Obstacles of Normality |A Fairy Tail Love Story|

Chapter 8: To Retrieve a Wizard

   Warm rays of sunlight penetrated the flesh of my sealed lids, rousing my mind from the welcoming depths of slumber. Upon opening them, my vision was obscured by the wispy strands of sleep clouding my blue-green gaze. I lay there for a few moments with eyes that skimmed about the bedroom, head still buried in the feathery cushion of the pillow. The overflowing bookshelf, a neatly folded pile of clothes at the foot of the bed, a rouge fiddle case occupying the far corner, even the near invisible specs of dust dancing in the sun's golden rays were as they always were; stagnant, unchanging. If this is so, then why does the atmosphere seem... lighter, as if it's easier to take into the lungs?
Sliding from its proper place on my shoulder was the sleeve that of a loose t-shirt, stalling near the elbow as I sat up. Slowly, my sight was coaxed away from the glimmering glass of the windowpane, coming to rest on the door at my back. Color flashed in the peripheral of my vision, a shade of red violet. There, centered on the right shoulder blade, the disobedient garment revealed the infamous marking of Fiore's number one guild. My long fingers reached out to it, tracing the winged design with reverence in the soft touch. I couldn't stop the gentle smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
It really happened... this time, it wasn't another taunting dream brought on by waking desires manifesting themselves in my sleeping state.
It wasn't my surroundings that were different, it was their occupant. I was the one who changed. Lifting my interlocked hands towards the ceiling, I inhaled deeply, enjoying the tugging of the muscles and each cracking of the joints. Scouring the darkest corners of my memories, I tried to recollect the last time I had awoken in such a good mood. A few came to mind, though they were rather petty, giddiness brought on by simple and little things. This time, it felt stronger... almost tangible. Perhaps, it's because, this time, I have something more to live for.
A change of publicly appropriate clothes and groomed features were in order. I threw open the latched window, inviting the fresh morning air to permeate my living space. Today was the day I take on my first ever job that actually involved the use of magic and I was determined to complete it with flying colors. Nothing short of perfection would be acceptable. Seeking the clock's numbers for enlightenment, I discovered it to be only a few minutes' shy of the morning's eighth hour.
Eight o'clock.
"School!" I shrieked, vaulting the bed and streaking down the hallway.
On my way through the kitchen, I happened upon the usual routine. Mother was preoccupied with preparing my younger brother's breakfast, today it just so happened to be a simple bowl of dry cereal. The not so simple part was getting the four-year-old to decide on a type or flavor. Absence of a distinguishable briefcase proved my father was long gone. Praise the heavens. Swiping a banana from the fruit bowl, I began to exit the kitchen area as quickly as I had come.
"Have a good day, Elisabeth", the stereotypical words of a mother bounced off my retreating back. It irked me, the way she tried to pretend everything was perfectly splendid, as if it would make all the troubles within her household simply dissipate. If it were only that simple.
"Bye Lizzy!" Eren called after me, dragging his attention away from the remaining two boxes of shaped and artificially colored fiber. I sighed. He'd always had issues with making choices.
The click of the doorknob signaled my departure and the beginnings of a new freedom. By the time I reached the edge of the driveway, nervousness and anticipation began to bubble unwantedly in my gut. Doing something new for the first time is expected to be nerve wracking, yet I instantly scolded myself with the firm shake of my head and the slap of my cheeks. An unsound emotional state was something that I permitted no soul to witness.
"Just get through the day. School first, then guild-work. Everything's going to be fine. Finding a lost bracelet shouldn't be too hard... right?"

-*****- Classes flew by in a blur, the anxiety of a first quest dying down ever so slightly. If it had disappeared, I wouldn't have missed it. Naturally, no such luck for Elisabeth Macken. Before I knew it, the vividly painted doors loomed before me once more.
Humming silence and tense murmuring was what I happened upon inside the Fairy Tail guild. Those who were even vaguely familiar with the name are bound to classify that as a strange occurrence, associating that certain guild more with the likes of destruction, drinking, and partying. This abrupt and strange change of demeanor stirred a concoction of curiosity and concern within me, leaving my body stunned and mind confused. Unfamiliar faces brushed past, paying no mind to the seemingly lost girl hovering awkwardly in the doorframe.
Shallow valleys etched their way into the skin between the brows as a stiff knee was forced into motion. I took a seat at a vacant table, the same one that had seated the friendly wizards only the day before. With just one taking up space on the wooden bench, it seemed... large. And empty.
