Fairy Tail - Eyes of Ice

Chapter 44 - Grand Magic Games Pt. 6

"After you all vanished on Tenrou Island I knew that where I was at wasn't going to be enough to either ward off Zeref or come close to Acnologia's power. I traveled back to Fiore, fueled by anger. He'd taken my wife, my friend, and now my son. I couldn't stand it. I spent seven years training, unlocking my Secord Origin, and finding the true power of a God-Slayer. But I couldn't do it alone. The Gods of Ishgar didn't take me seriously, so I went to one who I knew you at least had contact with: Jura Neekis.

"I trained with him for a long time after I explained your situation. He was quite understanding, and willing to help me get stronger." Ichigo at last took a break and flashed a grin. "Strong enough to replace Jellal on the Wizard Saints totem pole, too."

"Wow," Kai breathed, looking past him to a guard that just meandered down the street. Maybe he could get their attention and find out about Wendy.

"Then I realized I really didn't have any cash and he offered for me to join their guild," Ichigo said. "So here I am."

"And you're not up there?" Kai pointed to the Sky Labyrinth.

"Wasn't necessarily, we'll qualify without my needing to be there. The Games are basically over, Kai, with Jura and I fighting on the same team. You all just won't be up to snuff."

"Unfortunately we may not be able to do much of anything if I can't find my guild mate."

"Any idea where she's gone?"

"Nope. It's a big city."

"I'll look for her as well and let you know if I've found anything."

Kai smiled. For having not seen the old man in years, he still had a paternal instinct. Ichigo carried a calming, definitely fatherly, attitude about him. He didn't dress all that different from when he and Kai met on Tenrou, but Kai found it easier to accept that this man was his father.

"Sorry, I've got to get going," Kai said, and started back toward the street. He stopped. "Oh, and, you're wrong, by the way. About winning."

Ichigo chuckled. "No, Kai. This year, I will win."

Kai shook his head and sprinted down the street, blitzing around corners and trying to catch any scent of Wendy that he could. He slid to a halt at another street corner, resting his hands on his hips.

"Damn it, Wendy," he muttered. He checked over his shoulder to see if his father was following him at all. Didn't appear to be. As nice as he was, he did seem a little creepy.

Kai took off once again. Lisanna and Happy were across the city while Iggy was just up ahead, taking a left turn so Kai took a right. Anxiety gnawed at him. Wendy was more than capable of taking care of herself, and she probably had Carla looking after her, so Kai couldn't help trying to convince himself that he'd find Wendy and she'd be just—

Someone landed behind him. Kai slid and clasped the handle of his blade, spinning around. The new figure purred anxiously and emerged from the shadows, a tail waggling behind them.

"Oh, Mill." Kai rested a hand on his heart. "Startled me."

"Why so jumpy?" Millianna asked. "You just went sprinting out of the guild hall earlier."

"Wendy's missing. We're trying to find her. Elfman had to take her place tonight on the team but there's been no sign of her at all."

Millianna's expression hardened. "That can't be good. I'll help you guys."

She lowered her stance and sprinted. Good, Kai thought. With Millianna on the prowl, they would definitely find Wendy.

It was after about another hour of searching that Iggy came flying over to Kai, haggard but with wide eyes.