Natsu's POV:
The scent was getting stronger, which meant that I was getting closer to my target. Giant nimbus clouds blocked my way, suddenly, and almost completely covered Jude's—somehow unknown—scent. I stopped, then tried going through, but the cloud seemed to stretch endlessly and never stop.
There was a sound coming from the other side of the cloud. It must be the trumpet signal that meant royalty was there. Then I saw them. Giant aircrafts that looked almost like blimps and ships parked below the nimbus cloud. Cannons and other weapons, were displayed on the aircrafts, giving it the look of intimidation. They were scary-looking, yes, but not for me.
One of the generals popped out from one of the giant ships and stood right in front of the army of soldiers. He was standing on a panel-like thing that hovered and floated in the air, "Attention!" He seemed to stretch that word out, which he really didn't need to, but it's not like telling him will do anything. His soldiers listened, marched as rows and columns, and saluted the general. "At ease, soldiers," he started. The soldiers then stopped saluting, put their hands behind their backs, and relaxed from their previous position. They're so attentive, I thought, and their formation is gonna be hard to get through. Their formation was ideal and packed, making it so that if they attacked, their opponents would be pushed back because of their overwhelming force and intimacy. The rows also make it so that teamwork was inevitable, where if one of the soldiers was attacked, another can provide support. Horses were also gonna be hard to get through, too. Though, they weren't at formation, I could smell them coming from inside the aircrafts.
Horses were used for many jobs during war, whether it was delivering supplies, getting soldiers to their locations, or helping soldiers fight in general, they have been a useful tactic in the history of war for centuries. These creatures were also going to be hard to get passed, knowing their incredible selective bred size, muscular endurance, and power those hooves can kick.
Jude's army was well prepared, knowing they're facing the south. They know who we are and what we are capable of. This is going to be a really interesting battle, "Wait, Jude isn't here," I whispered. I looked around the soldiers and the aircrafts. Jude isn't here. That must be why I didn't smell him. Well, now that I know the stench of soldiers, I'll definitely pinpoint where the others are. They must be spread out around the area.
"Squadron B, take the west route to Magnolia. You will be led by General Hackus. He will give you orders from there. Squadron C, lead the militia forward, using the southern route. You will go straight towards Magnolia and into Fairy Tail headquarters. Destroy them from there..." The lead general ordered. They're discussing their plans.
"Wait...militia? As in...a militia of citizens!? Jude, you bastard! You're leading your people to their deaths!" I can't overreact. The general stopped talking and looked around. Shit, now I just blew my cover. Well, so much for that. Time to settle things.
I flew down towards the army. Soldiers pointed their spears at me on instinct. The general looked at me, no fear in his eyes, "Ah, Lord Dragneel, you came at a right time!" The general's hovering panel flew towards me. He shook my hand. Confused, he dragged me over to the front of his army. The spears were still pointed at me, but I didn't care.
"What's going-"
"Attention, soldiers of the northern kingdom!" The general started. Then I remembered. I was sworn to that stupid contract! Now I really wish I didn't sign it. Shit, what do I do? Do I play along? "Lord Dragneel of the north, has come to aid us in battle. Let us show him our gratitude." Cheers and shouts were heard across the sky, making my ears ring of sensitivity. I grit my teeth and closed my eyes at the sound of the horrid cheers of my enemies. They think I'm part of the north, I thought, I guess living at the border between the two kingdoms gives you this reputation.
The cheers stopped and I opened my eyes again. Their weapons weren't pointing at me, anymore. They were...bowing? I'm not that important for their plans...am I? Wait...it's not me they're bowing at... "Yes, let us thank our new ally for coming all this way to help in the war. We are thankful for your service and hope to do this again, with you." His voice was intimidating and overwhelming. It was cruel and sick. The curl on his lips made a nasty grin that I hated to look at. He was a monster, a humane, mad monster. I hated him, and now? I can't believe I'm working for him.
"Jude..." I glared at him, and resisted punching him. I can't do it in front of his men, not like this.
"It's nice to see you again, Lord Natsu Dragneel."