Something is definitely off.
"Welcome back, Elisabeth."
The sweet tone sprung from the mouth of the woman who had marked me an official member of the Fairy Tail guild, snowy locks cascading down her perfect frame as she bustled about with serving tray in hand. Though there was undeniable warmth and kindness in her words, something seemed to cloak them in dullness.
I glanced up to meet her cerulean gaze, concern swimming within my own. "Has something happened?" I inquired, my words emerging from my mouth in something just beyond a whisper, not wanting to agitate the still atmosphere.
At my question, Mirajane's eyes darkened, her voice grave. "An S-Class quest went missing."
... missing?
"Now Mira, it's not missing if you know who took it."
Arrogance dripped from the tone leaking past the second floor. From the shadows came the form of a man; jagged hair, murderous looking headphones, and the scar of a lightning bolt. With his feet still draped across the banister, Laxus didn't appear to have shifted since the previous day, a devious smirk still dancing wickedly on his lips.
"Who took it?"
The blonde's reply dwarfed my meager words in volume. "Who do you think? There's only one person in this guild stupid enough pull that kinda stunt."
Pink flashed across my mind.
"Fairy Tail will be down a few members when they get back— if they get back, that is. Galuna Island is somethin' in itself." The burly man yawned, snickering to himself. "Not that it'll be much of a loss."
G-Galuna Island?
"Laxus!" The snowy headed woman snapped, sending the male such an intense glare that I feared daggers would materialize from the mere air.
"... it was the Salamander, wasn't it?"
Mirajane nodded solemnly, adverting her gaze to the floorboards. "It wasn't just Natsu, Happy and Lucy went with him. Gray went to retrieve them, but that was already early this morning..."
Images of the land mass emerged from my mind, nothing more than a spec floating on the distant horizon. Legends classed it as a cursed island, swarming with vicious, monstrous beings. Sailors even went to the extent of dubbing the name as bad luck! One thing's for sure, the female wizard didn't look as if she possessed a very optimistic outlook on the situation.
"W-What happens now? Do you just... leave them there?" I inquired timidly.
Mirajane's gaze retreated to the form of a crumpled man dozing in a crisscrossed position on the bar's surface, expectantly.
"No..." One aged eye peeked open. "We don't abandon our family in their time of need, not in this guild."
"What's the point? They broke major code! Why bring them back just to kick them out?!" Laxus snapped from above. His eagerness to be rid of this handful of individuals was both astounding and horrid!
"I'll go."
Strong and commanding, the statement to doubt belonged to the red haired mage. Clank. Clankclink. Erza strode forwards, features hard and set. Terrifying; that's the word to describe her! "Breakage of the rules will not be tolerated, thus the do-er' must be punished."
A not so discrete "tch!" wafted down from above. Laxus had turned away, casting his glowering gaze in an adverse direction.
Master Makarov nodded slowly. "Bring back my children safely, Erza."
"Certainly, Master." With the bow of her head, the addressed woman began her retreat towards the orange hued doors. Half way to her destination, her form halted, pivoting only a few degrees as she began to speak. "As a new member, you are not fully acquainted with the laws this guild abides by. Therefore, I intend to give you a thorough understanding of these rules by example. You will accompany me to Galuna Island and see exactly why they must not be broken."
Say what?!
Foresty orbs widened at her words, a small inkling of fear introducing itself into my bloodstream. I glanced at the guild master, seeking opposition to the command, finding none. I was about to protest with a number of valid reasons why it would not be a wise idea to take me on yet another dangerous escapade, but the deadly glint in her deep purple iris' quickly banished those thoughts. There was a Fairy Tail beyond the public facade, one that was much stricter and serious. Not wanting to anger the already peeved Erza Scarlet in any way, shape, or form, I shot to my feet and scurried after her exiting figure. Casting a final glance back into the guild hall, it landed upon an array of grim and folded faces.-*****- A short train ride later, we found ourselves in the quaint port town of Hargeon.
By this point in time, the sun had already begun to slip from the sky, painting the heavens in a gorgeous palette of rose, oranges, and gold. Shops were closing their inviting doorways to see another day of business, owners sending friends away with enthusiastic waves and warm comments. A gull squawked overhead. The near ocean invaded the air with its salt and seaweed aromas. This scene could have been a picturesque portrait of serenity, but alas... that was not my case.
