*Disclaimer: neither duodragoon nor I own/have any affiliation with Fairy Tail; all rights go to Hiro Mashima. Seriously, we just do this for fun*
The New Fairy Tail
Guild Alliance Arc
Chapter 20: Friendly Faces, Old and New
*We see Hikari being led by two guards down a long hallway. They get to a door and stop, one of the guards puts his hand on the door and pushes, but the door doesn't budge*
He does this for a few seconds before the other guard complains, "Come on Larry, put your back into it, it's just a door." To which Larry replies, "I'm trying Chuck, but something is blocking it." Chuck then joins him, but the door remains unwavering. Two more join, still nothing, then two more and still nothing. This continues until there are sixteen guards pushing at the door, then the door begins to open. From the other side we see a wall of books in front of the door. As they slowly tip over we occasionally see a blue blur flash past. Finally, the door opens, and we see a bunch of exhausted soldiers sprawled out. One guard (who we assume is either Chuck or Larry) says, "Here... ya... go... and please remind her...to not do that." Hikari nods and answers, "No promises." She then rushes into the room as the guards groan and begin to crawl their separate ways.
Hikari stops in the middle of the room, the blue blur is rushing around the room throwing books left and right, some landing on the desk in the room but most landing on the ground or on piles of books. After a few seconds Hikari yells, "Auntie!" The blur stops, and Levy is holding a book in each of her hands. She has a confused look on her face, "Hikari, I thought you weren't coming for another two days?" Hikari giggles, "When was the last time you checked the date, time, or year for that matter?" Levy looks at the clock and realizes what day it is, "Oh well then, sorry for the mess; you know how I get when I research." Levy tosses the two books on the desk and jumps down to be face to face with Hikari. She then puts her arms out for a hug, "How is my favorite niece doing?"
Hikari jumps into her arms (not a very high jump), "Great now that I get to spend time with my favorite auntie, and doing what we both love is even better!" Levy chuckles, "I'm honored to be your favorite; don't let Lucy know, or she'll have a fit." The both laugh for a little bit then they get serious. "So, what have you found," Hikari asks. "Not much..." Levy says as she turns and walks towards the desk, "I've been searching guilds, dark guilds, evil societies, even cults but nothing matches." Levy presses a button on the desk and, just like in the council room, all the images pop up. Hikari steps forward while looking at all the pictures, unable to shake the feeling that she knew this from somewhere, and just could not place it. She then asks Levy, "How far back are you doing your research?" A puzzled Levy answers, "About twenty to thirty years. Why are you asking?"
As Hikari keeps staring at the symbol she suddenly has a flash back. It's a quick flash of her and another girl as infants, and they are looking up at a woman in white feathers who is holding a book. The flash back ends abruptly and Hikari answers, "I don't know why, but I feel like this isn't something new; that this has happened before…a long time ago." Levy looks at her with uncertainty, but had been doing this for long enough to know not to ask, "Alright, I'll expand the timeframe. Hopefully something turns up, you go look through those books over there; I'll go this way." They both head in opposite directions. Levy stops and asks, "Hey Hikari, how is Duo doing? Is he ok?"
Hikari is looking through books and answers, "As far as I saw, he was the same lazy, brooding person as always. You're usually not the worried mother, auntie, something up?" Levy takes a second to pause then says, "Well, he is still my baby boy and he is very reckless sometimes. Just because I don't show it doesn't mean I don't worry." They both chuckle and get to work.
*We enter a lush jungle. We travel deeper and see a silver-ish, blue pyramid in the middle. Guys in lab coats and guards wearing the Alvarez crests are gathered around working, investigating, and moving equipment. Out of a nearby shadow of a tree, we see a group start to rise (yes, out of the shadow); this group is Duo, Yuka, Brazz, and Silvia*
As they finish rising Brazz yawns, "Man that was a journey; being stuck in there for that long sucked!" Annoyed Yuka responds, "It may not be the most comfortable, but at least it got us here faster than anything else, and Duo isn't complaining. Being a Dragon Slayer, vehicles make us sick, so it was better this way." Brazz instantly bursts out laughing, "What, the big bad Dragon Slayer is afraid of a boat? Ahahaha, I'll keep that in mind ya babies." Brazz continues to laugh so he doesn't notice Duo walk up behind him and hit him on the head. Brazz grabs his head in pain, "Why you little-!" He begins to lunge towards Duo until Silvia stops him by grabbing his arm. He looks back at her smiling face as she says, "Shinsetsuna."
