*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 23: Studies and Travel


*The sun is just getting over the horizon as its rays reach the council building. There is a guard walking down the hallway to the library; he starts to open the door then snaps his fingers. He steps to the side and pulls a lever. The doors slide down revealing a wall of books. He removes one and the wall comes crashing down, carefully stepping over book after book until he's in the center of the room. Around him two blurs, one yellow and one blue, are zooming around the room*

Seeing he is unnoticed, the man clears his throat to get their attention, "Ah-hem!" Both blurs stop, revealing Hikari and Levy. They both walk over to the guard. Levy is the one to speak, "Is there something you need us for?" Calmly the guard answers, "Well not exactly, it's just you guys have been in here all night; I'm sure you're hungry, so I was sent to ask what you want for breakfast." Hikari and Levy look at each other, then out the window, then down at their stomachs, which let out two load roars; even a few books fall in the background. They tiredly laugh, then Levy answers, "Yes food does sound like a good idea; have them whip up the Salamander Special." The guard nods and scurries off.

The girls fall into two chairs exhausted. "Over 500 years of speculation and ceremonies, but nothing that helps us figure out what's going on," Levy groans. Hikari slumps lower in her chair, "There has to be something we're missing…some piece or a clue, something we haven't been looking for." There's a silence that ensues, which is shortly broken by both of their stomachs growling. They chuckle, then Levy says, "Well, empty stomachs won't help. Let's get cleaned up; by the time we finish, they should be done with our meal." They both get up and head towards the door. Hikari then asks, "The Salamander Special?" Levy giggles, "Yeah, it's for when that flame brain gets locked up in here for going crazy. It's one of everything in the kitchen, we won't need food again for at least 3 days." They both laugh as they walk out.

*Meanwhile, a continent away*

As the day gets started, scientists run around and guards carry equipment. In the corner, a tent is pitched; inside, Brazz and Yuka are sprawled out sleeping. Brazz rolls over and smacks Yuka, waking her up. Delirious and groggy, she starts to get up. Rubbing her eyes, she looks around and notices that two of her comrades are missing. She peeks outside to find them; she does, oh she does, and what a sight it is she sees. Silvia wears a sports bra and compression shorts doing her one-handed hand-stand push-ups. Near her, Duo shadow boxes with his shirt off. As they finish up and head over to their towels, the light hits their sweat perfectly giving them a strangely attractive glow. While watching this, all Yuka could think is, 'Why are they so ripped?!'

The focus shifts to both Silvia and Duo's eight packs then back to Yuka, who has a nose bleed. She quickly scurries back into the tent and gets dressed. By the time she finishes, Duo and Silvia are fully dressed, and she asks, "Any word on their leader?" Silvia replies, "Yeah, she should be here soon. I'll go and wake up Brazz." Silvia goes to the tent, leaving Yuka and Duo in an awkward silence. Yuka takes several…well many…glances at Duo while trying not to get caught. After the eighth time, Duo asks, "Is there a problem?" Startled, Yuka jumps and is about to answer when Silvia walks up, "He's still a kid; he'll be ready soon." Duo nods, "Good, 'cause I think that royal caravan is their leader." In the distance, a throne is being carried by four guards.

They are being led by a woman that has her right arm covered in armor and is wearing a dress skirt and a rather undersized bra. She has golden yellow hair and a scar on the right side of her torso. This is Dimaria Yesta, the new Chief of Staff and leader of the Alvarez Defense Force. On the throne is a woman wearing a bikini and a long coat, with crosses attached to the sides of her head (almost like horns). This is Brandish Myu, the new leader of the Alvarez Empire, she refuses to be called "empress". As they near the group, Brazz comes fumbling out of the tent, hair a mess, messier than usual anyway, shirt half way on, and no shoes. The caravan stops and everyone bows, Brazz "accepts" a "helpful" hand from Duo in doing so. As they rise, Brandish begins, "Ah, you must be the group that rambunctious red head and her council sent to help us with this problem." Silvia steps forward, "Yes Ms. Brandish, we are here to aid in discovering what this pyramid is here for." Suddenly, Dimaria is standing between Silvia and Brandish, sword draw, "Be careful young lady, we have already lost one ruler to your people. I do not plan to lose another."