Intimidating could not befit Erza Scarlet more perfectly. Her posture, radiated air, even the steady metallic sounds her armor made as she walked subconsciously demanded people to part from her path and lower their line of sight. While unnerving, it was somehow... fantastic. These defining aspects of her character and the evident fact that mutual minds were elsewhere kept all conversation to a bare minimum... and I can't decide if I should be grateful or concerned about the occurrence.
"It's clear they are no longer on the mainland. We must find a vessel willing to take us to Galuna Island", Erza informed as we strode out into the open marina. Dozens upon dozens of boats were docked in preparations of the evening hours, ranging anywhere from the size of a rowboat to a loaded cargo ship.
There's plenty to choose from, one's got to take us... right?
Wrong.
Just the mere mention of the land form's name resulted in horrified expressions from the sailors and a firm declination to our request. My disheartened expressions needed no explaining.
"It seems we'll have to explore a wider range of options." For some reason, the crimson headed wizard's comment didn't seem to be directed entirely at me. Drawing my gaze from the rolling sea, it landed on the receiver of her comment. There, knocking against the cobblestone dock with every crash of a wave, was an entity of massive wooden construction. Flag billowing in the wind, black sails, gunports and all, was... a pirate's ship?!
"You can't be serious..."
Erza was 100% serious. Through a thick, scratchy accent, a begrudged captain gave way under the armored wizard's intense gaze and commanding words. And with that, I found myself on a ship loaded with a crew of legitimate scallywags on course for Galuna Island, severely contemplating my morals on the way there.-*****- It was not long until the sun completely vacated the sky, giving birth to a luminous moon among a twin sea of twinkling stars. With the darkness came the descending veil of slumber, claiming many of the sailors in its soothing embrace. Past the crashing of the waves against the prow and the orchestra of snoring, something lingered in the humid air. It was... strange, almost mysterious, as if something wasn't quite of the natural world. The once distant land mass was steadily growing features as the distance was minimized; geography, green trees, and a sandy beach.
"Argh, why do ya want to go to Galuna Island?" Once more, it was the voice of the unnamed captain. No sooner had the name of the geographical feature sprung from his dried lips that a shudder coursed through his slouched frame. "It's scury!"
"Just shut up and steer."
"I-If you drop us off somewhere, you can harve the boat! Please! I'm beggin' ya, lady!" The leader of the band of pirates pleaded, taking a firmer grip on the helm as he quivered before the crimson haired wizard. "I've heard the island is cursed. Anyone who steps foot on the soil turns into a demon!"
Brilliant. Just the thing I want to hear.
"I will take that chance."
The bearded captain wheezed in mortified exasperation. "But why do ya have ta go thur?!"
A copper head swiveled from its incredulous study of the ocean to the exchange, my elbows still resting on the wooden railing. Erza stood tall beside the crumpled man, flaming locks swirling wildly about her form like angry flames. Such determination burned within the depths of her gaze.
"When rules are broken, the guilty must be punished, and that is all I can tell you." She replied, strong and simple.
I'm beginning to think the wizards we're retrieving are only going to be in serious danger after Erza gets there...
"She's so cool!"
"And hot, too!"
"We don't like rule-breakers either!"
"We'll help you catch them if you want!"
I kissed my teeth at their sudden willingness. Undignified cowards.
"Sure, now let's hurry." The armored female replied hurriedly, disinterested and unfazed by the men's filthy resolve.
Her simple words of approval were all they required. In seconds, the deck was alive and scurrying with the multiplied forms of sailors manning about their duties. Sails unfurled, the ship cut through the unpredictable waters at a new found speed.
My eyes flashed, narrowing into a glare directed at the captain's back. I put great emphasis into assuring my words were not blown away by the sea winds. "Someone care to explain why we weren't going this speed before?"
The bearded man stuttered over a various assortment of words. He evaded my questioning by barking orders across the vessel. With this new motivation fueling their actions, the once mound on a distant horizon loomed before us in all its cursed glory. Pale sands gave way to dense and towering vegetation that resembled something in relation to a jungle. However, these minor features only acted as a frame to the island's most dominant feature; a jagged plateau that loomed high above the tree line. Caressed by dawn's rosy fingertips, the island began to awaken from the night's slumber. It looked... normal, nothing like the subjects of the legends. Could it have all been a misunderstanding, a conglomeration of false information gathered over the years?
