The Great And Powerful Fairy Tailby The Corrupted ChampionChaptersMemories and revelationsThe Adventure BeginsStorm's Fury vs Fist Of The WraithThe Wizard In ArmorThe Rise Of EisenwaldThe True Face Of Lullaby: Part 1The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 2The sign of the Siren's LagoonMission Start!: Rescue The Pirates' Prisoner!Set In to MotionAngel versus AbominationOutcasts Unite!The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 3: Deadly ScereavoMemories and revelationsChapter 2: Memories and Revelations Twilight's ear quirked at the sound of...eating? she turned and saw Discord munching merrily on a bag of popcorn. "...Discord! this is important!" she hissed, trying to stay quiet. Discord blinked at her gave an annoyed pout before discarding the popcorn. "...Fine, but I'll be finishing that later..." Twilight shook her head in annoyance before returning her gaze to the scene before them as King Sombra stood up to trot a few paces forward. A noxious black and green aura ignited around his horn and a strange spell circle flashed beneath him. The dark unicorn took a deep breath and exhaled... a massive gout of black and green fire that just barely missed the illusion Princess Celestia. "...I remember that... he used magic that I'd never seen before..." the present-time Celestia said quietly. "...He called it "Dragon Slayer Magic"..." Luna answered almost automatically. The projection Celestia was clad in golden heavy plate armor with an imposing halberd seemingly both crafted from the same material. The princess skilfully dodged the Baal fire and charged the dark king head on. The young ponies spectating the memory gasped as 'Celestia' impaled Sombra straight through the chest. "It's over Sombra; Yield!" she roared. Lightning Dust grinned as she watched. "...okay...that was pretty badass..." she said quietly. The young pegasus' enthusiasm didn't last as Sombra threw his head back and uttered a blood chilling laugh. "...Hehehehahahahahaha!!!!" Celestia's fury turned to shock as she tried to pull her weapon out to find it was stuck. "...So..." shadows began to writhe and churn around them. "...Much..." the shadows began to take shape and solidify, and a large black crystalline battle axe was formed. "HATRED!!!" the axe swung downward, splitting the ground where Celestia stood. "...It seems even the Goddess of the sun lacks purity in her heart..." he jeered, pulling Celestia's lost Halberd out of his chest. His shadows melted off of it like an icy mist off of a snap-frozen surface. Luna, Clad in black armor, levitating a long sword at her side flew at Sombra at full speed. With little more then a sideways glance, Sombra's axe shifted as though it were liquid rather then solid, and arched toward the armored Luna.Coiling around her and pinning her against the wall with a loud clang. He returned his attention to Celestia, and took a deep breath. A familiar spell circle flashed at his hooves and he bellowed "BAAL DRAGON ROAR!!!". Once again a stream of that black and green fire shot from his mouth at Celestia. She conjured a barrier spell to protect herself but it pushed her back to a wall. Her barrier flickered and dissipated after the flames subsided. Sombra wasn't done. "BAAL DRAGON HAMMER!!!" he roared as he charged forward, hooves engulfed in the same foul energy, and one hoof impacted heavily into Celestia's stomach completely knocking the air out of her lungs. The dark king's face now held barely contained fury. "...You call me an evil Tyrant..." he growled, only for the princess to gasp desperately for air in response. "You know nothing of true evil..." Celestia coughed a few more times before collapsing to the ground. Sombra crashed another hoof full of dark energy into her cheek sending her a few meters further down the wall. Celestia cried out in agony as she skidded to a stop. "Rrrrrraaaaagggggghhhhhh!!!!!!" Luna's enraged battle cry drew his attention back to her. His cruel smile returned. "...and then there was one..." he hissed through a menacing fanged grin; his body melting into a mass of shadows as a surge of power from Luna shattered her crystal prison, and she flew forward. "Your reign ends here, Sombra!" She roared. "You and your dark magic will never harm another innocent soul AGAIN!" Her longsword clashed against Celestia's halberd in Sombra's telekinetic grasp. Sombra merely smirked. "...No... my magic will save this world..." with a surge of his own power forced Luna back several feet. Luna's glare narrowed dangerously. "I'm afraid I don't see your logic." "...To defeat a unique and powerful enemy..." he began. "...you must master an equally unique and powerful magic..." he held up a hoof as it engulfed in the familiar foul energy. "The laborers toil would have been soon to pay off, once the weapon was complete." Those words set off an alarm in Luna's mind. "A weapon that will never come to be, Sombra!" Her declaration made Sombra's smile disappear. "...clearly..." he growled. "...I was not expecting you to come at me with all you had. All of Equestria was supposed to unite under my banner, and with the inherent magic of all ponies being focused into the Crystal Heart and the weapon..." Sombra's gaze fell to the ground and he muttered something that Luna didn't quite hear. Luna slowly advanced on him, sword at the ready. "What was that?" she demanded. "what sort of unique magic are you talking about?" Sombra's head snapped back up and glared at the princess once more with renewed ferocity. "...Blood Dust...The Lord of Tartarus..." "I CARE NOT WHAT ELDRITCH PACTS YOU'VE MADE!" Luna bellowed as she charged forward once more; her sword swishing forward with a skillful finesse. Sombra moved with equal skill and stopped her blade dead with a wall of black crystal. "...I am not looking for your approval..." Sombra sneered before launching a barrage of black crystalline shards at Luna, who deflected most and dodged the rest with a skillful flourish of her levitating long sword. "...You are irrelevant before the power of Blood Dust..." "Who is this "Blood Dust"?" Luna demanded. "I am not familiar with that name." "He would not appear before the likes of you or Celestia..." he hissed. "...He is the soul purpose for Tartarus becoming a prison; and yet time and again he has found ways to indirectly escape." Everyone watched the projection in morbid fascination while Trixie, Sunset and Twilight immediately made the connection. "...the alicorn amulet." Trixie said quietly. Luna began to narrate as her projected self merely glared disdainfully at Sombra. "I didn't believe him at the time. I had thought he was just lying to distract me." she said as her projection self continued clash with the dark King again and again, all the while, the two barking insults at each other. "What Nonsense are you spewing now?!" Luna demanded. Sombra glared back at her. "Who do you think molds the nightmares you stand against every night?" he taunted. "...Blood Dust!!" He roared, the ever shifting shadows taking the form of dozens of black crystalline spears. "...Do you honestly think You have ever once witnessed the full extent of his power?" Luna dodged and weaved through the projectiles taking several hits in the process; one in the right foreleg, one in her helmet, knocking it off her head, and one in her side. Luna glared at Sombra after being blasted back by that foul black and green fire yet again. "What manner of magic is that?!" she demanded. "I have never seen this wretched blackness before..." Sombra ginned a sinister fanged grin. "...It is called Dragon Slayer magic...Princess Luna." everypony watching the projection could see the confusion on Luna's projection self. "...What...?" Sombra's grin became almost feral and savage. "...Magic created specifically for one singular purpose; to kill dragons... It can only be bestowed upon another by a dragon..." he growled. "That, paired with the completed Crystal Lance Cannon..." His body was engulfed in a thick black haze of magic as his murderous intent rose; obscuring him from sight almost completely. Luna's magic flared as a host of ethereal swords began materializing around her, levitating at the ready. "...Would have the capabilities to obliterate Blood Dust from the face of this world!" Luna fired her swords at him, only to be stopped dead by a slab of black crystal and sent flying back at her. The princess flew up in the air to dodge. Celestia watched thoughtfully, taking in Sombra's words. why hadn't Luna ever mentioned this before? could there be something in these events that brought her fear or shame? This projection was answering their original questions, but raising new ones. "...combining his strange magic with a plan to...weaponize the Crystal Heart..." the very idea of a sacred relic of purity being defiled in such a way left her stomach in a knot. Sombra was surrounded by a torrent of baal fire. "If you stand in my way, then you will DIE!!" he bellowed as a familiar spell circle appeared at his hooves. "BAAL DRAGON HELL SIGHT!!" his entire body transformed into a roaring wall of Baal fire and crashed into Luna who was recklessly charging into it, bursting through the other side; seemingly unscathed. Luna, however, was not unscathed as her eyes were glossed over with a green and purple haze. a look of horror on her face. "...Watch closely now..." Luna instructed the ponies watching her illusion. "...For this is how Nightmare Moon truely came to be..." Sombra reverted back to his unicorn form and slowly trotted towards Luna. "...You will be tormented by your greatest fears..." he said with a blood chilling calm air about him. "...and all the while, I'll be feeding off of your despair...your fear...your hatred." he now stood looming over her. "...You know, it really is a pity. I've always thought your nights were beautiful works of art that were shamefully unappreciated..." his heavy gauntleted hoof pressed down on her neck. "I would have made you my queen...but now..." he lowered his face to hers. "...Now you will watch as your whole kingdom crumbles to a wasteland..." a little closer. "...and everypony you love reduced to charred bone and ash..." He pressed his lips against hers. Sunset shuddered as she watched. "Am I the only one who thinks calm and reserved Sombra is scarier then the loud and monstrous Sombra...?" she whispered. Rarity who had been next to her shuffled her hooves uncomfortably before replying. "...I most definitely agree, darling..." she whispered back. This uncomfortable tension hung over the room until they noticed Luna's coat slowly turn pitch black. This didn't escape Sombra's notice as he slowly backed away; not in fear, but with a look of intrigued curiosity on his face. a devious smirk tugged at his lips as Luna's mane and tail shifted from its graceful, flowing night sky motif to a pyre of ghastly blue fire. "...What have we here...?" Luna laughed malevolently as she slowly got back to her hooves. "Hehehehehahahahahaha!". Her eyes snapped open to reveal the blue dragon like eyes that Nightmare Moon would become famous for. "...No..." she hissed as her original appearance seemed to flicker back for a moment, only for her new form to return. "It is you who will see your kingdom crumble to ash..." her body flickered a couple more times. "...It is YOU who will lose everything you've ever fought for..." her eyes shone with an intense white glow as her original for flickered back, this time to stay, and she launched Sombra into a wall at the far end of the chamber. Luna had been about to fire another blast when a brilliant light shot passed her, blasting Sombra through the wall and out into the frozen wastes outside the city. "THIS ENDS HERE, SOMBRA!" Celestia roared, flying out after him. "Sister!" Luna cheered as she followed her sister out. "Ready your elements Luna. This has gone on long enough!" Celestia called levitating the elements of harmony out of her armor, tossing the elements of Loyalty, honesty, and Generosity to Luna. Their bodies were enveloped in the familiar brilliant rainbow light of the elements of harmony, and it burned away at Somba intensely. Cracks raked across his body like bolts of lightning...like his body weren't even flesh and blood, but porcelain or glass. Familiar black smoke and shadowy fumes spewed through them like steam. Her halberd once again in her own grasp, Celestia launched it passed Sombra into the frozen ground, causing a large fissure that seemed to go down for miles. "...Rot in your new tomb, Sombra..." Luna said coldly. "CHAINS OF TARTARUS!!" Sombra's voice boomed as large chains that seems to be made of solidified shadow shot out of him, tethering him to the two princesses as well as countless shooting out passed them to the city. "I'm Taking all of you with me, HAHAHAHA!!!!" he laughed like a lunatic even as the light of the elements pushed him down into the fissure, slowly dragging Luna and Celestia down with him. At least...that was his plan... The glow around the royal sisters intensified and the shackles bound to them shattered into shards of black crystal, but the other chains remained. As the fissure magically sealed shut, the sisters and everyone watching Luna's projection watched in morbid fascination as the Crystal Empire crackled with dark energy before the entire city started sinking into the ground. Everything shimmered and rippled around them as the Crystal Empire faded back to Twilight's throne room. With a heavy sigh, Luna turned back to the others. "After that, I spent three years trying to dig up anything on Blood Dust I could find, and I came up with nothing but this..." she said conjuring another illusion; this time it was an image that resembled a stained glass window much like those in the Canterlot castle. It portrayed a shadowy black Alicorn with a gnarled horn, solid red eyes and tattered wings. his entire body seemed drenched in blood that dripped off of him. His mane and tail were portrayed as nigtmareish geysers of blood that floated unaturally about him. Celestia remained silent for a moment. "So, that's why you had locked yourself away for all that time..." Celestia concluded. "...You were trying to see if there was any truth to Sombra's words." Luna, unable to meet her sister's unreadable gaze, nodded, staring at her front hooves. "...Yes, Sister..." Celestia was hurt; Sunset could see it clearly, but didn't say anything. Celestia put a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "...All this time... why did you never say anything?" she asked. Luna hesitated. her eyes darting everywhere except Celestia. "...I didn't find it untill after my return from banishment." she said in desperation. Celestia's eyes narrowed. "Luna..." she chided in a warning tone. "Because I was afraid. I still am!" Luna cried. "The notion that a being more powerful, more cruel and more brutal than Tirek could be out there terrifies me!" there were tears in her eyes now. "For all I knew, we could have very well doomed all of Equestria to fall to this 'Blood Dust' when we defeated Sombra. I spent those three years being wracked with guilt and fear that we'd doomed our kingdom..." she was crying now. "...and Sombra's magic...it somehow fed off that fear; just as Sombra said..." Luna glared at the ground. "...Besides, You were so busy basking in the lime light of that "victory" in Canterot that I could rarely get the time of day from you." Everyone in the room Gasped at Luna's words except Celestia, who just sighed. Luna covered her mouth with a hoof. "I'm sorry!" she whimpered. Celestia pulled luna into a gentle hug. "Yes. I was inattentive and negligent. I'm just sorry that you felt that you had to suffer through that alone..." They sat in silence for a short time before the door swung open revealing Rainbow Dash and Zecora. A small chest strapped to Zecora's Saddle bags, seemingly in the middle of their own conversation. Their arrival drew everyone's attention to the door. "...Know that I agree. This news of the amulet greatly troubles me." Zecora said, concern in her voice. The zebra looked across the room and blinked in surprise. "This speaks volumes of the duress, for you to involve the sisters Princess." "That's right." Lightning Dust affirmed. "This is a monster so terrible that even Tirek would probably fear him." "Apparently, only a specialized dragon magic can defeat him." Trixie added. Zecora regarded Trixie and gave a gracious nod. "I see you've returned to our town. Is it redemption you seek, or renown?" Trixie merely nodded towards the small box. "...closure..." Zecora nodded; a look of understanding on her face. "...I get rid of that thing, and I can get on with my life." Zecora returned her gaze to Twilight. "I shall help however I can. I assume you have some sort of plan?" Twilight smiled and nodded. "We do." Author's Note so that's chapter 2! having only read Sombra's hasbro backstory yesterday, my story will conflict with it, as I came up with this idea long before ever reading FIENDship is magic. the big battle with sombra was based off the "Fall of the Crystal Empire" animation, but with my own little twists included . In the next chapter they will begin the ritual to get rid of the alicorn amulet, but, if you read the description, things arent going to go as planned. but that's for next chapter! I'll see you guys later! Corrupted Champion, out. The Adventure BeginsThe Adventure Begins "I hope this works..." Trixie said nervously as she inspected her work. Well, her Joint project with Sunset Shimmer; a large multi-layer spell circle. Sunset nodded in understanding. "Feeling's mutual." she offered. "I've never tried to cast four spells simultaneously before. I guess that's why we need four ponies to regulate it..." "Have faith, my little ponies; learning new magic is always fraught with uncertainty." Celestia said with a gentle motherly smile. "Ok, I'd get it if Sunset did all the work for this, but where did you learn this kind of magic?" Rainbow Dash demanded, staring at Trixie with a skeptical look. "I told you..." Trixie said slyly. "...I have more tricks up my sleeve now then you'll ever know..." her sly smirk turned into an awkward grin. "Too bad it doesn't always work in my favor..." "New stuff is always trial and error. You should have seen how many times I nearly blew myself up when i was Princess Celestia's student years ago..." Sunset said with a grin of her own. Celestia smirked, deciding to chime in. "I do seem to recall your research leading to several explosions in your workshop..." this statement earned a nervous chuckle from Sunset. "...Sometimes multiple explosions in one day..." Trixie continued. "I have always been...less that skilled at learning magic by just reading dusty old books." she admitted. "It wasn't until I started taking a more active and...hooves on approach that I started getting anywhere..." Their conversation drew Twilight's attention. "How so?" she asked. "Well, I would get a pony to show me a spell a few times, and I would eventually reverse-engineer it after a while." Trixie explained. "Like a pegasus learning to fly by watching other pegusai and trying to copy what they see." Trixie continued making the finishing touches on the spell circle while she spoke. Lightning Dust blinked. "...but isn't magic mostly mental focus and concentration?" she asked, getting a nod of affirmation from Sunset. Lightning brought a hoof to her chin. "So... how do you copy something you can't actually see?" she inquired. "That's difficult to explain." Sunset Shimmer answered. "...It would be like explaining to a unicorn or an earth pony how a pegasus walks on clouds..." she said. Twilight spoke up while inspecting the circle for herself. "Just as Pegusai can focus their latent magic to interact with clouds and the weather or pass right through them..." Twilight said. "...A unicorn can focus to analyze the way another pony uses theirs and eventually learn to copy it. That's how such spells as the aggressive thunder cloud and the cloud-walking spell were invented." Zecora was now inspecting the spell circle. "You seem to work well for having just met. Is there anything else we require, or are we set?" she asked in rhyme. "Almost..." Trixie answered as she finished drawing the runes on the outermost layer of the circle "...Sunset, how's your side looking?" Sunset took a moment to inspect the four layer spell circle. The outermost circle was in blue, with four much smaller circles in a diamond formation around it. "...The reverse barrier and prong points are set..." she muttered. "...The anchoring spell is ready..."she said, looking over the next layer in. A circle drawn in green with an alternating pattern of runes and chains. Trixie looked over the two inner most circles. drawn in red and black respectively. "The funnel point is ready..." "Funnel point?" AppleJack asked, clearly getting confused by all the technical magic talk. "When we activate the rainbow power, it's going to be drawn and concentrated into this one central point." Twilight explained."That's what a 'funnel point' spell is." her attention went back to the circle. "This..." the young princess shook her head in slight disbelief. "This might well be the most ambitious magical undertaking in centuries...in millennia!" Anypony could feel such palpable anticipation in the air. "Indeed..." Celestia nodded in agreement. "...regardless of the outcome, this moment will likely go down in history." "...and what's this red one in the center?" Lightning Dust asked, pointing a hoof to the circle in question. A dark glare replaced Trixie's calm look. "...It's called the soul hammer...it's destruction magic that will destroy him clear to his soul..." this revelation earned several gasps throughout the room. "Trixie..." Luna asked in horror. "...Where did you learn such magic?" "I've done a lot of traveling since my last visit to Ponyville. In my travels I found myself lost in Neighpon, far to the east." Trixie explained. "That's where I learned it from a demon hunter by the name of 'Kiri Sasayaki' which translates to 'Mist Whisper'" Trixie looked back at Luna with determination. "This thing has caused enough suffering... I'm not leaving this to chance." Everypony looked at the former showmare with a variety views; apprehension, fear, but some actually looked upon her with respect and understanding... "...Very well." Luna said. "All we require is the amulet now, correct?" Rainbow dash laughed. "Hah! why do we need all these extra spells? Our rainbow power should be more then enough" she bragged before Discord cut her off. "Because..." he said, his tone serious and cold. "...Blood Dust is in a league all his own..." His gaze burned into Rainbow Dash. The lord of chaos held out his Lion paw, levitating the alicorn amulet to the center of the circle. "...and his children, while lacking his raw power early on, have he potential to match or surpass him." "Besides, wearer or not, I don't think this thing will let us destroy it without putting up a fight..." Trixie said nonchalantly. "His 'children'?" Applejack asked nervously. "Surpass him?"Luna asked in horror Discord nodded. "This amulet isn't truly Blood Dust, but a portion of his soul that-" he nodded toward Trixie. "-according to our new friend, here, has become self aware; As such it would be more accurate to call our little prisoner the 'child of Blood Dust' rather then Blood Dust himself." he allowed himself a sly smirk as a new idea popped into his head. "...or perhaps a clone...?" "You speak as though there are...others..." Luna trailed off as she recalled Sombra's words... "He would not appear before the likes of you or Celestia... He is the soul purpose for Tartarus becoming a prison; and yet time and again he has found ways to indirectly escape." "When this is over, we shall have to look into tracking down any other 'children'." Luna muttered. "...Are we ready to begin?" "Yes; we just need four ponies to operate the spell circles by focusing their magic into each of the four prong points around the circle." Sunset declared. "I call this one!" Lightning dust called as she dashed for the green prong point. "I'll take this one." Trixie said trotting back to the black prong point. "I guess I'll take the funnel spell..." Sunset Shimmer said putting a hoof over the red point. Luna circled around and took her place at the prong point of the reverse barrier. "Then let us begin!" Twilight turned to her Friends with a new determination. "Alright girls lets-" "Wait!" Pinkie Pie shreiked, drawing everyone's attention to her as she stumbled about in a fit of convulsions. When it finally ended, she got back to her hooves and wiped her forehead. "phew...that was probably the doozie-est doozie that ever doozied a doozie!" Applejack nodded in agreement to Pinkie's comment before speaking. "So, what are we expectin', sugarcube?" she asked. Pinkie shrugged; a confused look on her face. "...I don't know...I just hope that when we try to use the super advance spell thingy it doesen't make the spirit inside the amulet release a surge of magic and rip some magic out of Discord to rewrite the spell sending Trixie, Sunset, Lightning and Princess Luna to some strange and dangerous new dimension with strange new bodies like the one twilight gets when she goes through that magic mirror thingy..." she paused only to take a deep breath. "...and force them to go on all kinds of dangerous adventures that reveal a terrible conspiracy that threatens both worlds with an ancient and terrible enemy capable of making Tirek look like a total chump and and all our enemies coming back at the same time and having a huge battle royale that nearly totals CANTERLOT!". the end of her...oddly specific rant left her breathing heavily as every pony in the room stared at her; complete incomprehension hanging over them. "What?" no answer. Her bright cheerful smile returned. "Well, let's just hope for the best, huh?" "...R...right..." Twilight stammered; completely at a loss for how else to respond to Pinkie's verbal diarrhea. "...So, let's begin..." "Right!" Twilight's five friends cheered as everypony took their positions; Celestia discreetly looking back and forth between Pinkie Pie and Discord. "Is everypony ready?" 'As ready as I'll ever be...' Trixie said internally. Discord grinned. He could feel his senses tingle at the sheer levels of magical Power being released as the four ponies at the spell circle activated. "This is going to get very interesting," He couldn't help but wonder if Pinkie Pie's prediction would come true... "We are ready!" Luna declared. "Then let's go girls!" Twilight cheered as the six of them were engulfed in a pillar of brilliant rainbow hued light. The six rose from the floor and emerged from the light in their powered up forms, with flowing manes and colored streaks through them. The four at the spell circle took this as their que and activated the circle. The circle crackled with energy as it activated, releasing geysers of blue, green and red light; with blazing pyre of putrid black and purple in the center. A bright blue bubble appeared over it. Ethereal chains sprouted from the ground and latched on to the amulet like rattlesnakes biting their prey. A red cyclone of energy appeared inside the bubble. Twilight and her friends fired the rainbow of light at the bubble, phasing through it. The sound that followed was...horrific. An ear piecing roar of rage and agony echoed through the castle chamber, and possibly was heard through all of Ponyville. It sounded like the howl of a thousand eldritch horrors...Sunset Shimmer and Lightning Dust both flinched and recoiled as the sound almost blasted them back. Trixie squeezed her eyes shut and cried out as the glow of her horn intensified. What seemed like a blob of red blood billowed upward through the black aura like a mushroom cloud; black sparks crackling around it before it seemed to get sucked back into the amulet with a loud thunderous slam that shattered the floor tiles beneath it. That's when the tables seemed to turn as a disembodied voice roared "CHAINS OF HADES!!" and a red crystalline chain blasted out of the amulet, punching through the bubble and launching towards Discord, transforming into a shackle around his neck. "YOU HAVE MADE ME ANGRY!! I'LL NOT BE DESTROYED SO EASILY!" Discord cried out as his eyes shot open glowing brilliantly with his Chaos magic as a familiar blue and purple energy poured out of him and flowed down the chain and into the amulet. "I think not, Monster!" Luna countered as her own magic intensified, making the bubble close around the red chain, snapping it. The chain around Discord turned to dust and disintegrated letting Discord collapse to the ground. "MY TURN!" the disembodied voice taunted as glowing red eyes appeared in the black cloud. "WE'RE GOING TO PLAY BY MY RULES NOW, HAHAHAHA!!" at his word, the four layered spell circle began to shift. Layer by layer, the runes began changing as Luna, Trixie, Sunset and Lightning began to realize that they were no longer in control of the spell. Finally the reverse barrier shattered and more red chains shot out, this time at The four around the circle. "He's opening a Warp Gate!" Discord warned. "I can't stop him in this condition!" It didn't take long for every pony to realize that the rainbow of light was no longer hurting the spirit within the amulet. "Why isn't it working?!" she demanded. "He's using the magic he stole from me to redirect it!" Discord answered. "LUNA!" Celestia screamed, rushing to her sister... "Help them first, sister!" Luna called, nodding over to Trixie, Sunset and Lightning being slowly but surely pulled in despite their thrashing against the dark chains. The glowing red eyes in the black cloud of magic spun around to glare at Celestia. "...NOT...SO...FAST..." he growled. the shadow pulsed like a beating heart, releasing a shock wave of vile black magic energy; Blasting Twilight and her friends out of the air and making them crash into the wall behind them. Celestia was blasting back as well, but recovered quickly. The cloud began to shift, taking a new shape; that of a pony... with a mane and tail of chaotic red energy that mirrored the mural that Luna had discovered, The alicorn amulet at the center of its chest in much the same way as Celestia's royal regalia. "...I've been away from my brethren for far..." then the voice began to change, becoming... "...far..." feminine? "...too long..." "What are you?!" Celestia demanded. "What am I?" the shadow asked. "...I am... the future lord of both dragons and demons...I am the reincarnation of Blood Dust the Abyssal..." The shadow offered a feral grin lined with sharp pointed teeth. "Well...I'll be going now..." the shadow paused. "...But first..." The next few seconds made Celestia realize why Luna wasn't using magic to escape her confines as a familiar red crystal chain shot from the shadow's hoof at her, latching around her neck as it did with Discord. As the seconds seemed to stretch on like hours, Celestia felt her magic drain from her body. It felt different from when Tirek did so; more like her very life force and vitality "...No!..." she had to fight back some how... but what could she do? "...Luna!" was the last thing she could muster the strength to say before exhaustion took her. .............................................................................................. She floated in empty blackness. "..." what? Was somepony trying to call out to her? "..." Why was she here, again? what happened... the last thing she remembered was... Sunset Shimmer had returned from the world beyond mirror portal...wait... Then Twilight reveals this new information about the alic... The alicorn amulet! they had begun a ritual to destroy it and... Oh no! "Princess!" That was Twilight's voice! Celestia woke with a start. "W-what happened?" she panted heavily. "Princess Celestia... Sunset..." Twilight was at a loss for words. "Trixie, Princess Luna...Lightning Dust... they're..."She couldn't bring herself to say it; it just couldn't true, could it? Discord, who was leaning against a support pillar, spoke. "...They've been pulled through a warp gate." he said, a cold look on his face. "...Blood Dust 2.0 pulled them through and probably just dumped them in some random passing dimension out of spite or sadistic amusement..." "How is that possible?" Twilight asked. "You can't just teleport to another dimension!" Discord merely smiled. "Well, that will be your little secret." he said playfully. "...um...is it really possible, Discord?" Fluttershy asked. "With my magic..." he said, his tone once again turning serious. "...it is." He began to stroke his beard with his eagle talon hand. "With warp gate magic, though, you have to know exactly where you want to go, or you could easily get swept up in the current that you have to follow to get there and you may never get out. It operates on a similar principle to time travel; it's very precise. Even the slightest missed turn could spell your doom..." "But what do other dimensions have to do with this?" Twilight asked. Discord only laughed in response. "Hah! where do you think i spend my time when I'm not here, hm? How do you think i get to and from there?" he asked. "By using warp gate magic." he finished with a 'well duh!' look on his face. then a thoughtful look crossed his face. "...For a while, I used to see a strange metal box swirling around in there...haven't seen it for some time though, I wonder why that is...?" Celestia who had been listening carefully, nodded. "Would you be able to track them down?" she asked. "To locate where they were taken?" "Well, I can try, but we're talking about an infinite number of worlds here." Discord said. "...That's infinite alternates of this world and whatever universe they were sent to..." He sighed wearily. "...oh, I'm going to be working around the clock for a good while on this one..." "If there was a single other being capable of doing so, then we'd call on them to help you, but as it stands..." Celestia said trailed off, wanting to be careful to maintain her composure. "...You are the only one." "Well, I suppose I'd better get to work, then." The chaos spirit declared with an air of resolve. ................................................................................................................................ The scent of flowers tickled her nose through the dark of unconsciousness. Trixie new this smell, though she couldn't place the flower... next to register was the sound and feel of a gentle breeze blowing through trees above her. "She's waking up." came the sound of Sunset Shimmer's voice. Waking up...yes. even though, she'd felt more rested and refreshed then she had for a long time. Yes, it was time to wake up. Her heavy eyelids slowly inched open. She became aware that she was on her back. Time to fix that... "Ugh...what happened?" she asked, her body feeling too heavy to move right away. That's when...something crouched at her side. It had a mane that very much resembled Sunset's; deep red with golden streaks through it. What ever it was, it was certainly no creature she'd ever seen. A bipedal creature wearing a black leather Jacket with metal studs on the collar. Her Cutiemark embroidered onto the purple shirt she wore. Black boots with a purple flame pattern starting at the toe an going up the front. "Trixie, I need you to try and calm down..." It spoke with Sunset Shimmer's voice. "It's me, Sunset." 'Sunset' said, seemingly picking up on her sudden change from relaxed to stalk still, and staring in morbid fascination. "...Breathe..." she urged. "Yes, calm yourself, Trixie Lulamoon." the voice of Princess Luna said from her right. Trixie followed the voice to its source, being another creature like this new Sunset Shimmer. this one being tall and regal looking, in a dark blue dress that matched the color of her pony counterpart's fur. "We have all been changed into these strange new bodies... They are called "humans" correct?" Luna asked Sunset, who nodded. Next to Luna was...Lightning Dust...? another 'human' wearing snug fitting clothes that resembled the flight suits worn by the Wonderbolts. "The weird part is there actually seems to be magic in this world...I can actually feel the difference." Sunset informed; a look of bewilderment on her face. "Why is that weird?" Trixie asked. Lightning Dust and Luna glanced at each other. "...I wonder how long it's gonna take her to realize it...?" Luna whispered. "...wait for it..." Lightning Dust shot back and amused grin on her face "Because, in the world beyond the mirror, There was no magic until...I...Brought it there..." she trailed off. "...Long story." Sunsest shook her head. "Look, nevermind. The point is, after being in a world where magic doesn't...well isn't supposed to exist... you can actually feel the difference." "...Wait for it... That's when Luna's words finally sunk in... We have all been changed into these strange new bodies... those words replayed in her mind. She looked down at herself...and screamed. "...AAaaaand there it is..." Lightning dust chirped as Trixie abruptly fainted and was once again unconscious. Sunset just sighed warily. "This is going to be...challenging..." ....................................................Else were......................................................... A squirrel watched as it crawled down a tree trunk towards its target. Closer...a little closer... Target acquired. Only a few meters away as it hopped forward. A strange sound drew its attention away for a moment. It recognized this sound as the buzzing of swarm upon swarm of flies, and listened for a moment longer. Then something moved. It bolted back to its tree, abandoning the acorn it had hoped to collect as what ever it was continued to shamble through the brush. then it showed itself. An eldritch horror that looked humanoid in shape apart from the fact that it seemed to be made of blood; A heaping mass of coagulated and clotted blood... with a glowing red gem on its chest. The festering stench wafting off of it was almost too much to bare as flies surrounded it like a a foul aura of decay. Step after shambling step it took. All the while uttering sounds more akin to a growling beast then any sound a human could make. Suddenly its head lurched upward, making the squirrel flinch as it stared at the horror beneath it...It was staring back. The creature swayed and jerked as though it could collapse to the ground at any moment. It's foul smelling glop dripped off of it with every movement even as it tried to stand still. It's eyes were lifeless and grey and yet...there was a ravenous hunger that burned in them. It uttered a final choking growl as it opened its mouth through the seemingly everlasting red ooze that covered its entire body, revealing a large maw filled with sharp pointed teeth. A chameleon like tongue shot out of its mouth at the squirrel and engulfed it completely before recoiling back to is mouth. Its eyes flickered red for a moment before it shambled away from the squirrel's tree and out of the tree line of the forest. If anyone had been present to see it, they would have sworn the creature was smiling at the sight before it...and then shuddering at the concept of it... That cattle farm wasn't going to last very long... .....................................................Back with our heroines.............................................................. It had been a while since Trixie discovered her new...circumstances; and she'd had some time to calm down and think clearly. So...she was a 'human' now, huh? She looked down at her new alien body. A complexion of off-pink or peach her mane was still the same color as before; a blueish silver, though her body was wrapped in an ensemble of a blue corset style top with her own cutiemark decorating a purple skirt, and a familiar hat and cape on her head and around her shoulders, vibrant purple with a star and moon pattern adorning both. Black leggings and blue boots finished the out fit off. Then she remembered what Sunset said before... "...Still have magic, huh?" Trixie held out her hand, encased in a blue arm warmer, and focused. Her horn was gone, so it didn't work right away. Instead, she focused her magic to the palm of her hand. A silver spell circle appeared over her palm, and soon after, a silvery star shaped mass of energy engulfed in what looked like purple fire sparked into being over her hand; and then another...and another. A satisfied smirk crossed her face. "...Good. As long as i still have my magic..." she looked over at her new friends. "...and them...then I'll be okay." "So, what now?" Lightning Dust asked lamely. "First we must figure out where we are... find a settlement and gain our bearings." Luna stated before walking away. Lightning sighed. "Better then nothing, I guess..." she admitted as she followed after with her hands in her pockets. Trixie had lost track of how long they'd been walking, when they finally exited the forest to see a small town with thick black smoke rising up from within. It was being destroyed. "They're being attacked!" Trixie called out. "then let us lend a hand!" Luna declared. "Aaawwwwww yeah!" Lightning Dust cheered, cracking her knuckles. "Lets kick some punks into next week!". Sparks of electricity arced around her as wings appeared on her back. "...And help the townspeople however we can." Sunset said pointedly giving Lightning dust a a disapproving look. "Let's just go instead of arguing..." Trixie deadpanned. With that they began heading down the road to the town ahead. ..................................................The Farming Community of Lilac Town............................................ A young man stood in the town square of Lilac town, surrounded by bandits. The townsfolk had sent a request to the guild to deal with some bandits that had been harassing them for some time now. Gray Fullbuster had arrived to find the town already being burned to the ground. "So, how many of you losers do I have to pound into he ground before you finally piss off and leave these people alone?!" he demanded. "A few more, I'm afraid, Fairy Tail wizard..." a voice called out, drawing his attention to a figure emerging from the clamoring bandits. A figure donning a tattered coat, worn top hat, and what looked like it was supposed to be a masquerade ball room mask portraying a smiling face...that had blood oozing from the eye holes and mouth slit... "Might I suggest giving up, Fairy Tailer? If you continue to interfere with my affairs, then I shall have to kill you." Gray merely smirked at the threat. "You can try..." he said, excitement in his eyes. Gray was always ready for a fight! The young man pounded a fist to his open palm. "ICE MAKE: LANCE!" he roared, extending his hands and firing a barrage of spear like projectiles made of ice at the masked bandit. With inhuman agility, the masked man dodged and weaved around the oncoming attacks. "Heheheheheh..." the man chuckled. "...hm...Ice magic... you must be young Gray." he observed. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lazaro Sarabaas. Overseer of the recent troubles to this town, and ranking member of 'Blood Diamond'." Lazaro greeted with an eloquent bow. Gray's eyes went wide for a moment. "...So, what's a punk like you got to gain from things like this?" he asked, readying another ice spell. "Oh, it's quite simple, really..." he drawled as he readjusted his top hat, and his eyes shone with flickering red glow. "...nothing." he finished with a menacing sneer in his tone. Gray blinked. "Then...why all this?" he asked; genuinely confused now. "Why attack this town and burn it to the ground?" lazaro asked, parroting Gray's unasked question. "...because I can. That's w-" "Lazaro!" a new arrival shouted; another bandit had pushed through the crowd in a panic. "What is it!?" Lazaro demanded. "There are four more wizards blasting their way to us!" The man was getting hysterical. "They're strong too! they've gotta be Fairy boy's back u-mmmmph!" his ti-raid was cut off when Lazaro's hand shot forward, gripping the man's lower face and effectively covering his mouth. His glowing crimson glare meeting the man dead in the eye, he raised his free hand and wagged a finger in a taunting manner "Tsk, tsk tsk tsk...what will I ever do with you?" he asked with a mock tone of wariness. "Ah i know..." what happened next made Gray's blood run cold. Lazaro tightened his grip as what looked like a condensed mist of magic energy began siphoning out of the bandit and up lazaro's arm. "...Do...not...interrupt...me..." As this continued, Gray watched in horror as the bandit seemed to change before his eyes into a dried, mummified corpse. He released his grip on he bandit as the corpse crumpled lifelessly to the ground. Gray was snapped out of the stupor when a magic shock wave sent the bandits behind him flying in all directions, revealing four young women ready for battle. The one apparently at the lead stepped forward. Her hair flowed with an ethereal grace as though it were under water. It didn't take long for the four newcomers to notice Lazaro and what he'd done. "Your heinous work ends here, scum!" she declared authoritatively before shifting into as close to a combat stance as her attire would allow and a host of ethereal swords materialized in mid air around her. The one with the hat and cape merely stood and glared disdainfully at the masked man; and for a moment Gray could have sworn that she looked familiar. The redhead stared in horror at what had become of the bandit, and the blonde was just seething. Sparks crackled around her with growing intensity before concentrating around the knuckle dusters that adorned her hands. "I've seen enough, this bastard's MINE!" she roared before charging forward at such speed that his eyes could not tack her movement. A mere second later, Lazaro had been sent flying through a wooden fence that was still standing. She looked back at Gray, and then her comrades. "You guys get the townspeople outta here; I got this!" Author's Note What's this? another Cliff hanger?! Well I hope the new chapter was worth the wait. it was a huge challenge for me to write up, because I had figured out how my four main characters would meet up and establish themselves, and I have a solid plan of what's going to happen now that they're in the Fairy Tail universe, But it took me a long time to figure out how to get them from one world to the other and i went through a couple other options and this one was the one that I thought would work the best. It does slightly deviate from my original plan, but not too much. Also, 'Prophet Pinkie' being unintentionally prophetic like in the equestria girls movie. I always found that bit really funny and I wanted a chance to try one out in my story. so what do you guys think? Too spoiler-ish? let me know in the comments below, and keep watching for the next chapter as Lightning Dust, Gray and Lazaro clash in a battle of martial arts! Next Time: "Storm's Fury vs Fist Of The Wraith!" thanks again guys! Corrupted Champion OUT! Storm's Fury vs Fist Of The WraithStorm's Fury vs Fist of the Wraith! Everyone was shell shocked that Lazaro had been sent flying, Gray included. "Now hold on!" He called to the blonde newcomer. "I don't know who you are, but be careful. You can't let this guy touch you or else he'll do to you what he did to that bandit!" He walked up next to her and dropped into a stance of his own. "...Besides, he's from a dark guild with a nasty reputation. I'm not letting anybody take him alone." "Noted." was all she said in response as she dropped into a stance. "Just don't chicken out on me later..." she added with a cheeky smile. Gray couldn't help but smile. He couldn't help but like this girl's attitude. "I wouldn't give you the satisfaction." he shot back before Lazaro exploded out of the rubble; his clothing even more shredded. "...Well now...isn't this an interesting development?" Lazaro mused aloud with a deadly serious tone. He turned to the girl. "...and who might you be, young lady?" The girl grinned. "The name's Lightning. Lightning Dust." she replied. Gray arched an eyebrow. 'huh...strange name...' "Ya know... that mask of yours is pretty creepy. I think I'll smash it." She said casually. Then, she gestured for him to come closer. "...your move." "You interrupted me when I was talking before... miss Dust..." he stated. "I hate being interrupted..." he hissed. "Then let's see you do something about it!" Gray Challenged. He once again slammed a fist to his open palm. "ICE MAKE: SPIKES!" His spell ready, he slammed his fist into the ground, causing a large area of the ground between them to erupt with jagged Stalagmites made of ice. Lightning's eyes went wide. "Whoa, sweet!" Lazaro's hands were engulfed in a foul dark energy. "REAPER'S PALM!" he bellowed, actually charging into the attack. He slammed his palms into the approaching Ice spell and stopped it dead in it's tracks, shattering most of it. "You'll have to do better then that..." he taunted. "Fine by me." Gray accepted; suddenly shirtless, much to Lightning's surprise. "I'm just getting warmed up!" "Let's go!" Lightning declared. With that, Lightning and Gray charged Lazaro. He charged to meet them. At the last second, Lazaro jumped into a flying kick; his heel skillfully crashing Into Lightning's chest, and then Gray's jaw. Both of them were down, for a moment. Gray was the first to recover as he charged back to throw a punch. Lazaro blocked with his forearm, only for a follow up roundhouse kick to connect with his face. Lazaro was stunned for a moment. Gray threw another punch which Lazaro once again blocked with a forearm. Gray's next punch impacted heavily against Lazaro's jaw, making a crack in his mask. His next move was to wrench Lazaro's arm. Lazaro was quick to recover as he skillfully front flipped out of Gray's grapple and an open palm strike made Gray stumble back a few steps. His hands once again exploded in that foul black and purple energy and unleashed a flurry of punches that Gray was helpless against. "Round one..." Lazaro teased, the lept into a cartwheel kick, cracking hard against Gray's jaw. "Goes to me, Fairy Tailer...". He traced a finger across the crack in his mask. "You actually managed to crack my mask..." he breathed in disbelief. "I'll have to prepare a special death for you..." Gray cursed under his breath. His vision was spinning and he could barely stand. It was like those strikes sapped his magic energy. This was getting bad; If he couldn't end this quickly, then this scumbag would just continue on his marry way... "I'm not done yet!" he roared defiantly. He threw a clumsy punch that Lazaro easily dodged by leaning back. He countered the punch with a series of kicks to Gray's abdomen. One to the left, one to the right, one more to the left and finishing his assault with an upward kick to Gray's jaw sending him sprawling. "Just stay down!" Lazaro growled, showing his exasperation. This is when Lighting charged back into the fray; Charging in with a jumping kick that Lazaro jumped back to avoid. then another. another. Each time, Lazaro jumped back to evade her attacks. Lightning smirked. Lazaro was starting to slow down. "Running out of juice are ya?" she taunted. "I'm running out of something." Lazaro shot back. "...but it's not energy." Lazaro caught Lightning off guard with a flurry of punches. One to the knee, forcing her into an awkward stance. One to the jaw. Two to the chest. Upward kick and scissor kick sending her to the ground with a heavy thud. "I'm running out of patience!" he growled. Gray charged back in, hoping to catch Lazaro from behind. This, however would not be, as Lazaro spun on his heel to face him. "You're starting to piss me off!" Lazaro hissed. "Feeling's mutual!" Gray yelled back. "Together!"Lightning called to Gray, who nodded in response. "Time to take this punk out!" Gray confirmed as he Encased his arm in a heavy gauntlet of ice. Lightning's knuckle duster crackled with electricity. The two of them jumped back to evade a leg sweep before jumped forward throwing all their weight into a combined assault that Lazaro blocked with his forearms, though they did push him back several feet with the one impact. "Disappear!" he bellowed. "Just get out of my way!" with surprising strength, he pushed them away, and threw a kick that nailed Lightning in the chest, then into Gray's jaw. His next attack was a spinning roundhouse kick to Lightning's head. "You die first!" Lazaro hissed, readying a strike to finish her off. "I don't think so! ICE MAKE: GEYSER!" Gray shouted as he cast his spell, making a pillar of ice shoot up underneath Lazaro, Trapping him in the process. Then it was Lightning's turn to surprise Gray once again as ethereal wings emerged from her back that crackled just like her fists. She launched herself into the air; leaving a contrail of lightning behind her. "THUNDERBIRD DIVE!" she called before launching herself back downward. With energized fists, she used what strength she had left to hammer Lazaro back down to the ground through the ice. Punch after punch; deeper and deeper she drove him. Five feet. Ten feet. Fifteen. Twenty...all the while, large cracks beginning to rake across the pillar of ice... When only five feet remained, She launched herself back up in the air once more. This time, raising her leg as if for an axe kick. Her foot becoming the central point for the lightning to focus. "STORM'S FURY: HALBERD HEEL!!". With the booming sound of a thunder crack, Lightning's final attack shattered what remained of the ice pillar, causing it to collapse on top of them both. His body ached. Almost every inch of him was in pain after the beating he took form Lazaro; but it was over. Right? He looked around to see that the other three were cleaning up the bandits. The one with the hat and cape was actually hog-tying them... He saw that the redhead was tending to the injured townspeople, and the tall one with the funky flowing hair was talking to someone, presumably the mayor of the town. Gray turned around to began digging his temporary partner out of the avalanche she had created. Eventually, he fished her out and piggy-backed her over to her friends. "I don't know who you ladies are, but thanks for the assist." he said, addressing the leader...at least... he thought the tall one was the leader. ........................................................................................................ Sunset was tending to an injured boy. Her hand enveloped in a warm golden glow. "You really can use healing magic. That's amazing!" he gushed. "Oh, It's nothing special..." She insisted modestly, a bit of red fluttering across her cheeks. The boy furrowed his brow in thought. "I'm pretty sure healing magic is super rare...". Really? a simple spell like that is considered rare? Sure, she was no doctor, but a simple spell for cuts and abrasions sets her apart? Sunset looked over to see Lightning being carried over to Princess Luna by that guy that She had decided to team up with...who was now shirtless, for some reason... and both of them look like they had been to hell and back... "I don't know who you ladies are, but thanks for the assist." he greeted, addressing Luna. "Of course, we were happy to help." Luna replied graciously. "How is she?" "We both took a hell of a beating, but we took that masked creep down." He said. "She's just passed out from pushing herself too hard. A little rest and she should be fine." Sunset approached them. "Here, let me take her..." she offered. Her eyes shone with a gentle green glow and Lighting Dust was gently lifted off of the young man's back. "The name's Gray, by the way. Gray Fullbuster." he said. "I'm Sunset Shimmer." She greeted, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you, Gray." She gestured to each of her friends. "That's Luna..." Luna gave a respectful, yet regal nod. "...Trixie..." The silver haired girl in question had a smug grin on her face as she sat on top of a particularly large bandit hogtied on the ground. She gave him a sharp jab in the ribs with her heel before tipping her hat in greeting. "...and you've already met Lightning Dust." "What guild are you with?" he asked casually. "Guild? We're not with any guild." she answered, getting a surprised look from Gray. "seriously?" he asked incredulously. "You girls have got some talent. I would have sworn that you were with a wizard guild like me. Why else would four wizards come here if not for a guild request?" Sunset looked over at Luna and Trixie. The latter merely shrugged her shoulders. "Uh...we just kinda found it by accident..." she admitted with an awkward grin. "We were lost in that forest there and were just looking for some kind of town to figure out where we are." Gray gawked at her in utter disbelief. "You can't be serious!" "Yup. We were sucked through some magic portal thing and were kinda dumped out here so we just wanted to figure out were we ended up." Trixie confirmed. "On that front, this is Lilac Town; a farming town." Luna explained. "And for our efforts, The mayor has insisted that we stay for as long as we need to recover for free room and board." "Cool." Sunset sighed. "That'll give us a chance to help them rebuild the damaged part of town while we wait." "...Oh, your such a girl-scout, Sunset..." Lightning Dust groaned. Sunset merely smirked. "That's how I role, deal with it." she said playfully. Trixie looked up at Luna. "...Does that include food?" Luna nodded. "Yeah!" she cheered. The Mayor nodded to Gray. "...It'll also give us time to secure your payment as well, Mr. Fullbuster." he said pointedly. This drew Trixie's attention. "Payment?" Gray nodded. "Yeah. the guild requests I mentioned before? it's how guild wizards make a living. By taking care of particular problems that the non-magic populace can't take care of on their own." He proudly pointed to the tattoo on his chest. "This mark means I'm a member of the Fairy Tail guild." he explained. "A few days back we got a request to take care of the bandits, who until now, were just harassing caravan drivers going in and out of town. Now I get here and now there's a dark guild thug burning the place to the ground." "Yes. The masked one was a new comer who had arrived only this morning..." The mayor explained. "If we'd known a dark wizard would be here then the reward would have been higher..." Gray waved it off. "Don't sweat it. At this point, you need the extra cash more then I do." "Let me see if I have this right..." Luna said. "Guild wizards are like mercenaries? doing this jobs for money?" Gray narrowed his eyes. "Don't say it like that; you make it sound like we hire out to anyone with money, and that's not the case." "I meant no offense, Gray Fullbuster. I'm merely am trying to understand the way this is done." Luna clarified. "We do not have wizard guilds where we are from, so this is new to me." Gray shrugged. "It's like this; There are magic guild all across Fiore, and they take on jobs that are sent out across the kingdom, but only if they are approved by the royal government and magic council." He explained. Trixie was now very interested in guilds. "Does it pay well?" she asked. Gray shrugged. "Well, depends on the job." he stated. "The pay changes depending on how dangerous the job is." Sunset nodded in understanding. "So that's what the mayor meant when he talked about the payment being higher...?" she surmised. Gray nodded. "You catch on pretty quick." he said with a friendly grin. his smile faded after a moment. "...then there are outlaw guilds that take on jobs like that masked freak did. Illegal jobs like assassination or just causing mayhem.". He paused his explanation to put his black t-shirt and white coat. "...Some of them don't even do it for money...they do it...just because they can. These outlaw guild are called "Dark guilds", and the lot of them should be dragged, broken and bloody, to a prison cell." Sunset turned to Luna. "Maybe these 'Fairy Tail' people can help us get back home?" she asked. "...Call me crazy, but I think that we can trust them...well, this guy at least..." Luna nodded. "...Yes, I am inclined to agree with you..." she then addressed Gray. "...Gray, could you take us to your guild? we wish to learn more of it." Gray smiled and nodded. "Sure. there's always room for new faces around the guild hall. Lets rest up and we can head out later." he said. Lightning Dust smiled. "Another hour or so, and I'll be ready to head out." she announced from her cot. "Sounds good!" Sunset said with a smile. Unknown to Gray or anyone else there, Lazaro lay limp in the pile of ice. "...Lightning Dust...Gray Fullbuster... we..." His eyes shone like burning coals piercing the blackness of the eye holes of his mask. "...will meet again..." slowly, he dug his way out. pushing through the agony that wracked his whole body. They would pay for this...in due time; Blood Diamond never lets those who cross them go unpunished. ...................................................................Else where................................................................... The fields were empty... The cows were gone; so were the chickens...and the sheep... the entire farm was silent. no sounds of animals, the farmers were nowhere to be seen; but a lone young woman sat in a decadent arm chair in a room in front of a burned fire place. she poured herself a glass of red wine. she wore simple clothes, but anyone looking at her would say even at a first glance that she didn't belong there at all; but she smiled as if she hadn't a care. "...Enjoy our time apart while it lasts..." she whispered before taking a sip from the glass. her hand went up to the slightly glowing red tattoo over her collarbone. "...because I'm coming for you...my dear Trixie Lulamoon..." She flicked a lock of her silver hair behind her ear as her eyes flickered red with an unholy hunger, and a sinister smile tugged at her lips revealing her sharp pointed teeth... ............ Author's Note And that's chapter four! what do you guys think? Next chapter our heroines follow Gray back to the Fairy Tail Guild hall, and meet the rowdiest guild in all of Fiore. The girls meet the more noted names in the guild, like Cana, Elfman, Natsu and Erza, who has a big request for Gray and Natsu. Trixie and Natsu's plus one, a girl named Lucy, get suckered into tagging along how will this turn out, I wonder? The Wizard In ArmorThe Wizard In Armor The five of them continued the road in a carriage pulled by a large purple boar. A couple hours had passed and the townspeople of Lilac town were so grateful that they provided the carriage back to Magnolia. "I'm glad that we got a ride back." Gray said with slight relief. "Yeah..." Lightning said in agreement. "...after getting our asses kicked six ways to sunday, I'm not really keen on walking back to...what was it again?" "Magnolia..." Gray answered. He looked over to the silver haired girl, Trixie, and noticed she had taken Lazaro's top hat with her and was examining it. "why do you have that?" "Because, there's some kind of magic in it." Trixie stated, then an excited grin pulled at her lips. "...and I intend to figure it out and learn it." "hm..." Gray nodded thoughtfully. "It's kinda my thing..."She said with a shrug. "...I tinker with magic..." Gray nodded. "That's pretty cool..." Sunset was looking out her window when she asked "So, what's Magnolia like?" "It's a seaside city, and our guild hall gets an awesome view of the ocean, just off the back yard." Gray said with a smile. "sometimes I like to just go out and watch the ships go by from the guild hall." Luna smiled. She always knew the look of nostalgic whimsy when she saw it... Trixie couldn't help but think of Manehatten as he spoke. "Sounds like a place I would enjoy..." she said softly. Gray frowned. "When we get back, I'm gonna have to ask the master about that 'Blood Diamond' Guy..." he muttered. This brought Lightning's attention to him. "You mean the creepy masked guy?" she asked, getting a nod from the Ice wizard. "...Why? we totally creamed him...right?" "This time..." Luna corrected. "Take into account that he disappeared before we could figure out what to do about him; I wouldn't be surprised if we encounter him again somewhere down the road." "That's right." Gray confirmed. "Dark guild thugs like to strut a nasty reputation with an even nastier list of crimes under their belts... This guy was messed in the head; I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be a cut above your average dark guild criminal...". "There aren't a lot of people like that are there?" Sunset asked nervously. She had seen how well he fought, and was in no hurry to go against him, or anyone like him, anytime soon. "well, dark guild wizards aren't exactly popping out of the wood works, so... I don't really have any other encounters to compare it to." He confessed. It was true; he had never run into an actual dark guild wizard before today, as they were surprisingly good at hiding for how chaotic and destructive they are... but then, Fairy Tail wizards had a reputation for being chaotic and destructive as well... He couldn't help but smirk at the irony. As time went on, Sunset felt a pang of guilt, eventually, if they really wanted this Fairy Tail guild to help them, they would need to confide their secret to...someone. The four of them had already agreed that they can't get back to equestria on their own; they needed help, and could only pray that there even was a way to get back... They rode in an uncomfortable silence for about 45 minutes before Gray called over to the driver. "Hey, stop the wagon for a bit!". The wagon took a moment to slow to a stop, at which point Gray stood up and hopped out. "Where are you going?" Sunset asked. "Gotta use the bushes..." he answered nonchalantly. Though Sunset had a suspicion that there was something else, probably the awkward silence was getting to him too... Trixie set the top hat down on the seat next to her as she saw him taking off his shirt and toss it against a tree as he passed it. "...seriously...?" she groaned standing up and following after him to pick up his discarded clothing. Luna merely chuckled in amusement at the sight. ....................................................................................................................... His shirt... His pants... His shoes... ...and one sock... Trixie glared at the bundle of clothing tucked under her arm. "...I swear, if this becomes a regular thing, I'm going to hang that jerk with his own pants..." she seethed. After another ten minutes, she heard two voices cry out. One of them was Gray. "...Found you..." she deadpanned in annoyance, before cutting through some bushes to the source. "Do you always have to fight?! she asks worriedly..." a strange new voice said. It was a hoity toity canterlot-esque accent. "You can take em Natsu!" another new voice said triumphantly. A child, perhaps? Trixie trudged out of the bushes to find Gray, thankfully still in his boxers at least, glaring down another guy with pink hair and a scarf. To her right, were what she guessed to be the sources of the new voices. A very expressive blue cat with a green rucksack and...wings? Sitting atop the shoulder of a grandfather clock with arms, legs, and a face? Trixie tried to tell herself that she'd seen stranger things, but that was down right weird... "Why is He in his underwear? the lady inquires in confusion." It turned out that the talking clock was speaking for the golden haired girl...sitting inside? she would have to get the story on that later...but first... "THESE!" Trixie threw the shirt at Gray; it ended up draped over his face. "ARE!" She threw the pants at him next. His surprised stumbling caused the pantlegs to get tangled around his ankles. "YOURS!" Finally, she threw his shoes at him, nailing him right between his legs, causing him to howl in pain. "NOT COOL!!" he wailed, causing the pink haired guy to burst out laughing. "HAHAHAHA! That just made my day!" The pink haired guy cheered. "What's 'not cool' is me having to collect all your crap that you scattered through the forest on the way here!" Trixie bellowed. "...And now you've gone and picked another fight!" Trixie then took a closer look at the pink haired guy. He had a tattoo in red on his arm that matched the blue one on Gray's chest. "Your with Fairy tail right?" she asked. "That's right, I'm Natsu; I'm what you call a dragonslayer." He said cheerfully. What? That word brought Trixie's mind to a grinding halt. He said he was a dragon slayer...like Sombra... there were others? How could there be others? this was a completely different universe...right? how was this possible? did Sombra go here at some point and learn it? Did Blood Dust originate here? but if that's the case, how did he get from here to Equestria? How did one of Equestria's most ancient and terrifying enemies jump between their two worlds...unless...Discord? The chaos spirit wasn't always their ally, it was no secret; and Discord was familiar with the name while the princesses knew next to nothing about him... -Snap!- -snap!- "Aahhh! what?!" she shrieked in panic. Gray, now fully clothed, had snapped his fingers right in front of her face. "You spaced out on us for a minute." the girl from the clock informed. Oops. "Oh, uh...sorry..." she said awkwardly. "...and who is 'Sombra'?" Natsu asked. "That's what you said right? Sombra?" Trixie's shoulders drooped. How could she have been so stupid? she just said it out loud like that, what else did she blurt out? 'Oh crap...' she thought. "...It's... a long story..." she defended lamely. "Is this Sombra guy a dragon slayer too? 'cause ya looked like you were about to freak out when I said I was one." Natsu asked. "This'll be easier if I get the others to help me explain..." Trixie offered. As much as she loved to be the center of attention on a show stage, she hated being put on the spot off of one. "Sure." Gray agreed while Natsu and his companions turned to follow her back to their wagon. "So, your name is Trixie?" the clock girl asked. "Yes, Trixie Lulamoon; but, how did you know?" she confirmed. "Gray told us while you were in lala land!" the blue cat declared cheerfully. "My name is Happy, by the way." "...and I'm Lucy, it's nice to meet you." the clock girl said, finally giving her name; referring to her as 'clock girl' would get tiresome after a while. "Yes, nice to meet you too." Trixie chirped back. That's when it happened. A tidal wave of sand crashed into them. Trixie had no idea how far it pushed them as they crashed and tumbled quite a bit; the former unicorn couldn't hear or feel anything but the buffeting sand and the howl of the wind that carried it. she could have sworn that she'd heard Happy cry out for a moment before the sandstorm faded. "Ugh..." Lucy groaned. "What happened?" Gray asked as he slowly rose out of the sand and shook the clinging grains out of his clothes and hair. "Happy!" Natsu called through the sand in his mouth. "...Help me!" the little blue cat whimpered. "Heheheh, no berries for us tonight." said one young man in a red coat. "Yeah, finally we get some actual protein!" his identical twin cheered. On the other side of a hogtied Happy, was...she wasn't quite sure what they were. One looked like a blue skinned goblin; considerably shorter then his companions, his frog like face was decorated with purple tattoos on one side, and pointed ears. Staring at Happy with a staff in its hand and a look of desperate hunger in its eyes, was a large yellow...thing... she literally hadn't the foggiest idea as to what this being was. It looked like a giant plush chicken without a beak. It had a red mohawk on its head that looked like a chicken's waddle, with a matching...beard? Trixie was so perplexed by what she was seeing... "MEAT!!" It declared inarticulately. Well...It seems like it is capable of speech at least... The last one she noticed was a considerably normal looking chap compared to the previous two... "...Our future holds a feast..." he said softly. "Hey, come on guys..." Happy pleaded. "...please let me go; I gotta go to the bathroom real bad!" "Who cares?" the goblin scoffed. He turned to the yellow creature. "Cook him!" "MEAT!" it growled menacingly as its staff ignited a fireball at the end. "NOT SO FAST!" Natsu shouted from their vantage point, making them all flinch. "That's our friend you're trying to spit-roast there, pal! you're going to have to make other plans." "Hey, you're wizards aren't you, what guild are you with?" Gray demanded. The Goblin merely grinned and held out a hand; a yellow spell circle flashing above his palm. "I'm not telling." he declared. "SAND STORM: FURY'S TORRANT!". The area around them exploded in howling wind and buffeting sand once more. "Let's do this Gray." Natsu said, preparing to jump down into the fray. "Fine, but don't go telling me what to do..." he shot back. With that, they both charged forward; Natsu plowing through the red coat twins, while Gray front-flipped over the yellow one with surprising ease. The sand storm's wind began to change. "SAND BALL, GO!" the Goblin bellowed. The wind began converging on Natsu. The swirling sand and wind now focused solely on the dragon slayer, lifting him up in the air. "Natsu!" Lucy called, running to his aid, only to be stopped by Gray. "He'll be fine, go help Happy!" he ordered. Lucy nodded and ran over to the cat. "Ah! Help me! Lucy's gonna eat me!" Happy shrieked hysterically. "Oh, shut up, cat!" the blonde snapped. "What am I, chopped liver?!" Trixie demanded as she held out both hands. Purple and silver spell circles appeared at each hand and a barrage of star shaped projectiles fired from each, bombarding the soft-spoken man with the crystal ball, and the yellow one both. "Don't you punks ignore me!" "Pipe down!" The Goblin shot back. That's when Natsu exploded out of his sand prison. "...Uh oh..." "You jerk!" Natsu groused. "Now I have a mouth full of sand and its all your fault!". His fist burst into an intense flame as he launched himself forward. "FIRE DRAGON: IRON FIST!!" ..................................................-BOOM!!!-........................................... The battle was over quickly. The dust had settled and the five of them were tied to the base of a large tree. Natsu, Gray, Trixie and Lucy stood around them when Gray turned to Natsu. "You went a little overboard, don't you think, Natsu?" Natsu, not looking Gray in the eye merely looked off to the side. "Oh, shut up! It got the job done didn't it?" he shot back. "You're an embarrassment to the guild!" Gray spat. "What'd you say, Snowman?!" While Natsu and Gray argued, Trixie joined Lucy, who seemed to be talking to the goblin. "What was that? Lul...?" "...Lul...laby..." he rasped out. "Lullaby?" Trixie and Lucy chorused in confusion. "What's Lullaby?" Trixie asked. Lucy put a finger to her chin. "I don't know..." Trixie looked back over at Natsu and Gray; still arguing...of course...wait- What seemed like a living shadow was barreling toward them. 'Oh great...there's more of them...'. She spun back to the big yellow creature and her eyes flickered with a violet glow. His gnarled staff was enveloped in a matching glow and zoomed to her open hand. She focused her magic into it and a blaze of violet and silver ignited at the end. That's when something strange happened. Her body went into a strange autopilot. some how she knew exactly how to move and how to focus; how to mould her magic. "COMET HAMMER!" She roared, jumping into the air, twirling the staff over her head before swinging the head of the staff down to the ground, creating a small explosion of purple energy. "Aaahhhh! It's Eisenwald!" The goblin shrieked. "Ya gotta untie us, please!" "Look alive boys, we got more visitors!" Trixie barked over to Gray and Natsu. "What?!" they both gasped. The moving shadow charged into the boys, sending them flying The shodow split off into multiple smaller shadows. Three of them shot out of the ground, suddenly becoming three dimensional, and transformed into punching fists. Each one striking at Trixie; one to the stomach, one to the chest and the third struck her square in the jaw. she was sent sprawling sevral feet away. then they wrapped around Lucy's ankles, Hammer tossing her on top of Trixie. "Guaaagghhh! Get off me!" Trixie croaked. "No, NONONONONO!!!" one of the prisoners frantically stammered. The shadows merged together once more, taking the form of a giant hand. The fingers rose out of the ground and engulfed the five of them and pulling them under. Trixie watched in morbid fascination as they all sank into the ground as if the ground beneath them was quicksand. Oh wow, the shadow hand even took a good sized chunk of the tree with them... Lucy slowly climbed off of Trixie as Gray ran up to them. "You girls okay?" he asked. "What was that?" Lucy asked shakily. "Who was that?" Natsu countered, asking what Trixie thought to be the bigger question. "...well, whoever it was, they're fast..." Trixie grumbled. She had to admit, whoever it was, was good at evading persuers, and they reacted quickly to her interferance. "That short guy said it was "Eisenwald". any Idea who that is?" Lucy asked. "I imagine Eisenwald is one of those 'dark guilds' you told us about, right?" Trixie asked Gray. Gray nodded with a sigh. "...well that makes two dark guild run-ins today...man..." This drew Natsu's attention. "Really, you ran into someone else from a dark guild already?" "Yeah, some psycho from 'Blood Diamond'." Gray answered. "Turns out he was the one behind the bandits of Lilac town job..." "Lets just go back to Magnolia before we get dragged into any more fights, okay?" Lucy pleaded. Everyone agreed and Gray and Trixie lead Natsu and Lucy back up to their waiting wagon. Sunset and Luna met them half way. "There you are, what happened?" the redhead asked, concern written all over her face. Trixie, with an annoyed deadpan expression held up one finger. "First, we met up with some of Gray's friends from Fairy Tail..." another finger went up. "...Second, we were attacked by a bunch of lowlife hooligans who tried to mug us for food..." a third finger went up. "...and third, we were attacked again by someone from another one of those 'Dark guilds' that Gray told us about before..." Then Happy piped in. "um...I think it's more accurate to say that the second attacker was there for those other guys rather then us. We were just in the way." He stated matter-of-factually. Sunset stared wide eyed at Happy for a moment. "Oh, My name is Sunset, by the way!" she blurted sticking her hand out. Natsu took it heartily. "My name is Natsu, and this is my partner, Lucy!" he said cheerfully. "...And my name is Happy!" chirped. "My name is Luna, if there are to be introductions." the moon princess greeted with a slight bow. with her new human body, she didn't hold such a prominent height difference over her peers that she had back in Equestria. she couldn't help but find it...refreshing...to be able to look someone in the eye without looking down all the time. "I am pleased to see that none of you are seriously harmed. Will you be accompanying us back to Magnolia, then?" Lucy nodded exasperatedly. "Yeah, I've had my share of excitement for today..." "Yeah...I'd rather get back to town as quick as possible." Gray said warily. "Erza's due back in town any time now, and I'd rather not get caught in her path in my current condition..." Lucy gawked at the nasty looking bruises all over Gray's body. "...oh wow..." she said quietly. Natsu suddenly looked terrified. "What, really?!" "THE Erza?!" Lucy asked with all the youthful exuberance of a total fangirl. "I can't wait to meet her!" she gushed. Then a thoughtful look washed over her face. "Now that I think about it, I've never even seen a picture of her in 'Sorcerer weekly'. What's she like?" Gray's shoulder's drooped. "Let's just get back to the wagon, I'll explain when we're finally moving again..." Sunset noticed a wooden staff in Trixie's hand that she hadn't seen before. "Where'd you get the staff?" Trixie blinked, then looked down to the staff in question. "Oh, that's right; I'd almost forgot about this thing... got it off one of our attackers." She gave it an experimental twirl. It seemed to glimmer with magic energy like stars in the night sky. "It seems to be a catalyst for casting spells..." she chose to leave out the bizarre moment of clarity in which she somehow knew exactly what to do with the blasted thing. Trixie would have to ask Luna or Sunset about it later when they had a little more privacy. The magic of this world works differently then what she was used to... This definitely needed some research and experimentation... "...I think I'll keep it." And so they all made it back to the wagon, Lightning Dust introduced herself and Natsu and Lucy did the same. The latter also heard Lightning Dust's side of their encounter in Lilac Town, and Gray and Natsu regaled their new friends on tales of the 'terrifying and deadly' Erza Scrlet. Of course, Lightning found it far-fetched to the point of being laughable. As well, she found it harder to take the boys seriously the more and more they exaggerated. It wouldn't be long however, before they met Erza in person... ..........................................Magnolia 2 days later........................................... She tromped down the street; a humongous horn held over her head with a single steel gauntleted hand. Her long red hair danced in the breeze. Her Paldrons clinked heavily against her chest plate. After vanquishing a giant cyclops that was attacking a fishing town, the locals were so grateful, they decorated the severed horn for her to take home as a souvenir... Her name was Erza...and her mission was not over; not if the rumors she'd heard were true... She just needed Natsu and Gray to help her...She just needed those two to work together... ........................................................................................................................ "Really? he had the poor guy locked up in a jail cell for three whole years?" Sunset asked incredulously. Lucy had been telling her of her 'job' with Natsu to infiltrate the mansion of some crooked little business tycoon named Everlue who had a book in his possession that they were supposed to destroy. Lucy then went into a lengthy commentary of the terrible things that surrounded its creation. The author had been locked in a jail cell and been forced to write it or else his family would lose their citizenship and be unable to make a living. It turned out That the man had a large list of his other illegal dealings under his belt, and he ended up losing everything from his wardrobe to his estate and everything in between once the Magic Council got wind of the events that transpired. Trixie smirked. "Sounds like karma kicked his teeth in good..." she said loosely. She may not have been an angle, but this Everlue guy sounded like a total scumbag... She took a swig of her drink and looked over to see Wakuba, a man with a pompadour hair style and a very odd practice of casting magic through chain-smoking cigars... this guild was definitely something else...anyway, she saw Wakuba, flirting with Mirajane, a transformation specialist who was easily the kindest woman she's ever met... "So Mira, when are we going to go on a date?" he asked confidently. "Wakuba, there's just one small problem..." with a snap of her fingers, she was enveloped in a pink aura before a cloud of pink smoke swirled around her with a loud pop. "You're already married!" she said cheerfully as she took the form of a larger woman with brown hair and a frilly pink dress. The look of horror on Wakuba's face was priceless as Trixie struggled not to spew her drink in a fit of laughter. Luna was inspecting the Job board when Mira walked over. "If you find a job you're interested in taking, let me know. The master's away for a conference, so I'm filling in." she said with the same cheerful attitude that reminded her of Pinkie Pie, back in Equestria. Mirajane however, was a far more reserved cheerful, and seemed to have adopted the role of a guild wide 'older sister' of sorts. "What sort of conference?" Luna asked. "It's like the Magic Council, but not...basically, the guildmasters all get together to discuss the state of things." Mira explained. "Excuse me, Reedus, may I borrow a Light pen?" Reedus, a man of impossible proportions drew the item from his pocket with a nod. "Oui." he replied. A Light Pen, it turned out, was a magic item that allowed someone to write in thin air... this world was surprising her at every turn with its ingenuity, both practical and quirky... As old as she was, she couldn't help but watch with child like awe and interest as Mirajane proceeded to draw out a diagram to illustrate the politics of the guilds and the magic council, explaining the process all the while. Luna nodded. "So the guilds are all interconnected, that's good, it helps keep everything from falling apart." she summarized. Mira nodded. "That's right, it can be a really stressful job." "Why don't you pick us another job, Lucy?" she heard Natsu ask. she turned to see Lucy glaring at Natsu and Happy. "Why would I wanna do that?" she deadpanned. "Well we are a team, aren't we?" he asked as if the answer should have been obvious. "Yeah, we picked the job last time, so it's your turn now!" Happy cheered. "You'd be better off with someone other then those losers" Gray called over from his spot by Cana. "What'd you say, Snowman?!" Natsu bellowed. "What ever the hell I want, Firecracker!" Gray countered. Luna merely arched an eyebrow. 'really?' she thought. 