Brazz and Yuka get ready to rush into action but are stopped by Duo. Brandish then groans, "Really now Dimaria, you haven't been right since that dragon boy rang your bell; if they wanted to do harm, then they wouldn't have helped set up the camp. Besides, I hear that something similar has happened in their country as well, so they too benefit from our coming together." Less threatened, but still wary, she puts her sword away. Brandish chuckles, "My fearless knight. Now as for you four, once I finish things here we will make our way to the capital." Brandish's group then makes their way to a tent housing the scientists. Brazz then looks at Duo, "What would you have done if things got violent?" Duo shrugs, "It would have been handled." He looks at Duo shocked and looks like he is about to blow when Yuka stops him.

She points to the ground. Brazz notices small pieces of metal sticking out where the group was standing and some more where Duo was. Yuka then whispers, "It's also above average temperature, isn't it?" Brazz does notice the temperature is warmer than it should be where they are standing. 'They were prepared,' Brazz thinks to himself as Brandish's group comes back towards them. Brandish announces, "Alright, our business here is done. I hope you guys brought your walking shoes; it's two hours to the capital."

*In the room we see Hikari and Levy on opposite sides of a table filled with mountains of food*

Hikari's eyes are sparkling and her mouth…watering. "Alright let's dig in," Levy says as Hikari dives in, taking copious amounts of food, gobbling it down with no regard for being lady-like. Levy couldn't help but smile thinking of how much Dragon Slayers are alike, especially when it comes to eating. For a second, Levy slips a look of worry, remembering her son and everything happening. Hikari sees this and is about to comment when the door open. Erza walks in with Jura and Freed. "Good day ladies. How's the feast?" Jura asks. "Most excellent like always," Levy says while taking her time to enjoy the food, Hikari just nods with a full mouth in agreement. "You're welcome to join us if you'd like," Levy says. Freed responds, "Thank you for the offer, but we have a very busy schedule here-" By this time both Jura and Erza have plates full and are happily stuffing their mouths. Freed clears his throat, "It appears a spot has opened up. I guess we can stop for a quick bite."

Freed sits down and starts picking food, "So, how has the research come along?" Levy sighs, "Honestly, it could be better. We've looked through countless books, turned countless pages, but still have no concrete connections." Freed nods, "That does sound frustrating. If you need any assistance just let us know, we in the Development Department are always happy to help." Levy nods. Erza then jabs Freed in the side and says [N/N: And I quote], "Mhmcmptumpumcrmtum." Freed sighs heavily, "Not with your mouth full. Please, you're the leader of our government for Mavis's sake." Erza swallows, "Tell them about what you found out." Freed nods, "We have been monitoring the pyramids and the incident sights to see if there are any irregularities that may aid in discovering what the situation is." Hikari finally stops eating for a moment, "I take it you guys found something?" Freed nods, "Yes there are several locations that are radiating unknown energy…an energy that appears to have negative effects on the surrounding areas." Hikari nods thoughtfully, "So are you guys dispatching groups to these areas?"

The three share a look, then Jura says, "There were groups already en route when we found this information out." Levy and Hikari look at each other stone faced. Erza says, "Looks like we hit the mark with our reconnaissance. I told them to be ready, so if anything arises they will be ready." Levy and Hikari get up simultaneously and head for the door. Jura couldn't help but ask, "Will you ladies be okay in there?" Hikari and Levy look back and you can literally see the fire in their eyes, before turning and walking off. Both Erza and Freed smile. "One thing the fairies hate is feeling useless," Freed says as he puts a spoon full of food in his mouth. "No doubts about that. If there is anything in that library that will help, they will find it," Erza says.