Instantly Brazz relaxes, then walks up to Duo and Yuka who look ready to thrash him. He bows his head and says, "I'm sorry, I should not have made fun of your sickness." He then walks back over and stands next to Silvia; for the first time he looks like a kid. Duo and Yuka have a surprised look on their face. After a while, a guard walks up to them and says, "You guys are the wizards from Fiore, right? Must be, dressed like that. The Empress is on the way and should be here soon." The group look at their clothes to see what he's talking about, but they decide to let it slide.
Silvia responds, "Sounds good, if you guys need some help just say so." The guard nods, "Actually, we're still unpacking stuff if you guys don't mind." The group nods and gets to work. There is a montage of the group moving boxes, setting up computers, and clearing debris from the surrounding area. Once they are done, they all sit down looking exhausted when two guards walk over, "Thanks, you guys were a big help. There's some food over there if you guys want some." The group all nods and Silvia and Brazz head off first, while Yuka is stopped by Duo, "So I saw you talking to Hikari before we left…anything I should be worried about?"
A quick flash of Hikari and Yuka talking in a hallway crosses Yuka's mind. Yuka then responds, "I could ask the same about you and your sister; I would like to keep family matters between family." Yuka then gives Duo a very serious look, "Just because she accepts your guild as family doesn't mean I do; if you guys hurt her or anyone close to me, I won't hesitate to take action." Duo looks unamused at her answer, "The same goes for you and your people." They stare at each other for about a minute, then go to catch up with the others.
*Meanwhile, back in Fiore, we see a group consisting of Jarvan, Jasper, Jania, and Tia walking into a lab. Jasper walks over to a table and picks up one of four bags*
Jasper opens the bag and begins, "Well guys, we'll be heading to the desert. The conditions will be harsh there, so we have designed packs with supplies to help each of you." Jarvan looks excited, Jania looks annoyed, and Tia looks like she couldn't care less. "Why is it us that have to go to the desert? Why couldn't we go somewhere nice like a beach or a fancy hotel?! I hate sand; it gets everywhere," Jania complains while checking her makeup in a mirror she pulled out of nowhere [N/N: Are we not commenting on the fact that beaches are literally sand too? No? Oh, carry on.]. Jasper then replies, "It was the councilwoman who put these teams on these missions. If you have a problem I could call her; I have her on speed dial." Jania suddenly straightens up and shakes her head. Jasper grins, "Thought not. All right guys, let's grab a pack and move out."
They all grab their packs and head for the door, but stop when they hear a voice from behind yell, "WAIT!" They turn to see a man with a way bigger pack being led by a speeding dog. The dog suddenly stops in front of the group, while the guy is sent flying past them and slams into the wall. The man struggles to get his head out of the wall for a few seconds, then pops out and falls to the floor. He gets up, brushes himself off, stands at attention, and salutes, "Sergeant Brigadier General Major Lieutenant Colonel Turk Fryer reporting for duty!" Jasper tries to hide his annoyance, "Major what a...surprise. You've returned from your expedition early. How...perfect."
Fryer dusts himself off, "Please lad, I've been doing this kinda stuff since your parents were in diapers, you think I'd miss an adventure this big? An ancient temple unearthing itself, and right in our back yard, no less! This has treasure written all over it. Now come along ladies and gents, time's a wasting!" On cue, the dog rushes out the door dragging the major along with it. With a sigh, Jasper motions them to follow. In the back Tia says, "Calling it now, he's gonna be a problem."
*At a fishing town, Akiko, Marco, Lokore and Aria are searching around. They visit several shops and seem to be having no luck. After a few more shops (at all of them, Marco had to be pried away from talking to a cute girl(s)) the group collapses in the square exhausted (except Aria)*
Exhausted, and angry, Akiko complains, "How could no one in this town know anything about this symbol or dark guild? It's crazy." Marco then grumbles, "If you guys hadn't smacked me up, one of us would have had a successful day." Lokore snaps, "Well sorry Mr. Thinks with His Other Head, but we're on a mission and as much as I'd love to see you fail with women, we don't have the time!" Akiko then yells, "Hey, knock it off you two!" Which obviously doesn't work, and the argument goes from a one on one to a triple threat.
Aria is watching them all bicker back and forth seemingly enjoyably, until she notices something out of the corner of her eye. She tries to get the others' attention, but when that doesn't work she knows she has no other choice. She sighs and rubs her hands together, and her hands start to glow. She then claps, which sends an energy wave through the group shocking Marco and Lokore and surprising Akiko. Lokore collapses (obviously some P.T.S.D. from Raiu) and begins panting. Marco kneels to check on him, "Come on, you big baby, it wasn't that bad." Akiko walks over to Aria and asks, "What was that for?" Aria then points to an alleyway where a few figures can be made out.