'this again?' "Lame insults, guys..." Lucy moaned. "Yeah, they run out of ideas sometimes..." Happy drawled. Meanwhile, everyone watching was having a good laugh at their antics. This however, was short lived as the resident heart throb, Loke, burst through the front door. "BAD NEWS!!" he shouted. "It's Erza...she's on her way here!" The whole room erupted in panicked murmuring. "Wow, just mention Erza's name and everyone freaks out." Lightning Dust mused from her place at the bar. Then the room went deathly silent. heavy foot steps were heard as they clomped ever closer. Everyone whispered quietly amongst themselves. Sunset decided to stand up and wait as a looming figure walked in the doorway. A young woman who didn't seem much older then herself with a massive horn held above her head with a single hand. Her relaxed expression suggesting that she was barely putting any effort into lifting it. Sunset took a couple steps forward, drawing the woman's attention. "Uh...hi. do you...need any help with that?" she asked awkwardly. The armored woman took a moment to look at her. "I have it well in hand, thank you." she said casually. The armored woman effortlessly set down her new trophy with such force That Sunset would have sworn the floor would collapse under it with how loud the heavy thud was. Then she turned to address Mirajane. "I have returned; where is Master Makarov?" Mira simply greeted her with her usual smile. "Welcome back, Erza. The master is away on conference right now." Erza didn't seem fazed at all. "I see..." "Impressive trophy." Luna said, clearly impressed that she even brought it all the way back from...where ever it was that she got it... "What manner of beast did it come from?" Erza turned to Luna with a curious look in her eye. "It was a cyclops that I defeated. the locals were so grateful that they decorated it up for me to take home..." "To slay a beast of such magnitude...You are living up to your reputation miss Erza. My name is Luna Solaris, It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Luna offered with a bow. Erza smiled. "The pleasure is mine. It's always wonderful to see new faces around the guild." Her expression then went hard and cold. "Now listen up!" everyone else in the room flinched. "While I was on the road, I heard a few things. Rumor is Fairy Tail has been causing nothing but trouble as of late." her glare intensified. "Master Makarov may not care, but I most certainly do." she whipped around to face Cana, whose face was obscured by the keg she drank from. "Cana, you need to start controlling your drinking!" the drinking woman now sat stalk still with a look as if she had just looked death in the face. "Vijator, please take the dancing outside!" The young man wearing a black bodysuit who, for some reason, was always dancing, flinched in terror. "Mab! I suspected I'd find you dawdling in front of the request board. Just hurry up and PICK A JOB!" She then turned to Macao, an older member of the guild who wore a white trench coat and used a strange variation of fire magic. the man flinched at the eye-contact. "Macao!" she sighed warily as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. "...I don't even know where to start..." Trixie and Lucy stared in awe. "...wow, she's really tearing into everybody...it's almost like she's taking over." Lucy said in amazement. "Yeah, no kidding..." Trixie nodded in agreement. Erza spoke once more. "Are Natsu and Gray here?" The two boys in question put up obviously fake and terrified smiles. "Oh, hey Erza, we're just hanging out like buddies do...heheheh...." Gray stammered. "Aye!" Natsu chimed in. both of them were already sweating bullets. Lucy now had no idea what was going on. "...why is Natsu talking like Happy?" "Isn't it obvious?" Lightning Dust smarmed. "She clearly has their balls in her purse." she smirked at her little joke before taking another drink. "Oh, they're both terrified of her, because Natsu challenged her to a fight and she beat him up pretty bad." Mira chirped. "Then she found Gray walking around naked so she decided to beat him up too." "Like I said...she's got their balls in her purse..." Lightning Dust said once more. Erza nodded; a satisfied smile on her face. "Good. I'm pleased to see you two getting along so well." she said. Cana and Macao smirked. "Then she beat up Loke for trying to hit on her..." Cana jeered. Macao merely chuckled at the memory. "Yeah...not surprised in the slightest..." Trixie deadpanned as she remembered her own first experience with him. "Can't say I blame her..." Lucy agreed. The two girls had become quick friends at the agreement that they both found the heartthrob more obnoxious then charming... "Natsu, Gray, I need you to do me a favor." Erza said drawing everyone's attention once more. "While I was traveling, I heard a few things that have me worried. Normally I'd consult with the master before acting, but he's not here, and this is a matter of utmost urgency..." Trixie and Lucy stared as they listened in. "...wow, this looks serious..." Lucy whispered, getting a nod from Trixie and Luna both. "The two of you are the strongest wizards here and I could really use your help." Erza continued. Her words hit Natsu and Gray like the front grill of a train going at full speed. they both did a double take before turning to face each other for a brief moment. Even Mirajane was slack jawed. It seemed even to the woman who would just brush off a bar brawl as another day in the office, had never seen this coming. "...did that...did that really just happen?" the room had once more erupted in murmuring; this time, it was bewilderment. "We'll meet at the train station tomorrow morning..." Erza said, blissfully unaware of how surreal this development seemed to all the others in the room. "Natsu, Gray and Erza?" Mira asked more to herself then anyone else. "working together as a team?" she continued, still trying to wrap her head around what just happened. "...This could be the strongest team Fairy Tail has ever seen..." ....................................The Next Day: Magnolia Train Station........................... "Rrrraaaaaaaagggggghhhhhhh!!!" Natsu roared. "I hate this! having to work with you is the worst thing ever!" "Yeah, tell me about it. Erza made a huge mistake asking a loser like you to come along!" Gray shot back. the two were once again glaring disdainfully at each other; Their magic energies blazing in auras around them, red and orange for Natsu, and blue for Gray. Trixie and Lucy sat close by on a station bench. Lucy cradled what looked like a living snowman...apparently it was one of her 'Celestial Spirits' that she can summon to fight with her in a jam. while this one was generally harmless and she kept him around because he was cute and cuddly. She stared awkwardly at the ground in front of her. "...let's just sit here and pretend we don't know them..." Trixie, for her part was quite adept at pretending that she wasn't paying attention, as she sat in a relaxed manner reading a magazine. "Maybe Erza will show up without them noticing and give them a thrashing so we can get on with whatever she needs our help with..." she mused, her eyes never straying from her page. "It'll be a huge pain if this becomes a regular thing with these two..." Happy, who was sitting with them was simply enjoying a fish that he brought with him. "What made you decide to come with us?" he asked over the fish in his mouth. Lucy sighed. "Mirajane asked us to tag along..." ...........................................Flashback.................................. Moments after Erza had said her piece and left, Natsu and Gray were once again at each other's throats, glaring and seething. "They're hopeless..." Lucy groaned. Their ti raid against each other, was cut off as Trixie stepped between them, taking a firm hold of their ears as she pushed them apart. '"OW! owowowowowow!" they both wailed. "KNOCK. IT. OFF!!" Trixie screeched before bringing her hands behind the heads and cracked them together violently. They both groaned in protest. "Stop your whining, that's more Gentle then what Erza would have done!" She then went back to her seat and downed her drink with a scowl on her face. "Nicely done!" Mira chirped. "Hey, those two are going to be in each other's faces whenever Erza's not looking, so I'd like you two to go with them and keep them in line, okay?" "WHAT?!" Lucy shrieked. "I'd better get something out of this..." Trixie grumbled. .....................................End Flashback............................... "...you're not doing a very good job..." Happy stated. "They're hopeless, what can I say...?" was Lucy's response. That's when Erza arrived. "Sorry I'm Late..." she greeted. "...have you been waiting long?" Trixie looked up and her eyes went wide at the sight of all the luggage that Erza was towing behind her, but said nothing. "Oh no, It's gyah!" Lucy trailed off in mid-sentence at the sight as well. Seriously, what could she need with all that stuff? "It's time to go, good buddy!" Gray cheered comically. "Aye, hahahah!" Natsu replied with an equally comical tone. "Good, I love to see you getting along..." Erza said with a soft smile. then she turned to see Trixie and Lucy. "...and what were your names? I believe I saw you at the guild yesterday...?" "Oh, I'm Lucy, I just recently joined." the blond girl greeted. "I got in with a commendation from Natsu!" Erza's smile brightened. "Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, I heard you beat a vulcan on your first job. It'll be great having a wizard of your skill with us." "...and I'm Trixie. Trixie Lulamoon. I got in with a commendation from Gray." Trixie greeted casually. "You've already met the first half of my team, Luna and Sunset..." she offered her hand, which Erza took happily. Trixie now sported a new outfit that consisted of a sky blue tanktop with her familiar magic wand insignia on the front, black jeans and her familiar blue boots. Blue and purple fedora and dark sunglasses completed her new look. "Yeah...since we're new in Fairy tail, Mira said we should tag along and see if we can learn a few things. I hope that's alright with you...?" Erza smiled. "Of course. The more, the merrier." Natsu finally decided to drop the 'BFF' act with gray and speak up. "Hey Erza, I'll help you out, but on one condition!" he declared. Gray looked mortified. "Shut up, man!" Erza quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Well, let's hear it then." "When we get back to Fairy Tail, I want a rematch!" Natsu said, a fire od determination in his eyes. "I'm a lot stronger then I was last time, and this time it's going to be different because I'm going to beat you!" "You got a deathwish?!" Gray demanded. Erza closed her eyes. "hmm..." she said thoughtfully. "...It's clear that you have improved..." she granted. "...whether it's enough to beat me, however...that remains to be seen..." Erza looked back up at Natsu with an almost malevolent look in her eye. "...very well. I accept your challenge." "Yeah! I'm fired up!!" He roared triumphantly as his body burst into flame. Soon after, their train departed. what was this task that Erza had enlisted their assistance for? only time would tell... ................Elsewhere...In the secret headquarters of the dark guild "Blood Diamond" ......... Lazaro stood in front of the guildmaster. he was seething. "...to think that you were ousted by some Fairy Tail whelps...shameful." The guild master, Marik, said calmly. though anyone else in Blood Diamond knew that when Marik spoke in such a calm fashion in regards to a failure, there was always venon in his intent... "what have you to say for yourself, Lazaro?" The masked man glared back his superior. "...They got a lucky shot..." he growled. "Next time, they won't get so lucky..." Marik's eyes narrowed. "...see that you make their deaths painful..." he said coldly. Their conversation was interrupted by a sultry female voice. "Perhaps I could provide you an opportunity, gentlemen..." The two of them spun around to face the intruder. "Who are you?!" Marik demanded. "and how did you find this place?!" The intruder, a young woman garbed in black and red with a similar mask to Lazaro's except hers was a featureless surface with eye slots that held only empty blackness. Across the right eyeslot, a blood red crescent moon was etched into the mask. "...A kindred spirit, I assure you." she said with a laugh. "you see... I'm quite familiar with the group that foiled your mission...which I am guessing was for the purpose of aquiring this?" she offered reaching under her black cloak and pulling out a piece of paper. "The deed to one "Crichton Silver Mine"...?" Lazaro glared at the woman. "How did you get that?!" he bellowed. Once again, she merely laughed it off. "...by happy coincidence, I happened upon it during the raid..." "...and the original owner...?" Marik asked. She smiled under her mask, and blood seemed to gush out through the cracks in the tile floor at her feet, forming a large puddle. The blood seemed to ripple before a skull rose from it, still stained red from being submerged. "...He tasted quite delicious..." she said huskily. "...so did his family..." It was Lazaro's turn to smile under his mask. "...you said you had an offer of sorts...did you not...?" "Why, yes I did..." she said, holding out the deed. "...Consider this the payment for my request..." Marik took the deed and smiled. "...What did you have in mind...?" Author's Note phew! sorry for the long wait again, guys. things have been pretty hectic for me lately. But there it is, Chapter five! Their team up with Gray was happening during the whole "Duke Everlue Mansion" job that Natsu and Lucy took, in case it wasn't clear, but I'm pretty sure it was. Whatever... As well, we got a brief showcase of Trixie's new abilities, and we'll see more as The Eisenwald arc continues, and before you ask, No. I didn't forget to have them ask again about Sombra. They legitimately forgot to bring it back up once Erza became the topic of discussion, and it will be addressed again, so be patient. I promise, I'll try and answer questions without giving away the whole plot line too early. Also, the mysterious woman from the last chapter has returned! ...and the plot thickens! More will be revealed in the next chapter. Corrupted Champion out! The Rise Of EisenwaldThe Rise Of Eisenwald Trixie continued to read her issue of 'Sorcerers Weekly' across the isle from the others when Gray looked at Erza. "I think it's about time you started filling us in on the details..." he said quietly. "...what kind of mission have we signed up for?" "Yes, of course." Erza said with a nod. "You see, I have reason the dark guild Eisenwald is preparing to do something big, and it has something to do with a magic item called 'Lullaby'..." she began. This drew all their eyes to her. Lucy gasped at the name, and Trixie snapped her gaze to the armored woman. she recognized that name from their run in with the muggers before... "Lullaby?" Trixie, Lucy and Gray chorused at once. "That thing from before?" Lucy asked. Erza narrowed her eyes at them, silently demanding what they were talking about. They recounted their fight with the muggers and then the living shadow that had attacked them afterward. ....................................THE DARK GUILD EISENWALD............................ Four figures walking at a purposeful pace left the looming gateway of the Eisenwald guild hall. "I hear Kageyama finally got back to us..." one of them said. "He says he's actually found it!" The leader, a man with a large scythe resting on his shoulder turned to face the other one slowly. He wore little other then the tattered hakama trousers simple sandles and navy blue scarf that consisted of his attire. the rest of his body was covered in tattoos. "...The moment of truth has arrived, gentlemen..." he said with a dark finality that was accentuated by the sadistic smile and the demented glee in his eyes. "...That means we're one step closer to achieving our goals... The guildmasters will be too busy holding their conference to realize what's hit them..." ................................................................................................................. At some point during the train ride, Natsu and Lucy had traded places so Natsu was sitting beside Erza, who gave him a swift punch in the gut; effectively knocking him out... "I see..." Erza said, nodding in understanding. "So you've had a run in with the Eisenwald guild before...?" "Well I'm not positive, but they did mention Lullaby... I think they might have been runaways who didn't want anything to do with what they were planning..." "...So this thing is so bad it scares dark wizards?" Trixie asked across the way, getting a nod from Erza.. "I've had experience with a similar such thing..." she muttered. Gray was silent for a moment before speaking up. "That reminds me...Eisenwald isn't the only dark guild run in I've had recently..." Lucy nodded. "That's right, you mentioned before that the bandits from your job in Lilactown was being led by a guy from..." she furrowed her brow for a moment. "...It was Blood Diamond, wasn't it?" Gray nodded. "That's right, it was some freaky masked guy named Lazaro." he confirmed. Erza did a double take. "Lazaro Sarabaas?!" Erza asked urgently. "You fought him and survived?" She couldn't hide her amazement. Gray shrugged. "...well, I wasn't actually alone when I fought him..." he admitted. "... I had a lot of help from Trixie and her team; Plus, we got a lucky shot. That's all..." "I imagine he'll be back..." Trixie wagered. "...and mad as a hornet at that." Erza held a thoughtful look for a moment. "...Well, back on topic... I'm only hypothesizing...but I believe that the one who dragged off your attackers must have been from Eisenwald...It's clear that they didn't want their plans getting out..." "Yeah, one of them seemed to know exactly who their attacker was..." Trixie recalled. The image of the Goblin's terrified expression and his frantic words flashed across her mind. '...It's Eisenwald! ya gotta untie us...!' she recalled. "what do you think they're going to try?" Lucy asked. "Let me start at the beginning." Erza said calmly. "I was on my way back to the guild when I'd stopped at a pub in Onibas that was a known gathering place for wizards and gossip..." ............................................................................................................ "Hey, hurry it up, Bartender!" a voice called out from behind her, drawing her attention to a group of four or five at a table in the corner. "Let's get another round over here!" Erza discreetly watched over her shoulder at them as their conversation continued. "Hey, take it easy man." another one said. "How can I?!" the first one asked; his tone was harsh with irritation! "We finally figured out where Lullaby is hidden, and we can't do anything! ...and because of some seal?!" A third one spoke. "Hey, keep it down, man..." he said in a harsh whisper. "Don't sweat it guys." the fourth said coolly. "...Let me handle this one." He said standing up from his chair. the third one spoke again. "You sure Kage?" he asked, his deep voice wavering a little. The notion made him nervous. "You gonna be okay on your own?" the second one asked. "I got this." 'Kage' said confidently. "You guys just go back to the guild and tell Erigor that I'll be coming back with Lullaby in three days." Erigor...where had she heard that name before...? ............................................................................................... "Lulluby? that's a song that you sing kids to sleep...?" Lucy asked; a theory forming in her head, but she wouldn't say anything until she was sure. "Yes...and the fact that it had been sealed away would mean that it is very powerful, and very dangerous magic..." Erza answered grimly; Natsu not paying attention as he was practically comatose next to her... "Are you positive the guys you saw at the pub were with Eisenwald?" Gray asked. Trixie saw the self berating look in Erza's eyes before she spoke. "...Yes..." she said barely above a whisper. "...I can't believe I was such a fool that day..." She looked down at her hand and clenched a fist. "I hadn't recognized the name at first..." she said grimly. "...Erigor... 'The Ace Of Eisenwald'...known for only accepting assassination missions...which is how he came to be better known as 'Erigor The Reaper'" "He kills for money?!" Lucy asked in horror, getting a nod from Erza. "...When the magic council outlawed assassination requests, Eisenwald and the other dark guilds decided money was more important then the council's rules." Erza explained. "As a result they were kicked out of their wizards' league six years ago; but that hasn't stopped them. They disobey the orders and remain active to this day..." Lucy was terrified. Trixie couldn't deny, this group sounded more then a little intimidating... "Okay...I really should be going back home, now..." Lucy whimpered, hugging her little snowman spirit into her chest a little tighter then before. "Wow, Lucy's slimy all of a sudden." Happy chirped. "It's sweat, FURBALL!" she hissed... Trixie, Lucy and Gray all flinched as Erza brought her fist down...on the side of Natsu's head... "How could I have been so careless?" Erza seethed. "...If only i had recognized Erigor's name that day, I could have pulverized them; forced them to reveal their plans to me." "Gray was thoughtful throughout Erza's explanation. "So, if I got this right, Eisenwald is planning something with this Lullaby, and after what you overheard, you're pretty sure it's going to be something bad...?" he summarized. "That's right, I have no notion of taking on an entire dark guild by myself..." Erza confirmed, Trixie who had been silently listening the whole time, finally spoke up. "That's all well and good, but are we supposed to do about it? what's the plan here?" Trixie asked. Erza now held a determined fire in her eyes. "This is the reason I had asked for your help; ...we're going to storm the Eisenwald guild..." Lucy looked even more terrified, while Gray grinned. "Sounds like fun to me." he agreed. "Maybe we can rescue those prisoners while we're at it...?" Trixie mused aloud. "It is possible; we'll just have to see." Erza granted with a smile. ............................................Later......................................... The rest of their train ride consisted of banter and small talk until they transferred to another train, bound for Onibas, where Erza had overheard the Eisenwald guys. This time, they decided to order some lunchboxes for something to eat. They happily ate their food when a thought occurred to Lucy. "Oh, by the way, what kind of magic do you use, Erza?" the Celestial wizard asked. Trixie had to admit, she was curious as well. "An excellent question." Erza stated casually. "Its a really pretty magic that she uses to make her enemies bleed; A LOT!" Happy cheered. Erza shrugged. "...personally, I think Gray's magic is much more beautiful then mine..." Lucy looked over at Gray expectantly. Gray smirked and placed a fist down across an open palm and the room seemed to instantly get a little colder as a three dimensional Fairy Tail guild mark appeared in his hand and floated over to Lucy. "I use Ice Make magic." He stated simply. "Oh, Now I get it!" Lucy beamed. "You don't like each other because he's fire and you're ice; talk about not mixing well..." "I never thought of that..." Erza mused aloud at the notion. Gray shook his head. "...Nah, I just hate his guts..." he said, completely missing the cocked eyebrow on Erza's face. Trixie just smirked as she imagined Erza threatening to toss him out of the train. ...........................................Onibas Station.......................................... "Do you think the Eisenwald guys are still in town?" Gray asked. Trixie considered the question as well. It was unlikely if she were any judge... "I have no idea..." Erza confessed. "That's what we're here to find out..." "Well, even if they aren't, they will have left a trail for us to follow..." Trixie stated. "What makes you say that?" Lucy asked. "...Ego..." was Trixie's simple reply. "huh?" Lucy tilted her head quizzically. "They don't want their plans to go completely undisturbed..." Trixie clarified. She then turned to Erza. "If I were to guess, they knew you were there that day at the pub...and they deliberately leaked that info to you, knowing you'd act on it." she brought a finger to her chin. "...So they could lead us into some kind of trap, beat us, and have an audience while doing so." "I see..." Erza said quietly. "How do you know this...?" Trixie's face darkened, and she looked away; unable to meet their gaze. "...because...I wasn't always on the up and up... I used to do such things all the time... just to stroke my ego.". After a moment of uncomfortable silence, she looked back up at them. "...that's how I know... I doubt they're interested in any kind of physical reward if this Lullaby is really as dangerous as you're making it out to be." "...So apart from whatever their goal is, They're also trying to put themselves up on a pedestal as a cut above the other dark guilds..." Gray deduced. "Hey, where's Natsu?" Lucy asked, bringing their conversation to a halt. "Oh, he...was...right behind me when we were...leaving the...train..." Trixie trailed off as she saw the train they were on, already in the distance. "OH, COME ON!!!" "...We were so busy talking that I completely forgot about him!" Erza lamented. "This is all my fault! Natsu hates all forms of transportation!" She clenched a fist and her eyes snapped shut. "I need one of you to hit me for my penance!" she declared. Lucy was horrified. "I think that might be a little much..." she said, whilst Gray pretended not to pay attention when- -SMACK!!- Trixie swatted Erza in the back of the head. "...Remember, you asked for it...literally." she stated nonchalantly. Lucy and Gray just stared, dumbstruck as Trixie kept walking. ........................................Back on the train................................. Natsu was groggy as he pushed himself up to a sitting position. His stomach and head screamed at him in protest to get off this stupid train. "...well well, looky here." a new voice said from somewhere ahead of him. "...It's a Fairy Tail wizard." this new voice sounded pleasant enough. "How's the guild life, these days? Is it worth stickin' around?" he asked. Natsu finally looked up to see a young man, about his age, casually leaning against the bench just ahead of him. "...Huh...?" he croaked weakly. he was a slim looking guy wearing a white coat similar to Gray's. light blue pants and black shoes finished his wardrobe. -CRASH!- Before Natsu could react, the newcomer had rammed his foot into his face, pressing him into the back of the bench he sat on. "Don't act all high and mighty just because you're in a legal guild 'Mister Fairy'!" he barked. "...You guys who blindly follow the magic counsil, ya know what you look like to us? INSECTS! that's all. Just weak, insignificant flies!" This set Natsu off. His fists burst into flame as he took a quick swing at his attacker, though he jumped back skillfully. "Oopsie, guess I hit a nerve, hahaha!" he chuckled "Why you-" Natsu trailed off as his nausea returned with a vengeance. extinguishing his fire instantly. "Ha! what kind of magic is that?!" he demanded. "Let me show you how it's done!" He brought his hand down on the ground, and his shadow seemed to come alive. It snaked out from him, springing fourth, and taking three dimensional form and striking the fire wizard in rapid succession. Natsu flew back several feet and slammed hard into the floor. "It's all in the follow-through." he taunted. Natsu struggled to get back up. He'd seen this before... he remembered the living shadow magic from when they were attacked a few days ago... "That magic..." he wheezed. He was about to say something when suddenly the train's brakes squealed as it slowed to a stop. It happened so suddenly that he was lurched off his feet and sprawling forward. "Whoa!" he blurted out as he tumbled to the floor. That's when Natsu saw it. He wasn't sure what it was, but if he had to guess, he'd say it was some creepy novelty flute. .........................................Back at Onibas Station.................................. "Hey, You can't just pull the emergency brake like that!" A hysterical station worker yelped. "It's for our comrade, please understand..." Erza replied calmly. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" he demanded. "Now, I'd like you to take our luggage to the hotel..." Erza requested. "I AM NOT A BELLHOP!!!" he shouted indignantly. Trixie and Lucy watched the scene unfold in bewildered embarrassment. "...Ya know, I'm starting to realize that all Fairy Tail wizards are just a little bit crazy..." "...Well, not ALL of us..." Gray chimed in...in nothing but his boxers. "OH YEAH, THEN WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES?!" Lucy bellowed while Trixie just placed her glasses on the brim of her hat and face palmed. ............................................Back on the Train.................................. Natsu kept looking at the flute. "What is that...?" he wondered aloud. "No! he saw it!" his attacker paniced. That's enough outta you!" Natsu declared. His fists exploded in flames once more, and this time this punk wouldn't have the train's motion to save him... "FIRE DRAGON: IRON FIST!!" "GUARD SHADOW!!" his opponent called, and once again, the shadows rose from the ground, this time to form a protective wall in front of him. -KABOOM!- The roof exploded off the train car. thankfully, no one else had been in that car... .................................................................................................... The engine roared as the magic mobile sped down the dirt road. Gray frantically struggled to hold on to the roof of the vehicle while Lucy rode in the back and Trixie, having refused to enter the contraption while Erza was 'driving like a psychopath' as she put it, was being towed behind the vehicle with a heavy rope while floating on a large star shaped mass of magic that she stood on top of. One could argue that this was just as, if not more risky then being inside the vehicle should it meet a sudden untimely demise, but she would rather be able to let go of the rope if Erza's crazy driving sent them cartwheeling down the rather steep hills that surrounded them. Her telekinesis was quite capable of grasping the falling magic mobile and lifting them back up to safety on the condition that she wasn't caught up in an uncontrollable sixty mile an hour vertical cartwheel... Needless to say, she didn't trust Erza after seeing her squeal around the corner, scoop Lucy into the back and call for them to grab on, all without stopping... That was the reason as to why Gray was on the roof rather then safe inside. ............................................................................................... "Attention: this emergency stop was a false alarm..." the voice of a stewardess announced over the P.A. system. "...we will be departing again shortly..." Natsu went pale. "Oh, crap!" he wailed as he grabbed for his backpack. "I gotta get outta here!" "Now hold on!" his attacker demanded. "You and I aren't done here yet! No one crosses Eisenwald and gets away with it!" Natsu glared back. "Oh, so you're with Eisenwald are ya? I'll show you what happens to punks who knock FairyTail..." he growled. That's when the train began moving again. "Oh no!" he squeaked, his nausea hitting him like a steamroller. ...................................................................................................... They had finally caught up with the train, and Erza finally slowed her pace to match the train's speed. "Natsu!" Lucy called, her head out the window, trying to find him in the train. As if on Que, Natsu blasted his way out of a window, sailing toward them. "AAAaaahhhhhhhh!" he screamed. "Oh craaaaaaa-" Gray shouted, but was cut off when they crashed into each other in an unintentional high-speed headbutt. Trixie let go of her rope and tried to catch Natsu and Gray. They were coming at her pretty fast. Her floating star platform now going at a considerably slower speed then the magic mobile, she was able to concentrate on grasping them with her mind. Her eyes flickered and began to shine with a pale violet glow as she held out her hands as if to grab them physically. The same violet glow enveloped the both; it was faltering, but there. They rolled across what seemed like an invisible barrier a few feet above the ground, but did not impact. finally she managed to steady them and set them down gently. Having to concentrate this hard on both her telekinesis and her platform star was beginning to give her a mean headache. "You okay, boys?" she asked, breathing heavily. "...been better..." Gray groaned. "...Ow..." Natsu replied. ..............................about fifteen minutes later........................... Gray glared at Natsu. Natsu glared back. "THAT HURT YOU IDIOT!!" Gray roared. Natsu wasn't having it. "Shut up you icy freak! how come you guys left me on the train?!" "Does being on any form of transport really leave you so defenseless?" Trixie asked. Natsu paused when he noticed her tone. it wasn't a judging tone, it was one of concern. "...Yeah...had that problem since I was a kid..." "Either way, I'm glad you're okay." Erza said warmly looking like she was about to hug him when she...sort of hugged him by pressing his face into her chest plate, eliciting a grimace from Trixie, Lucy and Gray as his face slammed into it with a loud clang. "Please forgive me..." "...aye..." he squeaked. Natsu pulled back. "I'm a little shaken up, though." he confessed. "I was attacked on the train...some weirdo dressed in white. I think he was the one who used that shadow magic to drag away the guys who were gonna eat happy..." he turned to Erza. "...he said he was with Eisenwald-" -SMACK!!- A hard impact from Erza's gauntlet-less hand sent Natsu tumbling to the ground. Lucy, Gray and Trixie once again flinched as she struck him... "YOU FOOL!!" Erza roared. "That is exactly who we are chasing after! Why did you let him get away!?" Natsu, now very confused, merely rubbed his tender cheek. "What? that's the first I've heard of it..." he defended lamely. "We talked about it on the train ride here, you should listen when people are talking to you!" Erza lectured. "...she completely forgot that she knocked him out herself didn't she...?" Trixie whispered to Gray. "This woman is unbelievable..." Lucy said with a sigh. "...yup..." was Gray's solitary reply. "That's Erza for you!" Happy chirped. ............................Five minutes later.................................. Erza slapped the S.E. plug back on her wrist and readied the magic mobile. "...So he was on the same train as we were..." she said. "...we need to find him." Gray looked at Natsu. "So, what was this guy like?" he asked, genuinely curious. "He didn't look like a guy you'd expect to be in a dark guild, but he had this weird looking flute thing." Natsu recalled thoughtfully. "...On the end, it looked like a skull, but it had three eyes." "...That's creepy..." Gray muttered while Trixie nodded in agreement. "A three eyed skull?" Lucy asked, a little alarmed. Trixie arched an eyebrow. "...ringing a bell, is it?" she asked. All this talk of evil artifacts was starting to put Trixie in a dark mood, and it was showing in her tone a little more then she had intended. "...It's just...I've heard of that flute before..." Lucy said nervously. Erza was backing up in the magic mobile as Lucy continued. "...Lullaby: The cursed song... it's death magic!" "What?!" Erza snapped her gaze to the blond. It was safe to say that everyone's attention was now undivided on Lucy. "The cursed song? like some kind of incantation?" Gray asked. It was clear in both his expression and his tone that he didn't like where this was going. Trixie certainly didn't... "I've only ever read about it in a book before...but in this world there are magics that are so terrible that their practice is outlawed at the highest degree..." Lucy explained. Erza nodded, a dark frown across her features. "...that's right... cursed black magic that will kill the one it's used on..." "well, if I'm right..." Lucy was clearly getting very shaken over the notion as she spoke. "...Then lullaby is among the worst of the worst..." .........................................Kunugi Station.......................................... A woman screamed at the top of her lungs as a man was cut down before her eyes. A train station worker now lay dead at the feet of the notorious 'Erigor the Reaper'; A dark scowl on his face, and murder burning in his eyes. "This train belongs to Eisenwald now!" he declared. The Eisenwald Guild then began ransacking the train; for what, no one else knew. "Get everything off the train!" he barked. "Luggage, the conductor, ALL OF IT! If anyone dares to defy us then kill them all!" he roared, unaware that they had an observer watching them from just around the corner, completely unseen in the chaos. ............................................................................................................... By happy coincidence, Lazaro Sarabaas had been passing through when he'd spotted the Eisenwald guild. Another member of the "Shadow Hand Syndicate" as their alliance had been called. There was a few small time dark guilds in their alliance, but Eisenwald and Blood Diamond were the major players. He couldn't help but smile as he observed and wondered what they were up to... Perhaps they'd be interested in a joint venture when their current little...what ever it was they were planning... was completed. Their new benefactor had graciously given them a silver mine as payment and so they'd be doing jobs for her for a while yet, with the promise that there would be greater rewards if they stuck with her to help her carry out her goals as she revealed them. she was rather quiet on her endgame, but she said that eradicating the magic council and a select few of the legal guilds, master and all, was an integral part of her plan... He smiled under his mask as he couldn't help but wonder how long they would take to notice him, he wasn't exactly subtle to spot... .................................................................................................. "Well, look who's here." The voice of Kageyama drew Erigor's attention to a train car a little further down from his position. "Kageyama..." Erigor greeted calmly. "...I heard you were coming back aboard this train. There's quite a bit of wreckage here, care to explain what happened?" his tone demanded answers, and Erigor wasn't a man who liked to be kept waiting... Kageyama only smiled. "Oh, come on. Aren't you the least bit interested to see what I brought back with me?" he asked reaching into his jacket and pulling out the Lullaby flute; distinguished by the three eyed skull. "I finally managed to break the seal." he said, a dark smle on his face. "Excellent." Erigor said with a smile of his own. "Oh yeah!" one of them said. Apart from the odd pharoh-style headdress on his head, he wore a simple, unassuming navy blue suit. "Is that it?" another asked. he was a much larger fellow who wore a red jacket reminiscent of nobility or military. "Yes, this is it, men...the forbidden lullaby!" Erigor declared triumphantly. "At first it was a tool for casting simple death curses... simple but limited..." his grin grew as he spoke, almost reverently, of it. "...But then the dark wizard Zaref transformed it into a demon flute." Erigor was now grinning ear to ear with psychotic glee. "...Now its song will kill thousands! MILLIONS!" He raved. Erigor's ravings were cut short as a voice familiar to him rang out. "Ah, so that's what Eisenwald has been up to lately!". All heads turned to see a man walking towards the white haired assassin. A man in a tattered coat and a white mask with blood seeping from the eyes and mouth; Lazaro Sarabaas. "...You boys have something big planned I imagine, eh?" "Indeed!" Erigor greeted. "It's been a while, Lazaro." Erigor held out the lullaby flute. "...We have something special planned for the guild masters at their conference...I don't suppose you'd care to join the fun?" Lazaro brought a finger to his chin. "...hmm..." having them owe Blood diamond would certainly help in the long run... Oh who was he kidding? Of course he was in! "...Yes...I believe I shall, and perhaps when this is done, Eisenwald would like to Join Blood diamond in something rather special...?" "Intriguing...we'll discuss it further in a moment..." Erigor said with a nod before turning back to Kageyama... .................................................................................................................... Gray was once again frantically grasping the roof of the magic mobile, this time because the cab was completely full up with people, being Natsu, Lucy, and Trixie, who had opted to ride in the car this time as she didn't want to risk burning herself out with a repeat of earlier... "Slow down Erza!" Gray shouted over the sound of the engine. "If you keep this up, you'll burn through all your magic energy before we even get there!" "We can't take any chances!" Erza called back. "If Eisenwald gets too far ahead of us, then we won't be able to stop what ever they have planned!" "...And Lives will be lost..." Trixie finished in disgust. A scowl on her face. ..........................................The Town Of Clover........................................ "Oh, I am so jelous Macky." A large man dressed in vibrant pink swooned. "They're so full of life, and they're such cutie pies!" This was Bob. the guild master of the Blue Pegasus guild. Many are always surprised to find out that yes, he is a man and not an overweight woman... many of the other guild masters often make jokes about how effeminate he is, and he rolls with them surprisingly well. "Oh, you mean Lucy?" Makarov Drayar inquired, inebriation slurring his speech slightly. "...Yeah, she's one of our newest recruits, and she's got a body that won't quit!" he declared. "...Trixie and Sunset are up there too! heeheehee!" "Oh, so naughty!" Bob gushed, covering his face with his hands. "I wouldn't be joking around too much if I were you..." a gruff voice said from the buffet table. It's source, a man wearing a simple black t-shirt and a wizard hat with a spiked red band around it, with a matching collar around his neck. This was Goldmine; the master of the Quatro Cerberus Guild. "Your wizards may be spirited, but ya gotta admit, they go overboard sometimes." he pointed at Makarov with the kebab in his hand to emphasize his point. "...Some folks are concerned that your wizards will level an entire city if they aren't careful... Can't say I blame them." Makarov shrugged it off. "Bah, let them worry; what do I care?" he laughed. "Their just jelous 'cause my wizards are HOT!!" "Oh, Macky." Bob gushed once more. "You shouldn't talk about your wizards like that, you're such a scoundrel!" Master Makarov! Mail for Master Makarov!" a high pitched voice chirped. A small blue bird with a wizard's hat flew over to them with a letter in its tiny talons. "I have a letter from miss Mirajane, sir!" it chirped again. "Oh, thanks a lot..." Makarov replied. "No problem!" the bird chirped before flying away. Makarov traced his finger around the ink seal on the envelope and a blue spell-circle flashed over it for a brief moment. A projection of Mirajane herself appeared in the spell circle's place. "Hello Master" the projection greeted. "I'm glad you made it to the conference safe and sound." Makarov held out the envelope for all to see. "See? this beauty's our poster girl Mirajane! Grab some eye candy boys!" he laughed. "Ooh La la..." Bob appraised. While many would call Bob's sexuality into question, even he would never deny a woman's beauty. Goldmine whistled. "That's Mirajane? I haven't seen her in a good while, she sure has matured..." "Oh Master, you're not gonna believe it!" the projection of Mirajane cheered. "Something amazing has happened! It may be the most amazing thing in the history of Fairy Tail!" Makarov blinked. "Really?" he asked incredulously. What could possibly be so... "Natsu, Erza and Gray have all teamed up together! Isn't that amazing? They are probably the most powerful team in all of Fairy Tail!" No... No...no... "I'm sorry to other you, Master, but I just had to tell you the amazing news!" "...Not...those three..." he wheezed. "See you soon Master!" The projection chirped before vanishing in a little flash. How could this happen? How could this be allowed to happen?! "Those three really COULD destroy an entire city!" Makarov whimpered. "The conference ends today, so I can be back at Fairy Tail by tomorrow afternoon, I just hope nothing crazy happens between now and then...Oh, please let nothing happen..." .................................................................................................................. "I can understand hijacking cars or boats, but why go through all the trouble of stealing a train?" Lucy asked. Happy was looking out at the chaos below at Kunugi Station next to Lucy while Trixie was trying to keep Natsu from vomiting on her... "It doesn't make much sense to me either...They aren't much good for a getaway cause it can only follow the tracks it's on..." Happy stated. Trixie shrugged. "Well, unless you can fly long distances, then Train is the fastest way to get around..." "I guess it's up to us to find out where they were going and why they were in such a hurry..." Gray stated thoughtfully...for some reason in nothing but his boxers... "...Pants Gray...?" Trixie inquired in slight annoyance. ""hm?" he looked down at himself. "Oh..." he said as if it were no real problem. "The military has already been called to action, so it should be only a matter of time until they find them, right?" Lucy asked, noting the armed battalion outside of the train station. "I hope that's the case, Lucy..." Erza said before starting the engine and driving away... .......................................................................................... A loud crack thundered through the train car. Kageyama dove in terror as Erigor swung his scythe down at him, splitting the bench that he had been sitting on. "...Now, let me get this straight..." Erigor seethed. "...Not only did you let one of those Fairy Tail 'flies' see the forbidden Lullaby, but you then let him GET AWAY?!" Kage waved his arms frantically. "But, it's not like he knows anything about the plan, sir!" he pleaded. "...and even if he did, there's no way he and his stupid guild would be able to stop us, right?" This did nothing to stay Erigor's fury, as the scythe wielding man swung his weapon again; this time, the blade punctured the hardwood floor of the train car inches away from Kage's crotch."We can't take any chances!" he bellowed. his expression changed to his usual confidence. "It's fortunate that we have a strategy in place at Oshibana station...can't have any of Fairy Tail's flies buzzing about where they're not wanted." he held up the flute in his hand. "As I advance to the final stage, it will be up to all of you to swat them away..." he nodded to the masked man, sitting calmly not far from where they stood. "...Lazaro will over see things at the station and ensure that the trap goes off without any problems. You all will be taking orders from him in my absence..." Another Eisenwald wizard in the train car grinned. "Man, we really lucked out getting Lazaro for backup!" he cheered. "We're practically guaranteed victory!" Erigoe smiled. "Yes, gentlemen, it seems as though the divines themselves are aligned to our cause. None the less, we will not leave this to chance!" he declared. "...And Lazaro's help comes with a price. He tells me that Blood Diamond is also planning something big and has invited Eisenwald in on their operation to spread the wealth that they will obtain!" The wizards of Eisenwald cheered. ........................................................................................................................ A familiar magic mobile sped through the streets of Oshibana toward the train station. Gray, through a terrible string of bad luck, ended up once again clinging for dear life to the top of the vehicle while Erza drove. "Slow down Erza!" he shouted. "At this rate you're going to overload the S.E. plug!!" Erza merely stared forward. "There's no telling how many innocents will die if the Lullaby is played!" She defended. "I can't slow down now!" "But at this rate, you'll use up all your magic energy before we even start fighting!" Gray pressed. Erza grinned. "Well, then I'll just have to use hand to hand combat." She shot back. "Besides, This is why I asked you and Natsu to join me!" In the car, Happy sat in Trixie's lap with a thoughtful expression on his face. "...hmm... I feel like there was something important I was supposed to tell you..." Trixie had been trying to keep Natsu from throwing up when Happy spoke. "Supposed to tell me?" she asked. "...no. Lucy..." Happy corrected. Trixie mere gave the cat a curious look before returning her focus to not being vomited on by Natsu... "...I can't believe Erza's still going at full speed..." she commented. "...She's gotta be feeling it by now..." She couldn't help but feel like this was going to bite them soon... "I AM NOT SICK!!" Lucy's shout snapped Trixie from her thoughts. "...But if that's not it then what was it...?" Happy muttered."