed in relief when he saw the girl. Judging by the similar features they share; he must have been her father. He kneeled down beside Macy and gave her a light glare.
"What did I say about running off," he gently scolded before looking up at them, "thank you so much for scaring the raiders away."
Night Terror was about to reply, but Muireall sent him a look from under her red hood.
"It's fine. It our duty as a Phobos to protect those in need," she told him before noticing the object in Macy's arms, "I like your doll," she complimented pointing to the brown haired toy.
Macy smiled brightly and thanked her.
As the raiders rode back to their base in the forest, Buia growled in anger and embarrassment at being easily thwarted. His second in command rode up beside him.
"Sir, should we break camp?" he asked.
Buia glared at him, "Why would we do that?" he snarled.
"Because…of the Phobos."
The leader of the raiders growled, "We not leaving because a couple of Phobos turned up."
"But sir-"
"Enough!" he roared, "we are coming back tonight," he ordered, "and we're going to burn it to the ground!"
Magnolia Town
Present Day
Night had fallen by the time Lucy started to walk back home with Plue in her arms. She was upset for many reasons. The guild was attacked, all the mages' spirits were depleted, Natsu was still angry. However, the worst thing was that Night Terror hadn't returned as he promise.
"He said he will be back by the end of the day," Lucy told Plue who shivered in her arms, "where could he be. I'm starting to worry about him… as a friend. Yeah, that's what I meant," Lucy said, correcting herself hallway through.
She entered her apartment building and climbed the stairs to her room, "Hopefully, he would be back tomorrow. Today has been so stressful," she said as she opened the door to her apartment, "I going to need a long bat- WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE!" she yelled as soon as she saw the intruders.
Natsu, Happy, Grey, Erza and Ur were sat around her table as if they didn't commit a crime.
"Hey Lucy," Natsu happily greeted with a lazy wave.
"You have a lovely apartment," Erza complimented with a small smile.
"I told you so," Grey added as he laid topless on the floor.
"At least keep your clothes on when you're in here!" Lucy shouted angrily at him.
She turned to the other women in her apartment who had somehow acquired a bottle of wine, "You too," Lucy sighed with tears in her eyes.
Ur sipped her wine, "Sorry. We thought it would be a good idea to stay together. Hope you don't mind."
"I do mind!"
"Hey everyone, look at Lucy's underwear," Happy cried from Lucy's underwear drawer as he held a pair of lacy pink panties.
"My my, Lucy. I didn't think you were that type of girl" Ur commented as Erza took a closer inspection of it.
"What's the point on making it look nice?" Natsu asked in confusion, "it's not like anyone will see it."
"EVERYONE GET OUT!" Lucy screamed in anger and embarrassment.
Main Office, Phantom Lord Guild
Not far from Oak Town, on a rocky hill, was the Phantom Lord Guild. The guild was known for its powerful members, but notorious for its reputation.
Within the dark office of the guild master, Jose Porla, leaning against a stone pillar was a muscular young man in his late teens. He had a mane of thick black hair, pale skin, and red eyes. Metal studs appeared over his stern pointed face and on his bare arms. He lazily glanced up at his guild master who was sat behind an oak desk.
Jose Porla was a terrifying looking elderly man. His dark red hair was tied in a spiky ponytail, his facial features were sharp, and his eyebrows and moustache were pointed. His menacing green eyes stared into the very depths of a person's soul.
"I see that have been busy, Gajeel," Jose Porla said as he leaned across his desk, "quite commendable destroying Fairy Tail's guild like that. Although, I am confused as to why you didn't do more."
Gajeel gave a threatening smirk, "I was only sending a message. Since they didn't respond, I would have to send another one. Then they'll have to listen," he told him, releasing a dark chuckle.
"Really?" Jose questioned as he raised an eyebrow, "and here I was thinking you were being cautious because of that Phobos of theirs," he said, causing Gajeel to snarl.
"I ain't scared of him," he growled in denial.
"You should be," a voice from the shadows suddenly said.
Gajeel jumped in surprise at the sound of the intruder and turned to the darkness where it had come from, "Who are you?" he demanded, "Show yourself."
Jose was just as surprised by the new person, but calmly turned to the shadows. He raised his hand to Gajeel to stop him from attacking.
"And who may you be?" Jose stoically asked, "and how did you get in here?"
The voice was silent for a few moments. Gajeel was about to shout at it again, but it responded before he could do anything.
