Apocalypse - Fairy Tail

2

~ Friday, July 26, 2024 - 20 pm ~

"What in the world is happening here?" muttered Gray to himself, his fingers tightening around the grip of his gun as he carefully aimed at his comrades who had been overcome by the zombie virus.

Gajeel's voice sounded frustrated, "I don't have a crystal ball to predict this madness."

Gajeel's expression turned somber, his thoughts briefly wandering to the date he had been waiting for tonight.

"I just hope it won't be my hand that ends her life when I finally find her," he mused, a mixture of fear and determination in his voice.

Natsu added, his tone surprisingly serious, "Given the circumstances, I doubt your date will go as planned."

Natsu was notorious for his tendency to flaunt his strength, often accompanied by impressive displays of power accompanied by destruction. His ruthless approach to combat had carried him through numerous battles, allowing him to improvise and adapt in the moment of heat. Natsu's indomitable will and unconventional strategies often ensured his victory.

With a shared understanding, Gray nodded, "We should go to the vice president's office and see what's going on."

The trio grabbed their sniper rifles, the weapons that had become most reliable companions in the face of the ever-growing horde of zombies. The tall building they had laboriously cleared earlier provided a vantage point that proved crucial to eliminating the infected.

Gajeel's curiosity could not be restrained, "Do you have any idea what the vice president wants from us?"

"He probably wants us to ensure the safety of a family member," Natsu speculated, his voice laced with a hint of cynicism. He stroked his fingers through his striking salmon-colored hair, which betrayed exhaustion from the previous night on a job and coping with the chaos of a full-blown apocalypse.

After a tense journey, the trio finally landed on the relatively unscathed side of Magnolia, a haven in the midst of chaos.

"Red Team has arrived," a vigilant bodyguard informed the vice president, Jude Heartfilia, Lucy's father. The loss of Lucy's mother when she was just six years old drove Jude to work tirelessly, leaving his daughter thirsting for the attention she so desperately needed. The relationship between father and daughter had deteriorated over the years, culminating in Lucy's departure from home at age 18.

Jude stood before them with an expression of weariness and determination.

"May I introduce you to my daughter," he began, his butler handing the trio a folder. Inside was a photograph of a blonde woman and a blue-haired companion.

Gajeel's eyes locked on the photo, a spark of recognition lit up his face, "The one on the right, that's Levy."

"Interesting, so you know her. The woman on the left is my daughter, Lucy Heartfilia. On the right, Levy McGarden. Although Levy is not my biological daughter, she has a special place in my heart. Your mission is clear: Ensure her safe return. Financial concerns are irrelevant; you will have an unlimited budget. Lucy and Levy are teachers at Magnolia High School. Equip yourself appropriately to combat this threat and ensure their safety. Protecting Lucy and Levy is a top priority," the Vice President's words carried an urgency and desperation.

As Gray absorbed the directive, a wave of frustration rose within him. Here was a man concerned solely with the safety of his own flesh and blood and seemingly indifferent to the fate of the countless others on the brink of disaster.

"Alright, as he has already informed you, it is time to gather your equipment. Our helicopter will be ready for departure in 30 minutes," Natsu's firm voice resonated, triggering a flurry of activity as each member of the team quickly assembled their equipment. Amid the organized chaos, Natsu's gaze lingered on a photograph held in his hand. The picture showed a younger version of himself, arms wrapped around a small, blue-haired girl with a bright smile - Wendy, his beloved sister. She had gone to America with her parents, and Natsu silently hoped that his father, a veteran special agent, would save her from the impending turmoil. The bonds of sibling love weighed heavily on his mind.