*The caravan is heading into a big town full of stores, houses, and a castle on the hill above it. As they enter the center of town they stop. Our group of heroes collapse exhausted from the walk*

Dimaria walks over unaffected by the trek and says, "Two of you will come with us to the castle, while the other two will be escorted to a secure location." Duo, apparently the only one able to speak, grunts, "Is this secure location a prison cell?" The group looks at Dimaria. She sighs, "Against my wishes it is a hotel, you are guests not prisoners. You do not have to stay there, but it is recommended since you are not from here and you may find…some difficulties around here." Duo nods, "We will keep that in mind; give us a moment to think this over." The group, seemingly recovered from their exhaustion, energetically huddles up and Dimaria rolls her eyes. They mumble for a few moments before they break. Silvia steps forward grabbing Brazz by the collar and pulling him along, "We will be the ones to accompany you." Dimaria raises an eyebrow then shrugs, "Follow me." Silvia and Brazz follow her down one street while Duo and Yuka follow some guards down another street.

*The sun is setting now as we see a decent sized room with four beds, two on each side. Duo is laying on the bed opposite and across from Yuka*

The door swings open as Brazz storms into the room, "That's a day I'll never get back. Man, what was the point? All they did was talk about things that didn't concern us at all." Duo completely ignores him and turns to Silvia who just now walks into the room, "So what did you find out?" Silvia sits down on the bed across from Duo and next to Yuka, "Well, the local forest animals seem to be more active for some reason. They have been attacking livestock and villagers that get in their way. This has caused there to be a rise in concern by the villagers." Duo nods, "Alright, what about the actual members?" Brazz shouts, "They're all a bunch of old pencil pushers! Nothing to ruffle your scales about." Silvia then continues, "From what I gather, they are the remaining members from the failed siege of Fairy Heart. Along with Brandish and Dimaria, there is Invel Yura, Ajeel Ramal, Jacob Lessio, and Neinhart. Years may have passed, but they are still quite strong. I see why our predecessors had such a rough time with them." Yuka speaks this time, "Alright, did they say what they wanted us to do now?" Brazz's face turns pale, "They want us to come back again. If it stays that boring, I may die."

Duo comments, "You have the easy part: finding out what they know. Think of yourself as spies, while Yuka and I have to find clues around town. There's no doubt in my mind that the pyramid and the animal attacks are connected." Brazz now angry complains, "I'm a warrior! I'm better on the battlefield." Duo retorts, "And that is exactly why you're in there. You lack subtleness as well as the experience to deal with a situation that you can't punch your way out of. Also, you're a kid. If anything goes wrong in there, we have faith they won't expect you to be as strong as you actually are." At first, Brazz is angry before he looks around and realizes everyone, excluding himself, understood the situation. He grumbles then sits down. Silvia sighs, "Well I'm exhausted everyone, let's get some sleep."

*Meanwhile, back at the library*

The mountain of books continues to increase as Hikari and Levy are tearing through book after book. Hikari stops at a peculiar book. Though not the book itself that catches her attention, the author does, "William Dread?" Suddenly, she has a flashback the same as last time [N/N: Ya know, back in Chapter 20]. She then goes to the table in the middle of the room. Levy sees this and stops, "You find something?" Hikari is carefully reading each page with a confused look on her face, "I'm not fully sure. I've never read a single one of his books, but his name is familiar…and I don't know why." Levy then looks, "William Dread? He's a great author, but most of his work revolves around fiction and farfetched tales. There's no connection to what we're looking for anyway; this story revolves more about princesses and dragons not mass murder and unexplained pyramids."

Hikari looks at her with a serious face, "I know there's something we missed. Besides, we've spent two days and still nothing. Got any better ideas?" Levy is taken aback by the fire behind Hikari's words but shrugs it off, "Alright, let's see what we can dig up."

*It's morning back inside the hotel room. There is a loud knock at the door. Yuka sits up startled while Brazz jumps like a startled cat out of bed. They look over to see Duo and Silvia siting by the window eating breakfast*

The door opens up and a guard walks in, "Your presence has been requested at the council. When the decided two are ready, we will escort you." The group nods as the guard exits the room. Duo then turns to the two, "You heard him it's time to get to work. While you two are in your meeting, Yuka and I will take a look around." The other three nod.

