Fairy Tail - Twilight Empire

Chapter 4 - A Chance at Rebirth

The escapees were given room to sleep in the cellar while Hisui decided she's remain outside, taking watch shifts with the rest of the Three Stars. Everyone in Fairy Tail was under strict orders to try and get rest for the evening, even though it was only sunset.

Hisui gathered the officials of Fairy Tail: Makarov, Erza, Mirajane, and Gildarts. She was aware of other prying ears like Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Wendy. Mest was still gathering his rest, as much as he could, having used up what burst he could to help rescue those in Magnolia.

Makarov and Erza were still looking a little worse for wear after their captivity under Minerva. They detailed their experience there. Hisui had mentioned to the Three Stars to keep a close watch on Evergreen, who was with Elfman talking about what'd happened. Hisui would need to do her own digging once they wrapped up their discussion.

"And that's about it," Erza said with a sigh. "Thankfully, Natsu and Lily did a good job of obliterating the facility, so we shouldn't need to worry about that."

"It'll draw some of the Empire's attention to Magnolia, for the time being," Hisui said. "Though, I have absolutely no doubt they'll be on the lookout for all of you. For the time being, it'll be best if you all lay low."

The Twilight Empire would not stand for another embarrassment at Fairy Tail's hand. Few, if any, ever got to escape a direct encounter with a General of the Twilight Empire, let alone two. Fairy Tail got away by the skin of their teeth. Hisui had no doubt, if the Captain of the Hunter's Division were on their case, none of them would still be alive.

Besides, this victory, however minute it may seem, was nonetheless a win. One of the Breaking facilities was destroyed, and it was one the Emperor probably took pride in having, given it was at the home of his once enemy, Fairy Tail. There was one fewer place for the wizards of Fiore to fear.

All because, out of the blue, people from a time long past, an era most held close to their hearts only in memory, appeared and caused havoc. And because Hisui got to them first.

"No," Makarov said. "We cannot sit idly by while others are put through the same tortures as Evergreen. I imagine there are countless wizards out there being hunted down by the Empire that can use our help."

"Nothing is as simple as that," Hisui said. "It isn't a matter of storming facilities and blowing things up. The Empire was cocky this time. They'll not be so careless again."

"So we're expected to wait until they forget about this?" Gildarts asked.

"Recover your strength," Hisui said. "You're useless to this world if you're too tired to do any fighting."

"That will not take long," Makarov said. "We can be of great use to you."

These wizards were seven years out of touch, yes, and compared to their peers, several of whom were absorbed into the Empire or left for dead, they'd lost seven years. But it didn't mean they'd been weakened. After all, this was still the first group in months to get a true victory over the Empire.

Hisui had, for the last few months, not found a way to win against the Empire but knew how not to lose. She got in and out of towns, freeing who she could or disrupting supply chains to the capital. Destroying magical artifacts, derailing diplomatic trains en route from Bosco and Stella. Those were all a far cry from confronting Orga and Minerva and then blowing up a Breaking facility.

"You are of use to me," Hisui said. "But I have to caution patience."

"How can you do that?" Erza asked. "For seven years we lay in stasis while the world fell apart and you wish for us to sit around some more?"