"Who I am is not important," the voice called back, "however, I heard you were having some problems with a Phobos."
"Indeed," Jose replied firmly.
"Well…what if I told you that there was a way to defeat him," the voice questioned, peaking the two's interest.
Outskirts of Elend
Eight Years Ago
Night had fallen as the young Night Terror and Muireall walked away from Elend, satisfied with a job well done.
"That was so easy. They ran away from you like frightened rabbits," Night Terror chuckled, "All I have to do now is show the Grand Master that I am more then capable of becoming a Night Terror."
"Are you forgetting something," Muireall dryly remarked, "we are in so much trouble once we get back."
"Worth it," Night Terror shrugged, earning a sigh from his friend.
"Maybe now you'll take your studies seriously. The best you can do is whip people away with your shadows. That's not good enough…"
"Muireall," Night Terror murmured faintly.
"I doubt you would make much of an impact on the elders either…"
"Muireall."
"How do you expect to pass the trials if you don't take things serio-"
"Muireall!" Night Terror shouted, making his friend spin around to face him.
"What!" she angrily demanded before she saw what had caught his attention.
Night Terror stared up above the trees where a red glow illuminated the night sky in the distance. Smoke billowing up from where they had come from.
They shared a horrified look in realisation, "Elend," they chorused before running to the town.
The town was ablaze by the time they arrived. The heat was unbearable and the smell of bitter smoke was everywhere. The panicked residents that had made it out of the houses in time fled to outskirts, taking as much possessions as possible. However, they were chased down by the raiders on horseback.
"They returned," Night Terror gasped in shock, "But I thought we chased them off."
"We mustn't have done it properly," Muireall said in horror, "O Gods, what have we done."
A huge crowd of residents ran down the street towards them, knocking the two apart in the panic. Night Terror fell on the road painfully. He groaned as he sat up again and looked around for Muireall. However, he couldn't see her. He stood up and ran down one street and then another, shouting and calling his friend's name in desperation. He no longer cared about the rule to never reveal a Phobos' name, he just wanted to find her.
He was so wrapped up in trying to find her that he didn't notice the raider galloping from behind him. The raider struck Night Terror with a bludgeon on the back of the head and the Phobos collapsed.
He was only unconscious for a few seconds, but when he opened his eyes and looked around, everything seemed blurred.
The flames were nothing but colours flicking round him. The sounds of pain and terror were muffled. Time seemed to slow down before him, making him witness the carnage in slow motion.
He was lost.
Lost in the fire.
And the screams.
And the terror.
Completely and utterly alone.
He crawled on the ground pathetically until he felt something beneath his hand. Looking down and lifting up the soft object, he recognised it as the doll Macy had. Unlike everything around him, the doll was clear as day. It was singed from the inferno, the felt dress had completely burned off, its hair was smoking and smelt horrible.
If the doll was nearby the surely Macy had to be near as well. He looked around and saw nothing but blurs darting around him.
He had to find her.
He had to make sure she was alright.
He gripped the doll in his hand and dragged himself to his feet. He stumbled blindly through the pandemonium, trying to not to trip and fall over again. It was soon that he found himself on a different street when his vision had almost returned. He gasped when he spotted a person with red hair up ahead.
"Macy," Night Terror mumbled tiredly as he staggered towards the person.
However after a few shaky steps, he soon found out that person wasn't Macy...
...but her father.
Night Terror didn't need his vision to know the distress on his face as he frantically looked around. He soon turned to the Phobos before him and looked down at the doll in his hand. His eyes widened and a sob got caught in his throat.
"Macy," he whispered before looking up at the Phobos, "Macy?" he asked for her whereabouts.
Night Terror had no answer. He lifted his head up to the man and said, "Sorry, do not know."
The man dropped to his knees, tears welled up in his eyes over his lost daughter. Night Terror laid the doll on the ground before him. He had no idea what else to do. Macy's father looked at the doll for a few seconds; tears starting to drop on the pavement below. Night Terror was about to say something to reassure him, but the father's next words silenced him.
"You said you were going to protect us," the man murmured, "you're the Phobos. You're supposed to prevent evil and not cause it."
Night Terror took a step back in surprise as the man's face turned up to him. He saw his fury in his eyes. A face full of hate, rage and pain directed at the young Phobos.
"You did this!" he shouted, "you killed her! You destroyed the town! YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A CURSE ON THIS WORLD!"
Night Terror was about to respond when he felt somebody grab his arm. He looked around and saw Muireall dragging him away.