It would be accurate to say the pirates treated the armored mage with something along the par of royalty. No sooner had the anchor been cast overboard was a plank erected from deck to shore. Erza strode from the upper deck to descending board's apex, gazing sharply across the foreign landscape. One thing's for sure, her features held neither warmth nor gentleness. I would not be envying the certain quartette on the receiving end of her line of sight in due time.
"From here on we venture into unknown territory and there's no telling what lies in wait. You are not to stray from my side under any circumstance, understood?" Briefed the crimson haired woman.
"E-Entirly." I set off after my guild mate down the plank, the encouraging and rueful shoutings of the ruffian sea-farers acting as our send off.-*****- Instead of following the beach around to a more habitable side of the island, what does Erza try to do? Cutting straight through the dense foliage. Literally. This was all brought about by a rouge vine that had deemed it a good idea to snatch at one of the wizard's ankles. With her flaming locks as my only real sense of lead, she was clearing the path ahead with nothing but her steady gate and necessary evasive techniques. BOOM!
Holy crap!
"E-Erza, all you alright?!"
Aforementioned female was back on her feet again with such speed I began to question if she had actually gone down! "Of course. Nothing more than stray footing." The explanation was in the usual cool and collected manner, though one could detect the slightest inkling of a rush. Yup, there was no doubt a hint of wounded pride veiled behind her words.
SHIIING!
The glinting blade cut only mere inches from my freckled nose. What was intended to be expelled as a yelp somehow transformed into a mewl, reflexing muscles providing me with a one-way ticket onto my backside. A green rain thus followed. Upon further investigation, it was vegetation, leaves and branches alike severed from their rightful places. A creaking caught my ear. Quickly closing the gap between us was a tree trunk all too keen with becoming friends with gravity. Yelping and diving to the side left me with stained jeans but all limbs intact. Erza said no more, too engrossed with the controlled swings of her blade marking a clear path through the thick terrain.
Finally, she halted. "Let this serve as a measure of your skills. What do you sense?"
"What do I sense?" I repeated slowly, contemplating the various meanings her words could hold. Sealing my eyes, I searched the blackness behind closed lids. Probing, I cast my senses outwards, searching for even a trace of magic energy. Tug. Pain shot through my temples as I made contact. There was indeed something there, something immense. Yet, Erza's question struck me as odd; she had worded "what", not "who". It was the first that outweighed the later. Various lesser presences riddled the nonexistent plane, dwarfed by the mere size of another. They moved about, clearly living, some compacted, others outliers... and one in particular was not too far off. Lids peeled back over blue-green iris', boring holes into a section of forest. "That way... there's someone in that direction."
Erza nodded her vividly colored head in what appeared to be vague approval. "Then it is that direction we shall walk."
Whether it be the unique shape of the island or the armored wizard's obscure carving patterns, granules of sand replaced the decaying leaves underfoot far sooner than I expected. Rolling waves, crowing gulls, all appeared to be in place. Erza's deep purple iris' scanned the terrain, snapping in a fixated direction. Eyes flashing and in a cloud of kicked up sand, the young woman was sprinting at an unbelievable speed down the bank, long legs swiftly increasing the distance between herself and yours truly.
"E-Erza?!" I stuttered, both shocked and concerned at the sudden abnormality of her actions. What had caused this outburst? My own gaze swept over the landscape, peering sharply into the vegetated depths of the jungle, searching out its mysteries. Nothing; magical and non-magical alike. Heaving a great sigh, I took off after the red blur, hissing, "Sticking by my side, my ass!"
The armored wizard's distinctly colored head vanished behind a deposit of boulders. Upon rounding the bend, I discovered quite an interesting scene. Sand, it was everywhere, clouding the air in a blasting mass that was eager to introduce itself to any bodily crevice. What lay under its smothering blanket was also quite questionable. There, sprawled in the sand, was a massive mound of matted, minty hued... fur?! What... what is that thing?! Large ears, elongated snout, and a scaly tail suggested evidence of a rodent, but the sheer size couldn't be more contradictory!
"What in the actual..." I made sure to map a large arc around the animal. Not far from the unmoving form was that of another, a human. The vibrant twin tails of fuchsia seemed to contradict the somewhat scandalous attire adorning the young woman's body. Her young face suggested the late teens, but the laced corset and considerable amount of exposed cleavage suggest and addition of many more years.