...Lucy's weird...?" Trixie smirked. "...hungry...fishey? I like fish!" She couldn't help but laugh at that one... Lucy shot a dirty look at Happy. "Don't talk about such things and call me weird!" she cried indignantly. Erza was still driving at full throttle. She's be lying if she said that she wasn't feeling the burn by now, but that wasn't important. Looming over the rooftops ahead of them was a thick billowing column of black smoke. "What is that?" she muttered. ............................................Oshibana Station.................................................... A large cowd of people had gathered at the entrance to the train station; many of them curious onlookers who just wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Others were would be passengers who weren't allowed to even enter the building. "Everyone, please stand back!" the train station worker announced with a megaphone. "The train station is closed due to a derailment!" Among the crowd were three young women. The first one, a fair skinned beauty with glamorously styled long blue hair. Her ensemble consisting of a fancy looking white sleeveless top with the elegant blue shoulder straps hanging loosely around her shoulders that glittered beautifully in the sunlight. A lovely blue skirt and high heeled boots finished her outfit. "A derailment?!" She wailed. "...Of all the bad things to have happened, this is the WORST...,POSSIBLE...THING!!!" she cried, much to the chagrin and amusement of her two companions. To her right, a slightly shorter girl with purple and pink streaks decorating her boyishly styled dark hair. She was rather boyishly dressed as well. A purple button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, grey fatigues and purple lace up boots consist her outfit."...Oh, chill out, Rene." she chided after plucking the lollipop from her mouth. "...clearly something bigger is going on and they're trying to avoid a panic..." she said nonchalantly. The third, a tough looking blond with a simple plaid shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots and hat with a revolver holstered at her right hip and a guitar strapped to her back shook her head in annoyance. "Ah, know what you're thinkin' Dusk...and the answer is 'NO'." she said with a flat unimpressed tone. "...Your last 'brilliant idea' landed us in a heap o' trouble and Ah ain't in the mood to go sneakin around the train station when we just barely avoided gettin' arrested once this week already!" Dusk spun on her heel to face her blond companion with her best 'sad puppydog' look. "...please, Alexis...?" she pleaded with a pouting lip. "I'm telling you, it was totally worth it to expose that Everlue prick!" she reasoned. "...we DID end up getting rewarded for it after, remember?" she asked, never breaking the sad puppy gaze. They stared at each other for a moment before Alexis sighed warily. "...alright, FINE!" she conceded. "...but we're going to do it smart this time, right?" she asked in a tone that suggested that it was NOT a request. Dusk blinked. "...uh..." Alexis glared. "Right?!" she growled. "Ah! Okay, okay!" Dusk relented. Rene chose this moment to speak. "Oh, and Dusk, darling?" "Yeah?" with a sugar sweet smile and tone, she continued. "I'd prefer if we stayed away from crawling in vents this time around... This is my last clean outfit and I want to make this one last more then two hours." Dusk's eyes darted around nervously. That was exactly how she'd planned on sneaking in... " ...uh...but what if it's necessary to-" "NO. CRAWLING. IN. VENTS..." she hissed menacingly; her fingertips transformed into crystalline diamond claws to enforce her statement. "Wah! Okayokayokay!!!" Dusk whimpered. It was true she was the sneakiest wizard thief from here to Crocus, but sometimes her ideas were so outlandish that anyone outside of an insane asylum would consider them crazy beyond all reason... that's because most people can't appreciate that genius and madness often come hand in hand... "Alright, let's find an entrance that doesn't have a bunch of people all over it..." Alexis directed; and with that, the trio slipped out of the crowd and around the corner. .................................................................................................................. Erza and everyone had exited the car and the red head approached the worker standing in front of the trian station. "Excuse me, could you tell me what's going on?" she asked. "Why would I tell you, Lady?!" he demanded. -SMASH!!- Erza answered his question with a scowl and a sudden headbutt. "What's going on?!" Erza demanded of another station worker, only to headbutt him down to the ground a moment later. Lucy looked on with a wary resignation as Erza moved on to another worker. "...It seems her method of questioning is a tad counterproductive..." "...yup..." Trixie nodded. "Erza's got her own way of doing things..." Gray stated matter of factly. "The Eisenwald guild is inside. Let's go!" Erza directed authoritatively. "You mean I have to carry Natsu inside?" Lucy asked desperately. "...s...sorry..." was Natsu's weak reply. ............................................................................................................... They were sprinting down the empty hallway. "...A small army unit charged in earlier to combat the Eisenwald forces, but none of them have returned yet." Erza explained. "Well, you can't exactly expect a bunch of magic outlaws to fight fair..." Trixie countered. "...Of course they fought dirty and of course the soldiers couldn't match it." Their pace slowed as they rounded a corner and were greeted by the sight of almost an entire platoon's worth of royal knights, sprawled and beaten... "They were completely wiped out." Happy lamented, concern written clear in his voice and his face. "They were up against an entire guild of dark wizards..." Erza said grimly. "...a small contingent like this wouldn't stand a chance..." They continued down the hallway until it lead to a large room. A lobby perhaps...? "Welcome!" a new voice boomed. "Step into our parlor, Fairy Tail flies!" "Whoa! there's so many of them!" Lucy whimpered. Trixie merely took off her glasses and hooked them to her belt. "...Erigor The Reaper, I presume?" she inquired. The silver haired man dressed in tatters merely grinned in response. Lucy was desperately trying to wake Natsu up. "Come on, Natsu. We need your help!" she cried. "Good luck..." Happy said bluntly. "...With the train, then the car, and now you shaking him, it's like a motion sickness triple combo!" A young man in the front of the large group before them glared nastily at Natsu. "You! It's your fault I got in trouble with Erigor." he growled. "Get up!" Natsu's eyes snapped open. "I know that voice...!" he whispered hoarsely. Erza stood her ground. "We're not threatened by any of you!" she declared. "Tell me what you're planning to do with Lullaby!" Erigor smirked. "Oh, so you haven't figured us out entirely yet?" he taunted before levitating up into the air with the sound of howling wind. "What do all train stations have?" he asked condescendingly. "Levitation...?" Trixie mused. "...no that's something else, not telekinesis." "It's wind magic!" Happy pointed out. Erigor landed into a crouching position on top of a P.A. speaker tower. in the lobby with a laugh. Erza's eyes went wide as the notion rammed into her like the front grill of a train. "You're planning to broadcast the Lullaby's song?!" she asked in horror. Erigor laughed once more. "Hahahahahaha! Thousands of nosy onlookers have flocked to the station to see what's going on. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to kill every single one of them with my cursed melody of death!" The man finished with a feral psychotic grin. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" Trixie demanded. "what beef could you possibly have with these people that would lead you to genocide like this?!" Erigor was unfazed. "This is a cleansing of all the ungrateful fools out there who fail to appreciate the rights they hold so dear." he raved. "...those who, all the while remain willfully ignorant to the plights of those who have had their rights stripped away from them!" A new voice rang out from the crowd. "They have committed the sin of turning a blind eye to the world's... -sigh- ...Okay, ya know what?" "That voice!" Gray blanched. He recognized the voice of the masked lunatic from Lilactown anywhere... The wizards of Eisenwald parted down the center of their horde to reveal Lazaro Sarabaas. "...All this noble talk really is just a load of crap. We know it, they know it." The masked man said nonchalantly. "We all know you just want to kill them just because you can..." he said, completely ignoring the glaring eyes of Erza. "...so let's stop wasting each others time, shall we?" "Killing all these people isn't going to get you your rights back, It's only going to make it worse!" Lucy reprimanded. "That's the whole reason you were kicked out of the wizard league in the first place!" Erigor turned his gaze to the blond. "At this point, we've given up on trying to regain our rights. We want Power!" he clenched a fist in emphasis. "Then we will be able to wash away the sins of the past and take control of what happens in the future!" Trixie took of her hat and ran her fingers through her long silver hair. "Well its good to know you all are completely mad..." Trixie said with an easy tone and a lop-sided grin. "It'll make putting you in you place that much easier...but before that starts, I do have one simple question..." Erigor cocked his head to the side in amusement. "...And what would that be?" Trixie's expression shifted into a hard glare. "...The five your shadow wizard dragged away a few days back...are they still alive?" "They are..." Erigor granted, then his grin darkened. "...for now..." "...Good..." Trixie breathed a sigh of relief. It was Lazaro's turn to tilt his head, this time in curiosity. "Why are you concerned about them?" the masked man asked. Trixie grinned and for a moment, her eyes flickered red. A dark grin of her own adding menace to her disdainful glare. "...You know, I was like all of you, once..." she said calmly. "...All I cared about was power and revenge... Money and fame..." She reached to her belt and drew out a small object that resembled a fancy pen or pencil. With a flash of violet light, it grew into the wooden staff she'd taken from the runaway that had attacked them before. "...needless to say, I was NOT a nice girl..." The end of the staff ignited in a midnight blue mass of magic energy that shimmered with brilliant ribbons of pale blue and green. glittering flecks glinted as she moved. It was as though she'd captured a small chunk of the night sky at the end of the staff. "Then it all came crashing down on top of me..." she continued. "...And I was at my lowest... All over my homeland I was known as a usurper and a slaver, and I was hated for it." She glared up at Erigor, with barely contained fury as all her building disgust and contempt for their actions, and her own, started to boil over. "...And if you don't surrender...I'm gonna show you...all of you...that side of myself, and you will find out the hard way what it feels like to have everything you've worked so hard to build fall away under your feet!" Her eyes glowed intensely as she neared the end of her speech; her violet irises practically invisible against their intense glow. Kageyama could only stare at the woman before their small army. She knew what it was like...? She knew what it was like and yet she turned from that dark path and strives to change things...? "That was very heartwarming, Trixie Lulamoon..." Lazaro interjected casually. "...and quite fortuitous that you happened to be a part of lady Erza's reinforcements..." He looked up at Erigor. "I'll handle it from here; you do have an appointment to make.". He returned his gaze to Trixie. "My employer wants you, Trixie..." he revealed. "...An old friend of yours... and I would hate for you to miss a chance at a reunion..." He said before his casual attitude gave way to hysteric, demented laughter. ...................................................Chapter End....................................... ....................................Next Time: The True Face Of Lullaby............................... Author's Note And there's "The rise Of Eisenwald"! What do you guys think? In the next chapter, the battle for the Lullaby flute begins as Erigor moves to the final step of their plan, and our heroes fight to take them out. Trixie discovers that there's still a small sliver of the Alicorn Amulet's power still within her and some unfortunate Eeisenwald wizards discover Trixie's dark side. Also another appearance from Alexis, Dusk and Rene, who I'm pretty sure you guys figured out are the Earthland counterparts of Aj, Twi and Rarity, respectively. I plan on having other counterparts enter the story eventually as well, but for now, It'll just be the three. Up next on my work list is Not the next chapter of this story, but the beginnings of another story. I hope you guys receive the new one as well you have this one. Not to worry though, I definitely plan on doing this one for a good while yet. This chapter was probably my largest one to date, not sure about the exact word count, but it's definitely one of my biggest one yet. In the next chapter, I'll try to include some pictures of some of these new characters that I've introduced, perhaps in a deviantart link or just inserting the images... Either way, with the multiple outfits I plan on introducing for each of the girls, I plan on having a bit of a poll with concept images for you guys to voice your opinions on which ones you would like me to stick with, so look forward to that. Thanks for reading. Corrupted Champion OUT!! The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 1Author's Note I know I said I'd be putting out the first chapter of another story before going any further with this one, but hey...This seems to be the only one with the creative juices flowing for it. In between all these different stories, trying to get the hang of SFM, Fallout 4, work, and trying to get back into school or into a new place, I have A LOT on my plate right now, so I hope that suitably explains the long wait in between updates. Plus, that art I promised will be shown with the final chapter of the Eisenwald arc, which will encompass the big battle between Erigor and Natsu, and Team Fairy Tail versus revived Lullaby while Team Phantom Lord storm's Eisenwald's guild hall to rescue a certain few hostages... ...Anyway, ON WITH THE STORY!!! The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 1 The True Face Of Lullaby To say that Trixie was a little disturbed by Lazaro's words was a bit of an understatement. Who could this "Mutual friend" be? Could the spirit of the alicorn amulet...? No...There would need to be a physical body involved... 'Oh no...' she thought. '...Don't tell me some poor fool found it and put it on...?' "Well, sorry to disappoint you, but you're not taking her!" Gray declared defiantly. "...besides..." He smirked. "I would have thought you wanted another chance to throw down...". Lazaro laughed. "Hahahahahahaha! Oh, I haven't forgotten about that little black mark you and your absent partner put on my record." Lazaro assured with a demented glee in his tone. "Do you happen to recall what I said that day?" his tone becoming a little more condescending. "...she dies first...then you will die...". In a blur of motion that Gray could barely keep track of, Lazaro was right in front of him; his blood stained-masked face mere inches away from his own. "...I'm going to make you watch..." his voice a menacing hiss. He drew one arm back. "...and then you are going to..." He slammed his open palm forward into Gray's chest. "DIE!!" "Guuaaagggghghhhh!!" Gray choked out a cry of agony as he flew backwards. "Gray!" Lucy cried after him. Erigor laughed. "It looks like you have everything in hand, then. I leave this to the rest of you, gentlemen!" he called before seemingly disappeared into thin air. One of the Eisenwald wizards, Kageyama, grinned. "We're rolling in a new era of darkness!" he declared triumphantly, then arched an eyebrow in what was probably intended to be a casual lop-sided grin, but turned out a psychotic expression that would send shivers down the spine of any normal person. "...Of course by the time it gets here, you fairies will be LONG GONE!!!" he placed his hand on the floor and familiar solid shadows arched out ahead of him towards Lucy. Th blond girl screamed as the shadows all leapt off the floor to attack her. That's when a certain pink haired teammate jumped in the way and swatted the attack away as though it were nothing. Kageyama's grin disappeared quickly, once again scowling. "Bah, you again?!" he demanded, a snarl of fury marring his features. Natsu had a grin on his face. "Eisenwald Dude! I knew I recognized your voice!" "Natsu, you're back!" Lucy cheered. Natsu's grin grew ever wider. "Oh, looks like we've got ourselves a party here, huh?" Lucy was horrified. "What?! No Natsu, these are the guys we're supposed to fight!" she cried. Natsu's smile took a feral, predatory quality as he cracked his knuckles. "...like I said...It's a party..." "Natsu, get Gray and follow after Erigor!" Erza ordered. "...Don't let him get away!" Gray was already back on his feet and engaging Lazaro. "I'm afraid I'm a little busy at the moment!" Erza glared at the horde of Eisenwald wizards with grit teeth. This was bad...she wasn't planning on Lazaro being here... he was capable of matching her at her full power, even with Natsu and Gray here, she feared they just might have bitten off more then they could chew... Trixie swung her energized staff in a wide arc in front of her, causing its stored energy to release in an explosive shock wave that almost looked like the night sky had ripped a hole across the area before them. "GRAND COMET TAIL!" she called. smirking in satisfaction as a large group of the were scattered by her spell, then turned to Natsu. "Natsu, Let's get after him!" Natsu nodded. "Right!"; and so the two of them ran for the hallway at the top of a small flight of stairs. This wasn't her plan, but Erza had no choice but to trust that Natsu and Trixie had what it would take to take Erigor out. "...Good luck..." she whispered. The Eisenwald wizard with the pharaoh style head-dress extended his arms and a plethora of black cables or ribbons shot up and latched on to the railing of that same upper level to pursue. "I got this!" he declared. "I, the great Rayule, will take them down!" Kageyama growled. "I'm not done with you yet, Bubblegum Boy!" he raved as a golden spell circle glowed under his feet, and he sank into his own shadow. Meanwhile, Lazaro had Gray on the defensive. "I need you to try and help Gray while I deal with all of them, Lucy." Erza said grimly. "What, you're going to take on practically an entire dark guild all by yourself?!" Lucy asked, unable to hide her worry. Picking up on this, many of the Eisenwald wizards began laughing. "Ha, my Mom always said never to hit a girl, but I think I can make an exception for you." one of them said with a vicious smile on his face. "Yeah, sorry ladies, but you're not gonna be near as pretty when we're done with ya!" another said while cracking his own knuckles. Erza held out her hand and a bright red spell circle flickered at her open palm in a similar fashion to what happened to Trixie's 'starfall barrage' as she called it, and an ornate long sword appeared in her hand. "If you insult the Fairy Tail guild again in my presence... I swear, none of you will live to see the sunset!" A large group of Eisenwald wizards conjured various weapons of their own. "You don't scare us!" one of them roared. "We've got tons of magic swordsmen in Eisenwald!" and several of them charged forward to attack. Erza was unfazed and seemingly made no move to attack or defend until the very last second, then, with lightning quick reflexes, she made two arching swings, sending the entire group of attackers flying and shattering their weapons. Then Erza turned her fierce gaze to the rest of the swordsmen. "Rrrrrraaaaaaaagggghhhhhhhh!!!!" She bellowed as she charged to meet the rest. Another Eisenwald wizard held out his hand and a blue spell circle flashed over it for a split second. "I'll show you!" he roared before a mass of magic energy appeared in his open hand and he threw it at Erza, several others following suit. Erza effortlessly dodged by jumping up in the air over their attacks and her sword vanished in a flash of crimson light; replaced by a spear. Lucy was completely dumbstruck. "It's a spear, now?!" she exclaimed incredulously. She continued to watch in awe as Erza wiped out wave after wave of attackers, each with a single wide sweeping attack. It wasn't long before Erza had cycled to a new weapon; this time, twin short swords. Lucy didn't have time to admire Erza's prowess farther as she remembered that she was supposed to help Gray. She looked over to see him fighting back, though she couldn't help but feel that the masked man was just toying with him. "Right...Time to get to work!" she said, drawing a gate key from the holster on her hip. "Open, Gate of the Crab: Cancer!" In a flash of pale blue light, there he was. A tall lithe man with dark red skin and large crab-leg appendages growing out of his back. He would probably be a terrifying sight if he weren't dressed like a male model... "You need me to take these dudes out, baby?" he asked, with a surprisingly gruff voice. Lucy shook her head. "Not exactly. I need you to focus on that masked guy and help Gray!" she instructed. At that moment, Cancer snapped his attention to the opponent in question, and Lazaro whipped his own gaze to meet it. "...Ah...so she's a summoner, is she...?" Lazaro mused. Scissors ready, he charged forward and assaulted Lazaro with a blinding flurry of jabs, lunges and slicing motions. Lucy was horrified to see the man dodging and blocking all of Cancer's strikes. "Wow, he's fast!" She couldn't help but be both impressed and horrified that someone was matching Cancer's agility blow for blow. Gray took a moment to catch his breath at the sudden reprieve granted by Lucy's intervention. "...Yeah...This guy's a league all his own..." He admitted through his heavy breathing. "Your spirit's pretty impressive too, but I don't know how much he'll be able to keep this up on his own..." The two of them could barely keep up with how fast the combatants were going, but they could see the battle was wearing on them. Lazaro's sleeves were shredded to tatters, and several cuts were visible on his arms that were actually drawing blood. Cancer was taking several blows as well. His once pristine blue pin-stripe shirt was now looking like it was fished out of a dumpster, with torn seams and stains from perspiration and blood starting to seep through it... The crab spirit also looked to have taken several blows to the face as one lens was cracked out of his sunglasses and finally, he sported a couple fresh bruises on his face. Meanwhile back with Erza, The red haired woman was starting to slow down. 'Gray was right...' She thought. '...I've used up too much of my magic just getting here...'... "There's still so many..." "Rrraaaaarrrggghhhh!" A sudden battle cry from her left drew her attention just in time to see her attacker when... -BLAM!!- The sound of a gunshot boomed through the room and her attacker was suddenly jarred out of mid air into a new path directly into the ground. Erza spun to see the newcomer. A young woman around her age stood with a magnum revolver held out in front of her in a gloved hand; A look of cold steel in her emerald green eyes. "...Well...looks like Y'all were right, Dusk..." she said nonchalantly, a smirk forming on her lips. She twirled her weapon on her finger and flicked her blond bangs out of her eyes. .............................................................................................................. Dusk Shianne grinned at Alexis' admission. "Told ya so!" she chirped before skillfully slipping passed them towards where a creepy looking masked guy was fighting a wierd crab man. "Heyo!" she cheered as she had slipped in between the two combatants, making them both jump back in shock. "Who the hell are you?!" the masked man hissed. "The name's Dusk Shianne of Phantom Lord." She greeted with a smirk. "...wizard, thief, and dark guild exterminator extraordinaire!" she finished with an extravagant bow before looking at who she presumed were the Crab-man's allies. "You guys look like you could use a hand, gorgeous..." She said to the hot blond chick and the equally hot shirtless guy next to her. The masked man merely glared at her for a moment before dropping into a stance once more. "...It seems that the game is no longer in my favor... this will be problematic..." Alexis sauntered over to where the small army was crowding around a red head who, if she were to hazard a guess was the famous Erza Scarlet. "...So, ya wanna fill me in on just what the hell is going on?" she asked the red haired woman while Rene elegantly strode over. "These wizards are with the dark guild Eisenwald, and they intend to wipe this town off the map with a demon flute called Lullaby..." The red haired woman explained. "...My name is Erza, by the way, you have my thanks for the assistance." Ha! knew it... Alexis turned a venomous glare to the Eisenwald wizards, and Rene flicked her hair back. "...well we can't have that now, can we?" she asked rhetorically. "Allow us to even the odds, Darling..." her sugar sweet tone was betrayed by the disdainful sneer upon her features. "...To think that Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail would be working together to eliminate a dark guild..." She mused. "...The master will be surprised when we tell him about this..." "...Eyup..." Alexis nodded in affirmation. Erza was shell-shocked. these women were with Phantom Lord? She looked over them to see that the blonde had their guild mark embossed on her belt buckle while the dark haired one had it tattooed in pale blue on her upper arm. What were Phantom lord wizards doing here? Were they on a job? Wizards of their two guilds crossed paths so rarely that it would always turn heads when ever someone came back with such a story. "I'm afraid I must ask you for help with these men." Erza admitted to them. "Erigor the Reaper is here to personally oversee their mission and even Lazaro Sarabaas of Blood Diamond is backing them up." she said nodding toward the masked man, now engaged with their third member, fighting along side Gray and Lucy. "I need to catch up with Erigor so I can stop him, but I used so much energy just getting here, that I'm starting to slow down. "I have to stop him but these men are in the way..." "Well, Then we shall give you an opening, Darling..." the posche girl said with a dramatic hair flip as she adjusted her stance and took a deep breath. "CRYSTAL DRAGON ROAR!" She bellowed as a cyclone of prismatic glitter exploded from her mouth. It looked like a horizontal tornado filled crystal shards of various colors and clarities as it mowed down all the Eisenwald wizards in it's path. "Get going, we'll deal with these punks!" The blonde laughed heartily. "MAGNUM SHOT: IMPACT RICOCHET!!!". A small spell circle flashed at the muzzle of her revolver and a bright burst of magic energy shot fourth from the barrel and in mere seconds, the shot ricoche'd across ten men and they all dropped. "Thank you!" Erza called over her shoulder as she ran off for the hall. ............................................................................... Natsu and Trixie ran down the hallway, unaware that they wee being followed by a Eisenwald's shadow bending wizard, Kageyama. Trixie looked over at Natsu as they ran. "So, where do you think he's hiding?" Trixie asked as they ran. "I don't know." Natsu answered. "Normally, I'd be able to track his scent, but his wind magic makes it feel like his scent is coming from everywhere." It was a few minutes later of solid running until they came to a 'T' in the hall. "...which way...?" Trixie asked, a little unsure. The sign hanging from the ceiling marked the hall leading to the left as 'Old Line' and the one to the right was marked 'New Line'. Natsu took a moment to look down each hall from where they stood. "I think we'll have to split up." He replied thoughtfully. "You take the left hall, and I'll take the right." "Okay..." Trixie nodded and turned to look down the hall herself. She was about to start down the hall when she paused. "...Natsu..." "Hm?" He turned back to loo at her over his shoulder. "...We're fighting against a bunch of guys who want to genocide the entire city with this demon flute of theirs..." she said. "...If you find any of them, give them a thrashing." she finished with a competitive smirk. Natsu returned the gesture. "You bet. I've got a bone to pick with that shadow dude anyway." Natsu grinned. "...and if you find any, you be sure to do the same!" he declared. Trixie nodded. "Right!" she replied. They turned back to their hallways. "Happy hunting!" she called as she took off down the old line hall. "Right back at ya!" Natsu called back as he ran down the new line hall. ................................................................................... Trixie ran down the hall until she stopped at a corner in the hall way; a speaker mounted up on the ceiling. "...They're going to play it over the broadcast system...I need to find the studio..." she deduced before taking off once more. She was starting to feel the burn of exertion in her lungs when she finally found it. She took a second to catch her breath before reaching for the door knob. Locked. "Of course it's locked..." she groaned in annoyance and took a few steps back. "STARFALL BARRAGE!" she called as she held out one hand and a familiar purple and silver spell circle flashed over her palm and a barrage of magic star projectiles shot from it, effectively blasting the door down. The lights were off inside the studio. "...That's weird... there's no one here..." She wandered in to take a look around. "...But, he said in the lobby that they were going to broadcast it...didn't he?" Trixie stood for a moment more before she felt a horrified tension grip her and she dove forward; just in time it seemed, to evade an ambush from above. The sound of several swinging whips and shattering concrete behind her boomed through the room. She fumbled back to her feet to see the the Eisenwald wizard with the pharaoh style hat hanging from the ceiling above where she was just standing by black cord like things tied to each finger that writhed like tentacles. "Good guess!" he chimed. "...As you probably figured out by now, Our plan isn't quite so simple as you first thought." Trixie regained her composure and flicked a stray lock of hair out of her eyes before adjusting her hat. "...Clearly..." she answered. "...so are you going to be a good boy and tell me what the plan is..." she asked as she drew her staff back out of her belt loop and ignited her magic to restore it to its proper size. "...Or do I have to beat it out of you?" Her opponent looked at her as though her question was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard. "Hahahahahahahahahaha! You dumb broad..." her eye twitched. This condescension was starting to grate at her nerves the more she'd heard it. "...You really think it'll be that easy?! Just ask and I'll tell you whatever you wanna know?! Hahahahahahahahaha!" her casual facade was starting to slip. "You have gotta be stupidest back alley slut I've ever met!" Oh...it is on, now... "...and now you're stuck here with me!" he finished with a predatory grin. "...I am the great Rayule...and I'm gonna have some fun with you little girl..." Swing after swing...His attacks were rapidly destroying the studio more and more as each impact she dodged was shattering the floor...the walls...the ceiling. He was definitely persistent, she would grant him that. Trixie wasn't sure how much longer she could stay on the defensive and make it out of this... "This is bad..." she muttered. Rayule swung again. "There's no escape from my urumi!" he bellowed as his 'urumi'...whatever that even is... began zig-zagging in the air, and becoming much harder to dodge. 'Time to improvise...' Trixie thought. "STARFALL SATELLITE!!" she called as she conjured her magic stars and did a quick pirouette, causing the stars to begin quickly revolve in orbit around her in a constant protective barrier. the urumi crashed against the stars and recoiled back to him. "What kind of magic is that?!" Rayule demanded. His anger made him swing even harder. Once...Twice... His third swing shattered her protective spell and the urumi cords wrapped around her violently, binding both arms to her sides. "I've got you now!" he roared triumphantly. A dark and familiar feeling began welling in her chest throughout their fight, but now he had her, and it was becoming all she could do to contain it. If this continued... it would come out...and that terrified her. She was hoisted up and slammed into the ceiling above her, sending a throbbing agony through her body as the back of her head crashed into the ceiling. -THUMP!! THUMP!!- The darkness in her pulsed with the impact like a heartbeat. Rayule slammed her back down to the ground, once again sending a wave of blinding pain through her. -THUMP- THUMP-...-THUMP THUMP!!- Twice, it pulsed. Trixie managed to struggle to a kneeling position. She chuckled, a lop-sided smirk on her bruising face. "What's so funny?" Rayule demanded. Trixie was silent for a brief moment further before she spoke. "...you've got it backwards..." she said softly, barely above a whisper. "Wanna run that by me again?" he taunted. "You're on your knees, defeated...where is your advantage here?" Slowly and shakily, Trixie pushed a leg up to stand. Slowly, she stood. "..." she muttered. inaudible. "What was that?" he taunted once more, a condescending grin growing on his features. Trixie returned his feral grin with one of her own. "...what i said, you lowly mongrel pup..." she growled. "...Is that you have it backwards..." her body was emanating an ominous red aura. "...It is you..." she looked up, her eyes shining a malevolent red glow. "...who is stuck here...with me.". The red aura began coursing through Rayule's urumi and the man began to find that he was loosing control of his weapons as they slowly and carefully began unwravelling from around her, and began snaking back toward him. "What?!" he shrieked. "...How are you doing that?!" He asked in panic as they coiled around him. A cruel smile spread across her face. "...magic..." she said simply. "...My magic...is superior..." she said with a frightening calm as a red spell circle flashed over her now free hand. "...This time, we play...by my rules." Rayule was suddenly feeling very afraid. Who was this woman? How was she doing this? No such magic exists; unless... is this some ancient form of lost magic? "...who are you?" he asked shakily. Trixie's hand seemed to magically phase through Rayule's chest as an identical spell circle appeared on it, and Rayule screamed in agony. Trixie waited for his screaming to quiet down to pained whimpers before she leaned forward; her lips mere inches away from his ear. "...I am the great and powerful Trixie..." she whispered. Agony quaked through Rayule's body once more. "Gyyaaaaggghhhhh!!!" he screamed as her hand pushed a little deeper then wrist deep into him. "Oh..." Trixie mused. "...I can feel your soul..." She tilted her head with a condescending smirk. "...I didn't think you had one..." Rayule struggled through a choking cough. "...What are...you doing?!" he choked. Trixie arched an eyebrow. "Imagine the body as a long bow..." she drawled. "...Your body is the shaft..." She slowly pulled her hand back, but as she pulled farther back, she drew a mass of magic out of him with it. "...and your soul is the draw string..." She pulled it out a little further. It arched out in the middle, where she held it, and curved back into his body at the top and bottom. "All I have to do is pull..." A little further... "...and...release!" As she let go, the mass of energy snapped back at him like a rubber band, sending him flying back into the P.A. Studio. Rayule crashed violently into the wall at the far side of the room and crumpled to the ground. "Hahahahahaha! That lovely little trick is called the Soul Hammer." Trixie laughed ruthlessly. "...so... have you had enough?" she asked. "...Or would you like to have your soul stretched again?" She slowly advanced on him. The borderline demonic glow in her eyes made all the more menacing as she stepped into the barely lit studio. Rayule, tangled in his own urumi, was scrambling to back away from the advancing young woman as she loomed slowly towards him like a wraith or a demon. His heart was beating a mile a minute by the time he had backed himself into the farthest corner. He had no choice... "I-it's the guild master's conference in Clover! Erigor's going to play the Lullaby at the conference hall and kill all the guild masters!" The darkness in her finally subsided and she began to feel the pain of the attacks she'd taken again. Her body was hurting all over. "Good..." Trixie said quietly. "...Now get out of my sight..." she hissed. "...If I ever see you again, I'm dragging your ass to the closest jail cell even if I have to break one of your legs to do it!". Seething at him, Eisenwald as a whole, their plan, and most of all...herself, for losing control... She turned to leave, but cast one final look over her shoulder at him. "Erigor isn't getting the same mercy... don't make me think leaving you here was a mistake, understand?" Rayule nodded in terror. "Yes! Th-thank you!" he yammered before clamoring to his feet and out of the studio. Trixie hobbled down the hall, suddenly feeling very drained. "...The rest is up to you, Natsu..." she muttered under her heavy breathing. "...I have to find Erza..." ................................................................................................................ Lazaro realized that he had been fighting a losing battle the moment all three of his opponents started attacking him at once. Gray Fullbuster had once again put a small crack in his mask. The ice wizard hadn't built a reputation for being one of Fairy Tail's more respected fighters by being a pushover, that much was certain. the boy knew how to throw a punch, and throw it hard. Then there was the interference from those wenches from Phantom Lord... They would definitely pay for their actions as well... He cursed them all as he made his retreat. Gray, Dusk, and their blond friend with the spirits were all hot on his tail as he made for the closest balcony. He smirked when he saw that Erigor's cyclone barrier wasn't up yet and he was just in the process of casting it. He just had to... He vaulted over the balcony and made it just outside the radius as the cyclone appeared, effectively locking his pursuers inside. "Erigor!" he called, gaining the wind wizard's attention. "...Hurry up and get going! Fairy Tail isn't the only guild who has arrived to stop us; It turns out Phantom Lord wants a piece of the chaos as well!" Erigor was not pleased to hear this. "What did you say?!" he growled. "A team from Phantom Lord was waiting in the wings as it were!" He called up. "Your little army has been completely decimated!" "Dammit!!" Erigor cursed before turning and zoomed away in the sky. "...Oh...this has not been a good week for me..." Lazaro groaned. ......................................about ten minutes later.............................. The Eisenwald wizard Virod was staring up at the glaring eyes of Erza. "Forget it, lady..." he grunted. "There is no breaking Erigor's sealing barrier. you and you friends are stuck here..." Erza pulled a fist back, ready to punch him for the fourth time when she heard Trixie's voice. "Erza!" she called. Erza looked around her to see Trixie on a pedway above the lobby, looking like she'd taken some serious damage. "What are you doing here?!" she barked. "Never mind that!" Trixie shot back. "We have to get to Clover!" Clover? "What, why?" she demanded. "Because, this whole thing was a ruse!" Trixie exclaimed. "Their real goal is the conference hall in Clover! They're going to play the Lullaby and kill all the guild masters!" Gray, Lucy, and the three girls from Phantom Lord gasped. "What?!" Gray asked, completely godsmacked. The others shared his sentiment as they all shared looks of shock and concern. Erza's glare intensified as she looked back to her new prisoner. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME??!!" She roared. When pitiful cowering was the only answer she received, she proceeded to fling him against a wall in frustration. "...Where is Natsu, wasn't he with you?" Lucy asked Trixie. Levitating down on her little star platform, Trixie shook her head. "...We had to split up... if I had to guess, that shadow guy is probably following him as we speak..." "Well, we have another problem." Gray interjected. "The whole place is surrounded in a sealing barrier, try to get through it, and it'll tear you to shreds..." His annoyance at their situation clear in his tone and on his face. "Well, then its a very good thing we happen to have a dispeller wizard, right here!" Alexis said heartily slapping Dusk on the back. "Uh...yeah..." The arcane thief said dismissively. "...detection spells...damn near any kind of lock, and...wait for it...DOORWAY sealing barriers...It'd take me a good while to crack something this size on my own." She gave her comrades an apologetic smile. "My magic is specialized and not meant for something like this...sorry." Trixie couldn't help but remember her time with Mist whisper, back in Neighpon. "...I think I might have a way around that..." The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 2Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.The sign of the Siren's LagoonSunset Shimmer had arrived in Hargeon that morning, around 10:30; ready to face her first real wizard's job; Clearing out invading pirates who are attacking boats going in and out of an out of the way port called Coral Bay, an island port not far from somewhere called Galuna island...whatever. Dufflebag slung over her shoulder, she wandered down the streets of Hargeon to find they were rebuilding from what looked like a heavy bomber carpet bombed the place... "...what happened here?" she asked, more to herself then anyone else; she was caught off guard when someone actually responded. "It was Salamander!" a disgruntled voice hissed from her left. "say what now?" Sunset asked, surprised. She turned to see a middle aged man who seemed rather angry. The old man sneered at her. "Your boy, Salamander! the one with the green scarf!" he growled. Green scarf, huh? "um...pink hair? Uses fire magic?" Sunset asked dumbly. The man nodded vehemently. "Yes, that one! He got into some fight with another fire wizard and they damn near totaled half the town!" "...yeah...that sounds like Natsu alright..." Sunset sighed in defeat. "...well, if it makes you feel any better, you don't have to worry about me causing you any trouble...I'm just trying to find a boat that can take me to Coral Bay..." The man seemed to consider that for a moment. "Coral Bay...Oh! they're sending you to take care of those pirates harassing boats over there, eh?" Sunset smiled. "That's the idea, yeah." she said. "I'm a new recruit, so it's my first job with Fairytail." then something occurred to her. "Though...what exactly gave me away?" The man gave a smug smirk. "It's obvious that ya don't belong here, kid." he said, taking a moment to roll his shoulder. It was then that Sunset took stock of her surroundings once more. the man, it seemed, was rebuilding the front of whata looked like a restaurant. "...The shoulder patches and the 'fish out of water' look? ya might as well have a flashing billboard over your head." he chuckled lightly at his little joke. Sunset laughed as well. "Hahaha...yeah, I'll grant you that." she admitted. "anyway...yeah, this is my first time in this town, so I'm a little lost; could you point me to the docks?" He looked at her silently for a moment. "...you seem like a good kid, so I'll give you a warning; watch yourself around Coral Bay...the whole place is a den of vagabonds, thieves, and pirates... so keep your hand on your wallet." He pointed down the road. "Follow this road down to the canal, cross the bridge and turn right. That'll take ya to the docks." Sunset gave a bow. "Thanks so much!" she beamed before setting off down in the indicated direction. "Heh...God help those pirates if she's as destructive as the rest of Fairytail..." he mused to himself as he obseved her retreating form. He then returned his focus to rebuilding his bistro... ...........................................Ponyville Castle........................................... Twilight, Rarity, Rainbowdash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all were scouring the extensive library for magic tomes that might have something on this 'warp gate' magic that Discord spoke of. One hour in...nothing. Three hours in...nothing. "Seven hours...nothing...nothing...NOTHING!!!" Twilight screamed in frustration. "AAAAarrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!" she howled. "HOW CAN THERE BE NOTHING?!" "No kidding!" Rainbowdash nodded in agreement, having lost her own patience for it long before Twilight did... "Seven hours into this and we've found nothing but vague references and nothing else!" she grunted, fluttering over the massive stack of books that she couldn't believe she'd gone through so many of them... Applejack collected her hat from a table and put it back on her head. "-sigh- I hate to be the one to say it, Sugarcube..." she began hesitantly. "...but I think we're gonna have to take a step back and approach this at a different angle." Twilight spun around to face her friends. "But what other angle is there?!" she wailed. "We've dug through nearly EVERY magical theory archived in Equestria!" "It's pretty simple, actually." Pinkie Pie said casually. "How so?" Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow. Pinkie smiled. "...well, when you're faced with a problem, but the solution isn't in our neat little box...then maybe we need to look in another box?" incomprehension and uncomfortable silence hung over the room until Twilight's face lit up with excitement. "PINKIE, YOU'RE A GENIUS!!!" Twilight was still bouncing ecstatically while Applejack and Rainbowdash looked at each other in confusion. "what, now?" Applejack asked dumbly. "yeah...lost me..." Rainbow deadpanned. Rarity smiled. "I think I get it too..." she said thoughtfully. "the reference of Starswirl the bearded using a mysterious magic from a far away land to banish the sirens to another world, if I'm not mistaken?" Twilight beamed. "Right!" "So, one mystery leads to another...?" Applejack mused. "How do we figure where this magic came from?" Twilight felt her confidence returning. "we have access to two sources of knowledge that might be able to shed some light on the subject..." she stated as if encouraging her friends to take a guess. Pinkie spoke up. "Princess Celestia, and Discord!" she cheered. Twilight was practically bouncing once more. "Right on both counts." she declared. Her horn began to glow. "Discord? can you hear me?" she called. A simple window appeared, suspended in mid-air; it opened, revealing Discord, sipping a cup of coffee. "Twilght! what can I do for you?" he greeted. "How goes the search on your end?" "I think we might have a good lead, but we need some outside information." Twilight explained. "Warp Gate magic is little more then a rumor...not even a researched theory in Equestria, but we found a reference of Starswirl the bearded using an ancient magic from a land beyond our boarders in order to banish a trio of sirens to another world." Discord listened intently, sipped his coffee and nodded as Twilight finished her explanation and actually seemed quite impressed. "Bravo, Princess...bravo!" he declared. "...so you think I might be able to shed some light on exactly WHERE this magic came from, hmm?" "That is what we were hoping, yes..." Rarity confirmed. "Well, I don't have anything for you right this moment..." he was cut off by disappointed groans. "...but not to worry, somepony's coming who might..." he trailed off smugly. "...I'll keep an eye and ear out, but right now I must get back to work. Ta ta!" with that, his window slid shut and disappeared. "Hey, wait!" Rainbow called in vain. "Awwwweeee man..." she groaned. That's when Flash Sentry, a young guard who had been recently assigned to Twilight's castle, slightly opened the door. "Excuse me, Princess, but you have a visitor; she's demanding to know what's happened to Trixie." he said grimmly. "Who is it?" Applejack asked. "Uh...She's saying that she's Trixie's old teacher...?" he offered. "You're testing my patience, colt!" a new voice boomed angrily, causing Flash to flinch. Rarity and Applejack exchanged worried looks. "She's in here!" he called back. "...Finally...I've been trying to navigate this town for three hours, and my patience is at its end!" Fluttershy shrank back at the sound of the shouting mare. "...Oh dear...she sounds mad..." she muttered. Then, a unicorn mare dressed in a beautiful flower printed kimono magically swung the door open; "I have come a long way to get here, and my apprentice has vanished from this world. I want answers!" she huffed. a strong oriental accent in her voice. Twilight nervously stepped forward. "...Um... My name is Twilight Sparkle...how can I help?" The mare paused to compose herself, but was still clearly not pleased. she bowed. "...Princess..." she greeted. "My name is Mist Whisper; please forgive my temper, but I sense something terrible has befallen my apprentice..." she stated with a strained voice. "The sacred flames showed me a vision of her being engulfed in darkness, then...nothing... something sinister is at play here..." She trailed off; clearly uneasy about the whole affair. "Yes..." Twilight began. "...you said Trixie was your student, right?" she asked, earning a nod from the elegant new mare. Twilight shared uneasy looks with her friends before turning back to the elegant new comer. "...well... you're right. something has happened; but no news has gone out yet... we're trying to avoid causing a panic." The mare nodded thoughtfully. "Wise...panicked riots would be bad for everypony..." "That bein' said, how did you say y'all found out about it, again?" Applejack asked calmly. "I am a miko... a shrine mare. my power is fortune telling and purification magic." she clarified. "I am able to see into a pony's future, past or preasent state by focusing into the flames made from burning the wood of a powerful magic tree; The Dryad Oak." she explained. "The kami project visions... sometimes what was, sometimes what is and sometimes what will be... through the flames." "Whisper-sama!" a new voice called out; before a bright red cat with two tails bolted through the door; splashes of white adorned its cute little muzzel, its pointed ears, its paws, and its two tails; each one tipped in a little blue flame. "Have you found oniichan yet?" the little cat asked with a chirpy feminine voice. The mare gave the talking two tailed cat an apologetic smile. "...not yet, Hino-chan..." she said. "these ponies say they know what happened to her, though..." "I'm sorry darling..." Rarity offered. "she was here, but not any longer." "That is to say, 'she was here, hoping to destroy an ancient dark magical artifact called the Alicorn amulet, but we ticked off the evil spirit that was inside so much that it sapped a bunch of energy from us, and used it to drag Trixie and several others through a portal to even Celestia doesn't know where...', and we're currently trying to figure out where they went." Pinkie said offhandedly. The elegant mare seemed thoughtful for a moment. "...where...did this take place...?" she asked. "In this very room." Twilight replied. The mare looked around thoughtfully. "...yes...I can feel the echo of it now..." she said. "Echo?" Fluttershy asked. "What do you mean?" "when something of such great importance occurs, it leaves... an echo or imprint in time and space; a bookmark in history if you will..." Mist Whisper explained. "...have you ever been in a place and felt in your gut that something terrible had happened there? ...or near an object of some kind?" "...you have NO Idea..." Rainbow commented. "...from time to time..." Twilight said awkwardly.. "This is the echo that you feel; albeit only slightly. There are some who can train themselves to hone in on these echoes and read them. It is the basis of my fortune telling magic..." Then what Discord said played back in Twilight's head. "We've been working on a means to find them, but we've hit a road block..." she admitted. Mist Whisper cocked her head to the side. "Is there anything I can do...?" Twilight looked at her friends. they all had the same thought, it seemed. "Possibly..." .............................................Hargeon Docks....................................................... Sunset Shimmer wandered through the town, following the directions given by that guy earlier, for about half an hour before finally the town gave way to the shipyard and docks. Sunset smiled. "Found it..." she said softly to herself. She took a moment to look over the docks. "...Now, to find to boat to take me over to Coral bay..." Sunset walked up to what looked like a fishing boat. "Excuse me." she greeted, drawing the attention of the man who appeared to be offloading crates of stuff from the hold. "Yeah, what can I do for ya?" he asked. "I was wondering if you could take me out to Coral Bay...?" "Nope." he stated simply. Sunset blinked. "...um...can I ask why not?" "This is an honest merchant vessel." he said sharply. "This ship WILL NOT make port in a place that's in the middle of a Pirate turf war!" Sunset took a step back at his outburst, putting her hands up defensively. "Okayokay!" she protested. "I'll ask someone else..." "Yeah, you do that!" he snapped at her as she retreated. Sunset dejectedly shoved her hands in her pockets. "...no need to be an asshole about it..." she mumbled. She asked another guy; "nope..." ...and another... "Hell no!" ...another... "Absolutely not!" "Uuugggghhhhhh!!! What is everyone's problem with Coral Bay!?" Sunset wailed. "This place can't possibly be so terrifying!" She couldn't believe that people here could be so...so...difficult... 'I'm not going to have to swim there, am I?' the horrifying thought crossed her mind. "Hey there!" a hauntingly familiar voice called, bringing her attention to her right, where the spitting image of a certain blue haired guitar player stood near a rugged looking boat. "Trying to get to Coral Bay, are you?" he asked. "You with a wizard's guild dealing with our request?" Sunset was shell-shocked. she stood there taking in his appearance. a more ragged version of the familiar black leather jacket the CHS Flash wore, but with studded shoulders and cuffs; dark red headband tied around his forehead, and twin daggers sheathed; one over his right shoulder, the other at his left hip. she had to remind herself that she was supposed to be having a conversation. "Oh, yeah! I'm with Fairytail!" she blurted holding out her hand. "I'm Sunset Shimmer!" And so 'not Flash Sentry' shook her hand happily. "Flynn Richter; it's a pleasure." he greeted. "hop on, I'll take you over!" Sunset beamed. 'Finally, some luck!' she thought. "Thank you so much!" she said. "Everyone around here has been refusing to even look at me once I even bring Coral bay up!" Flynn shrugged. "...well, to be fair, there ARE a lot of pirates in the area..." he said nonchalantly. "...some of them are former dark wizards who left their dark guilds..." "Really?" she asked. "Is that why the request was posted?" surely that had to be it; dark wizards breaking away from their dark guild to go solo and ending up building a pirate crew... Flynn had a thoughtful look on his face. "well, it's a little more complicated then that..." he admitted. "Just come aboard, Krysta can explain it better then me... She's the one who put in the request." Sunset nodded. "Okay." she lung her dufflebag on to a bench on the large powerboat-esque vessel while 'not Flash Sentry' got to work turning on the motor. "So, what kind of magic ya use?" he asked. Sunset took a moment to consider that question. Magic in this world worked so differently from Equestrian magic. "well...I use a lot of different kinds of magic, but if I had to sum it up in a single sentence, then I'd call it..." she paused for a moment. "Phoenix magic...?" Flynn turned around and gave her a skeptical look. "...Huh?" Sunset blushed. "Agreed, I'm not the best at naming things on the fly, but to be honest, I'm not really sure what kind it is" Flynn said nothing, but waved his hand for her to continue. "...I can use fire magic..." she said, creating a ball of golden flames that would flicker black every so often, to show her point. the golden fireball disappeared. "I can cast healing and barrier spells..." her eyes glowed bright green as a green bubble of energy formed around her for a few seconds before dissipating. "...and I can use telekinesis and even teleportation spells." she held out her hand, and her dufflebag was enveloped in a familiar green glow and was lifted off the deck of the boat. Flynn nodded. "hmm...you're definitely one of the more versatile wizards I've seen..." he granted. "yeah, it's difficult to put all that in a single category." Sunset said as she set her dufflebag back down on the bench next to her. "Yeah, I'll grant ya that..." Flynn said as he returned to the helm. " ...can't say I've ever seen fire that was black and gold, though; magic or not..." "Neither have I; hence my own confusion." she said. Sunset looked out into the ocean. They'd been out on the water for about an hour by the time Coral bay came into view...as well as many very large and intimidating pirate ships. Each of them having it's own unique motif. Flynn slowed his motor boat right down as he began weaving in between them. "...You picked a good day, they aren't shooting at each other yet..." Sunset blanched. "...Shooting at each other...? as in...?" "Yup, with cannons, magic...or both; the whole nine yards." he said as if such was simply part of the status quo around here... "...charming..." she mumbled. That's when Flynn pointed at one of the large ships. "see the one with the spear wielding skeleton on the front?" he asked, getting a nod from Sunset. "That's an actual Ogre skeleton." That was impressive. "seriously?" she asked. Flynn grinned and nodded. "Yup, The captain of the ship used to be one of those rogue wizards I told you about. He'd gone up to Mount Hakube about..." he paused to think for a second. "...twenty...two years ago; in order to take down an ogre that had made it's home in the icy caves up there, feeding on any poor sod that went up there for pretty much any reason." "...and he killed it, obviously." Sunset surmised. "Uh huh, they battled it out for three whole days before he finally beat the thing, and after that, the client, some lousy scum bag named Everlue refused to pay, payed off local law enforcement to chase him out of town and even put the bounty on his head that he has held even to this day!" Sunset laughed. "well, I'm sure the good Captain will be pleased to hear That after all these years, Everlue's illegal dealings have been exposed to the public and he's now penniless and in prison." she said, and couldn't help but beam at the look on Flynn's face. "...what's the guy's name, anyway?" Flynn grinned proudly. "The one and only Craven Richter." Sunset blinked. "...Richter...?" 'he's not seriously going to tell me...' "...My father..." he finally said softly. '...he did...' "It's a small world." Sunset said with a chuckle. "...I'm sorry I'm not the one who brought him down." Flynn waved it off. "ah, don't worry about it..." he said casually. Sunset noticed a contented smile on his face as they continued towards the docks in relative silence before he pointed to a beached ship off to the side of the small port town. "see that ship over there?" he asked. Sunset noticed that there were wooden staircases and bridges leading up from the remote dock up to the main deck. "Yeah?" Sunset answered. "there an interesting story behind that one too?" "Used to be called 'The Siren's Song', but Krysta decided she didn't wanna be a pirate anymore so she just had it beached and turned it into a restaurant. Now it's called 'Siren's Lagoon'. That's where you wanna go once we're secure at the docks." he explained. Sunset was hesitant. "...Is it true, what they were saying in Hargeon?" she asked. "...that there's some kind of turf war going on between these pirate crews?" Flynn was quiet for a long moment. "...like I said...Krysta knows the situation better then a lot of people..." he said uneasily. "...she may not be an active pirate anymore, but she's got eyes and ears all over the place... Everyone knows that there's something going on, but only a select few know exactly what..." A dark look took over his face. "...but one thing that everyone knows, is that Captain Kota is at the center of it..." he said pointing at another ship that...Good god; now there is a guy who isn't a believer in subtlety... A massive Cyclops skull was chained and bolted to the front with a large three barreled cannon sticking out of the open mouth. A slightly smaller single barrel cannon extended from the eye socket. The hull was black and the sails were dark red depicting a skeletal viking with a shield and and axe. it's entire body was portrayed dripping with blood. "That one's called the 'Abomination'..." he said "Abomination is right..." she said, not bothering to hide her disgust. "That ship is hideous..." she said. 'Rarity would have a heart attack at the sight of it...' Flynn began to steer their boat towards the beached ship; it wasn't long before a neon sign reading 'Siren's Lagoon' came into view. bordering the sign was a depiction of three mermaids circling around it. The imagery reminded her of a pirate movie she saw in the other human world with Rainbow Dash...but with an oddly contemporary upgrade to it... cool. Sunset allowed herself to close her eyes and drift along to the sound and smell of the sea around her. the smell of the shallow water as they neared the docks... the sound of the waves rolling against all the ships that surrounded them... the churning of bubbles coming up from beneath their boat- wait, what?! "Huh?" her eyes shot open and she leaned over the edge to see over. Flynn noticed this and that dark look returned to his face. "...don't lean too far out." he warned. "There's golems under these waves..." "Golems?" she asked. "Is that normal here?!" He was quiet for a short moment. "...Like I said..." he nodded once more toward the Cyclops skulled ship. "...Somehow, Captain Kota is at the heart of it..." "...I suppose they're why I'm here, then..." she muttered. "You are correct!" Flynn declared in an overly cheerful voice as he found an empty dock that wasn't too far away from 'the Lagoon' as most locals called it, and slowly apraoched it; finally docking. "Sunset Shimmer, welcome to Coral bay! keep your hand on your wallet and your wits on guard! head on over to the Lagoon and tell the ladies that Flynn sent ya! I have my own errands I still have to run." "Ok!" and with that, Sunset grabbed her bag and set off towards the neon lit ship...slash restaurant. Not two minutes into her walk, a young child aggressively shoved into her. "Ooof! hey, watch it lady!" he snarked before running off into the crowd. Sunset immediately recognized what had happened. and took off after the kid with a glare on her face. "Hey!" she barked after him, but the boy just kept running. "...great..." she grumbled before vanishing with a flash of green... ........................................................................................... Kobe Brackett had just ripped off some ditzy looking tourist and was making his getaway, "Hey!" she called after him, but he wasn't going to stop just because she wanted him to... ha! He didn't get too far as he ran down an alley and rounded a corner just to crash directly into the same lady and fall flat on his back. "What?!" "Hand it over." she ordered flatly. Kobe scrambled back to his feet. "Screw you, lady!" he barked before running off again. Once he was confident he had covered enough ground, he looked over his shoulder to see his red haired mark merely glaring after him as she just disappeared in a green flash. "Huh?! she's a wizard?!" he finally realized before turning his gaze back to the street ahead of him to once again crash into her and fall backward. "...That's right..." she hissed as she loomed over him like a hungry wraith; her eyes began to glow that eerie green from before and he was lifted off the ground by his ankles. "Uuuaaaaagghhh!!!" he cried out in panic. she turned him around in mid air so the were looking each other in the eyes. That same flat unamused look still on her face as she held out her hand. Kobe knew that gesture...that look... "You have something that belongs to me...I'd like it back..." she said, confirming his thought. "Fine, take your stupid wallet!" he shouted in her face and shoved the wallet into her waiting hand. She let him down gently and he ran off once more with a crafty grin forming on his face. "...sucker..." He didn't take five strides before he was once again hauled off the ground by his ankles... "OH, COME ON!!!" Within seconds all of his pockets were being pulled inside out as if by invisible hands until the pocket that he'd stashed the money he'd stolen was found; the money levitated back to the young woman's waiting hand as she leveled a dangerous glare at him. "...Nice try, punk..." she said coldly. She proceeded to put the cash back in her wallet, but stopped at the final bill. She stared at it thoughtfully, then looked back at him. "...you wanna earn this one?" she asked. Kobe gulped. "wh...what ya want me to do?" "...Tell me everything you know about this "Captain Kota" I've been hearing about..." ...............................................Later.......................................... There it was, right in front of her; the beached ship that had been converted into a restaurant and hotel, 'The Siren's Lagoon' "...Hm..." Sunset couldn't help but think this whole thing was a rather impressive setup as she climbed he wooden stairs that led to the main deck. Dozens of tables were set up in much the same style as one would at one of those outdoor cafe's back in Magnolia or the world beyond the mirror... There was also what looked to be some manner of stage like back at the guild hall... That's when she did a double take as she spotted three very familiar faces floating about the place with little aprons, notepads, and one of them actually had a serving tray adorned with food and drinks. Adagio Dazzle...Sonata Dusk...and Aria Blaze... She blink her shock away as she found herself wandering about with the pretense of looking for an Ideal table. "You'll want to head up to the Captain's cabin, sweetie..." came a voice from her right, shaking her out of her stupor. She spun on her heel to face Adagio-or rather, This world's Adagio giving her that same bemused look as that guy back in Hargeon. "Huh?" Adagio merely quirked an eyebrow as her smirk grew. "You stand out like a sore thumb with that dufflebag, hun." she said casually. "Talk to Krysta up at the bar to rent a room; that is why you're here?" That's right! Krysta! "Yeah!" Sunset blurted awkwardly. the way that this girl was leaning forward like that, showing off a generous view of her cleavage...Sunset would swear that she was trying to seduce her... a light blush tinted her cheeks at the thought. "It's just up the fancy stairs to the upper deck, sweetie; you can see it from here." Adagio instructed, pointing over to a pair of indeed very fancy dual staircases leading up to a large structure that was probably once literally the Captain's quarters. but it was, instead, an open bar with yet another neon sign above it that read, 'The Captain's Cabin: Lounge and Bar' "Ok, thanks." she said. "My name is Adena, by the way..." not-Adagio greeted. "Sunset; it's nice to meet you." Sunset replied, adjusting her dufflebag. "I'll probably be back for a table before too long..." Adena smiled. "Lookin' forward to it, Beautiful." she said with a wink before spinning on her heel and strutting down through the tables, playfully greeting patrons as she passed by. Sunset returned her gaze to the double staircase. "Right..." she said. "Time to get to work..." ............................................................................................................... Author's Note Well, it took a good bit longer then I'd hoped, but hey...life happens. So here's chapter 10! please let me know what you think. A new cover art picture is also in the works! And so a few new counterparts are introduced, Flash Sentry, and the all three of the Dazzlings! Krysta is also a counterpart, but we'll see if you guys can figure out who's when I start writing her out. Mission Start!: Rescue The Pirates' Prisoner!The Great And Powerful Fairytail Chapter 11: Mission start!: Rescue Pirates' Prisoner! The stairs creaked loudly as Sunset made her way up to the Captain's Cabin; other patrons and customers were also going up and down the stairs passed her. This seamed like a pretty lively place, to say the least. It hadn't been long before the scent of various alcahols assaulted her nostrils; some rather pungent, others were quite sweet oders that seemed to balance it out. Finally, she made it to the top of the stairs to see the crowded bar before her. In between the patrons, she saw a tall and voluptuous woman that she could only assume was Krysta. Her tanned complexion was contrasted by her shiny emerald green hair that cascaded over her shoulders and down her back. A black and green strapless corset top that seemed to be of a similar style as Trixie's outfit offset by the lack of a skirt; replaced with grey pants and an array of belts adorned with various trinkets that seemed to emanate some kind of magical power. long black boots and gloves completed her look to give her an almost dominatrix look... complete with black eye shadow and lipstick that shone with a pearlescent green making the whole ensemble look gothic... She seemed about the same age as Principle Celestia, Sunset noted mentally as she slowly approached the bar. It was only a moment before the woman noticed her. "Have a seat, hun, I'll be with you in a second!" she called over, nodding toward a booth. Sunset looked over to see the empty booth and nodded. "Okay!" she called back before walking over to the booth, setting her dufflebag down and sitting down herself to find that the seats were surprisingly comfortable. Sunset wasn't left to look around for very long as the woman walked over. "What can I get ya, Sweetie?" she asked; never losing her devious confidence as she spoke. Sunset smiled. "Actually, I'm here to help you." she declared, bringing a surprised look to the woman's face. "I'm Sunset Shimmer, I'm here for the job request that was posted..." The emerald haired beauty was quick to regain her composure, however, and her seductive smile returned. "Oh, so you're the Fairytail wizard I was told to expect..." she confirmed, earning a nod from the redhead. Sunset's expression became serious. " So...what am I dealing with?" "Krysta... You'll be standing along side the crews of the 'Siren's Song' and the 'Giant's Requiem' against the 'Abomination', the 'Bone Warden', the 'Merman's blood', the 'Grey Lady' and a seemingly infinite army of gollums that regularly attack the town and anyone who lingers around the beach and docks for too long..." Sunset leaned back in her seat. "...so Flynn wasn't joking about those things then..." she said, more to herself then anyone else. "Do we know where they're coming from?" Krysta sighed. "...anywhere and everywhere..." she said in annoyance. "There's a wizard controlling them who's hiding on one of the four ships... whether it's willingly or otherwise, it has to end..." "Agreed, though it does still leave us with a problem..." Sunset said with a nod. Krysta's expression implied that she knew it too. "The moment any one of us sets foot on either ship to investigate, it'll put all four in a frenzy; The whole town will be up to their ears in total anarchy!" Krysta smirked. "...So, we hit all four ships simultaneously." she said simply. "This isn't our first rodeo, honey... this town's seen it's fair share of pirate problems..." Sunset shook her head. "...I suppose I shouldn't be surprised..." she said exasperatedly. "...so; when do we do this?" Krysta smiled. "...Tonight; midnight." she said confidently. "...but for now; the show's about to start, so we'll get you set up with a room below deck and you can get a table so you can watch; the girls are a local favorite these days." "...you mean Adena and them...?" Sunset asked, just to be sure. "Yup." Krysta said casually in response. "After all... they're going to need to warm up for tonight..." "...warm...up?" Sunset asked dumbly. do they do magic that encorperates music like the other versions do? "You'll see." Krysta chirped with a wink. The woman took a momen to examine something behind the counter before coming back and handing her a key. "We'll put you in room twenty six." she said. "It's just below top deck; the rooms are magically sound proofed so you don't have to worry about the noise from above, and magically set to these keys, so that only the holder of that specific key has access to the room." She motioned to the stairs. "Shall we?" ...............................................Clover Canyon.................................... Trixie was uncomfortable... Trixie was very uncomfortable. Natsu and Gray were both staring intently at her; waiting for her to speak. "Come on Trixie, spill it!" Natsu prodded. "who's Sombra?" "...um..." Trixie fumbled with her words, unable to meet their gaze. Their one sided conversation was drawing the attention of Erza, Lucy and Makarov. "...That's right...you did mention that name when you first met us in the forest..." Lucy said thoughtfully. Trixie cursed under her breath... her mind a torrent of panic as she tried to formulate a way to explain it in a way that they wouldn't write off as absolute craziness. "Sombra... sorry, King Sombra..." she began uneasily. "...is a dark wizard who used his dark magic to conquer and enslave an entire nation over a thousand years ago." The others were now quite engaged in the topic. Makarov and Erza were listening silently while it was Natsu of all people who connected the dots first. "...and he was a dragon slayer too, wasn't he...?" the others stared wide eyed at the prospect. but Trixie nodded. "...that's right..." she confirmed. "...the Baal fire dragon slayer... He apparently ventured into Tartarus itself to acquire the power from the unholy union of draconic and demonic power... 'Blood Dust The Abyssal'... as he's apparently known..." That last tidbit seemed to hit them like a charging Minotaur. Makarov stared at her. "...How is that possible?" the guild master demanded. "Dragonslayer magic didn't exist a thousand years ago! the first Dragon slayers didn't exist untill four hundred years ago." "Don't ask me!" she defended. "Maybe he was first ever Dragon slayer, I don't know!" Lucy cast a look at Natsu to see an odd look on his face. he seemed deep in thought at this new revelation. "...the first Dragon slayer..." she said softly; more to herself then anyone else. "what do you know about this guy?" Natsu asked urgently. Trixie thought back to Luna's memories. "Well...He became known for his endless cruelty..." she began. "...Luna can tell you more about him specifically; my experience is more with Blood Dust and his progeny...some twisted demonic spirit that possessed me a while back and has been hounding me ever since..." "You were possessed by a demon?!" Erza demanded. "How?!" "Blood dust tore out pieces of his soul and apparently placed them in various trinkets that he managed to sneak into the mortal plain even whilest sealed away..." Trixie looked up at Erza; her eyes fearful and pleading. "...Think back to what I said at the train station when we were fighting those Eisenwald guys..." She did remember. Trixie had said that she had once walked a less then savory path until something happened that uprooted it all and she was left to try and atone... "...I remember..." she said softly. Makarov spoke again. "Let me guess; you were a snot nosed punk who only cared about your own gain until you discovered one of these magic trinkets, went crazy, were defeated and have been dealing with the consequences ever since?" Trixie gave a humorless smile. "...that's...disconcertingly on the nose, Gramps..." she admitted, using Natsu and Gray's nickname for the old man. Makarov nodded thoughtfully. "Well... in any case, it's good to see that you've turned away from that life; what ever you were known for then...the part you played in saving myself and the other guildmasters is what you'll be known for in the future..." Trixie smiled; genuinely, this time. "...It's kind of you to say...but, that side of me still comes out from time to time. I'm just glad I have friends to slap some sense back into me if I step out of line again..." at that, everyone around gave her reassuring smiles and nods. The moment was ruined when Trixie's stomach growled loudly. everyone else wasn't far behind... "...Well, that's enough sitting around, moping." Erza said firmly, pretending that she wasn't starving like everyone else... "Yeah, we need to find some food..." Natsu lamented. they continued to prattle back and forth as they set out once again to find some kind of food in the middle of that Nightmare Moon-Forsaken canyon... ...............................................Blood Diamond Headquarters................................. The masked woman stared coldly at the criminal guildmaster Marik. "...we had...a deal." she hissed. "...and...?" Marik asked smugly. "In exchange for the silver mine, you carry out my mandate!" she barked. Lazaro standing at her left while Erigor stood to her right. Either man was silent save for Erigor tapping the pommel of his scythe on the floor every now and then. "...and we did." he stated simply; that snidely smirk never leaving his face. "...and now you wish to hire us for another job and have nothing to pay for it. well, my dear..." he snapped his fingers, summoning several other Blood Diamond wizards to his side. "That's going to cost you extra, or we will simply kill you right here..." he said with a cruel smile. No one else could see her face beyond her mask, but if they could, they would be able to see a smile on her own face that matched. "tsk tsk tsk... that isn't how you do business Master Marik..." she teased, wagging a finger playfully. "...on the other hand..." she said, reaching up and removing her mask, revealing her beautiful face marred by a horrific grin filled with sharp pointed teeth. "...I have been getting quite hungry..." Lazaro smugly leaned over to Erigor. "...you're about to find out why she's not to be crossed..." "Hmph..." was all the former 'Ace of Eisenwald' cared to say, still seething after his humiliating defeat at the hands of the fire dragonslayer of fairytail... "...Last chance..." Marik offered, holding up one hand, preparing to snap his fingers. "I've been playing nice with you so far..." the woman said, never losing her jagged grin and her seductive tone. "...but now, you're just getting too greedy...". Murder in her crimson eyes, she stood defiantly before Guildmaster Marik. "...Hurry up and make your move." "As you wish." Marik snapped his fingers, and the five other Blood diamond wizards all charged at her. Two swords plunged into her chest and several blasts of magic energy caused her body to explode; blood, viscera and bones...too many bones for one body... were scattered all over. Included in the mess was a strange black and red necklace; cut in the shape of a black unicorn with wings that had a perfect ruby set into the center Erigor wiped the blood from his face, and turned to Lazaro. "...you were saying...?" "Keep watching." Lazaro instructed; He then began to laugh. Marik gave Lazaro a curious stare. "...are you going to let us in on the joke, Lazaro?" "Heheheheheheh, you'll see in just a moment..." the masked man jeered with a cackle. "You do realize that you're covered in blood right...?" Erigor asked flatly. Lazaro simply turned to him casually and said "what? you getting squeamish already?" "...tch..." Erigor just turned back a the mess of carnage in front of them. After a short moment, Erigor watched in morbid fascination as the blood and viscera seemed to come to life. First, the ruby on the necklace began to glow an ominous red, then the bones all seemed to sink into the blood as if they were being fully submerged. The room was overcome with the stench of rotting blood and decaying flesh as...something began to rise out of the pool of darkened blood. Erigor's stomach lurched at the smell. Higher and higher it rose... as if it wasn't just solid floor at their feet, but a deep pool of this rancid dark red. It continued to rise until it reached a little taller then the young woman that once stood there. Now standing before them was a vaguely humanoid figure that looked like a melting gollum made of blood and carnage. Marik was livid. He glared at his attacking wizards. "What are you waiting for?!" he roared. "Finish the job before I kill you for failing!!" The wizards in question clamored in panic, each one trying to be the first to strike down the abomination before them... The first one, one of the magic swordsmen, was the first to fall as the creature engulfed him like an amorphous blob, devouring him entirely within seconds to the sound of the sickening cracks of his bones being shattered. The next was the three non swordsmen; one of them held a magic pistol while the other two equipped magic rings that allowed them to use such magic... turning one arm into a dark red kite shield to parry the other swordsman, it used the opportunity to surge forward, split its torso into three monstrous heads bite into each one pull them together and surround them devouring the three wizards in one brutal movement; The final swordsman watched in unparalleled horror as the creature transformed back into the young woman in black and red. The wizard was shaking in utter terror as she looked at him now with an eirily calm expression. "...drop the sword..." she said stoicly. "...you're out of your league..." Taking her unspoken warning, he dropped his weapon and ran for the door. "COWARD!!!" Marik barked after him. Ignoring the woman in black and red would prove a fatal mistake as unspeakable pain shot through him, centered on his chest. He looked down to see what looked like a dark red crystalline spear protruding from his chest, leading all the way to were her hand used to be... "...I do not show mercy to treachery, Master Marik..." she said calmly as it snapped off halfway between them and the half still connected to her melted back into hand. The man could offer no comeback except a choking gasp. "...but don't worry, you're guild will be put to good use under my banner." she leaned closer; her lips inches away from his ear. "...and your power will live on...as fuel for my magic..." she pulled back at reveal that horrific jagged grin once more. Marik was powerless to stop her as her mouth opened wider and wider, inhumanly so, and the last thing he heard was Lazaro's demented laughter... ......................................................................... Sunset sat at a nice table not far from the stage as Adena and this world's alternate versions of Aria Blaze, known in this world as Sareina Baltus and Sonata Dusk, known in this world as Yuna Valkyrie, had one by one walked up on stage. Adena, microphone in hand, took a few steps forward. "Is everyone ready for some music?" she asked in a casual tone. the crowd cheered and whistled in response. "...Good, good... well we have one or two new songs for you guys tonight, then we'll go to some fan favorites!" This was well received as there was more cheering. Sunset remained focused on the menu in front of her. The crowd hushed as the lights began to dim-wait, what? this was out door...open air. How was...? Sunset looked up to see some manner of magical illusion being cast that was turning everything dark, when it was finished, the spectacle was definitely something to behold; the afternoon sky was replaced with a beautiful night sky richly decorated with stars and the northern lights. Next came the music. It was smooth, yet upbeat... graceful yet energetic... it was difficult to describe. 