In the alleyway, two guys are cornering a young lady. "Damm ma, you one fine piece. I'd love to be the guy to take you home," generic thug one says as he licks his lips with his lizard-like tongue. Then the next guy says, "Aww, come on bro, what happened to sharing?" The first guy snickers, "You're right bro, where are my manners? So, we'll go together, then me, then you, then the rest of the guys. It'll be so fun!" They both laugh so maniacally they don't even notice Aria and Akiko sneaking up behind them. Silently and effectively the duo *ahem* "subdue" the two stooges. After they are done, Akiko turns to Aria, "Good eye spotting these guys, but was that energy wave really needed? I mean, you could have just said something." Aria then looks at her as if she was the one who did something stupid, then goes to check on the girl. Annoyed, Akiko walks over while mumbling, "Guess she's the strong, silent type."
By the time Akiko gets over to the two the girls, it seems that Aria has calmed the girl down without saying a word. Aria then points at Akiko, and the girl bows her head, "Thank you so much for handling those brutes; I am extremely thankful to you both. If there is anything I can do to repay you, do not hesitate to ask." A smug look appears on Akiko's face, "No problem ma'am all in a day's-" Suddenly, Akiko's stomach growls so loud that a bear would run in terror. Akiko rubs the back of her head in embarrassment, "Actually, we haven't eaten all day. If you wouldn't mind?" The girl raises her head and her eyes sparkle, "Yes, yes of course; I live close by. Come, come. I'll prepare a great meal."
She grabs both girls by the hand and they all rush down the street. Back in the plaza, Lokore is just now getting up. Marco looks annoyed, but relieved. Marco looks around and realizes the girls are gone. He then asks, "Hey, where did those two go?" "I don't know, but I'm starved. Let's find something to eat," Lokore replies. They begin walking in the opposite direction of the girls.
*The sun is setting in Magnolia as we see the group of Lucio, Kaizer, Gin and Roxina all standing in front of a tavern named "Straight Flush". None of them look happy to go in. Gin is the first one to speak up*
"Gawdamit!? Why does it have to be her, why does it have to be us, no why does it have to be ME!?" Gin continues to throw a temper tantrum beside the group as they start to talk. Kaizer then asks Roxina, "Do you have any clue what kinda info the witch has?" Roxina shakes her head, "The councilwoman wouldn't tell me; something about we need the full story to know the truth. So, I'm guessing whatever the witch tells us, if it matches what the council knows, then we'll be able to solve this case and move on." The trio nod in agreement, then Lucio interjects, "What I'm wondering is why all these guilds were needed? I know the council has enough forces to have done all these missions by themselves, so why align with guilds like us?"
Kaizer nods, "Yeah, I was wondering that as well. Why combine all these forces for these seemingly easy missions?" "The council believes that they could be next, so they would like to keep their cards close to their chest, if you would. Now are we done gossiping? We should figure out who's gonna be the one to ask the witch," Roxina answers. They all (including Gin) turn and look at Lucio. Panicked, Lucio asks, "Why me!?" The whole group shrugs, "You're her favorite." Lucio looks like he's about to argue, but decides against it and walks towards the tavern. Inside, there is festive music clouded by many men being loud and obnoxious. The group squeeze and dodge their way through the crowd. They eventually reach the bar. Behind the bar is a silver haired girl with a light blue dress on. "Hello, how may I help you today," the woman greets as she turns around.
She looks like a younger version of Mirajane; this is Lisanna Strauss: younger sister to both Mirajane and Elfman, and a less active member of Fairy Tail. She looks at who has just entered and is taken aback. "Why, if it isn't the councils new lap dogs. The boss said you'd be coming around," Lisanna says as she's pouring a drink, that she then shotguns. Everyone, except Roxina, takes offense at the statement. Gin then slams his hand on the bar and exclaims, "I ain't no one's dog! Now tell us: do you have any idea what the witch has that the council wants?" Lisanna responds, "Careful now, you guys aren't too popular in a place like this." She points and the group notices that all the attention is on them. They can feel an uneasy tension as the men start to get closer. One of the bigger guys (most likely the leader) says, "We don't take to yer kind in here, be it guild or council." They all edge closer and the group gets into a fighting stance.
Lucio whispers, "So, what are the chances of us making it out?" Roxina then whispers back, "Not very high." In unison Kaizer and Gin say, "Been through worse." Right when the tone was at a fever pitch, a yell rips through the tension, "HOLD IT!" Everyone stops and looks up the stairs to see a woman. She has on a multi-colored bra, tan colored shorts, and sandals. Her right hand is on her waist where a deck of cards hangs, and her left hand has a big bottle in it. She has her long brown hair in a ponytail with grey streaks on both sides (it's never been clear if she dyed it or if she naturally started going grey). She is Cana Alberona, owner of the tavern and retired member of Fairy Tail. Due to her brash temper and controlling attitude in her retirement, she has earned the nickname "The Drunk Witch" or just "The Witch" for short. She beams the look at the guys, which makes them back off.