As disrupted up sand continued to settle, two silhouettes emerged. Erza, sword drawn, and... "Lucy?!" I exclaimed, jogging towards my guild mates.
The curvy blonde gleefully exclaimed our names, any further words abruptly smothered by a single look from the red haired wizard. "Lucy." Erza started, slow and deadly. How can a single word strike such fear into one's soul?! "I assume you know why we're here. You do, don't you?"
It was a few seconds before the addressed girl responded. "To take us back to the guild? Promise you won't hurt me?"
My gaze drifted nervously to the exposed blade still grasped in the rigid palm of the armored woman.
"Master did say something about bringing them back safely, didn't he?" My tone was knowing, if not reminding the female that no matter how much she wanted to decapitate the disobedient wizards, it was not advised.
My words seemed to provide no comfort to the terrified blonde, who collapsed dramatically to her knees at the feet of the not too pleased, or merciful feeling, Erza Scarlet.
"Hey! I've been looking all over for you! I'm glad you're ok! What-"
Happy was off swifter than he appeared. I learned a lesson today; one does not simply flee from Erza Scarlet. The dazed feline was hanging upside down via a strong hold on his tail.
"Now, where is Natsu?" Demanded the armored woman.
"Look, I'm sorry we came here without permission, but some really awful things have been happening on this island!'" Lucy began, the first sentence the only one that didn't meld into an impressive single word. "There's this guy and his minions trying to revive a frozen demon and the island's villagers are suffering because of the spell they're using! It's turning them into monsters! We just thought that if we worked together, we might be able to help them..."
Blink. Blink blink. "I don't think I heard that quite right. Could you repeat that only a bit slower this time?" The raw disbelief in my tone was not meant to be sarcastic, it's just... how could all that go on upon a single island?! Lucy's got to just be trying to dig herself out of an extremely deep hole... right?
"You've got to believe me! Please! The poor people on this island are in trouble and need help!" Pleaded the blonde. Despite the impossibility of her words, something sincere swam deep within her chocolate orbs.
Oh my god, I don't think she's lying.
"None of that is my concern." Even if Lucy's recount of supposed events held an ounce of truth, it struck to heart string in the red headed wizard sent to retrieve her. I gawked, unable to comprehend the cold stoniness of not only her tone, but her face as well.
"Please, Erza! Let us finish this job! We can't leave them this way-" Shiiiiiiing! A blade was now dancing a dangerous inch from the delicate skin of Lucy's throat.
Woahwoahwoah!
"I don't think you understand. The three of you have betrayed Master Makorav. You'll be lucky to walk away with your lives."
WOAHWOAHWOAH!
"Isn't that a bit extreme?!" The words had rolled off my tongue and leapt past my lips before my mind could commit to a wiser judgment. "I understand the rules have been broken, but does it really outweigh their lives?!"
"Rules and law are everything. They are the only thing that keeps this world in order." Erza's words were so cold, yet they held truth in them. More quietly, she added, "What have they been teaching you in those schools?"
"Not what I need to be prepared for the real world, evidently." My side comment earned me a glance from my red-headed comrade, darning me to test her further. This time, I decided against it, choosing my next sentence carefully. "Still, I have no interest in seeing my comrades, individuals that have been kind to me, struck down for a single mistake."
Still shooting me a level gaze, Erza produced a bundle of rope from who knows where, and tossed it at me. "Tie them up."
I hesitated, staring at the coil in my hands. There wasn't much of an alternative, really. So, though reluctantly, did as I was told. "I'm sorry..." I muttered, setting to work on binding a compliant Celestial wizard.-*****- Though firmly bound at the hands and knees, Lucy still provided wanted knowledge of the island. Going on her general directions, we journeyed back into the thick trees. According to the blonde, we were supposed to have arrived at a village confined by a towering wall of wood. Instead, our party happened upon a steaming crater in the earth.
"It would not be wise to test me right now, Lucy", growled Erza.
"It was here earlier, I swear!" Whimpered the addressed girl, edging away from the not too pleased armored woman.
A long exhale was let out noisily through her nose before Erza spoke again. "Happy, take flight and tell me what you see."
Blurting an "Aye!", the still bound feline took to the skies. His aerial perspective provided us with the proper directional prompting needed. After straying in another direction, it wasn't hard to miss the ornate coloring of tent-tops peeking out from the tree line. The inhabitants of those tents were... queer. They appeared human, yes, exempt from some portion of their body. Horns, tails, and disfigured limbs were common throughout and certainly hard to not stare at. Clearly they weren't human. It appears those twisted rumors floating around about demons held some truth to it.