'kind of like a slightly slower pop song...wow... that was easier then I thought...' Sunset thought... then came the words... "Deep down inside, I know in my heart that you are the one I've waited for..." Adena sang, near instantly drawing Sunset's attention. "Be still my heart, how it just flutters; how could I have asked for more...?" Sunset was mesmerized by Adena's melodious voice... "Baby, I know; just give me a chance, I can show you that there's more to this... ...Then love at first sight; just give it a chance and we'll discover just what this love is...!" " ...tonight..." the other two finally joined in... ...tonight... Just stay here with me and the waves, the stars the sea and this midnight moon! Through sky so high, through deepest tide, I'll be there by your side. Through sky so high, through deepest tide, You'll find I've never lied. Adena's voice was intoxicating; as her song continued with further words of longing and infatuation, she couldn't help but move in her seat to the rythem of the music and their voices. It wasn't long before she realized that other patrons were actually getting up and dancing... After a while, Sunset realized that they were singing another song, but like many other people in the audience, she was too busy dancing to really pay attention. By the time it was over, she felt like she's just did a light workout... "...phew... that was amazing..." The illusion over the ship was dropping and Sunset could see that late afternoon was fast approaching. That's when Krysta stepped up on stage. "Thank you all for coming out!" Krysta called out across the deck with a microphone. the crowd answered with cheers and applause. "...You guys really are an awesome crowd, but now the show is over..." her last sentence wasn't quite as well recieved as a collective groan from the crowd was heard. "Yes, yes; I know. Come on back tomorrow for another show and there may be so e extra celebration to be had!" she said with a grin. That seemed to set them off as excited murmurs erupted from all around Sunset as they seemed to clue in that something was going down... "...are we finally takin' it to Kota...?" one person asked. "...we must be..." another said. "Hey, look at her! do we have Fairytail backing us up?!" Sunset heard someone behind her say. "Oh, we're in for a hell of a show, now." yet another voice called triumphantly. an arm suddenly wrapping around her shoulder snapped her out of her growing discomfort. "enjoy the show, Sweetie?" Adena asked. "I did, you were amazing!" Sunset said, a little surprised at how much she truly meant it. "Awww, I'm glad!" Adena said, never losing that almost seductive smile. "Now that the show's over though, we can begin to work out the finer points of our battle plan tonight..." Sunset nodded. "Right, sounds good. Where are we doing that?" she asked. "We're meeting up in Krysta's cabin behind the bar once enough people clear out and get back home or to their rooms." Adena explained. "...I look forward to working with you." .....................................later................................ There she stood in a dimly lit room in front of a map spread out across a large table. With her were Krysta, Adena, Sareina and Yuna as well as several familiar and unfamiliar faces. Among the familiar faces were Flynn, this world's counterparts of Octavia, Bonbon...she was pretty sure the one skulking in the corner was Lyra, her hair was the right color, but her 'dias de las muertos' motiffed face paint was a little...much... the last familiar face actually came as a bit of a surprise to her; towering over her was this world's counterpart of Bulk Biceps. The map showed the entirty of Coral Bay, from the port town to the Creasent moon-shaped landmass that encompassed it; the ships within represeanted by chess pieces. "Okay, here's what we need to do." Krysta instructed, now taking on a stoic 'no nonsense' attitude. "On one of these ships is a wizard who's summoning and controlling these golums." she looked between all the faces in the room before continuing. "Everyone, this is our ticket; Fairytail wizard, Sunset Shimmer. By the decree of the magic counsil AND the king of Fiore himself, we cannot engage in any kind of hostility against Kota and his fleet of pirates unless it is done through legal means." Sunset smirked. "...so THAT's why I'm here when you guys clearly have some heavy hitters on your side..." she said, a little bemused, but a thought occured to her. "...so why would you be legally barred from standing up for yourselves?" she asked. "...especially against so many invading pirates?" "..." a voice said, barely above a whisper, drawing everyone's attention to the hoodie wearing lyra counterpart in the corner. "what was that?" Sunset asked, earning a cold look from the girl. "...The powers that be want us to play by their rules..." she hissed; her voice raspy and coarse. "...we operate without their say so, and it'll be recognised as a power play by a gang of pirates and dark wizards..." she held a hand in front of her conjuring a glowing green skull, and then smashed it with her free hand. "...and they will move against us...and everyone else in Coral Bay for harboring us..." Then another voice spoke, drawing their attention to a man standing not far from Flynn. He had the same dark blue hair; no doubt this was the Illustrious captain Craven Richter. "To put it simply young miss, they view us as delinquents on peroll..." "...as in literally 'on peroll'. We do anything outside of their ridiculous guidelines, and every single one of us gets put away fro life!" the hulking young man in the room said exhasperatly. "Hense the dilema..." Adena piped in, smiling casually. "...Told ya it was complicated..." Flynn deadpanned. Sunset had to admit; it was indeed considerably more complicated then the job request let on. "That's putting it lightly..." Sunset jabbed; her own face awash with a stoic deadpan expression. "We're getting off track!" Krysta declared bringing everyone's attention back to the map. "We need to organize the teams and decide who's going where..." "It'll need to be quick and quiet... our first priority should be disabling the ships as quick as possible so they can't turn around and start firing on the town." "All good and well, but there's still the gollums in the ocean." Sareina cut in. "that's why we're dividing into teams and hitting all ships simultaneously..." she looked between Krysta and Craven. "Naturally, the Captains will be hitting the Abomination..." "Not so fast..." Craven interjected, cutting her off. "Kota may be the one calling the shots, but Zaria, Gabriel, and Drogar are not to be taken so lightly..." "Agreed." Krysta said. "Craven and I will each be taking a team to hit the 'Merman's Blood' and the 'Bone Warden' to deal with Drogar and Gabriel while Sunset takes a team to Hit the Abomination and take down Kota... The remaining members will Hop aboard the "Grey Lady' and pay Zaria a visit." "Didn't you just finish saying we shouldn't take them lightly?" Sunset asked bluntly. "Why does it sound like you're treating Captain Zaria like an afterthought?" Craven cocked an eyebrow. "...because... I have reason to believe we can bring her to our side if we can convince her that Kota can be beaten." Then Sunset realized what the man was saying. "...you mean, they might be forcing her to fight for them?" she asked, getting a nod from both Krysta and Craven. "Okay then, who's coming with me to the Abomination?" ................................................................................ Author's Note Phew! ... Holly shit! it's finally done! that's the newest chapter up and out for your viewing pleasure. as always, I'm sorry for the long wait. As you may have gathered. this is all happening during the events of the episode "Natsu eats a village!" though with the addition of Trixie along for the ride. P.S. Lightning Dust is also still working with Levi, Jet and Droy at this point. Let me know if side story filler chapters about these little diversions are something you guys would be interested in; but otherwise, the plan is set, and Sunset and her new allies are about to try and take out an army of Pirates and Gollems and determine the 'who', 'where', and 'why' behind this mysterious wizard ally of theirs. Set In to MotionThe Great And Powerfull Fairytail Chapter 12: Set Into Motion! Sunset wandered down the dark streets of the port town; trying to pretend that the whole town wasn't about to erupt into chaos. Bula Faust, the skull-faced Lyra lookalike and Brick Loxley, The Bulk-Biceps lookalike were with her as they slowly made their way to the docks. Sunset looked up at the sky to see the moon. The sounds of drunken laughter and merriment rang throughout in tiny pockets of activity. The voice of Krysta spoke into her ear with a magical earpiece. Bula was first to respond. "Team Crusafix, approaching the docks now..." she said robotically. Adena's voice spoke next. . Sunset had to pretend to be disinterested as the continued towards the docks as discretion was an absolute must in a port town filled with people who love to pry and find out others' business... It was imperative that they kept their intent private lest a pirate spy be watching them... "...you're handling yourself well..." Bula whispered. "...I know a thing or two about keeping secrets..." Sunset said cryptically. "...keep acting natural, ladies, we're being followed..." Brick, who had come up with the impressive cover of going out on a late night fishing trip for Araurabeams... a tropical fish that uses magic to camouflage during the day and emit brilliant lights during the night; and apparently they were a popular delicacy here as well as Hargeon... Sunset made a mental note that she's have to try some while she was here... ...but anyway, that had only been their cover. Their plan was to prepare a Flynn's boat to go fishing and try to sneak on board the Abomination to disable it and defeat Kota... who, quite possibly, from what she'd heard about the man, may already be expecting such an effort already; and so it fell to them to attack him from angles that he wouldn't expect. "...where...?" Sunset asked, make quick glances as she spun on her heel and walked backwards as if she was focused on Brick... "Over my left shoulder... one of kota's..." he said quietly. Sunset noticed a figure in the shadows. She didn't get a good look at the person, all she saw was a black biker style vest and was that pink hair? she spun back to walk toward the docks as they continued walking. "...so where are you from...?" Bula asked, then smirked. "...or is that one of those secrets you mentioned?" Sunset's stomach lept to her throat. this creepy girl truly had no idea... she remained silent as they continued. "So where's our boat?" she asked awkwardly. though a knowing smile on Bula's face suggested that she knew more that she let on... "...You'll know it..." Bula said. "...Flynn is waiting for us..." "I just hope Gollums don't attack til we get to the ships..." brick said uneasily. "ugh...don't say things like that...that practically guarantees something will go wrong..." Sunset said warily. "...Just keep going..." Bula said sternly. "...we're running out of time..." Indeed, they were. the time was nearing that the other teams would attack their assigned ship, and they needed to get aboard the Abomination before the chaos started. It wasn't long before the docks came back into view. There was Flynn, looking very anxious, though he seemed to brighten up when he saw them approaching. "What kept ya?" he asked. "Kota has people all over the the port." Brick explained. 'really? hm... i guess that's why we took so many detours...' Sunset pondered. they had to take alternate routes several times on the way as, from what she'd heard, even crossing paths with an opposing crewman would likely result in a destructive battle. "...well, the waters are starting to roil somethin' fierce. the gollums are on their way." Flynn reported. they all shared a nervous look, save for Bula, who just seemed perpetually perturbed as usual... "Then let's make sure we're not still here to greet them." Sunset said as she took a step toward the boat. "...why the hurry?" a hauntingly familiar voice chimed. "...stay a while and chat." as familiar as the voice was, there was something very unfamiliar in it. it carried a very cruel and ruthless tone. Sunset froze in her step. Slowly...very slowly, she turned around; her stomach had lurched up to her throat as she saw the newcomer at the far end of the dock. A very familiar face that had fallowed a vastly different path. Pinkie Pie?! No... it was the biker looking pink haired lookalike of her friend who had been fallowing them before. "Diane Blanchard..." Brick greeted coldly. "...Brick." she returned. She was wearing a black leather vest much like the ones worn by biker gang-members, black eye shadow adorned her icey blue eyes, her build was also a stark contrast from her friend as it was more akin to that of Lightning Dust, as she was quite robust. Tattoos of all manner of weapons from pistols and artillery to daggers and battle axes covered her well muscled arms; gothic looking gloves of black leather adorned with metal spikes covered her forearms. Heavy looking knee high boots, also littered with metal studs guarded her legs. Torn and tattered jeans finished her ensemble and made her look quite imposing indeed. "PICTO MAGIC!!! SPINNING CARNAGE!!!" Diane called, slapping an open palm to either shoulder. Her tattoos began to glow before she took a step back. She held out her arms and a large mass of light burst forth in front of her before taking the form of a Mini gun. Sunset went sheet white. "...oh God...". Brick stepped forward. "Get to the Abomination." he said; cold stoicism shrouding his features. "GO!!!" he roared as his own magic flared to life his body becoming encased in stone as the six barrels of Diane's weapon began to spin. As the chaos started, it did,'t take long for the whole town to get swept into the uproar. Sunset, Bula and Flynn hurried into the boat even as the tide began to froth. The gollums would be here any second. Sure enough, the first Gollums began break the water's surface as they lumbered ashore. A large wave crashed against the boat, bringing a gollum with it; clamped to the side of the vessel as it tried to climb in, it seemed to see Sunset and raised it's right arm, made of coral and a rusty anchor, ready to swing it down upon her. ................................................................................... Erigor the reaper entered the main chamber of the Blood diamond guild. Lady Bloodmoon sat upon the extravagant throne that Marik once used. "You wanted to see me?" he asked coldly. "Yes Erigor. I have a task for you." she said calmly. her voice still holding that same sultry tone that it always seemed to have. "You're going to the Heartfilia estate..." "...To kill who?" Erigor interrupted, cutting her off. "Oh, you are NOT to kill anyone...you are going there to secure a potential ally in one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom..." she said with a condescending laugh. Erigor glared at her. "I only do assassination missions." he said defiantly. Bloodmoon stood up. "...If you wish to live long enough to exact your vengeance upon Fairytail's Salamander..." she hissed before sinking into the floor. Erigor suddenly felt overwhelmed by a sudden surge of murderous intent from right behind him. "...then you'll do as you're told... or you will join Marik and his rejects in eternal anguish..." then he felt several sharp points at his neck. "...do you understand? those are your only choices now..." to his credit, Erigor smirked. "Heh... so that's how it is...?" he asked. the sharp points, it turned out were her crystaline blood claws, pressed a little harder, indicating that this was a correct assessment. "...Fine. I'll go..." he relented. "...So... Jude Heartfillia, then is it?" Bloodmoon's claws pulled away. "...Correct Erigor." she said. "You will pass along that his lost daughter is hiding among the Fairytail guild, then you will return here." her tone went even colder. "Get used to being on a leash, Erigor... If leaving yopu to your devices results in a failure as colossal as the events of the guild master conference, then you need to be controlled and trained to move with discreation instead of leaving a trail of corpses and destruction in your wake everywhere you go." She moved around for him to face her. "...Fail... and your defeat at the hands of Salamander will seem like a lavish vacation to what will await you..." Erigor shivered ever so slightly, but glared defiantly. "...Understood...?" "Yes." "Then get going, and send Lazaro in when you leave..." she barked. Saying nothing, Erigor bowed slightly before turning to leave. ............................................................................................. Time seemed to slow for Sunset as she threw a hand forward in panic. A blast of green telekinetic aura exploded from her palm, blasting the creature back several meters. It took Sunset a moment to realize that its other hand was still grasping the edge of the boat. "Look lively ladies!" Flynn called out as more Gollums continued to attack both them and those who remained on shore. "BAPHOMET RAM!!!" Bula called as a glowing green ram skull materialized over her hand as another gollum jumped up next to her. The green skull charged into the gollum; the impact shattering it completely. Krysta's voice asked over the comm urgently. after dispatching two more Gollums with Sunset, Bula could finally respond. "Team Crusafix is compromised!" she barked. "Blanchard ambushed us at the docks; Brick broke off to cover us!" They could both hear Krysta curse under her breath. <...Dammit! looks like Kota knew we were coming! Just get to the Abomination and take it out!!> "Great Pheonix Hand!!" Sunset called as she threw a flame engulfed fist at a gollum. at the apex of her punch, the flames exploded outward from her, taking the form of a pheonix and even uttered an eagle like cry before surging into its target. "Yeah, we're working on it!" She said exasperatedly on the comm. "We've got a bit of a swarm of gollums to deal with, and we're a man short!" The boat was rocking violently as more and more gollums shot up out of the water, making Sunset struggle with her footing and stumble back a few steps. the rolling waves grew bigger and bigger as the ocean became more and more violent. Like feral zombies, they reached up at them from the surf, clawing at the hull of the boat to get at its occupants. Flynn looked back at his two passengers. "Hang on ladies, I'm gonna punch it! we need to get to the Abomination, NOW!!" he called. Sunset and Bula faught off their newest attackers before acknowledged Flynn. "Do it!" Sunset called back. They grabbed on to the edges of the boat as it accellerated, smashing through gollums that were surfacing in front of them. "I'm going to need to drop you at the ship and return to the docks to back Brick up!" he called back at them again as the boat continued to speed up. Wave after wave; the boat powered through jumping off each wave and surfacing gollum. Crash after Crash; if this continued they wouldn't last much longer. A Gollum breached the surf right in front of them. "This guy again?!" Sunset moaned. It was the anchor armed gollum that attacked them earlier. In mid air before them, it was much too high up for Flynn to run over with the boat. A large glowing bone hand snatched the gollum out of the air. Sunset looked back to see Bula at the end of the skeletal arm connecting to a giant rib cage surrounding her like a small fortress. Bula glared dangerously at the gollum in her grasp. "...You're testing my patience!" she growled before tossing the living construct over her shoulder as if it weighed nothing. They were nearing the Abomination to the point that Sunset could count the number of teeth on the upper and lower jaw of the giant cyclops skull, and the number of bolts used to attach the skull to the body of the ship... twenty four... eleven massive bolts went up either side of the skull and one one either side fastening the bottom jaw to the skull. "Time to get to work!" Sunset called as her body was enveloped in a pale green glow and she levitated up the side of the ship. Bula observed Sunset for a moment before another large bone arm sprouted from the other side of her ethereal bone armor and she proceeded to climb up the side after her curious team mate. "Flynn!" she looked down at him. "...get back there and back Brick up! we have this under control!" Flynn gave a quick salute before turning his boat back to the docks and speeding away. "...God speed, ladies..." he said softly. He knew Bula's capabilities, but Sunset was still an unknown, so he still couldn't help but worry. ..............................................PHANTOM LORD GUILD HALL................................. A young woman in black and red walked through a crowded mess hall accompanied by another young woman wearing the formal dress of a maid of servant. "...don't let the rabble scare you... they're just rowdy..." the girl in black and red said casually. The other, a maid, merely looked around nervously as their every move was followed by wizards that looked more like bandits and criminals then law abiding citizens. "...are you sure we can count on these... degenerates? Miss Lucy is to be brought to us unharmed..." she asked. Bloodmoon smiled. "...your girl is being held by the top guild in the kingdom..." she insisted. "...whether she realizes it or not, Fairytail is far too dangerous for one of her stature; besides..." she trailed off. "...I have my own purposes for hiring Phantom Lord. They are also holding someone very dear to me as well, you see..." "...if you say so..." she eased. "...Besides, Master Jose is actually quite clever. He'll know the perfect wizard to send in order to collect her without total anarchy breaking out between them..." Bloodmoon declared. "...as you say..." They continued to make small talk as their guild continued to lead them up a winding staircase, and toward an ornate door at the end of a hallway. He knocked on the door. "Enter..." came a voice from the other side. the wizard opened the door and ushered them in before closing the door behind them. There he was. Guildmaster Jose of Phantom Lord; one of the ten wizard saints... He wore an elegant coat of navy blue with gold trim. The maid visibly eased at the sight of the dapper man before them. He was signing some manner of paperwork when they'd entered. He looked up. "...Ladies, what can I do for you?" he asked; a dapper charisma flowing through his words. The maid stepped forward. "Guildmaster Jose, I'm here on behalf of Sir Jude Heartfillia. you see, we wish to employ your guild for a very critical job." she said calmly. Jose quirked an eyebrow casually. "...and what could be so vital that one of the wealthiest men on the continent would wish bypass the job request procedure and speak with me directly?" he asked calmly. "The heiress of the Heartfillia family fortune is hiding amongst the fairytail guild, Master Jose, along with someone very dear to me." Bloodmoon answered. "We wish to individually hire the Phantom Lord guild to secure them directly because it would take months for anyone to pick it up, otherwise..." "...Indeed." the young maid nodded. "...as well, Master Jude will pay handsomely if his daughter is recovered as quickly as possible; payment will not be an issue." Jose grinned. "...No, I don't imagine it would..." he turned his gaze to the black and red clad woman. "...and you?" The young woman smiled. "...I own a silver mine, Master Jose. I am prepared to offer you one hundred pounds of silver as payment." Jose's grin grew ever wider. "Ladies, I believe that Phantom Lord can accommodate your wishes." he stated, his grin only fading slightly. "...My top wizards are out on jobs right now, but we will begin preparations once we have everyone together." "Excellent! shall I tell Master Jude to expect to hear of your success soon then?" the maid asked. "Please do! We look forward to reporting our success." Jose replied. "Splendid!" Bloodmoon declared. "The one I want you to find for me is named Trixie Lulamoon. She's my cousin you see, and our families want her to return so that we can sort out some private affairs." she said offhandedly, rather proud of her portrayal of the 'concerned relative'. Jose seemed to buy it at least, or perhaps he simply didn't care either way, and only wanted the money... He could prove quite useful if that were the case... ............................................................................................................ They were surrounded upon their arrival. The moment they vaulted over the rails on to the main deck. Sunset and Bula stood back to back as more and more pirates flooded the deck to surround them. "Shall we get to work, then?" Bula asked with a challenging tone. "...Who ever takes down the most pirates gets a free meal at the lagoon? loser covers the bill?" Sunset offered playfully, since assured by Flynn and Bula that Brick can hold his own and she wouldn't need to worry about him. "Sounds good to me." Bula accepted the wager, and so the chaos began. "PHANTASM BLASTER!!" Bula roared as two large ram-like skulls materialized in front of her; ghostly blue flames burning in the eyesockets as the jaw bones clattered open and a torrent of that same ghostly fire erupted forth from their open mouths. scores of pirates were caught in the blast. "ROLLING MIND WALL!!" Sunset called out, taking a vaulting step forward; eyes glowing emerald green, and threw her hands forward, resulting in a powerful telekinetic shockwave blasting the batallion of pirates off their feet. many were even sent flying overboard. "Now's our chance, GO! I'll cover you!" Bula barked. Sunset nodded and dashed for the cabin doors leading below, blasting a straggler with a fireball as she passed him by. then she heard the voice of Adena over the comm. Captain Craven said with a laugh. Adena spoke again. "Got it!" Sunset acknowledged as she continued down the stairs and into a hallway. Several doors lined the wall on either side. "...Uh...I'm gonna have to check room by room aren't I...?" Adena chirped over the comm, earning a less then pleased groan from Sunset. "...Great..." she mumbled. Sunset's fist engulfed in golden flames as she opened the closest door...and the next... ...and the next... ...and the one after that... Storage... Kitchen... ...Broom closet... "Oh COME ON!!!" "Hey, you!" an angry voice boomed from further down the hall. Sunset turned to see a pair of pirates. One drawing two magic revolvers, and the other summoning a magic sword. "Oh...goody..." she said coldly. "...You're comin with us, Girly!" the swordsman bellowed. "Yeah! If ya know what's good for ya, that is!" the other laughed. Sunset was getting angry. she stared at the two for a moment before advcing slowly towards them. "...two things, boys..." she said coldly. "One..." she took a step toward them; her other hand bursting into golden flames. "...You're going to tell me where the control lacrima for the gollum army is, and you will tell me NOW!..." she took another step closer, a golden aura of fire began to spread across her entire body. Even her hair began whipping up like an intense flame. "...and two..." her eyes were glowing. The two pirates were now quite frightened. Her golden aura was blinding. When it finally faded, it was as if the two pirates were facing someone completely different; in place of the rebellious teenager that had boarded their ship, was...an angel?! her leather jacket was replaced with white dress with golden accents and an elegant golden chest guard. A gold and red sun insignia belt buckle fastened a flowwing sash around her waist. Arm bands clasped around her upper arms bore the same symbol. White gloves covered her hands. and golden armored boots replaced the black leather boots she had worn. to top it all off, glowing etherial wings protruded from her back. Sunset glared at them. "...you're going to tell me where Captain Kota is!" she charged forward with speed well beyond their reflexes. they could only scream in terror... ........................................................................................................................ Next time! Chapter 13! Angel versus Abomination! Angel versus AbominationAngel vs. Abomination! Sunset gripped the cowering man by the collar. "where is it?" she asked; one fist drawn back, and ready to punch. "...Stop resisting, and we will be merciful..." "Blow me, Bitch!!" he barked. Sunset sighed, her frustration vented, now she needed to stop toying with them... "Tell me, or I will simply tear this ship apart untill i find it..." The Pirate suddenly seemed to enbolden. "Hah! Joke's on you lady!" he barked. "The longer you waste time toolin' around with us, the longer the Captain has to demolish your little resistance fleet!" Sunset glared at the man. "Tear the ship apart it is, then..." she said coldly before slamming her flame infused fist into the man's face, sending him flying into the wall. Adena's voice chirped over the comm. "...sigh... I could use some help, it's like a maze down here..." she shot back warily. <...just keep going. We'll be down there helping in just a minute here...> Bula hissed in her gravelly voice. Sunset walked back into the frustrating hallway and charged down to another unopened door, blasting it down with a golden fireball. .......................................Ponyville Castle................................. Mist Whisper sat in silence; Twilight and her friends watched her with baited breath. Princess Celestia was also present. "...That is very high level magic..." she finally said, having heard in very intimate detail about the events that had transpired leading up to her vision... "This magic was originally designed to be one way... for the purpose of banishing dark entities that were too dangerous to keep in this plane..." "...Then why not just banish said darkness to Tartarus?" Applejack asked, a little confused. Mist Whisper regarded the earth pony for a moment. "...were it that simple." she said flatly. "...Tartarus is what we call a "demensional nexus". it's very existance bleeds an unstable magic that, in theory, one pony can use to open a gate way to another world..." "...You mean to say, that Starswirl the bearded..." Celestia cut in, "...drew upon this unstable power of Tartarus in order to banish the Sirens?" at this question, all eyes were on the foreign unicorn. "...Correct." she said. "...How he managed to master it to the degree that he was able to implant it into a mirror, however, is beyond me." she explained. "...he left no record of his exploits in my country that we have any knowledge of..." Twilight smiled hopefully. "We have that mirror here in this castle... would that help at all?" Mist whisper's eyes went wide. "You mean... you have that very mirror here?" she asked incredulously. "Yes!" she practically cheered. "...and I'm sure that if we combine your knowledge of warp gate magic and our knowledge of Starswirl's magics, then we could possibly reverse engineer the magic and figure out where our missing friends went!" The shrine mare smiled, but only for a moment. "...perhaps, but that's only half the problem..." she said as she stood back up and her horn began to glow. "...I'm going to show all of you something, and I want you to tell me what you think you see..." much like when Princess Luna used her magic to project her memories before, the room around them seemed to shimmer and warp. replaced with a seemingly endless expanse of what looked like the night sky... "It looks like the sky at night time..." Fluttershy observed. "Yes..." Mist whisper nodded. "...Now, imagine that each and every one of those "stars" is in fact, another universe just like this one but with minute differences." "It's own plain of existance?!" Twilight asked, her mouth agape. "...you mean... Haycart's 'Many worlds theory' is real?!" "...More real then Haycart himself ever would have guessed." the voice of Discord cut through the illusion as he seemed to insert himself into it. the chaos lord regarded the new mare with a smile. "...Excellent analogy, by the way... allow me to just make a teensy little update to your little map..." Rainbow dash, remembering their last talk with him glared at the draconeques. "...If you knew all of that, then why didn't you say anything before?!" she demanded. Discord arched an eyebrow at the pegasus. "...I'm getting to that..." he said, his smile dissappearing, and demeanor changing completely to an air of all business and no nonsense. He clapped his paw and talons together and pulled them apart slowly. As he did so, their view seemed to zoom in to a small cluster of 'stars'. "I've been searching nonstop for three days now, and i've only managed to cover these areas." he said, snapping his talons and several of these stars began to blink red. "Just those?!" Rainbow gawked. "...but...but-" Discord continued, cutter her off. he snapped his talons once more several of them began blinking blue. "...These worlds are all quite similar to ours, but each with their own little twist, Others have VERY different...well...diferences." he snapped again, and another group of them turned purple. "These ones are like the world beyond the mirror that Twilight and Sunset went to; again each one having its own differences." He zoomed in again to another star that hadn't been highlighted yet. this one begain shimmering in a rainbow of different colors. "...We are here." he explained. "...really take this in, now. they could have been shunted into any one of these Tens of thousands of MILLIONs of different universes." Discord went silent to allow the ponies in the room to process what he had just explained. Twilight felt her heart sink a little. "Are you serious?" she asked. Discord looked down at her sadly. "...and that's asuming that they all went to the same place. they very well could have been separated and scattered throughout the multiverse." Mist Whisper nodded. "indeed... the magic that this 'warp gate' magic is based on, was never studied to the degree that one could track where the subject was shunted." she continued. "It was intended to be used on terrible evils that were shunted away to some other universe dictated by random chance; How Starswirl or even Haycart managed as well as they did is baffling." Applejack nodded in understanding. "So what ye'r sayin' is, this magic was made to be some kind of interdimensional garbage disposal?" she asked, earning a nod from the foreign unicorn. "meant to be one way, so they never really put any thought into how to track where the problem goes once it's booted?" "Correct." Mist Whisper nodded. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room. Discord stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Unfortunatly, all we can do right now is keep searching; I think i have found a trail to follow, but that could still take quite some time..." "...well, it's something at least..." Twilight said uneasily. "...keep us posted, will you?" Discord smiled and gave a dramatic nod. "That, I can do; Good hunting ladies!" he declaired before vanishing with a flash and a pop. Applejack scratched the back of her head awkwardly. "Uh... back to the grind stone then, I guess?" Affirmations from everypony in the room set all of them back to work. ...............................................Coral Bay: The Abomination............................... -Fwoosh!!!- -Booom!!! another fireball, another door blasted down. Sunset glared through the newly opened door to see two new people. One seemed to be Captain Kota; a large man who's appearance fit into the stereotypical pirate cliche's with a few modern touches. A scragly beard, tattered long coat, what seemed like a steam-punk style peg leg... he even had a black eyepatch. in his hands were some nasty looking weapons as well, in one, a large curved sword; in the other, what looked like some kind of ramshakle four barrel shotgun... definitely a nasty customer. The second seemed much more unassuming. a young man, about her age, with messy dark hair. he two, had a long coat, but seemed almost stately or elegant. Bergundy with shiny golden trim, like a much newer version of Captain Craven's. Apart from that, nothing really all that remarkable about him appearance wise, but he was clearly the one controlling the gollums. the wizard smuggly looked over to the pirate. "...it seems your crew isn't as tough as you made them-" "Finish that sentence and I'll carve out your tongue and feed it to the sharks, boy!" Kota growled. "Face the facts, Captain. Even with the game rigged in your favor, with all the road blocks you've paid off the authorities to set up, they're going to tear you down; Drogar's gollum control lacrima has already been taken offline!" what? Sunset's eyes went wide. "Did you say 'payed off'?" Sunset barked, making the aged pirate to glare dangerously at the young man next to him. The young wizard stared defiantly back at the pirate as he backed away from him, placing himself equal distance between Kota and Sunset. "Oh, yes... a royal navy fleet Commander and a Rune knight Commander if memory serves; of course there are others, I'm sure." he said smuggly. then his face brightened as if remembering something important. "Oh, yes! there's also a member of the magic counsil. Not sure who, though..." --BEEEP!!!-- One of the lights on the control lacrima console flashed red and turned off, making Kota spin on his heel and look before turning a cruel smile to the yet unnamed wizard. "...Well, Looks like your lovely little lady Captain hasn't fared too well either, Hahahaha!" he taunted with a cackle. "Too bad, Little Cedric!" The wizard, named Cedric, apparently, snapped his gaze to the machine. and dashed towards it in a panic. "No nononononon-!" --CRACK!!!-- Kota slammed the hand guard of his oversized Cutlass into the side of Cedric's head as he ran passed, making him stumble forward and crumble to the floor; out cold. "...You've both outlived your usefullness to me..." he said coldly before turning back to Sunset. "...and YOU have proven to be quite a thorn in my side in a remarkably short time..." Sunset smirked. "Yeah, it's a particular talent I've picked up; throwing proverbial wrenches in the plans of people like you." A humorless smile took over the captain's face. "Is that a fact?" he asked, getting a nod from the girl. Kota nodded himself with a thoughtful expression. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to break you of that habit won't we?" His dark smile returned. "There are three ways that this can play out..." Kota leaned back into the lacrima console and jabbed his sword into the floorboards at his feet. "...One..." he began. "...is you accept a generous litle gift to turn a blind eye to what's going on here, and be on your way..." Sunset rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that one won't happen..." she shot back. The pirate merely shrugged in response. "Two... ya know missy..." he said casually. "I could always use a wizard as powerful as you in my crew..." 'is this guy serious?!' Sunset thought incredulously. "...I can see by the look on yer face that that one won't be flyin either..." he said, as though they were old friends talking about what they did last weekend; Sunset shook her head once more. "That leaves option number three, then..." he said, his cold smile never leaving his face. "...To put it simply young Missy... I kill you for the trouble you've caused me." That's when a voice crackled in Sunset's ear. the Bonbon lookalike announced with a thick accent. "That explains why it apparently went down so easily..." Sunset muttered. Kota's smile dissappeared. "what?" she confirmed. "yup; just found him. Kota clocked him in the head." Sunset looked back up at the pirate. "Sounds like the Grey Lady decided to throw their part of your plan, captain; they clearly had no intention of ever really helping you!" The pirate leveled his shotgun at her and fired. "GUN MAGIC: OGRE SPRAY!!!" --BOOOOM!!!-- the firey yellow spray of magic blasted her off her feet, sending her flying against the wall behind her. --CRACK!!!-- The impact put an indented hole in the wall before she reverted back to her original form and clattered to the floor in agony. None of the shots broke the skin or drew blood as far as she could tell, but if she had ever been shot with a bean bag gun or rubber bullets, she'd imagine that this is what it would feel like... The impact left her completely winded. Then came the numbness; her entire body hurt, but her torso especially. Sunset struggled up to her knees and found that the front of her shirt was shredded over her stomach, revealing some nasty bruises. Fighting through this combination of numbness and barely contained agony, she reached up to the damadged wall and grabbed on to the indented wood with her free hand while the othe held her bruised stomach tenderly, and tried to haul herself back to her feet. Kota had a cruel smile on his face again. "Looks like yer somethin of a glass cannon, Missy." he taunted. "Go to hell!!" Sunset choked out. Kota chuckled as he slowly advanced towards her. "You first." he said coldly. he clipped his gun to his belt and hefted his large sword. "Ye have a name, Missy?" Sunset was still hacking and wheezing to regain her breath. "...My name..." -cough!- -cough!- "...Is Sunset...Shimmer..." She glared up at him disdainfully. "...Of the Fairytail guild..." she righted her stance a little more as she slowly regained her stamina. "...I don't- urk!" she winced from the pain throbbing pain all over her body. "...I don't know why you're doing all this, and I don't care, but it ends today!" "Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!" the pirate cackled with demented glee. "After all you've done, you find yourself broken and battered after a single shot. My crew is still fighting your little friends and the rest of my fleet is still fighting!" his grin almost inhumanly wide, even for a man as large as him. "Prey tell, my dear; Where is my disadvantage?!" When Sunset couldn't answer imediately, Kota charged forward, blade in hand, ready to bring down he final strike. Sunset raised her hand and tried to summon her golden flames, but her coughing and wheezing made them fizzle out harmlessly. 