"We have to go now," she hurriedly told him.
"But the people-" Night Terror retorted, fighting against her and making her accidentally drop her book.
"There's nothing we can do," she said, ignoring the book and using all her strength to drag his friend away.
As Night Terror was dragged away, he looked back at Macy's father. He had stood to his feet and picked up Muireall's book in the process. He still glared at Night Terror, rage and hate still clear on his face.
"I CURSE THE PHOBOS! I'LL KILL YOU. I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU!" he bellowed at the Phobos.
And that was the last thing Night Terror remembered from that night.
The night he destroyed a town called Elend.
- Flashback Ends -
'It was him,' Night Terror realised, 'he swore revenge on the Phobos. He hadMuireall's book, learned Fear Magic and destroyed the Island of Fear. What was Muireall's kin? I can't remember. It is him. The one who took Henry's fear away from him. The one that wants me dead,' he thought in dread, 'And it was all my fault.'
Matthew and Lisa shared a look before looking back at the Phobos. He had not said a thing for a while but kept staring at the doll in the glass case. They were unaware of the inner turmoil Night Terror was going through.
Matthew decided to call to him, "Night Terror," he softly said.
Night Terror snapped out of his thoughts and turned to his hosts, "M-my apologies, I was just-"
His robed head suddenly turned in, according to Matthew and Lisa, was seemingly a random direction. However, Night Terror knew that he was looking in the direction of Fairy Tail. He had been so distracted that he only just realised that their fear has been spiking.
'Danger,' he thought in horror, "my guild is in danger,' he turned back to the worried couple, "I have to leave."
Before either Matthew or Lisa could ask why he had to leave so suddenly, Night Terror sank into the shadows and disappeared without a trace.
Magnolia Town
Team Shadow Gear walked the deserted dark streets of Magnolia. They too were upset about the damage done to their guild, but they had to respect Makarov's orders.
"Shame that gramps wouldn't let us fight those Phantom losers," Jet muttered, "I would take down all those bastards if I had the chance."
Droy laughed, "Please, I could beat more Phantoms than you can," he challenged, earning an annoyed look from his teammate.
"What no way-"
"Boys," Levy sighed, "please don't argue. Master said that it was them being cowardly. I doubt they're going to attack us again."
"Think again, fairy trashes," a voice growled from above them.
Team Shadow Gear stopped in shock and looked up to the roofs of the houses. Gajeel grinned manically down at them, his arms turning into metal which glowed brightly in the moonlight.
"It's-" Jet gasped before Gajeel jumped down at them, aiming an iron fist at Levy.
Levy didn't have time to move away and so closed her eyes and waited for the impact.
However, it never came. Instead, she heard a grunt of pain, and something being slammed against a wall. She opened her eyes and gasped when she saw Night Terror standing before Team Shadow Gear, his metal claw outstretch protectively.
Night Terror had only appeared out of the shadows a second before Gajeel attacked. He had grabbed the Iron Dragon Slayer out of the air and threw him into a nearby brick house. Night Terror was relieved he could fend of the attack before his guildmates got hurt.
"Night Terror," Levy started, but the Phobos silenced her with a sharp look over the shoulder.
"Leave," he demanded, "Inform the rest of the guild."
"But Nig-"
"Go!" he shouted before Jet and Droy dragged a worried Levy away.
Now that were safe, Night Terror turned back to Gajeel who had picked himself off the ground. Gajeel grimaced as he laid eyes on Night Terror, the Fear Magic he was radiating was more powerful than he thought. However, Gajeel hid it well behind a mocking smirk.
"You must be the one they call the Night Terror," Gajeel said with chuckle.
"And you must be the idiot that attacked my clansmen," he glanced to the side and saw the damage guild in the distance, "and destroyed the guildhall," he turned back to Gajeel with a furious glare, "Do you by any chance have a death wish. Because I am feeling generous, Mr Gajeel."
Gajeel laughed, "I wanted to beat up some fairies. But I can settle on a Phobos instead."
"You can try," Night Terror calmly said, before the Iron Dragon Slayer's arm turned into metal and charged at him.
And cut.
Sorry for the late upload, this took ages to write. Also I couldn't help but feel this chapter didn't flow quite as well. Ah well.
Another section of Night Terror's past had been revealed including his childhood friend. We also discovered who the person behind the Phobos destruction was and we have entered the Phantom Lord Arc.
Hope you enjoyed it.
Thanks :)