These... demonic villagers seemed overjoyed to see the face of the Celestial wizard. Then they noticed the ropes restricting her curvy frame, the seething woman leading her, and the strawberry blonde trailing sheepishly in their wake. Erza genuinely seemed to take no notice of bewildered and terror stricken reactions of the village inhabitants as she began to bark orders, swiftly landing us in a spacy tent with any accommodation we could possibly need.
I sat atop a barrel, fingering the hem of my shirt as I tried my best to ignore the glowering red-head and the fact that my newfound comrades were bound mercilessly to a post. "W-What now?" I inquired, timidly, fearful that my words would fracture Erza's carefully composed atmosphere and unleash doom upon all humanity.
"We wait."
"Y-Yes ma'am."
Tears streaked freely down Lucy's cheeks. Happy whimpered.
Ohmygod.
Seconds turned to minutes and those into hours. Not another word was verbalized, instead the bodies occupying the tent opting to marinate in the building tension. This can't be healthy.
Swoosh. The tent flap parted, the motion a result of a considerably toned arm. My eyes followed the extremity up to the pectoral where a winged, navy-blue insignia was imprinted, a glinting cross necklace, and... bandages. So many bandages.
"You made me wait. Not smart." Ok, Erza's clipped sentences are really starting to freak me out!
The raven haired teen balked, oncoming fear slithering its way onto his features. "Erza! And Elisabeth! What are you-" Gray's slanted eyes took note of the odd sight involving the Celestial wizard and a certain blue feline. "Why are they tied up?"
"Lucy's got me up to speed with everything that's happened", Erza rose. "I thought you were sent here to stop Natsu and these two fools. Needless to say I'm disappointed."
"Where is he anyway?" The ice mage inquired, sounding a tad bit too calm and collected.
"A curious question, that one." My words were more of a pondering to myself. Foresty iris' drifted upwards, catching the deep ones of the ice user. I instantly drew them away, apparently finding more interest in the soil. I didn't want to imagine what truly swam in Gray's eyes. Distrust, I'd imagine. After all, here I was with the sole individual sent to disrupt their harebrained scheme. Somehow, I felt as if I'd committed some form of treachery against them by coming here.
Lucy boldly spoke up, or croaked, rather. "Last time I saw him, he was fighting against the Cold Emperor's laquies, but when we went back to where the village was there wasn't any sign of him. Where ever he is, I hope he's ok. Anyways, when we couldn't find him, Erza demanded that I take her to you, but I had no idea where you ended up!"
Happy interjected, explaining how we had discovered the canny whereabouts of the absent village's storage area.
Clinkclank. Clink. "Ok, we're going to search for Natsu and then we're going back to the guild."
"But we can't leave the island just yet!" This outburst was from Gray, the strain of his tone enunciating the most emotion I'd yet to witness from him. "If Lucy filled you in, then you know what these villagers are going through right now!"
Seconds of silence ticked by. "And what would be your point?" Erza. Blunt and cold. The ice wizard looked beyond shocked. "We came here solely to apprehend the fools who broke the rules of the guild. I'm not interested in anything other than that."
"Rules?!" Gray spat. "Have you seen anything that's been happening to the people on this island?!"
No, I seemed to have overlooked the sets of horns, scales, and fur deforming the villagers.
"I have."
"And you're still going to turn your back on them?!"
"Their request is posted on the board in every guild hall. The villagers would be better served by wizards who are cleared for S-Class", the red haired wizard refused to look at the trio of disobedient teenagers. "You are not qualified."
Ouch.
"How could you be so heartless?!" Gray shouted, glancing between the armored woman and myself with a burning intensity, begging for compliance.
A crimson head pivoted slowly in his direction. "What did you say?"
Happy mewled, "That's no way to speak to the Great Erza!"
Lucy responded with something about being a suck up.
Light erupted from the armored woman's extended hand, molding into that of a spanning magic circle, glowing an angry shade of red. When the rays subsided, a blade was left in their absence. "Have you chosen to defy the guild's rules as well?" Shiiiing! The tip of the blade was now pointed directly at the ice wizard. No one moved or spoke for many seconds.
