The Dark| Freed Justine X Reader Story

21•Shocking Surprises

"Come visit us again soon!" Naomi yelled, one hand cupping her mouth. I nodded my head and gave her a thumbs up. The morning wasn't as cheerful as the night was. Most of the people were asleep in their homes and the mayor's family was the only one up.

I hugged the amber eyed woman and gave Jay a nod, which he returned. I shook Neil's extended hand and thanked him another time for the information. He nodded and pulled me in for a hug.

"Be sure to tell me if you find anything related to the dark guild, alright?" He whispered in my ear and I pulled back, shaking my head in agreement.

"Thank you for accepting me, Mr. Takeshi," I thanked the short mayor as he smiled, the wrinkles making it seem like he shut his eyes.

"It was our pleasure to have you here, Y/n," he said and I waved another time before turning around and walking into the woods.

It was going to be a long, tiring walk...

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The heat was getting to me, as I walked, my feet sinking into the bog with each step I took. The trees around me were tall but thin and the leaves were withering away. The sun found a way to scorch me up and I had no choice but to ignore it and continue my journey.

It was exhausting but I managed to get out of the forest. As soon as I stepped into the town, I was greeted with colorful flags and lights hanging around the stalls and trees.

I had completely forgotten about the Fantasia Parade!

It was a good thing I came back in time or else Gramps would have been pissed if I missed it. As I neared the guild hall, something felt wrong. It wasn't noisy like usual and I couldn't feel the presence of anyone.

I stepped inside and announced, "I'm back!" Two figures rushed up to me like I was some sort of savior. "Y/n!" Gramps cried as he hugged my feet. He looked like a child when he did that.

Natsu stomped his foot in impatience. "And you finally decide to show up?" He glared and I raised my arms up as if surrendering.

"Woah! What's gotten your panties in a twist?" I asked and he stuck his tongue out to me, crossing his arms and looking away.

It was then that I noticed the figures standing on the stage. "What the heck?" I asked, no one in particular.

"Laxus," Gramps stated, anger coating his words.

What? What happened while I was gone?

"He wants me to give up my position as the Fairy Tail master to him," he sighed and shook his head. My eyes turned round like saucers and I could feel the shock of his words strike me. Pun not intended.

"Laxus wants you to what?!" I asked although I heard him correct the first time.

"He thinks it's a game. He has gotten the members of Fairy Tail fighting against each other and they're following his rules. Of course, I don't blame them. They don't really have a choice. What Freed's runes state must be done in order to get out of them," Gramps massaged his brow in stress.

"So the Thunder God Tribe is involved too," I mumbled. Oh Freed I'm going to kill you when I see you next.

"It's not really a bad thing," Natsu interrupted. "I mean, he just wants to know who's the strongest amongst the guild," the pink haired boy shrugged like it was no big deal.

"Wait a second, why aren't the two of you out there?" I questioned. "We can't get out of here. Freed's runes have been placed all around town so even if we could, I'm pretty sure we'd get stuck fighting our own," the old man sighed.