During the Seven Years

Chapter 24

As we reach the bustling train station, I can feel the weight of curious glances and wary stares following us. Even with Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear cloaked and blending in as best they can, there's an unmistakable aura around them—a mix of mystery and tension. They're trying to be discreet, yet something about them commands attention. I can only hope we go unnoticed by the Magic Council's soldiers here.

"Why couldn't we just walk?" Meredy mutters, crossing her arms, her voice filled with frustration. "Trains are so slow and boring!" Her complaint brings a smile to my face, a reminder of how young she truly is, even with everything she's been through. I glance back at Jellal and Ultear, who share a brief smile of their own. There's something between them, a kind of warmth and understanding that's deeper than friendship. I wonder if there's more there than meets the eye.

"Don't worry," I assure Meredy, giving her a light pat on the shoulder. "The train will be here any minute. If you're that bored, I brought some books. You can borrow one if you'd like."

"Really?" Her eyes light up as she peeks into my bag. "Do you have anything fantasy?"

I pull out a worn copy of King Arthur, and she immediately flips it open, diving into the story as if it's the only thing that matters. It's refreshing to see her so captivated, lost in a world of knights and magic. Meanwhile, Ultear sidles up beside me, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Didn't know you were such a bookworm, Lucy," she teases, a sly look in her eyes. "Got any romance novels in there?"

My cheeks heat up, and I stammer, trying to come up with a response. "I... well, maybe a few..."

Ultear chuckles, giving my shoulder a friendly nudge. "Relax. Just teasing." Before I can say anything else, the rumble of the train approaching pulls our attention, and we gather ourselves, stepping onto the platform as the train comes to a halt. As we board, the crowd pushes us along, and we find seats near the back, slightly isolated from the other passengers.

Meredy immediately claims a window seat, her nose buried in King Arthur, while I settle across from her. Jellal takes the seat beside me, quiet as usual, while Ultear sits nearby, closing her eyes, as if gathering her thoughts for what lies ahead. A comfortable silence settles between us, but after a few moments, Jellal breaks it, his voice soft and contemplative.

"So... you're from Fairy Tail, right?"

I nod, glancing at him curiously. "Yes. Why?"

He hesitates, his gaze shifting to the passing scenery outside. "I was just thinking... about Erza." He pauses, visibly troubled. "She's done so much, and yet, after everything... I still can't face her."

I reach out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "Jellal, you care about her. That's obvious. But holding onto the past like this... it won't change anything. You need to forgive yourself if you want to move forward."

Jellal's eyes darken, regret evident on his face. But before he can respond, Ultear opens her eyes, her voice cutting through the tension. "Enough self-blame, Jellal. We've all made mistakes. Right now, there's something more important we need to discuss."

She fixes her gaze on me, a serious look in her eyes. "Lucy, you should know what happened at Tenrou Island."

The mention of Tenrou hits me like a punch to the gut, and I straighten, dreading what's coming. "What... what happened?"

Ultear's face softens, and her voice is laced with regret. "Meredy and I were there with Grimoire Heart, searching for Zeref. But... things went wrong. A dragon appeared—a force none of us could stop. It destroyed the island with everyone on it."

Her words settle heavily in the air, and I feel tears welling up in my eyes. My friends, my family... they faced something so terrible, something none of them could hope to fight. And I wasn't there.

Ultear reaches out, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Lucy, I'm sorry."

Before I can respond, the conductor's voice breaks through the intercom, announcing our approach to Crocus. The somber atmosphere shifts as we remember the mission ahead, and a sense of urgency returns. We're not just here for my friends—we're here to stop Crimson Blood.

As the train slows, Ultear's gaze sharpens, her voice dropping into a serious, strategic tone. "Alright. Let's go over our plan. We know Crimson Blood has been active in Crocus, specifically targeting civilians for kidnappings. If we want to draw them out, we need to create a setup they can't ignore."

Meredy looks up from her book, eyes alight with determination. "What if one of us pretends to be a target? Just... walking alone at night? They might try to ambush us."

"That's not a bad idea," Jellal agrees, nodding slowly. "But it needs to look authentic. If they sense it's a trap, they won't take the bait."

I raise my hand, drawing their attention. "I'll do it. I can wander the streets, maybe even cause a scene if I have to. It needs to look real, so I'll play the part."

Ultear crosses her arms, considering. "It's risky, but if we're going to do this, we need to set it up right. Jellal and I can position ourselves nearby. Once they take the bait, we'll be ready to cut off any escape routes."

Jellal nods thoughtfully. "And we need a vantage point. I'll look for a place that gives me a clear view of the street, so I can step in if needed."

Ultear adds, "I'll prepare barriers and set up a few traps along the way. But Lucy, if things go south, you need a clear escape route. We can't afford to let them corner you."

I nod, my resolve solidifying. "I understand the risks. But we can't let Crimson Blood keep terrorizing people. If we don't act now, who knows how many more will suffer."

Meredy bites her lip, her earlier excitement tempered by concern. "What if... they don't fall for it? Or what if they're expecting something like this?"

"Good point," I acknowledge, thinking. "They might have spies, or they could be planning their own ambush. We need to do some recon, gather any intel we can on their operations. If they have weaknesses, we should know about them before we strike."

Ultear's eyes light up at the idea. "We can split up once we get there. While Lucy's drawing them out, Jellal and I can investigate. If we find their base or any allies, we'll have a much stronger position."

The train begins to slow down, and Jellal glances out the window before looking back at us. "We should also be prepared for contingencies. I'll have some magic ready for distractions if we need to pull back quickly."

I nod, a sense of confidence settling in my chest. "We'll use lacrimas to stay in touch. If anything goes wrong, we regroup immediately. Communication is key."

Our plan taking shape, I feel the weight of the mission press down on me—but it's mixed with a surge of hope. Together, we have a chance. As we finalize the last details, the train finally comes to a stop, and the conductor's voice echoes through the carriages. "Welcome to Crocus! Please gather your belongings and prepare to disembark."

Meredy bounces from her seat, her earlier apprehension replaced by excitement. "Finally! Let's go!"

We gather our bags, stepping onto the platform into the vibrant city of Crocus. The air is filled with the sounds of street vendors, laughter, and distant music, creating a surreal contrast to the mission that lies ahead.

"Stay close," Ultear advises as we make our way through the crowd. "The last thing we need is to stand out."

We move together, blending into the lively streets of Crocus as best as we can. With every step, I feel the weight of our task growing heavier, but I also feel the strength of my companions by my side. We're about to face one of the deadliest dark guilds in Fiore—but we're ready.