Yuka is following behind Duo as they walk down the street. She can't help but notice the dirty looks the villagers are giving them, as if they were the cause of all their misfortune. "Focus on the task at hand; we're here on a job. Nothing more, nothing less," Duo says without even looking at her. As they reach the end of town and start heading towards the woods, Yuka couldn't help but wonder, 'Just what is this guy anyway?' She had met many kinds of people in her life, all releasing a certain aura she could feel in a way, but from Duo it was...different. Like she was with two different people. 'Is he really that strong?' she wondered. It made her very cautious of Duo. As they are walking through the woods, Duo stops and sniffs the air, "You smell that?" Yuka sniffs too but can't quite tell what it is. Duo suddenly grabs her and jumps to a nearby tree. Several wolfs come out of the bushes and attack the spot where they were standing.

He puts her down and she asks, "Just how did you-" She stops when she looks down at the wolves; their mouths are dripping blood, fresh from a kill. The wolves begin to circle the tree growling. Yuka then asks, "So what do we do? Fight them?" Duo shakes his head, "They're definitely not alone. No telling how many and we may never find out what they want that way." Yuka nods, "But how do you know they are involved with our mission?" "Last time I checked, wolves' eyes don't glow that color," Duo says as he's looking around. Yuka looks back and the wolves' eyes are the same color as the pyramid. Duo then asks, "When you were a kid, did you ever play ninjas vs samurai?" She nods "Good." Suddenly, he begins to jump from tree to tree. Yuka quickly follows him until they are deep in the forest and the wolves are lost. They stop when they reach a small cottage in the woods.

They see the remains of livestock smeared everywhere, and inside they find the family members dismembered. They look around for several minutes before Yuka finds what they were looking for. She pulls Duo over. On the wall, in blood, is the same mark that the council showed them in the debriefing. "I guess you were right," Yuka says.

*Back at the council, Hikari and Levy are sitting across from each other with two huge stacks of books on both sides of them. The door creaks open*

Jura walks in, scuttling through, trying not to knock over any books, "Ah ladies, good to see you're still alive in here. How is the search coming?" Levy sighs, "Well we didn't find anything in the ancient text, so Hikari suggested we try something else." Jura looks down, "Oh! William Dread? Great author, but I always liked his brother more." They both look up at him, "Brother?!" Jura flinches back, startled, "Yes? His brother was more of a murder mystery writer…you don't think they're connected, do you?" Hikari and Levy do not look pleased with this new information. They play several rounds of Rock-Paper-Scissors. Levy wins and Hikari gets up and walks like a zombie towards some bookshelves. Confused, Jura asks, "Did I do something wrong?" Levy sighs, "No, you probably helped, but we've read through a lot already." Jura nods, "Well ladies I'll leave you to it, but do not forget: you do not have to do this alone, you have friends in both high and low places." Jura walks off as Hikari comes back with a huge stack of books.

*Back in the room with Duo, Silvia, Yuka, and Brazz, Duo has just finished telling them what they found*

With a calm demeanor, Brazz comments, "So there is definitely something going on here that involves what we're here for. Good, that means we're on the right track, right?" Silvia then replies, "Yes, but we have something more concerning on our plate." Brazz looks at Silvia confused. Duo says, "Wolves can't write on walls." Brazz shouts in realization, "Their leader is human!?" Yuka nods, "Or once was. You didn't see these beasts. I doubt any average human can control them." Duo turns to Silvia, "Did you ask them?" Silvia nods, "Yes, tomorrow after the meeting there will be an escort to help us." "For what exactly?" Brazz questions. "The townspeople won't talk to us; they can tell we're not from around here. Hopefully with them, the people will talk," Yuka answers. Everyone nods. Duo walks to his bed, "Let's head to bed, hopefully we can figure this out tomorrow."