"Is this Fairy Tail?" My words did nothing to alter the blade's trajectory. "I joined this guild not for its ranking, but rather for its values. If someone is in need of help, you provide without discrimination or complaint. I've witnessed it, experienced it! What is this?" A pale hand motioned to ice and armored mages. "Was I a fool to idolize this guild? Is this the true Fairy Tail?!"
An icy hand lashed out, fingers curling around the glinting metal. "Well then, I can't allow my guild's reputation to be tarnished. Do what you must. For me, there's no other choice to be made. I can't walk away from what I know is right!" Drip. A bright bead mapped a glistening trail down the deadly metal. Gray released his grip, striding slowly around the confrontory female, parting the flap of fabric acting as both entrance and exit. "I'm seeing this through to the end... and you can't stop me."
And with those dramatic last words, he was gone.
Erza began to shake, not of fear, but of raw fury. Each time I think I've seen the most terrifying gaze she can muster, I am provided with a new specimen. Deep purple orbs settled on the pair of bound individuals at her feet, sword still in hand.
"Please don't get mad at us! We have no control over him!" Wailed the blonde.
SHING! SHING!
The ropes fell free.
"These events are intolerable. We'll deal with the immediate problems for now." Though her sentences still suffered from the usage of maximum words, Erza's words had... softened?
"Thank you!" Sang the Celestial wizard and the winged feline in unison.
"This doesn't change anything! You're still going to face punishment!"
Lucy and Happy replied with dejected "yes ma'am's".
"Come, we can't afford for us all to be separated." Erza commanded, exciting the tent.
Lucy's following dramatic exhale was a borderline wheeze.
"I thought we were dead for sure!" The semi-morbid phrase sounded odd in the blue feline's eternally joyous tone, his wings lifting his small form into the air in a single beat.
"I don't think you're out of the woods quite yet. Let's just get off this island first with everyone intact, alright?" A slender hand beckoned the blonde from her place on the earth underfoot. She accepted my kind gesture, allowing me to help her to her feet. The interaction seemed to banish any bought of distrust or sense of betrayal the Celestial wizard held, whether it was there to begin with or not.
"Aye!" Happy shot out after his armored comrade, Lucy and I not far behind.
Luckily, our icy companion hadn't strayed too far ahead, and after his little exchange with Erza, I frankly didn't deem it a good idea to leave them alone. Party gathered, we took off into the unmapped terrain. In all honesty, I had doubted Lucy's retelling of events. How could so much happen in such a short span of time?! Gray's determination and... that look in his eyes, something almost crazed, vouched for accuracy. It seems I've found myself in yet another complex endeavor with the same handful of wizards...-*****- "Are you kidding me?!" Gasped Lucy as the raven haired boy relayed Natsu's intentions. "He really wants to fight that demon?"
The teenager leading slowed, stopping to lean against a nearby tree. I eyed his injuries, concerned. Those wounds... what happened?
"Leon's always dreamed of surpassing Ur's magical ability, but since she's gone and he can't challenge her directly, he's brought it upon himself to kill Deliora... 'cause it's the one thing she couldn't do."
I don't want to admit it, but this supposed Cold Emperor's theory does make sense.
"Well, yeah. I guess that'd be the only way to challenge someone who's dead..." The blonde mused a mirrored thought process.
"Listen. There's somethin'... somethin' I never got to tell him. I kept it secret, Ur made me promise to never let him know." Gray continued, beating around a proverbial bush. "... but I have to. Ur may not be with us, but she's still alive."
I was not the only one to gasp.
"I-If she's still alive, then what has all this been for?" I hissed.
How many have suffered? Died, even?
"That's why I have to stop him. If Deliora is released..." Gray trailed off, not needing to complete the sentence to relay his thoughts.
"More will suffer."

-* A/N Ayyyyyyyyyye. I've FINALLY redone the Galuna Island arc the way I see it as more likable. I've been trying my damnedest to make time to write. Clearly, it had not been going to well ^^" Junior year suuuuuuuuuuuuuucks ass. College better be more fun or I'm going to have major issues with life *pouts*
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I've also decided to do another thing; connect with my readers! Sortakinda. You guys are a significant part of my life, so you deserve to share it (and see what I've been doing when I should be writing ehehehe //slapped) Social media is a beautiful thing >:}

PERSONAL INSTAGRAM: @swords_and_spades

ART INSTAGRAM: @riji.san