Fairy Tail Rewind (Completed)

Chapter 7 -- The Flute Awakes

The moon rose above the outstretched tree branches, illuminating Clover Meeting Hall at the foot of the mountain. From the distance, came the soft hooting of owls. The cicadas and bullfrogs from the nearby bushes had later joined in, creating a harmonious symphony of nature. It was a serene night until the clanking of metal boots ruined it. A battalion of soldiers had gathered in front of Clover Meeting Hall, their guns loaded. The muzzles shone, threatening.

"There he is." Hiding behind a bush, Lucy pointed to a cliff.

Kageyama took a step closer to the edge. It gave Lucy the vibe that he was going to commit suicide. For quite some time, he remained immobile, keeping his eyes transfixed at the three-story building. "Lullaby's tune should be able to reach them from this distance." Quavering and after much hesitation, he brought out the flute. "The time has come." He let out a dark laugh. The laughter that was full of emotions -- excitement and hatred, laced with a tinge of remorse.

"We must stop him!" Natsu and Gray prepared to spring out of the bush, when someone locked arms with them. They turned around and exclaimed, "Master Bob!"

"Oh, you boys have grown up so fast." The bald, chubby old man kissed Natsu and Gray, leaving red marks on their cheeks. "Last time we met, you were just kiddos sucking on your lollipops."

"Master Bob, it's disgusting!" Purple shade rose to their cheeks as they wiped away the lipstick.

Lucy gawked at the old man. He flapped his wings, real wings, as he regarded Lucy. He was definitely a guild master that didn't care much of building his appearance. Blimey, he even donned himself a sleeveless pink sleeping gown and pink sandals! A blue winged horse tattoo was drawn on his arms -- the resemblance of Blue Pegasus Guild. 

"Master Bob, this isn't the time for reunion," warned Erza. "Kage has the flute and he--"

"Shhh!" Master Bob placed a finger on Erza's lips and winked at her. "Just watch, little Erza."

The shrub behind Kageyama moved and out walked the dwarf-like Master Makarov.

"Hmm, the moon shines so beautifully tonight." Master Makarov hummed a soft tune and walked to the cliff, that was when he noticed Kageyama. He scrutinized the heavily bandaged young man and said, "Oh, you are a patient? What the heck are you doing here?"

"Mis-- Mister, would you listen to me play a tune?" Swallowing his nervousness, Kageyama steeled his nerves. "Patients aren't allowed to bring musical instruments into the hospital, so I wandered out. I-- I just want someone to hear me play."

Master Makarov studied the skull-shaped instrument. "That's one creepy flute you have there."

"It might look strange, but it has a lovely tone," Kageyama persuaded in a honey-coated voice.

Master Makarov put his hands behind his back. "I am in a hurry, so please be quick."

"Okay, listen carefully." Kageyama brought the flute to his lips. Droplets of sweat visible on his forehead. His fingers trembled; the flute in his grasp threatened to fall down. He bit his ashen lips, as he collapsed into a troubled state, fighting his internal battle.

Lucy could even hear the thudding of his heart against his chest in the momentary silence.

"What's the matter? Hurry up and play it!" Annoyance lacing the tone of Master Makarov's voice.

"One tune, I just need to blow one tune, and everyone here will die," Kageyama muttered. "But not everything has to be decided by Life and Death... Must I really do this? No! Kage, wake up! Stop thinking of what they said. One tune, just one tune, and everything will change."