*Later*

It's dark outside as the four are sleeping. The window creaks open; a low growl resonates from outside and a big, shadowy wolf figure skulks into the room. As it gets closer to its target, its jaw opens and saliva begins dripping down its teeth onto the carpet. Now next to Yuka's bed, the wolf-thing stands up on two feet, raises its claw, and slashes through the bed. It sniffs the remains of the bed, trying to find the mangled body. Slowly, a shadow rises behind the figure. Sensing the shadow, the wolf turns around just in time to receive a shadow claw to the chest. The figure slams into the wall and howls. The lights flick on and Duo is standing by the door, "Did you really think you could sneak up on two Dragon Slayers smelling like blood and wet fur?" It snarls at him. The lights reveal the figure is a black werewolf, the blood from a recent victim dripping off its claws. It starts to walk towards him, "I wouldn't do that."

On the opposite side of the room stand Silvia and Brazz. "I wonder how fur feels when it's frozen. I bet it's not too pleasant," Brazz says with an icy mist encompassing his hand. Realizing it is outnumbered, the werewolf growls then jumps out the still open window. Brazz jumps out to chase him but is grabbed midflight by Duo. He struggles for a few seconds, "So, uh, any reason why you're stopping me?" Duo then sits him on the bed, "Not yet, this still isn't our city. We'll be blamed even if it's obviously not us. Just a little longer; trust me, your blood lust will be quenched." Duo gives Brazz a devilish smile which he mimics, worrying Yuka while Silvia smiles nervously.

*The next morning*

Yuka wakes up earlier than usual. 'Today I will be the early riser,' she thinks as she rushes to get ready. As she looks around, it seems no one was awoken by her getting ready. She quietly sneaks out of the room. She heads downstairs only to spot Duo, Silvia, Dimaria, and a small woman with short, crazy black hair and glasses. She is wearing a lab coat that is way too big for her. Shocked that she still didn't beat them, she doesn't see Brazz walk next to her brushing his teeth. He spits on the ground then asks, "So what's going on over there?" This startles Yuka, who had no clue he was even there. As they walk over they can feel the seriousness of the conversation.

As they get closer Dimaria turns, "Ah, and the last two horses cross the finish line." Yuka hangs her head, 'Why does everyone keep such crazy hours?' Dimaria points to the woman, "She has been in charge of keeping track of the disturbances that have occurred since the pyramid showed up. Hence, when I heard of your...situation last night, I brought her over. Introduce yourself." She stumbles forward, "Hi uh…my name's Luke... Yes, I know it's a boy's name, but it's what my parents named me, so I'm sticking to it. Besides, they could have named me worse and-" Dimaria cuts her off before she rambles on forever, "She will be in charge of taking you around town and digging up information. Once we are done with our meeting, we will join you." She then gets up and heads towards the door. She stops, "Silvia, Brazz, you have five minutes." She then walks out. Brazz has a pale complexion as his toothbrush falls out of his mouth.

*Inside the guild library, for the first time since they started, Levy and Hikari are passed out on the table. Hikari is rustling about as if she's having a bad dream. Let's head inside and see what is happening*

Hikari is sitting at a table within a purple room. She knows this is a dream but has no clue who's. 'Can't be mine: I hate purple,' she thinks to herself. "Hello child." She looks at the other side of the table and sees a familiar old figure in a purple suit. Death. She recalls the last time she saw him and begins to panic. He raises his hand, "Relax child, it is not your time, but by all means keep staying up for weeks on end. It'll creep up on you faster." Hikari calms down, "Okay, so if I'm not dead then what is going on." He then summons a chess board. She looks at him surprised and concerned. "For fun. To pass the time; no dark magic. I promise," he says as he makes his move. Hesitant, she makes her move as he continues, "I'm here to talk about your recent investigation." "Wow, if Death himself comes to you about what you're doing, you're either extremely wrong or extremely right," Hikari comments. He looks at her, "We shall see which you are. Tell me all that you have discovered."

