Fairy Tail - Twilight Empire

Chapter 128 - The August Wind Turns

Getting through the gates of Crocus was not as troublesome as Hisui would've anticipated. In all likelihood, the Empire had not yet managed to get its own grip on the new environment. Everything was jumbled on top of itself; fragments from distant towns and cities lay within the bounds of Crocus. Hisui felt strange calling the city by its name. But given how Mercurius and Domus Flau stood, seemingly unaltered, she faced little other choice.

Macbeth held the illusion over them as they got through the gates, staying together in a single unit until they reached another base for cover. Kagura, Laxus, Jellal, and Erik all flanked the group while they moved, coordinated by careful direction from Sawyer and Bickslow.

Hisui wished to be at the flanks, too, in case there was a need for someone to jump in and fight, but she understood the equal need to protect Sonya. That was, after all, who the Empire would be after once they realized she had the weapon to kill Acnologia.

Hisui wished they could hold onto it after Acnologia was dealt with, should they need to fight Irene, another impossibly strong foe, but, unfortunately, it didn't work that way.

"The dagger is charged with enough magic only for one use," Sonya said. "We have one shot with it. One target."

Acnologia.

Mavis continued to hold watch while the group stationed themselves in a small crick of several buildings clumped together. Macbeth held the illusion, helped by Mavis as she made sure they were practically invisible against the rest of the city's stonework.

Hisui monitored their surroundings.

"The path to the palace would've been an easy road from here," Hisui said. "But with so much changed, I'm unsure how soon we can get there, or what the safest road is."

"I think from here on, safety is out the window," Jellal said. "We have to assume the Empire knows we're here, but not that they can find us."

"My illusions will only get us so far," Macbeth said. "To the trained eye, to August's eye, they won't hold."

Erik turned, narrowing his eyes. Everyone watched him. When he looked back at their conversation with a shake of his head, everyone eased up a bit.

"Even with all of this going on, Hisui, can you think of a place we can safely tuck Sonya away until Acnologia shows up?" Meredy asked.

"I can think of a few places, but it would be a risk to meander the city and try finding them," Hisui said. "The only thing that comes to mind is the Dragon Graveyard beneath the palace. Not the most secure place, but it's large, and can be a bit of a labyrinth if you don't know what you're doing. With Erik, we'd be able to hear anything and everyone coming our way."

"Can you only enter from the palace?" Jellal asked.

"No, there are tunnels all over the place," Erik said. "I can lead us there."

"Then we don't have much time to waste dallying about here," Kagura said. "Lead on."

"Wait," Makarov said, standing up. He winced, bracing against his cane. "As much as I wish to continue on with looking after the queen, I can no longer stand around and wait while my children fight in this war without my aid."

"You think the rest of Fairy Tail is here?" Hisui asked.

Mavis nodded. "I can feel it. A great concentration of guild wizards is far, yet likely still within the bounds of the city. I would like to join you, Makarov."

"Well, I can't let you two just go off on your own like that," Laxus said. "Who knows what we'll face out there. I'll take you there." He glanced at Hisui and Sonya. "And then come right back."