The leader responds, "Sorry mistress, we didn't know you would be expecting guests of their kind today." Cana takes a swig then says, "It's quite all right, Randy. I wasn't expecting them either. To tell you the truth, if it were any other group I'd let you guys have a couple of rounds, at your expense for anything broken of course, but alas these happen to be some of my favorite of the new generation. The councilwoman knew what she was doing." Cana walks down the stairs and puts the bottle on the bar. Lisanna swiftly and soundly switches them out before Cana takes her next drink. Once she finishes she asks, "So, what can I do for you all?" Both Kaizer and Roxina shove Lucio forward. He almost trips and has to regain his composure, he then clears his throats and begins, "Oh great Miss Alberona, we humbly-" She puts her hand up and says, "Not from you pretty boy, I wanna hear it from him."
She then points at Gin, who seems to have been hiding behind Kaizer. He is then dragged forward by the group to which he is vigorously fighting against. Once he is face to face with her, he stands there awkwardly for a moment. If you were to look closely, you would see he is lightly blushing, but he bows to hide it, "Please Miss Alberona, we need your information for our current mission." Cana then gets a smug look on her face, "Hoho, looks like the grand council has come to a lowly tavern owner for help. I would normally say no, but who could say no to a lovely face such as this." She then picks up his face and gives him a peck on the cheek.
It's now obvious he's blushing, and steam is coming from his ears as he begins to wipe the kissed spot and keeps mumbling, "Stupid stupid stupid" over and over again. The crowd around them bursts out laughing. Randy, between laughs, says, "Seems like the boy may have a wee bit of a crush on our mistress!" Gin turns around, seeming ready to kill anyone in sight, then Cana grabs him and puts him in a headlock. "Now, now I know you guys didn't come in here trying to rough up my customers. Follow me to my office," she says and begins to head upstairs with the rest of the group following.
*It is night time as we visit an abandoned town. This is, in fact, the same town showed to the group at the council. In the center of town, we see the group of Raiu, Namika, Junshi, and Roagan, they all look tired (N/N: Except Roagan…you can't really tell how he feels) *
Raiu comments, "We've been at this for hours and still nothing. I'm beginning to think this is poi-" as she says this she falls into a hole. Namika and Junshi crouch over the hole and look down at Raiu. "I think you found a clue, Miss Dreyar," Junshi says cutely. Raiu then snaps, "Ya think!? And I thought I told you not to call me miss?" Junshi nods, looking conflicted. Namika sticks her hand out for Raiu, who hesitates before taking it. After she's out, the group looks at the hole and look confused. Junshi asks, "What could have done this? Any clue?" She looks at Roagan who shakes his head. "Well whatever it is, isn't normal," Raiu says.
"Whatever it is will be a worthy trophy for my case," Namika says as she pulls out her blade, which begins to glow green as she circles the hole while Raiu begins to sniff around. They take a minute, then they both point in opposite directions and yell, "That way!" They look at each other, "You dare question the Blade of the Ancients!? This sword has been hunting since before you were even born!" Raiu responds, "Well maybe in its old age it's gone crazy, 'cause I can smell its trail! It went that way!" They continue to argue back and forth as Junshi walks over to Roagan and pulls on his sleeve. The big guy kneels so Junshi can whisper in his ear. Once she is done talking, Roagan nods to her. He stands and picks her up.
After she gives the thumbs up, Roagan tosses her up in the air. Both Raiu and Namika stop arguing and stare at Roagan for a few minutes of dumbfounded silence. He puts his hands out and Junshi plops down, safe and sound. Junshi then points in a direction different from both girls and says, "There's a village over there; maybe we can find some info and a place to stay." Roagan then puts her on his shoulders and starts going the way Junshi pointed. Raiu and Namika follow, grumbling the whole way.
*As they leave, we get a sky view of the hole. We can now see the hole isn't just a hole, but a foot print. A huge one at that*
N/N: The short wait is over, and the new chapter is here! Let me tell you guys, this break has been a whirlwind disaster for me. I got sick for a week at the beginning and missed a lot of work opportunity because of it, so I have been picking up a lot of extra time to make up for that. Also, duo and I (and another friend) have recently started our YouTube channel (shameless plug Dragoon Entertainment) for gaming/anime/various other topics, so that took a lot of time. Long story short: we are back for 2018 and I am so excited for FanFiction and YouTube this year! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and would love to hear your thoughts in a review!
Until next time FanFiction, this is
…
duodragoon & SkyFlameDragon
…
Signing off