Hikari explains the hours they have put into their research, the visions, and the two authors (all while their game progresses). Death takes a second to ponder then responds, "It is funny how you people think lack of evidence makes something "fiction". That crazy stories from the past couldn't possibly be true, or that somethings are hidden in children's tales." This happens to be one of very few moments in her life where Hikari has no idea what's going on. "Those brothers, before separating to write their own tales, were given a task by their government to write a manuscript telling of the things that go bump in the night," a smirk crosses Death's face, "I even got a page." Hikari now interested asks, "What happened to this manuscript, and do you know what was in it?" Death shakes his head, "I am not sure what it exactly said, but I do sense key info that only that book would have." Hikari nods, "So we find the book we find out what's happening?" Death nods back, "My guess is yes." Hikari furrows her brow in thought, "Just one last question: why are you helping me?"

Death chuckles, "Oh child, you are the one who is helping me. Do you know how many unsanctioned deaths there have been these last few weeks? It's made my life a living Hell, no pun intended. They also took something precious to me, so stopping them means I get it back." Hikari hesitates for a second, then giggles a little realizing the pun. Death continues, "Now, it's time you put those pieces together." He snaps his fingers.

*Back in the real world*

Hikari wakes up and rushes out of the room.

*In the dream world, Death sits back and analyzes the state of the chess game they played*

Death smirks, "You think I wouldn't notice the dog and tail maneuver. Still…that girl has some skill." Viewing the chess board, not one piece was taken the whole game.

*There is a montage of Luke taking Duo and Yuka around town, asking anyone who will listen about the recent occurrences. By the time it ends, it is late afternoon. The group is sitting in the middle of town*

Luke sighs, "Sorry guys, it seems like no one had any new information. Maybe if we try again tomorrow. New day, new adventure is what I always say. It is funny how words have so much power, I mean-" Duo cuts her off, "So how much longer you gonna pretend to not be involved?" Both Yuka and Luke look shocked by the sudden outburst. "Wh...wha...what do you mean?" Luke asks hesitantly. Duo continues, "For a town that hates outsiders, they sure like you and none of them have any memory past two weeks of you." Yuka then realizes, "That's right when the wolves in the forest started acting strange." She too looks at Luke. Duo continues again, "And the werewolf knew exactly where we stayed; the average person would think it just tracked our smell from the woods and that's why it attacked Yuka, but we made sure to eliminate any traces of our presence there. So, only someone who knew where we were and what we were up to would single us out."

They walk towards her as she takes a step back. "But the real give away," Duo points to a blue crystal crescent moon pendant that Luke is wearing, "Last night that werewolf was wearing the exact same thing." A moment from last night flashes in their memory when the werewolf prepares to jump out the window, the pendant briefly shines around the werewolf's neck. Luke's expression changes from one of dread to one of pleasure, "Great, that blabbering idiot routine was getting annoying." As she says this, Silvia followed by Brazz and Dimaria are walking up. Silvia calls out, "Hey guys! Did you find anything?"

Alarmed Duo yells, "Silvia wait!" Suddenly Luke is on the other side of where Silvia was, and Silvia's upper body is missing. Luke then grabs Brazz and Dimaria and disappears in a blinding blue light. After a few seconds, Silvia's body regenerates. With a face of barely hidden rage, Silvia shouts, "What the fuck was that and where did they go!?" Duo quickly answers, "Luke's bad, kidnapped Brazz and Dimaria, best guess is they went to the pyramid." Silvia nods, deciding to no longer suppress her rage, "Then LET'S GO!" As she marches down the street, steam is pouring off her, leaving steamy footprints on the ground.

Duo and Yuka look on, both amazed and scared. Silvia turns without slowing down and yells, "ARE YOU COMING!?" The two scurry forward to keep up. Duo whispers to Yuka, "You know how girls get mad about their hair? Okay, well, she's the same way with having to turn into water. Times ten. This should be interesting." Yuka, still confused by the last thirty seconds of her life, nods and follows suit. She also notices Duo is a little paler than usual.


N/N: Hello hello everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend (and hopefully an even better week off from school, if you happen to be in school). Thanks for reading this chapter, and we hope you've been enjoying this arc!

Until next time FanFiction, this is

duodragoon & SkyFlameDragon

Signing off