'No! it can't end like this!' she shut her eyes and braced for the hit to come... ...but it didn't. "What?!" Kota's voice boomed throught the dark of her shut eyes. slowly she opened them. "...Your disadvantage..." the voice of Bula came, not from the comm piece in her ear, but from right next to her. "...is that slowly and surely, we are outperforming and outnumbering you and your forces..." she said, her tone cold and flat. that baalful glare never leaving her face. Sunset could see the fiery glow of her eyes even passed the green aura of her skeletal spirit arm that she'd used to stop the blade dead in its tracks. Sunset was gobsmacked. When had Bula caught up to her? How- it didn't matter! they needed a new plan! "Bula!" Sunset blurtted out in surprise. "What, did he suckerpunch you?" the goth like girl asked, the tiniest hint of a smirk tugging at her features. "...Get your head back in the game, it's not over yet." Kota Grinned. "Right you are little lady! Maybelle, bring our guests to the top deck!" as if the whole thing had been planned, the newcomer had joined the fray; phasing through the wall behind them, delivering a swift punch to Bula's face before grabbing her hand and then diving for Sunset, grabbing her by the throat with her free hand, and phasing back through the wall. before they could even process what had happened, Bula was launched up in the air above the deck and landed hard with a thud. Sunset however, could finally get a look at their new attacker. A girl about her age held he in a chokehold. her clothes looked like prisoners rags, heavy shackles were clamped aound her wrists, ankles and neck with long rattling chains dangling from each one. her long messy grey hair draped over the right side of her face, but that which was visible was further obscured by a stained and dirty blindfold covering her eyes, and a gag in her mouth. she uttered an unnatural hiss that sounded more like the anguished gasp of a wraith or shade... like she was suffocating... Author's Note Holy Shnykies that took way too long! sorry for the long wait guys, I don't get nearly as much time to do any writing as i'd hoped, but I'll keep going, because the writers black has been overcome and the creative wheels are finally turning again! in the next chapter, we'll see the exciting conclusion of my Coral Bay arc as Kota reveals his ultimate goal and brings his strongest crewmen out to play! Sunset and the Pirates are battered and can't keep up their attack for much longer, but wait! A small team of Rune Knights Join the fray; are they friend or foe? and Sunset gets an unexpected and very powerful gift from Adena! Next time! Rising Pheonix! Broken Bonds restored! Outcasts Unite!The Great and powerful Fairy Tail Chapter 1: Outcasts unite! Equestria; a place of plenty. A place without war, famine, and suffering...yeah right... Trixie glared out the window of her makeshift treehouse. ...Okay, it wasn't really a treehouse. it was originally a tent she'd pitched up that had blown up in to the tree by a powerful wind storm...yeah... needless to say it didn't make for a good night's sleep when one could hear the gusts of wind approaching like a locomotive running at full speed every 45 seconds...and don't even ask about how it felt when those gusts actually hit... she knew the truth was to the contrairy. It may be free of war, but not conflict; and certainly not suffering, not if her own wasn't even to be counted. She sighed dejectedly. "...looks like its back to the rock farm..." then she shook her head. No... she wasn't going to be a burden on them by going to them again so soon after the first time...but... Her memory went back to the events of her return to Ponyville, when the Alicorn amulet possessed her and made her enslave the entire town. she was locked inside her mind, helpless to do anything as she watched through her own eyes as that corruption made her do those terrible things. certainly, she was hardly an angel like Twilight Sparkle and her cabal of friends...but to enslave an entire town? she had no love for the place, but she never intended for any of that to happen. ...and then there was the dreams... horrible dreams that would turn into nightmares as twisted demonic parodies of the Ponyville citizens would back her into a corner...her magic not working at all... and start tossing her about like a ragdoll, laugh and taunting "Look at her! the 'Meek and Powerless Trixie! Hahahahaha!!!" and other such things... until Twilight would appear. "Stop!" she would call out, causing the others to clear a path for her and her friends. "Oh, thank goodness, somepony with a heart!" Trixie would plead, only for that hope to be dashed as the puple unicorn and her friends would warp into similar abominations as the rest of them. "...Oh, I wouldn't say that...I still have to get you back for all the trouble you caused..." Her eyes become pools of black with shining red lights within. Her face contorts into a psychotic grin lined with sharp jagged teeth. Her alicorn wings warp into satanic bat wings, dripping with blood... "What?! but you said you forgave me!" Trixie pleads. "Ha! Forgive you?! That's a laugh!" she taunts. "...No...I want you to suffer..." The demonic Twilight Sparkle's horn simmers with a noxious black aura. "...Suffer like the weakling you are..." a wave of black magic blasts her back. Trixie stumbles back to her hooves as The demonic ponies slowly advance on her. Suddenly, she feels a strange urge driving her to look down. The familiar sight of the alicorn amulet greets her. "What?!" "Go ahead..." the demonic Twilight said, that cruel grin never leaving her face. "...use it." the cursed amulet seemed to clasp itself around her neck. "You know you could never match me without it; as patheticly weak as you are!" "No! I'm never using it again!" Trixie would always protest. Then would come a new voice. A deep growling voice that seemed to come from within the amulet itself. "Awww...but don't you remember how much fun we had?" it would taunt. "...All those wretched ponies cowering in fear of you...do you mean to tell me that it didn't exhilerate you to have them bowing before you instead of looking down on you as the scum of the universe?" Trixie couldn't deny that she hated being looked down upon for so long. it was because of this that "The Great and Powerful Trixie" came to be in the first place. "Like you weren't even worth a second glance? All you ever wanted was to dazzle them and make them happy with your special talents..." Tears were welling in her eyes as the scenario continues to play through her mind. "...And yet..." The alicorn amulet flares to life and she now becomes a spectator as she watches herself become enveloped with its dark red glow. A shock wave bursts forward, Reducing the demonic twilight and her gang of twisted monsters to smouldering charcoal... leaving only she...and her other self; now also twisted and corrupted. Her twisted reflection turned its menacing gaze to her. "...THOSE WRETCHED INGRATES FORSAKE YOU!! JUST LIKE YOUR PARENTS DID!!!" As always, this would mark the end of her nightmares as she would wake up drenched in a cold sweat. Today was no exception. She hadn't had a decent night's sleep since these nightmares began a couple weeks ago. She inched her way out to the entrance of her tent, which still hung dangling from its wooden prison, and looked down to the ground. she judged it to be about ten feet down. "...Okay... time to regain my barings..." she said more to herself then anyone else. -----------------------------------Canterlot Castle: Unknown chamber----------------------- Deep within the halls of Canterlot Castle, there was a room used to store all manner of Magical artifacts. Princess Celestia often visited this room in order to check on one particular object. A large mirror; its frame shaped like a horseshoe, and its sleek surface seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow. This mirror, it was discovered, was a gateway into a strange foreign world in which magic doesn't exist and was inhabited by strange creatures called humans... The reason that the princess would visit this artifact was an old student of hers. There was a unicorn named Sunset Shimmer. this young pony had been her student before Twilight Sparkle, and even in her absence in that other world, had come to be Twilight's equal in almost every way. either one could rival her own power one day... According to Twilight, however, Sunset had come to see the errors of her ways and now works to redeem herself. Twilight assured her that she would be proud of how much Sunset had matured in such a short time. Two months had passed since that day, and Equestria was still recovering from the damage caused by the demonic centaur Tirek. Coincidentally, the three day window in which the gateway was open had begun. She'd been staring at the mirror for a little over an hour by this point, for even now, she prayed for Sunset's well-being. A crestfallen sigh escapes her as she turns and begins to exit the chamber. The crackling discharge of magic from the mirror makes the alicorn spin back around. her wide-eyed visage of temporary shock was replaced by a gentle smile as a familiar unicorn mare stumbled through the rippling surface of the mirror. tears of joy began welling in her eyes as she approached her old student. "Welcome back, Sunset Shimmer..." she said; her voice shaking ever so slightly. The young unicorn looked up, a mix of surprise and fear on her face. "...P-princess?!" She stood slowly, her gaze fixed on the ground in front of her hooves. "...I...I'm-" The Princess cut her off by lifting her chin upward to make her look back up into her eyes. "...Shhh..." she cooed softly. "There is no need to say anything..." she then pulled Sunset into motherly embrace. "...all this time... I've waited for you all this time, praying that you'd return..." Sunset was in tears. "I...I'm sorry!" she sobbed. "...I...I just-" "Shhhh. I forgave you a long time ago..." The princess whispered. The two spent the better part of three hours talking and catching up on the state of things. Sunset was shocked when she heard about the events that transpired with Tirek; how he very nearly conquered all of Equestria in a few short days... and Princess Twilight and her friends unlocking some long dormant power from the tree of harmony in order to defeat him and send him back to Tartarus where he'd been imprisoned since before the reign of herself and Princess Luna; It had in fact been the legendary Starswirl the bearded who had banished him the first time. Then came the reign of King Sombra of the Crystal Empire; who coincidentally also very nearly conquered the nation in a very short time... not with raw power as Tirek did, but with cunning tactics and ruthless tenacity. the dark unicorn was forever marked as a brilliant and terrifying tactician after his reign came to an end. She was equally shocked to discover that the lavender unicorn now possessed her own castle, which apparently looked like a giant crystalline tree house. The Fiery maned unicorn couldn't even comprehend that 'The' Discord, the spirit king of chaos himself, played a major role in Twilight's victory. "I can't believe I've missed so much..." Sunset said with a sigh. "Indeed..." a new voice said. The two looked to see Pirncess Luna standing in the doorway. "You have missed a great deal, Sunset Shimmer. Welcome back to Equestria." The dark princess regarded Sunset with a gentle smile, having heard of her reform from Twilight as well as having been standing in the door for a good while listening to their conversation, waiting to see how long it would taking them to notice her presence. The princess of the night then joined the conversation and told of the adventures...and misadventures... of the various ponies that she'd helped and gotten to know since her return from banishment. ...................In the sky somewhere between Cloudsdale and Ponyville.............. A young pegasus mare stared gloomily over the edge of the sky chariot as the moving pegasai pulled it along. Her golden-yellow mane flared behind her as they flew away from Cloudsdale, her original home town; and heading towards the small town of Ponyville. Some agricultural community about a couple hours away from Canterlot by train. Lightning Dust didn't mind, ever since what happened at the wonderbolt academy with Rainbow Dash, she appreciated every opportunity she got to be alone with her thoughts. As she looked out over the fields, they transitioned to a forest of intricately placed trees. Apple trees. Ah, the famous 'Sweet Apple Acres' that she'd heard so much about. She was going to be staying with her cousin, Ditzy. Celestia bless that mare, but she was so accident prone, that it wasn't even funny...anymore. She looked forward to see something that made her do a double take. A big crystalline castle glimmered in the sunlight for all to see. It was truly a spectacle to behold. "...No way..." "First time seeing Princess Twilight's Castle?" one of the two pegusai pulling the carriage asked. She couldn't answer with words, only a bewildered nod. "When did THAT happen?!" she asked in amazement. "Heh... right after the Tirek crisis." was the response. Lightning Dust grinned. "I totally have to see it up close!" she declared. it had been a while sinse she felt excited about something, she couldn't help but think back to that moment at the Wonder Bolt Academy... ..................................................Flash Back........................................... "It isn't just about pushing yourself! It's about pushing yourself in the right direction!" Spitfire admonished. she ripped the golden badge off her training uniform and pointed towards the main complex. "...My office...ten minutes..." She had begun to realize how idiotic she'd been. with a defeated sigh, she turned towards the academy. she looked back at Rainbow dash and her friends said one thing. "...I'm sorry..." ....................................................End Flash Back.............................................. She didn't really care to remember what fallowed as it consisted of her having to prepare a formal apology to all the other cadets and Rainbow Dash and her friends who got caught in her tornado. On top of that she had to explain to her father, a former Wonderbolt himself, why she was sent home early. Needless to say, that wasn't her finest hour. Labeled a disgrace by her father and all her cloudsdale peers, she really had no choice but to find somewhere else to start over. As she looked back to the glimmering castle, however, her smile returned. "well...here's to a fresh start..." she said softly to herself. Little did she realize, that living in the same town as the only relative aside from her mother who didn't outright blacklist her, was the one mare that she'd wronged the most. Rainbow Dash... ..........................Meanwhile...approaching Ponyville from another direction................. Trixie grumbled in agitation, cursing her existence for the twelvth time that afternoon when she found herself coming up towards Ponyville. "...It's like fate wants me to end up lynched..." she said bitterly. the jaded unicorn continued down the path until she saw something new. "Oh! Nope, it just wants to continue rubbing the eternal success of "Princess Twilight" in my face untill I lynch myself..." she said with a humorless laugh. The reason for her statement being a certain crystal castle shimmering proudly in the sunlight... "Really? she has her own CASTLE NOW?!" How did this happen? when did this happen...? why...? A familiar voice hissed in the back of her head. <...Reclaim it... Claim her beautiful castle as your own... reduce it to rubble...It doesn't matter to me...> "Well, it does matter to me..." she hissed back after quickly checking to ensure nopony could hear her. "...If I ever see your stupid amulet again-" it taunted, cuting her off mid-sentence. <...But by all means, try...either way, you'll have to aquire the amulet to do so...> Trixie glared as though she would kill the tree before her with her gaze. <...You look angry...do you wish to strike at me? inflict pain on me?> She grit her teeth. "...Don't tempt me..." she growled. "You'll get what you deserve...I only hope i'm the one to do it..." Trixie hated when, whatever sort of demon this was, taunted her like this. she could only tune him out for so long... She was actually mulling over the idea of asking Twilight Sparkle for help with this 'problem' she only hoped that she wasn't walking into her demise. <...Heheheheh... as I said, go ahead and try. No mere pony denies Blood Dust his prey for long...> he said smugly, finally giving his name. Blood Dust, huh...? She continued walking into Ponyville; The wheels of her small wagon squeaking as she went, trying to avoid the stares she was getting. she looked around herself. Ponyville, like the 'Chaos Crisis' as it had been called, was the epicentre of the Tirek Crisis; and it showed. about half the town had been leveled during the final confrontation, she'd heard. The ponies were putting on braver faces, but the aftermath of the battle was everywhere. Everywhere Trixe looked, what she saw was blast craters, injured ponies and crumbled builings being rebuilt... "...All this destruction..." she muttered to herself. The blue coated mare thought back to her experience of the Tirek Crisis. She'd been at Rainbow Falls at the time... .......................................Flashback.............................................................. She trotted up the road from the train station along with a whole crowd of ponies who all looked like they'd packed up everything they owned. she turned to the stallion next to her. "going on a long trip?" she inquired, just trying to make small talk. The earth pony looked at her incredulously. "Have you not heard what's going on?" Trixie blushed. "ahem...well, uh... I've been traveling alot, lately..." she defended awkwardly. "haven't really stayed in one place long enough to get a sense for current affairs..." The stallion chuckled humorlessly. "Heh, smart idea... listen though, You steer clear of Canterlot now, y'hear?" Trixie tilted her head inquisitively. "Why, what's going on?" The Stallion's expression went dark. "...The city's turned into a warzone..." he said grimmly. She blinked... She blinked again...... "What?!" "...A hoof-full of us decided to get the buck outta dodge...pack up and leave before "It" found us...but it looks like we ain't the only ones who had that idea..." he continued. Trixie was now feeling very afraid. "Before...what found you?" she asked nervosly, voicing her thoughts. Another pony joined the conversation. A pegasus mare with a pale yellow coat with azure mane and tail, and silver rimmed glasses over aquamarine eyes. "It was a centaur! some demonic centaur with the power to suck out every ounce of a unicorn's magic, and even a pegasus' ability to fly!" Trixie gasped. "Such magic exists?! that's terrifying!" The pegasus nodded and pushed up her glasses before continuing. "My brother is in the royal skygaurd, and he says that this thing escaped from Tartarus after being locked up there since the days of old Starswirl the bearded..." Another voice rang out. "Yes! two Thousand nine hundred and forty seven years to be precise!" gasps and shreiks of terror drowned out almost everything else as the owner of the voice revealed himself in all his terrifying glory. His massive red form towering over the tallest pony... it had to be "Him" ...whoever he was... A centaur who looked like he could take on a dragon and not only win, but barely break a sweat doing so. It was total anarchy after that as the giant centaur magically lifted ponies into the air by the dozen and sucked some kind of energy out of them; leaving them looking almost like corpses. Their cutiemarks disappeared and their eyes became murky and grey, as though they were blind. They then dropped lifelessly to the ground like ragdolls. The monster then turned his eyes to her...- --THUD!!--...and end flashback... She stumbled back as whatever it was that she walked into jerked her back to reality. "Ah! Sorry, I wasn't paying attention-" She babbled in panic. Before her was a familiar pink maned pegasus. "...Oh, um... It's okay..." she said quietly with a small smile. what was her name again...? Trixie looked at her to see that she had apparently stepped in the way because there was a line of ducklings crossing the road. the pegasus shuffled her hooves awkwardly. "...Um... S-sorry for jumping in your way like that, but...um... you were going to walk right into these little duckies if I hadn't..." "Oh, uh...sorry." Trixie said awkwardly. Another uncomfortable silence fell over the two. "Um..." she began. "...I'm sorry, what was your name again?" "Oh, it's Fluttershy" she said with a timid smile returning to her face. Right! that's what it was... It was Trixie's turn to shuffle awkwardly. "Right. Fluttershy...um do you know where i can find...P...p-princess Twilight?" Fluttershy frowned. "You aren't here to cause Twilight more trouble, ARE YOU?" 'Oh crap! they still remember the amaulet incident...' "NO! I'm here because..." Trixie trailed off. They still hated her here...not that she could blame them. 'I knew it was pointless to come looking for help...' The unicorn's distress did not escape Fluttershy's notice, for she seemed to grow more distraught by the minute. "...Um...are you alright?" Trixie finally broke down. "NO I'M NOT!!!" her sudden outburst causing Fluttershy to jump back with a yelp. "It's that STUPID AMULET!! there's something in it. Some kind of demon or something, I dunno. I've been hearing some messed up voice in my head ever since I took that STUPID...CURSED THING OFF AND THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT STOP IS TO DESTROY IT OR THE DEMON...!" She had to stop and take a breath when she realized that entire rant was all in one breath. "I'm here because I have to destroy that cursed thing...but I can't do it alone." Tears were pouring from her eyes now. "...I need help..." she sobbed. Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was hearing and seeing. Straight from first greeting, she could tell that the mare had changed. Gone was the arrogant demeanor and iredeamable braggart. in her place was somepony broken and desperate. somepony at the end of their rope and barely hanging on. Now here she was. crying her eyes out, begging for help. she pulled Trixie into a gentle hug. "Shhhhhhh...there there, please don't cry." she said softly. "I promise, I'll take you straight to Twilight okay?" Trixie pulled away to look the pegasus mare in the eye. "-sniff- really?" Fluttershy nodded. "Come on, let's go see her now." she paused. "...well, that is...unless you'd rather wait til later..." Trixie wiped the tears from her face and smiled. "N-no...now would be great..." And so the two were about to set off for the crystal castle when some angered shout drew their attention elsewhere. Lightning Dust had finally arrived in Ponyville and was familiarizing herself with the town. as she'd learned and seen, barely half the town was still standing after Tirek was defeated. so it came at a heavy price. Her cousin Ditzy was walking next to her, helping her carry her luggage home. "Thanks again for letting me stay with you for a while, Ditzy. I really appreciate it." she said. Her cousin laughed. "Oh, it's no trouble, Dusty!" she said cheerfully. " A lot of ponies are out of a home after what happened. I've been helping all over the place with anypony who needs it. There's another pony staying with me too, so ya might have to share a room..." A roomie, huh? "I guess that's okay." Lightning Dust said nonchalantly. "Beggars can't be choosers, right?" "What are YOU doing here?!" a familiar voice demanded angrily. Lightning Dust sighed warily before turning to see the owner of the voice, glaring disdainfully at her. "Rainbow Dash..." she greeted calmly. The rainbow maned mare got right up in Lightning Dust's face. "You didn't answer my question!" Rainbow Dash barked. Ditzy Doo, better known as "Derpy" by the locals and a few family members, forced herself between the other two. "Dashie, Stop it!" "Get outta the way, Derpy!-" Lightning Dust's eye twitched. she hated it when ponies insulted her family, no matter who it was. "Don't call her that!" she snapped. "Her name is Ditzy Do, not "Derpy"!" The cross eyed pegasus looked at her cousin in worry. "Dusty, that's not helping!" she begged, tears in her eyes now. Rainbow dash glared at Lightning dust again. "Go hug a cactus, Lightning Dust!" "Everypony, please...settle down!" Rainbow Dash turned to see Fluttershy and- "Trixie! what are YOU doing here?!" Trixie returned Rainbow Dash's glare. "I'm here to destroy the alicorn amulet." she replied coldly. "...and I don't require your permission for that." Rainbow stared at the azure mare. "Hah! As if you could pull that off on your own!" She laughed. Trixie merely arched an eyebrow. "I have no such delusions of overcoming a demon that even Starswirl the bearded could not best..." she stated flatly. "I may be known for telling tall tales for the sake of entertaining a crowd, but I don't lie about things that can lead to a potential crisis..." Now it was Rainbow dash's turn to gawk. Lightning dust and Derpy shared a nervous look. "What kind of monster are we talkin' here?" Lightning dust asked. Trixie sighed. "I don't know, but he calls himself 'Blood Dust'" She confessed. "...and all he wants is to bring destruction everywhere he goes." "SHUT UP, BLOOD DUST!!!" Trixie blurted out angrily glaring at an empty space. Rainbow Dash blinked at the display. "Do I even want to know?" Trixie's eye twitched. "...Not much for paying attention when somepony explains something to you, huh?" she asked snidely. Rainbow Dash glared in response. She was about to make some manner of comeback when she was cut off by the sudden arrival of the newly minted 'Princess Of Friendship'. "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy! We have a problem, a HUGE PROBLEM!!" Twilight Sparkle shreiked in absolute panic. "Yeah, you bet we do, Twilight. Trixie is back and she's spouting crazy-talk as usual!" Rainbow snarked. Twilight blinked in surprise. "wait...what?..." she fumbled her words as she turned to see that Trixie was indeed in their midst once again. "Tirxie? what are you-" "I'm here because the Alicorn Amulete has an evil being inside it and I intend to see it destroyed." Trixie droned exasperately. Twilight's eyes were pinpricks. "Oh, good! add that to the list of disasters today." she said with an obviously fake smile. "Uh oh..." Rainbow Dash muttered. Lightning Dust gave Rainbow a worried look. "...what?" Rainbow sighed. "That look." she explained. " That's her 'total meltdown freak-out' look. " her face took on a bemused smirk. "I wonder if the princess is coming to call..." Twilight jerked to look at Rainbow Dash. "That's exactly IT!!" Trixie and Lightning looked at each other in confusion. "Okay...and that warrants a mental breakdown...why?" Trixie asked. Twilight's head snapped at Trixie, causing her to flinch. "Why...WHY?! It's Princess Celestia AND Princess Luna! Coming HERE! TODAY!! I havent even alphabetized the castle library yet...Ive organized and re-organized it three times now, and it's still a MESS!!" Trixie drooped; a flat unimpressed look adorning her muzzle. "...Why do I get the feeling she's the only one who sees that as a problem?" Trixie asked flatly. "Because she is..." Rainbow said with the same tone. "...But why would they both be coming here?" Lightning Dust asked, unable to hide her confusion. "Last I checked, today isn't a holiday or anything; so what's the deal?" "The Princess likes to discuss important issues with us in person...though she usually calls us to Canterlot for that. Maybe she's just stopping by to say hello...?" Fluttershy informed. Trixie smiled. "well that's good, I'm finally starting to get some good luck..." she said with a sigh of releif, completly missing the twitch in Twilight's eye. "...I can bring my concern directly to Celestia and Luna's attention and be sure that something will be done, and I can finally move on with my life." she declared with renewed resolve. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Oh, drop the act! We all know that you have some idiotic self gratifying scheme going; all the while stroking your ego." she accused. Trixie bristled at the comment. "I'm getting tired of your attitude!" she growled. "Get used to it..." Lightning Dust droned flatly. "Rainbow Dash likes to hold a grudge." Rainbow nickered with a snarl. "I DO NOT!!" "You clearly do..." Trixie interrupted. Flutter Shy tried to break up the argument. "...um...actually, she-" "Ya know what both of you can do?" Rainbow Dash hissed; her glare darting back and forth between Trixie and Lightning Dust. "...It involves Everfree forest, Poison Joke. and a pissed off Manticore!" "...Um...Rainbow Dash...?" Flutter shy tried to interject once more. "You want me to teach you a lesson?!" Trixie Challenged "I have a nice little collection of spells now; I didn't need the amulete to take you down a peg before; I definitely don't need it now!" "QUIET!!" The Voice of Twilight Sparkle boomed, enhanced by the ever famous "Royal Canterlot Voice" spell. "YOU ARE GOING TO STOP FIGHTING...NOW!!!" Everypony stood huddled together cowering at the sudden outburst. The Princess herself stood smiling brightly. "Good; now that I have your attention..." she began, and her expression once again turned to one of panic. "...THE PRINCESSES ARE COMING!! THE PRINCESSES ARE COMING!!" .................................................................................................................................. Sunset Shimmer was accompanying the royal sisters to Ponyville to informTwilight and her friends of her return. Beside her, Princess Celestia beamed happily while Luna seemed deep in thought. "Is something wrong, Princess Luna?" The firey maned unicorn asked. her question seemed to snap the younger alicorn back to reality. "What? ...forgive me; my mind was elsewhere" Celestia gave her sister a questioning gaze. This was odd for her, as the Princess of night was always so focused on the task at hoof. "Is something wrong Luna, You seem distracted?" The Night Princess sighed. "A strange occurance has been frequenting the dreamscape these past weeks, Sister..." She said warily. "An entity other then I, who actively influences dreams." Both the Sun Princess and her former student looked at Luna in surprise. "What?" Celestia was floored. "When did this start?" "To my knowledge, two weeks ago. I was going to bring this to your attention earlier had Sunset Shimmer not so abruptly returned." Luna's tone became serious. "I had waited for two reasons." she began. "One: It is isolated. there is only one event every couple nights; this makes the culprit difficult to track." she turned to more fully face the other occupants of the sky chariot. "...and Two: after investigation I have determined that it is the same victim every night...very odd..." '...and troubling that whoever this is has the power to lock me out of their victim's dreams whilest they work...' she finished silently. Sunset fidgeted uneasily in her seat. "Has that ever happened before?" she asked, drawing Luna's attention. "To my Knowledge, Not since Nightmare Moon; though when that happened it was mass Nightmare syndrome and hysteria. This is a single pony, as I stated before." Was Luna's answer. Celestia sighed. "I suppose this means it won't be the social call I was hoping for..." she said, suddenly feeling rather exhausted...and annoyed that her hopes for a relatively good day were dashed so suddenly. Celestia was about to comment further when she was cut off by the sound of a familiar voice amplified by a certain vocal spell... "QUIET!! YOU ARE GOING TO STOP FIGHTING...NOW!!!" All three passengers in the royal chariot blinked at the sudden out burst that they could hear quite clearly from the air and looked out their windows. Sunset couldn't help but chuckle as she saw Twilight down on the ground waving her hooves comedically and gesturing up at them. before her were the familiar pony counterparts of her new friends from the mirror...well... Rainbow Dash and Flutter Shy anyway; oh, there's Apple Jack coming in from the town below. presumably seeing what all the fuss is about. There were also three others. two she only somewhat recognized from their human counterparts. One was the obnixious drama queen, Trixie, the other was the ever bubbly and cheerful...'Derpy' she was certain everyone called her. the third was a complete unknown. A seafoam green pegasus with a blond mane and tail. "What's going on down there?" was all she could say. Celestia cleared her throat. "Please bring us down!" she called. the pegusai did as requested and slowly descended to the ground, bringing the ruckus on the ground to quiet whispers as Sunset and the Princesses exited. Many Ponies stopped what they were doing and bowed in respect. Celestia raised a hoof to calm the murmmering. "Greetings my subjects. It is wonderful to see that repairs are going so smoothly." she gave them all a warming smile. "More aid will be coming from canterlot in a few short days. The builders are gathering resources as I speak." her words braught an air of reassurance to the crowd and they began to dispurse. "...You need only wait until then." Celestia then turned to Twilight. "Princess Twilight..." she greeted warmly. "...Princess Celestia..." Twilight returned the greeting with a bow. "...Is there really more relief workers coming?" Celestia nodded. "Indeed there is. Now shall we go inside? As you can see I've brought an 'old friend' of ours with me." she said nodding towards Sunset. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Apple Jack instantly recognized the mare. Twilight spoke first. "Uh...Hi Sunset..." she greeted awkwardly. "...when did you come back to Equestria?" Sunset shrugged. "Just earlier today, actually..." she said trailing off slightly when Celestia spoke next. "Shall we go inside, Twilight?" she inquired, a slight urgency in her tone. "...There is another matter that I needed to discuss with you..." Twilight, catching the hint braught everypony into the crystal castle where they could speak in private. "Of course, Princess. There was actually something I wanted to speak to you about as well..." Lightning Dust, Trixie, Sunset shimmer and everyone else filed into the throne room. Lightning looked up around the castle. "...So this is what it looks like in here..." she said in wonder. "Awesome digs..." Trixie and Sunset were also unable to hide how impressed they both were. Though Trixie couldn't help but disolve to a somber air of resentment. "...sigh... Beats the hell out of my measly one pony tent..." she mumbeled, finally shedding all the extra stuff she was carrying before dropping to a sitting position. Sunset and Lightning turned their attention to her. "What is all that?" Sunset asked. her question earned a discruntled grunt from the blue unicorn. "...Everything I own in the world..." She grudgingly said. "...Being a Pariah and outcast doesn't make for a comfortable lifestyle..." Sunset Shimmer looked at the pony-Trixie and smiled. "Yeah, I know what that's like..." the amber mare offered. "...I've made some stupid mistakes and spent a good while paying for it..." Trixie looked at the other unicorn thoughtfully for a moment. "So, what did you do?" she asked, earning a sigh from Sunset. "...I stole Princess Twilight's crown... and used it to turn into a deranged demon and attempted to brainwash an army to conqure equestria; then Twilight stopped me..." She summarized. deciding to only give the 'short version' instead of going into great detail. Trixie Nodded. "That's pretty solid..." she admitted. "I squandered my entire stage career with a few white lies that fate decided to call me out on..." Sunset and Lightning exchanged curious looks before returning their attention to Trixie to see a humorless smile upon her face. "-Sigh-... It just had to be an Ursa..." she droned. "...Why couldn't it be a Manticore? I could handle a Manticore, but an Ursa?..." Lightning looked at Sunset with a wry smirk. "...Uh oh, I know that look... here comes the ranting..." she whispered, getting a giggle from Sunset. Trixie however, was completely oblivious to their brief exchange; and continued her story. "...It all started when I found my way to Ponyville for the first time. I set up the stage and did my magic show, bragging about having defeated an imaginary Ursa Major..." "Yeah... any sane pony would consider such a thing suicide..." Sunset said bluntly... Lightning nodded, getting an ide as to where the story was going. "...Let me guess; while you're still in town after your show... lo and behold, the real thing appears and you were powerless to stop it...?" the pegasus surmised. Trixie nodded "...It gets better..." she said with a humorless smile. "...to add insult to injury, Twilight sparkle walks in...actually LIFTS the blasted thing and levitates it back to the everfree forest!" the blue unicorn utters a tired, wary sigh. "After all that the only pony who had lost anything was me. I lost my respect, I lost my career, and I lost everything I owned in my stage wagon when it was crushed under its foot." Lightning gave trixie a reassuring pat on the back. "Yeah..." she said awkwardly. "...That seriously sucks..." Trixie regarded Lightning for a moment before continuing with a much quieter and somber tone. "...It seems stories of my failure spread through equestria like a wildfire as everywhere I went, My new wagon was vandalized. Egged, grafittied and other such things. I was ridiculed and chased out of towns all over the place like my very presence is a curse of ill fortune... ponies...threw garbage at me..." tears were welling in her eyes now. Sunset and lightning looked at eachother, both sensing that Tirxie's story was only going to get worse. "...I was at an all-time low. I had become obsessed with the idea that it was all Twilight Sparkle's falt that my life had been tossed under the wagon. So i wanted to get something that would get me above her level and bring my career back; and all I did was kill it for good..." "...The amulet you mentioned before?" Lightning Dust asked having connected the dots. Trixie nodded, and with a sigh, she continued. "It reacted to the negative emotions in my heart; greed... petulence... dishonesty...everything about myself that I've come to despise, and it turned me into a monster that enslaved a town! It made me do so many horrible things!!" she was crying now. Lightning and Sunset took seats on either side of the crying mare. "Hey," Sunset said softly. " it's okay; you're among friends now..." Trixie looked up from her hooves; her tears still blurring her vision as she looked at Sunset. She sniffled and wiped her tears away. "-sniff- ...f-friends...?" Lightning grinned. "Yeah, we're in the same boat here." she said with a nod, before taking a softer tone and expression. "...us outcasts need to stick together, right?" Trixie wiped her nose with a hoof and smiled. "Huh, here I am pouring myself out and I haven't even introduced myself yet... Trixie Lulamoon; formerly "The Great and Powerful Trixie". nice to meet you." she said with an awkward smile. "Sunset Shimmer, former student of Princess Celestia." Sunset greeted. "Lightning Dust, Fastest and most reckless flyer in all Equestria." The pegasus said a little sheepishly. "I let my recklessnes total the wonderbolt training ground. Blacklisted by the wonderbolts and pretty much everypony else I know except my mom in Cloudsdale and My cousin here in Ponyville" Lightning Dust looked back at Trixie. "So...how did that whole amulet thing get worked out?" Trixie looked back down to her hooves and said "Twilight and her friends duped me into taking it off with a show of smoke and mirrors that trumped any performance I ever could have given... and the amulet was sealed away in the everfree forest." Their touching moment was interupted by the voice of Twilight Sparkle. "It helps when you have a lot of extra hooves helping out behind the scenes..." the lavender Alicorn said, drawing their attention. "...I believe they're called 'Roadies' in the entertainment business, right?" Trixie nodded. "Yes. I was actually trying to put together enough bits to hire a couple roadies when I first came to Ponyville..." she admitted. Twilight gave a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry it didn't work out for you..." Trixie shook her head and sighed. "...I'll bounce back some how...I always do..." Twilight nodded. "In any case, please join us in the throne room." she said before regarding Sunset and Lightning. "All of you." The three out cast ponies nodded and followed the new princess to the aforementioned throne room to see Celestia, Luna and all of Twilight's friends around a crystalline table that looked like a map. Luna acknowledged their entry. "Welcome; please join us." she said with a gracious nod. "Trixie Lulamoon, I understand you are the one who has been suffering the chronic nightmares; I apologize that I have not been able to do anything about them until now." Trixie looked up at the princess anxiously. "...why not...?" she asked "...Aren't you supposed to be all powerful in the dream realm or something?" Luna shook her head. "No being is 'all powerful' young pony." she corrected. "Though I do hold great power there, My sister and I are hardly the deities that many seem to think we are. We have limits and weaknesses like anypony else." she finished with a gentle smile. "Now tell me. You intend to destroy the alicorn amulet; how?" Trixie slumped. "I...I don't know... I was hoping Twilight... or either of you-" she gestured to the royal sisters. "-would have some idea." she looked down at her hooves. "I know I don't have any right to ask any of you for help after the troubles I've caused, but I just don't know who else to turn to..." Sunset puts a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "Do not fret, Trixie." Celestia said with warm motherly tone. "You will not be alone in this." "Totally! I told ya before, we got your back, Trix." Lightning declared. she then adressed Twilight. "How did you guys find out about this amulet before?" The little dragon Spike answered. "Oh, we found a book about all sorts of ancient magical artifacts in the library when Trixie took over the town. there was a whole chapter about it." he chirped, unaware of the looks now falling upon Trixie. Sunset tilted her head. "Did the book not say anything about how to destroy it?" Spike blinked. "Uhh..." he looked between the others. "...I...I don't remember..." Applejack scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. "We were kinda in a panic at the time..." Rarity's ears drooped. "I don't recall anything other then the wearer being the only one able to remove it..." There was a pregnant pause that went on for several minutes before Lightning raised a hoof awkwardly. "...Uh...I have a suggestion..." she suddenly felt some stage fright as all eyes in the room suddenly fell upon her instead of Trixie. "...Yes?" Twilight asked encouragingly. "...Well...its got powerfull dark magic in it right?" everypony nodded. "...then maybe we could blast it with an opposing energy to...I don't know..." Lightning hated being put on the spot during situations as tense as this... "...purify it maybe; like nuetralizing a magnet...?" The royal sisters glanced at each other knowingly as Twilight seemed to catch on. "...And since it doesn't HAVE a wearer, it won't be able to stop us! Excellent thinking!" Twilight declared triumphantly. "Rainbowdash, Go get the amulet from Zecora!" The rainbow maned pegasus gave a quick salute before bolting from the room, leaving her signature rainbow contrail behind her. "What's the plan, then?" Sunset asked. Before Twilight could answer, a disembodied voice spoke, seeming to come from all directions at once. "Ohohahahaha! This is going to be good!" it laughed. Fluttershy smiled brightly. "Oh, Discord! It's good to see you!" She said as the owner of the voice appeared levitating above them, bring a smile to Celestia's face as well. "Indeed, Discord; as it happens, the timing of your arrival is quite fortuitous." Luna greeted. The draconiquus turned to the Princesses. "Oh, yes indeed, Lulu..." he said with a grin at Luna's slightly annoyed look. "...It's been well over a thousand years since we've had any trouble with Blood Dust..." he intoned, emphasizing the name. Luna's eyes went wide. "...Blood...Dust...?" Celestia gave her sister a questioning look. "...Luna, who is this Blood Dust? I've never heard that name before...?" Luna's face darkened. "Blood Dust was King Sombra's mentor during his fall from grace..." she slowly turned to face everypony else in the room, one by one. "...The original lord of nightmares..." Twilight and her friends were now confused. "...The 'original'...?" Luna put a hoof down on the crystal map table. "Nightmare Moon was not the first to delight in tormenting ponies with nightmares and other horrific illusions." she clarified. "Before Nightmare Moon was King Sombra, but before him was a dark lord known as Blood Dust. Even King Sombra himself dared not defy him. In fact the truth behind Sombra's cruelty was that he planned to eliminate Blood Dust by weaponizing the crystal heart." everypony in the room gasped. "...He simply ran out of time when Celestia and I assaulted his castle all those years ago." Celestia was bewildered. "Luna... how do you know this?" Luna looked back at her sister. "Think back sister..." she said sadly. "when we fought him, he took you by surprise and I had to battle him alone." her horn began to glow a gentle blue as everything around them seemed to warp to something different... Instead of her own throne room Twilight looked around to see that of the palace in the Crystal empire. King Sombra sat on the throne. Next to him, what looked like a small model was set up. A knowing smile spread across his face as he looked up at a stained glass window in time for the royal sisters to blast though, almost as if he were expecting them... Author's Note Authors Note: Well, that's the first Chapter. Constructive critisism is welcomed. Also... the program I'm using, Microsoft WordPad doesn't have a spellcheck/grammer check function for some reason. Anyways read and review please! The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 3: Deadly ScereavoThe true face of Lullaby: Deadly scereavo Trixie was awakened by the scent of the night air, and something warm next to her. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and she turned to see the unconscious form of Erigor slumped next to her. she went stark still at the sight of him. Her eyes darted around to take in her surroundings. she was inside the magic mobile again, and it was getting dark out. "how long was I out?" she asked herself quietly. She didn't actually expect an answer, but she definitely would have appreciated one... Slowly, she sat upright; careful not to wake Erigor, and inched her way out of the car as slowly and quietly as possible. The door left open; Trixie tiptoed about four paces before- "...Going somewhere...?" she heard the familiar voice of lazaro ask behind her. Trixie spun on her heel to face him, and there he was, sitting atop the magic mobile. Her staff rested against his shoulder. "You!" she gasped. "...me..." he said calmly. Trixie's eyes narrowed at him. "...what do you want with me?" she demanded. "Have you forgotten already?" he asked. "I am to collect you and bring you to Lady Bloodmoon...she has plans for you..." a vicious smile in his tone. "...and who is this 'Lady Bloodmoon'?" Trixie asked. Lazaro nonchalantly slid off the top of the car. "...My employer..." he stated. "...She's given Master Marik ownership of a silver mine as payment for our continued services..." he looked up at her. "...One of which being-" he jabbed a finger into her chest. "-acquiring you." "Why?" she asked. Her question seemed to catch Lazaro off guard. "...Don't know, don't care..." he said said simply. "All I know is that she has big plans for you..." He turned to look down at the extravagant building a small ways off. "...right about now...Lady Bloodmoon is enacting the ritual to release the demon Lullaby upon the Guildmasters' Conference and the rest Clover." Trixie "...none of you will get away with this...Fairy Tail will stop you!" Lazaro broke into laughter. "Oh, how cliche!" he bellowed. He turned back to Trixie. "Hahahah! That's certainly holding true so far!" he laughed. "Let's see how long that luck keeps up!" That's when an ominous purple light bled out not far from the building. A horrendous roar thundered across the valley that made Trixie cover her ears. "Aaahhh!! what is that!?" Lazaro however seemed quite pleased. "Ohoh!" he declared before slowly turning back to Trixie in a menacing fashion. "...looks like your luck has just run out." A massive beast that looked like some horrific living tree had erupted from the purple light and stood towering above even the large conference hall. Its face seemed permanently contorted into a demented grin, and all three of its eyes shone like nekomata fire magic. Trixie gulped as she observed the creature. the very sight of the abomination sent a shiver up her spine. "Th...That's Lullaby?!" she shrieked. "...yes..." Lazaro answered malevolently. Trixie was shaking. she used to think that the Ursa was the most terrifying thing she would ever see...Oh, how wrong she had been. This horrific beast...she had no words for it. It looked like some nightmarish parody of an Ent or a Dryad... her body was screaming at her to run... every preservation instinct she had was screaming at her... ...but she didn't... growing inside her was something that was becoming stronger by the minute...fury. Her gaze lowered to the ground, obscured by her long silver bangs. "You monster..." Lazaro grinned cruelly under his mask. "...do you intend to do something about that?" he asked, as if wanting her to fight him. Trixie was shaking with fury. "...You..." she growled. "...YOOOUUUUU!!!!..." she charged at him and threw a punch. Lazaro effortlessly caught the punch. "...Just give up." he said with a bored tone. Trixie cried out in pain as Lazaro twisted her arm behind her. "...You're completely at my mercy." he said coldly. Trixie tried a wild swing with her free arm; Lazaro caught that one too...just as Trixie had hoped... Trixie opened her hand slightly, revealing a small object. "Eat this, ass hole!" she declared just before the small object exploded in a blinding flash. "Grrrrrraaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!" Lazaro howled in rage as he thrashed on the ground; his hands clawing at the eye holes on his mask. "You little BITCH!!" he roared, not that Trixie was paying attention, as she rolled frantically down the hill towards the conference hall. several feet down the hill, she finally managed to stumble back to her feet and ran the rest of the way down. Unknown to Trixie, however, she had an observer; a woman garbed in black and red... "ALL OF YOUR SOULS ARE MINE FOR THE TAKING!!" the demon roared. Many of the guild masters were running and screaming frantically in a panicked gong show. It didn't take Trixie long to finally track down Master Makarov and the others. Natsu was the first one to see her coming. "Hey, there's Trixie!" he declared, pointing at her. "What the hell is that thing?!" was the most articulate reply she could come up with at the moment. That's when she became aware of the presence of a few others. a man with a strange wizard's hat like her own, except it was black witha a spiked red band. he wore dark sunglasses... 'why are you where sunglasses at night...?' a cynical thought chimed in the back of her mind. "...It's a demon of Zeref." he said grimly. 'Zeref...?' she knew that name before... "Natsu and Gray! Get everyone to a safe place!" Erza commanded. "Stop barking orders!" Natsu cried indignantly. "Yeah, you're not the boss of us!" Gray rang in. Erza gave them an intense glare. "Just DO IT!!!" she growled. "Aye!" they both chorused as they ran off. The demon looked off to the side. "...YOU DOUBT MY POWER?! THEN I'LL PROVE IT TO YOU!!!" it bellowed as it gathered magic energy in its mouth and fired it at a mountain in the distance, completely obliterating it. The resulting explosion was a bright flash and a blast wave that knocked Trixie off her feet. How far away was that mountain...and yet... the sound thundered in her ears... the flash it made was blinding, and the blast wave was like standing in a hurricane. Finally the blast subsided, revealing that the mountain was indeed gone; reduced to a deep crater, Trixie would wager. "I HAVE NO NEED FOR THOSE WITHOUT MAGIC WITHIN THEM!!" It roared. "I PREFERE THE TASTE OF WIZARDS' SOULS, AND I WILL DEVOUR ALL OF YOURS!!!" "Oh yeah?!" Natsu challenged. "Bring it on, big guy!" "Good Luck!" a group of bystanders cheered from several meters away as they tried to take cover. Trixie gave them all an unamused look. "...yeah...don't help us out or anything..." The demon Lullaby reared its head upward. A massive spell circle appeared at its mouth and it gave a thunderous roar; a deafening blast that left everyone grasping at their ears to keep from instantly going deaf. Many of the guildmasters screamed and panicked, but Makarov merely grinned. Erza readied her twin swords. "Ready?" she asked. "Oh yeah!" Natsu and Gray both cheered before the three of them charged forward. Trixie however was frozen in place. staring in terror at the massive abomination before them. "HEAVEN'S WHEEL!! DANCE, MY SWORDS!!!" Erza called, the Heaven's wheel armor taking shape around her, and charged forward, a host of floating swords at either side of her. It didn't escape Trixie's notice when the beast recoiled in pain at he attacks. The ground at Gray's feet seemed to snap-freeze in a matter of seconds. "ICE MAKE LANCE!!" he called, launching a barrage of icy spear- like projectiles at it. Again, the demon howled in agony. Trixie couldn't believe what she was seeing. They could actually hurt this thing? A smile formed on her face. Natsu flew forward; propelled by his own flames. "FIRE DRAGON: IRON FIST!!!" he roared. Blasting through the night sky like a rocket, he hit the demon square in the jaw, sending it stumbling back even further. Trixie conjured her star-shaped hover-board; the "Levistar" as she affectionately called it, and took off to join the fray. Her comrades' success bolstering her confidence, she mustered he magical strength. "STARFALL BARRAGE: DOUBLE GATLING!!" she called as a violet spell circle illuminated each hand and a rapid-fire stream of star shaped energy blasts exploded against the demon's chest. Trixie observed with satisfaction as wooden shrapnel would splinter off with each hit. Volley after volley...blast after blast... Erza, Natsu, Trixie and Gray hit the demon about three times each before a blast wave exploded outward from it. "YOU'RE MAKING ME ANGRY!!!" it roared, swatting at them, to no avail. The demon opened its mouth wide and seemed to devour the massive spell circle that was above it. Trixie backed off a little to assess the situation. "...well, that can't be good..." she muttered as she looked down to see that all manner of vegetation in the area seemed to instantly die out...hell, she could feel what ever it was doing sapping her own energy as well; she wondered if the others could feel it as well... "JUST ONE NOTE AND YOUR SOULS WILL BE MINE!!!" the demon bellowed triumphantly. It inhaled deeply and unleashed its deadly song... ...at least, one could be certain that's what the demon intended; all that really happened was it opened its mouth and uttered the sound of a poorly played flute...a poorly played, broken flute... Trixie blinked a couple times. "well...that was underwhelming..." The demon was shocked. its face warped into a mixture of disbelief and indignant fury. "I DON'T UNDERSTAND!! WHY CAN'T I PLAY MY MELODY OF DEATH?!" "It must be all those attacks!" Goldmine, the Guildmaster of Quatro Cerberus deduced. "They punched so many holes in that thing that it totally messed up its sound!" Lucy declared. The demon suddenly drooped as it realized this itself... "...All that build up for that? talk about going out with a whimper..." Up on the hill Lazaro observed the same thing and slapped his palm to his forehead. "...Erigor...you fucking moron..." Lazaro growled. "...why my superiors want you in on their plans is beyond me..." Lazaro felt a cold shiver run up his spine. "...Seems for all that boasting, the mighty Lullaby is made of balsa wood rather then oak..." a sultry voice mused behind him. "Lady Bloodmoon, I-" Lazaro began but was cut off. "...don't fret, Lazaro...I would have been amazed if that idiot's plan actually had worked..." the masked woman said calmly...too calmly. "...You knew this would happen...?" Lazaro guessed. "I did." was her simple reply. "I'm pleased you still carry that seal I gave you Lazaro...It has allowed me to monitor your progress...and hers." "why do you want her so badly, anyway?" Lazaro ventured to ask. "All you have yet told us is that she is valuable to you, but why is she so valuable?" He glared at her. "...And why waste MY time getting me involved with this if you knew it was going to fail?!" Bloodmoon wagged a finger at him tauntingly. "Groundwork, sweetie... if you want your plan to go smoothly, then you must first lay down the groundwork..." she elaborated at Lazaro's apparent confusion. "Eisenwald is all but gone. defectors have destroyed their guild hall and rescued their prisoners. They now move to find honorable work with legitimate guilds. This mission was to determine whether or not there were any wizards in Eisenwald worthy of being brought into my plans..." she explained. "...Bring Erigor back to Blood Diamond; I will explain everything in greater detail to you both, and a few others, once he has awakened..." "...as you wish..." Lazaro hissed. "YOU DARE MOCK ME!!??" the demon roared before stomping on the ground like a child throwing a tantrum. Everyone on the ground could feel the earth shake with every impact. "I WILL KILL YOU ALL!!!" it declared; fiery red lights burned in its three eye sockets. "Now he's REALLY MAD!!" one man said as many of them ran in panic. "Stay together!" Trixie called to them as she rocketed toward them. She and Gray both stood in front of them. "I hope you know defensive spells..." Trixie said giving the young man a sideways glance. "Of course!" Gray shot back. "Here it comes!" Lucy shrieked. "ICE MAKE: SHIELD!!!" Gray called out as a large wall of ice shot up from the ground in front of them. "STARLIGHT WALL!!!" Trixie called, summoning a multitude of glowing star-shaped masses of energy connected by glowing lines forming a golden glowing grid; stars even etching themselves on to Gray's ice shield. The double shield spell worked perfectly against the demon's flames as barely a lick of flames got passed it. Gray noticed this and gave Trixie a surprised look. "You reinforced my ice shield?" he asked. Trixie was feeling drained. "...I've seen...a lot of different kinds of magic...and I've dipped a little into all of them..." "RRRAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHH!!!" the demon bellowed furiously as its flames seemed a waste of energy. Its fury only growing when it saw Natsu devour them; sucking them up like a vacuum cleaner. "Hahah! Now I've got a fire in my belly!" Natsu chimed triumphantly. "YOU'RE NOT HUMAN!! YOU'RE A MONSTER!!!" The beast fumed as it threw a punch at Natsu, which he easily dodged. That look on the demon's face... was that...fear? "You don't get to say that!" Natsu shot back, sprinting up the behemoth's arm. "REQUIP!!" Erza called, the Black Wing armor replacing the previous suit she wore. "ICE MAKE: SAUCER!!!" Gray called, this time creating a spinning buzz-saw blade that shot toward the demon, slicing into its body. Trixie held out her left hand in front of her. she had one heavy hitter left in her...she'd make it count... and archs of energy that looked like she had once again taken pieces of the night sky now extended from her wrist, one going up, the other, down; resembling a long bow. she brought her right hand to meet her left, but only for a moment, as she drew it back, forming what looked like a spear made of the northern lights... "The flames of my right hand!" Natsu declared, his right hand bursting into an intense flame. "...and the flames of my left" Now his left hand was engulfed. "...put the two together and this is what you get!" He brought his hands together creating a large fireball above his head. "FIRE DRAGON:BRILLIANT FLAME!!!" He threw the fireball at the demon with all he had. Trixie smiled. Her intent all along was to time her last attack with Natsu's, and he didn't disappoint. "ORION'S ARROW!!!" she called, and released her spell, launching at the demon. Trixie's smile widened as it had the desired effect as it shot through Natsu's flames, drawing them to follow its path. Their combined attack exploded through the demon's chest, a blast of bizarrely beautiful rainbow colored flame erupted from its back before it engulfed the demon's abdomen and began spewing out of its mouth and eye sockets, as well as all of the holes that their attacks and made in its body. The demon frantically clawed at its face as it howled in agony before its head exploded in a rain of blazing splinters; it was already half disintegrated by the time it hit the ground... Trixie was panting as she dropped to her knees. "...we...did it..." she finally said. "That you did...well done, my children..." Makarov said approvingly. "That was quite the finale, Trixie. you mix your magic with others' well." he commented "Yeah, that was so cool!" Natsu cheered. "Oh, yes, that was amazing!" a new voice chimed in. "You kids made defeating that demon look easy." another said nonchalantly. Trixie looked toward the sources of these new voices. "...thanks..." she said as she took in the two new people. She then gave Makarov an inquisitive look. "Ah. gentlemen, this is Trixie Lulamoon, one of the new recruits I told you about." Makarov introduced while Trixie gave a friendly nod. "Trixie, this is Guildmaster Bob of the Blue Pegasus guild." he said gesturing to the large flamboyant man dressed in pink. "It's delightful to finally meet you!" the man said cheerfully as he held out a hand, which Trixie took. "Nice to meet you too." Trixie replied. "...and this is Goldmine; Guildmaster of the Quatro Cerberus guild." Makarov said, indicating a tall middle aged man wearing a wizard's hat much like her own except black with a red band. "It's a pleasure." Trixie greeted. She shook his hand as well. "The pleasure is mine." Goldmine said. "Well...I'm not sure what was going on with all that, but I think it's obvious that we all owe a round of thanks to the Fairy Tail guild." "Ya think so?" another man said uneasily. "...well...even so..." the man trailed off, drawing everyone's attention to the large crater where the conference hall...used to be... "THEY WENT OVERBOARD!!" many of them shouted simultaneously. "Woah, woah, woah...that's all on Blood Diamond and Eisenwald!" Trixie interjected. "Would you have preferred if we DIDN'T chase these guys all the way from Magnolia just to save your ingrate asses?!" she fumed. "And now you have the gall to turn around and hold US responsible for THEIR destruction?!" It had been quite some time since she'd felt this indignant. "Well, why don't you go and jump down into Clover Canyon if ya feel so strongly about it?!" By the end of her rant, Trixie was panting heavily; a nasty snarl on her face and the guildmasters who had set her off were staring shell shocked at her. Apparently, they have never had the appallingly large holes in their logic pointed out to them before... "...please explain this to us..." one of them finally said. Trixie scoffed. "Hell with that noise!" she snarked. she spun on her heel and began walking away. "...Erza, this was your mission, you tell them; I've had enough of twits for one day!" Erza was taken aback by Trixie's outburst, but proceeded to explain everything from her hearing the conversation at the pub all the way through to Natsu's defeat of Erigor and Lazaro's last second surprise... They were assured that the new information would be taken into account, but Fairy Tail would be hearing from the magic counsil about it some time soon. "Hey, Trixie!" Trixie looked up to see Lucy coming up to her. "what's up?" Trixie greeted. "I was wondering how you did all that?" Lucy asked. "...combining your spells with Natsu and Gray's, I mean..." "I tinker with magic." Trixie said simply. "if a spell doesn't work the way I want it to, then I keep tweaking it til it does; even if it's just to boost someone else's spell." she explained. "Just about all my spells could probably seamlessly combine with someone else's magic...I've always had a particular talent with that, ever since I was little." Trixie scrathed her head sheepishly. "Natsu probably would have finished off the demon without my help with his raw power...I just wanted to get one last hit in..." ..................................Back at the Fairy Tail Guild hall............................ Sunset Shimmer stood in front of the request board, marveling at how varied the magic jobs were... "Maybe I'll take the cursed cane job...?" she mused. "Going on your first job, huh?" the large man, Elfman inquired. "Yeah, though i can't decide which one I'll pick yet...I'm thinking I'll probably go for either the cursed cane or the Pirate fort..." she said offhandedly. Trixie had gone off with Erza and her teammates earlier that day, Lightning Dust had resolved to get to know the other guild members by asking to tag along with them on their jobs. She's gone with a small group who called themselves "Shadowgear", Luna was helping Mirajane around the Guild hall as a sort of older sister for the whole guild; anyone who had an issue or just had something to get off their chest, they all seemed to take to her quite quickly. To Luna's credit, she was very good at it, it seemed... Sunset covered her eyes with one hand, and jabbed at the board with the other..."...did I hit one?" Elfman laughed. "Yup!" Sunset looked where her hand had landed to see the Pirate Fortress job. "Oh, cool!" She looked over at the bar. "Mirajane, I'm taking the Pirate fort job!" "Ok! that's good to hear, good luck!" she said while bringing out a serving tray. Sunset was eager to try out a couple new tricks that Macao taught her about how to use her fire magic with more efficiency. a peculiar difference between their magic was that Sunset's flames were bright orange and yellow, but would often flicker noxious black... she would have to do some research on that later... but for now, she had some Pirates to slap around. she went back to the apartment that she shared with Trixie, Lightning, and Luna, and prepared for her trip to Hargeon port... Author's Note Holy S#!T!! that's the end of the Eisenwald arch! ...and so Bloodmoon intends to bring Erigor and Lazaro into her plans, and the plot thickens! And, now we're going to see Sunset go on her first solo job! We'll see if I cant work in one or two more counterparts in the following adventure, eh?
Memories and revelationsChapter 2: Memories and Revelations Twilight's ear quirked at the sound of...eating? she turned and saw Discord munching merrily on a bag of popcorn. "...Discord! this is important!" she hissed, trying to stay quiet. Discord blinked at her gave an annoyed pout before discarding the popcorn. "...Fine, but I'll be finishing that later..." Twilight shook her head in annoyance before returning her gaze to the scene before them as King Sombra stood up to trot a few paces forward. A noxious black and green aura ignited around his horn and a strange spell circle flashed beneath him. The dark unicorn took a deep breath and exhaled... a massive gout of black and green fire that just barely missed the illusion Princess Celestia. "...I remember that... he used magic that I'd never seen before..." the present-time Celestia said quietly. "...He called it "Dragon Slayer Magic"..." Luna answered almost automatically. The projection Celestia was clad in golden heavy plate armor with an imposing halberd seemingly both crafted from the same material. The princess skilfully dodged the Baal fire and charged the dark king head on. The young ponies spectating the memory gasped as 'Celestia' impaled Sombra straight through the chest. "It's over Sombra; Yield!" she roared. Lightning Dust grinned as she watched. "...okay...that was pretty badass..." she said quietly. The young pegasus' enthusiasm didn't last as Sombra threw his head back and uttered a blood chilling laugh. "...Hehehehahahahahaha!!!!" Celestia's fury turned to shock as she tried to pull her weapon out to find it was stuck. "...So..." shadows began to writhe and churn around them. "...Much..." the shadows began to take shape and solidify, and a large black crystalline battle axe was formed. "HATRED!!!" the axe swung downward, splitting the ground where Celestia stood. "...It seems even the Goddess of the sun lacks purity in her heart..." he jeered, pulling Celestia's lost Halberd out of his chest. His shadows melted off of it like an icy mist off of a snap-frozen surface. Luna, Clad in black armor, levitating a long sword at her side flew at Sombra at full speed. With little more then a sideways glance, Sombra's axe shifted as though it were liquid rather then solid, and arched toward the armored Luna.Coiling around her and pinning her against the wall with a loud clang. He returned his attention to Celestia, and took a deep breath. A familiar spell circle flashed at his hooves and he bellowed "BAAL DRAGON ROAR!!!". Once again a stream of that black and green fire shot from his mouth at Celestia. She conjured a barrier spell to protect herself but it pushed her back to a wall. Her barrier flickered and dissipated after the flames subsided. Sombra wasn't done. "BAAL DRAGON HAMMER!!!" he roared as he charged forward, hooves engulfed in the same foul energy, and one hoof impacted heavily into Celestia's stomach completely knocking the air out of her lungs. The dark king's face now held barely contained fury. "...You call me an evil Tyrant..." he growled, only for the princess to gasp desperately for air in response. "You know nothing of true evil..." Celestia coughed a few more times before collapsing to the ground. Sombra crashed another hoof full of dark energy into her cheek sending her a few meters further down the wall. Celestia cried out in agony as she skidded to a stop. "Rrrrrraaaaagggggghhhhhh!!!!!!" Luna's enraged battle cry drew his attention back to her. His cruel smile returned. "...and then there was one..." he hissed through a menacing fanged grin; his body melting into a mass of shadows as a surge of power from Luna shattered her crystal prison, and she flew forward. "Your reign ends here, Sombra!" She roared. "You and your dark magic will never harm another innocent soul AGAIN!" Her longsword clashed against Celestia's halberd in Sombra's telekinetic grasp. Sombra merely smirked. "...No... my magic will save this world..." with a surge of his own power forced Luna back several feet. Luna's glare narrowed dangerously. "I'm afraid I don't see your logic." "...To defeat a unique and powerful enemy..." he began. "...you must master an equally unique and powerful magic..." he held up a hoof as it engulfed in the familiar foul energy. "The laborers toil would have been soon to pay off, once the weapon was complete." Those words set off an alarm in Luna's mind. "A weapon that will never come to be, Sombra!" Her declaration made Sombra's smile disappear. "...clearly..." he growled. "...I was not expecting you to come at me with all you had. All of Equestria was supposed to unite under my banner, and with the inherent magic of all ponies being focused into the Crystal Heart and the weapon..." Sombra's gaze fell to the ground and he muttered something that Luna didn't quite hear. Luna slowly advanced on him, sword at the ready. "What was that?" she demanded. "what sort of unique magic are you talking about?" Sombra's head snapped back up and glared at the princess once more with renewed ferocity. "...Blood Dust...The Lord of Tartarus..." "I CARE NOT WHAT ELDRITCH PACTS YOU'VE MADE!" Luna bellowed as she charged forward once more; her sword swishing forward with a skillful finesse. Sombra moved with equal skill and stopped her blade dead with a wall of black crystal. "...I am not looking for your approval..." Sombra sneered before launching a barrage of black crystalline shards at Luna, who deflected most and dodged the rest with a skillful flourish of her levitating long sword. "...You are irrelevant before the power of Blood Dust..." "Who is this "Blood Dust"?" Luna demanded. "I am not familiar with that name." "He would not appear before the likes of you or Celestia..." he hissed. "...He is the soul purpose for Tartarus becoming a prison; and yet time and again he has found ways to indirectly escape." Everyone watched the projection in morbid fascination while Trixie, Sunset and Twilight immediately made the connection. "...the alicorn amulet." Trixie said quietly. Luna began to narrate as her projected self merely glared disdainfully at Sombra. "I didn't believe him at the time. I had thought he was just lying to distract me." she said as her projection self continued clash with the dark King again and again, all the while, the two barking insults at each other. "What Nonsense are you spewing now?!" Luna demanded. Sombra glared back at her. "Who do you think molds the nightmares you stand against every night?" he taunted. "...Blood Dust!!" He roared, the ever shifting shadows taking the form of dozens of black crystalline spears. "...Do you honestly think You have ever once witnessed the full extent of his power?" Luna dodged and weaved through the projectiles taking several hits in the process; one in the right foreleg, one in her helmet, knocking it off her head, and one in her side. Luna glared at Sombra after being blasted back by that foul black and green fire yet again. "What manner of magic is that?!" she demanded. "I have never seen this wretched blackness before..." Sombra ginned a sinister fanged grin. "...It is called Dragon Slayer magic...Princess Luna." everypony watching the projection could see the confusion on Luna's projection self. "...What...?" Sombra's grin became almost feral and savage. "...Magic created specifically for one singular purpose; to kill dragons... It can only be bestowed upon another by a dragon..." he growled. "That, paired with the completed Crystal Lance Cannon..." His body was engulfed in a thick black haze of magic as his murderous intent rose; obscuring him from sight almost completely. Luna's magic flared as a host of ethereal swords began materializing around her, levitating at the ready. "...Would have the capabilities to obliterate Blood Dust from the face of this world!" Luna fired her swords at him, only to be stopped dead by a slab of black crystal and sent flying back at her. The princess flew up in the air to dodge. Celestia watched thoughtfully, taking in Sombra's words. why hadn't Luna ever mentioned this before? could there be something in these events that brought her fear or shame? This projection was answering their original questions, but raising new ones. "...combining his strange magic with a plan to...weaponize the Crystal Heart..." the very idea of a sacred relic of purity being defiled in such a way left her stomach in a knot. Sombra was surrounded by a torrent of baal fire. "If you stand in my way, then you will DIE!!" he bellowed as a familiar spell circle appeared at his hooves. "BAAL DRAGON HELL SIGHT!!" his entire body transformed into a roaring wall of Baal fire and crashed into Luna who was recklessly charging into it, bursting through the other side; seemingly unscathed. Luna, however, was not unscathed as her eyes were glossed over with a green and purple haze. a look of horror on her face. "...Watch closely now..." Luna instructed the ponies watching her illusion. "...For this is how Nightmare Moon truely came to be..." Sombra reverted back to his unicorn form and slowly trotted towards Luna. "...You will be tormented by your greatest fears..." he said with a blood chilling calm air about him. "...and all the while, I'll be feeding off of your despair...your fear...your hatred." he now stood looming over her. "...You know, it really is a pity. I've always thought your nights were beautiful works of art that were shamefully unappreciated..." his heavy gauntleted hoof pressed down on her neck. "I would have made you my queen...but now..." he lowered his face to hers. "...Now you will watch as your whole kingdom crumbles to a wasteland..." a little closer. "...and everypony you love reduced to charred bone and ash..." He pressed his lips against hers. Sunset shuddered as she watched. "Am I the only one who thinks calm and reserved Sombra is scarier then the loud and monstrous Sombra...?" she whispered. Rarity who had been next to her shuffled her hooves uncomfortably before replying. "...I most definitely agree, darling..." she whispered back. This uncomfortable tension hung over the room until they noticed Luna's coat slowly turn pitch black. This didn't escape Sombra's notice as he slowly backed away; not in fear, but with a look of intrigued curiosity on his face. a devious smirk tugged at his lips as Luna's mane and tail shifted from its graceful, flowing night sky motif to a pyre of ghastly blue fire. "...What have we here...?" Luna laughed malevolently as she slowly got back to her hooves. "Hehehehehahahahahaha!". Her eyes snapped open to reveal the blue dragon like eyes that Nightmare Moon would become famous for. "...No..." she hissed as her original appearance seemed to flicker back for a moment, only for her new form to return. "It is you who will see your kingdom crumble to ash..." her body flickered a couple more times. "...It is YOU who will lose everything you've ever fought for..." her eyes shone with an intense white glow as her original for flickered back, this time to stay, and she launched Sombra into a wall at the far end of the chamber. Luna had been about to fire another blast when a brilliant light shot passed her, blasting Sombra through the wall and out into the frozen wastes outside the city. "THIS ENDS HERE, SOMBRA!" Celestia roared, flying out after him. "Sister!" Luna cheered as she followed her sister out. "Ready your elements Luna. This has gone on long enough!" Celestia called levitating the elements of harmony out of her armor, tossing the elements of Loyalty, honesty, and Generosity to Luna. Their bodies were enveloped in the familiar brilliant rainbow light of the elements of harmony, and it burned away at Somba intensely. Cracks raked across his body like bolts of lightning...like his body weren't even flesh and blood, but porcelain or glass. Familiar black smoke and shadowy fumes spewed through them like steam. Her halberd once again in her own grasp, Celestia launched it passed Sombra into the frozen ground, causing a large fissure that seemed to go down for miles. "...Rot in your new tomb, Sombra..." Luna said coldly. "CHAINS OF TARTARUS!!" Sombra's voice boomed as large chains that seems to be made of solidified shadow shot out of him, tethering him to the two princesses as well as countless shooting out passed them to the city. "I'm Taking all of you with me, HAHAHAHA!!!!" he laughed like a lunatic even as the light of the elements pushed him down into the fissure, slowly dragging Luna and Celestia down with him. At least...that was his plan... The glow around the royal sisters intensified and the shackles bound to them shattered into shards of black crystal, but the other chains remained. As the fissure magically sealed shut, the sisters and everyone watching Luna's projection watched in morbid fascination as the Crystal Empire crackled with dark energy before the entire city started sinking into the ground. Everything shimmered and rippled around them as the Crystal Empire faded back to Twilight's throne room. With a heavy sigh, Luna turned back to the others. "After that, I spent three years trying to dig up anything on Blood Dust I could find, and I came up with nothing but this..." she said conjuring another illusion; this time it was an image that resembled a stained glass window much like those in the Canterlot castle. It portrayed a shadowy black Alicorn with a gnarled horn, solid red eyes and tattered wings. his entire body seemed drenched in blood that dripped off of him. His mane and tail were portrayed as nigtmareish geysers of blood that floated unaturally about him. Celestia remained silent for a moment. "So, that's why you had locked yourself away for all that time..." Celestia concluded. "...You were trying to see if there was any truth to Sombra's words." Luna, unable to meet her sister's unreadable gaze, nodded, staring at her front hooves. "...Yes, Sister..." Celestia was hurt; Sunset could see it clearly, but didn't say anything. Celestia put a hoof on Luna's shoulder. "...All this time... why did you never say anything?" she asked. Luna hesitated. her eyes darting everywhere except Celestia. "...I didn't find it untill after my return from banishment." she said in desperation. Celestia's eyes narrowed. "Luna..." she chided in a warning tone. "Because I was afraid. I still am!" Luna cried. "The notion that a being more powerful, more cruel and more brutal than Tirek could be out there terrifies me!" there were tears in her eyes now. "For all I knew, we could have very well doomed all of Equestria to fall to this 'Blood Dust' when we defeated Sombra. I spent those three years being wracked with guilt and fear that we'd doomed our kingdom..." she was crying now. "...and Sombra's magic...it somehow fed off that fear; just as Sombra said..." Luna glared at the ground. "...Besides, You were so busy basking in the lime light of that "victory" in Canterot that I could rarely get the time of day from you." Everyone in the room Gasped at Luna's words except Celestia, who just sighed. Luna covered her mouth with a hoof. "I'm sorry!" she whimpered. Celestia pulled luna into a gentle hug. "Yes. I was inattentive and negligent. I'm just sorry that you felt that you had to suffer through that alone..." They sat in silence for a short time before the door swung open revealing Rainbow Dash and Zecora. A small chest strapped to Zecora's Saddle bags, seemingly in the middle of their own conversation. Their arrival drew everyone's attention to the door. "...Know that I agree. This news of the amulet greatly troubles me." Zecora said, concern in her voice. The zebra looked across the room and blinked in surprise. "This speaks volumes of the duress, for you to involve the sisters Princess." "That's right." Lightning Dust affirmed. "This is a monster so terrible that even Tirek would probably fear him." "Apparently, only a specialized dragon magic can defeat him." Trixie added. Zecora regarded Trixie and gave a gracious nod. "I see you've returned to our town. Is it redemption you seek, or renown?" Trixie merely nodded towards the small box. "...closure..." Zecora nodded; a look of understanding on her face. "...I get rid of that thing, and I can get on with my life." Zecora returned her gaze to Twilight. "I shall help however I can. I assume you have some sort of plan?" Twilight smiled and nodded. "We do." Author's Note so that's chapter 2! having only read Sombra's hasbro backstory yesterday, my story will conflict with it, as I came up with this idea long before ever reading FIENDship is magic. the big battle with sombra was based off the "Fall of the Crystal Empire" animation, but with my own little twists included . In the next chapter they will begin the ritual to get rid of the alicorn amulet, but, if you read the description, things arent going to go as planned. but that's for next chapter! I'll see you guys later! Corrupted Champion, out.
The Adventure BeginsThe Adventure Begins "I hope this works..." Trixie said nervously as she inspected her work. Well, her Joint project with Sunset Shimmer; a large multi-layer spell circle. Sunset nodded in understanding. "Feeling's mutual." she offered. "I've never tried to cast four spells simultaneously before. I guess that's why we need four ponies to regulate it..." "Have faith, my little ponies; learning new magic is always fraught with uncertainty." Celestia said with a gentle motherly smile. "Ok, I'd get it if Sunset did all the work for this, but where did you learn this kind of magic?" Rainbow Dash demanded, staring at Trixie with a skeptical look. "I told you..." Trixie said slyly. "...I have more tricks up my sleeve now then you'll ever know..." her sly smirk turned into an awkward grin. "Too bad it doesn't always work in my favor..." "New stuff is always trial and error. You should have seen how many times I nearly blew myself up when i was Princess Celestia's student years ago..." Sunset said with a grin of her own. Celestia smirked, deciding to chime in. "I do seem to recall your research leading to several explosions in your workshop..." this statement earned a nervous chuckle from Sunset. "...Sometimes multiple explosions in one day..." Trixie continued. "I have always been...less that skilled at learning magic by just reading dusty old books." she admitted. "It wasn't until I started taking a more active and...hooves on approach that I started getting anywhere..." Their conversation drew Twilight's attention. "How so?" she asked. "Well, I would get a pony to show me a spell a few times, and I would eventually reverse-engineer it after a while." Trixie explained. "Like a pegasus learning to fly by watching other pegusai and trying to copy what they see." Trixie continued making the finishing touches on the spell circle while she spoke. Lightning Dust blinked. "...but isn't magic mostly mental focus and concentration?" she asked, getting a nod of affirmation from Sunset. Lightning brought a hoof to her chin. "So... how do you copy something you can't actually see?" she inquired. "That's difficult to explain." Sunset Shimmer answered. "...It would be like explaining to a unicorn or an earth pony how a pegasus walks on clouds..." she said. Twilight spoke up while inspecting the circle for herself. "Just as Pegusai can focus their latent magic to interact with clouds and the weather or pass right through them..." Twilight said. "...A unicorn can focus to analyze the way another pony uses theirs and eventually learn to copy it. That's how such spells as the aggressive thunder cloud and the cloud-walking spell were invented." Zecora was now inspecting the spell circle. "You seem to work well for having just met. Is there anything else we require, or are we set?" she asked in rhyme. "Almost..." Trixie answered as she finished drawing the runes on the outermost layer of the circle "...Sunset, how's your side looking?" Sunset took a moment to inspect the four layer spell circle. The outermost circle was in blue, with four much smaller circles in a diamond formation around it. "...The reverse barrier and prong points are set..." she muttered. "...The anchoring spell is ready..."she said, looking over the next layer in. A circle drawn in green with an alternating pattern of runes and chains. Trixie looked over the two inner most circles. drawn in red and black respectively. "The funnel point is ready..." "Funnel point?" AppleJack asked, clearly getting confused by all the technical magic talk. "When we activate the rainbow power, it's going to be drawn and concentrated into this one central point." Twilight explained."That's what a 'funnel point' spell is." her attention went back to the circle. "This..." the young princess shook her head in slight disbelief. "This might well be the most ambitious magical undertaking in centuries...in millennia!" Anypony could feel such palpable anticipation in the air. "Indeed..." Celestia nodded in agreement. "...regardless of the outcome, this moment will likely go down in history." "...and what's this red one in the center?" Lightning Dust asked, pointing a hoof to the circle in question. A dark glare replaced Trixie's calm look. "...It's called the soul hammer...it's destruction magic that will destroy him clear to his soul..." this revelation earned several gasps throughout the room. "Trixie..." Luna asked in horror. "...Where did you learn such magic?" "I've done a lot of traveling since my last visit to Ponyville. In my travels I found myself lost in Neighpon, far to the east." Trixie explained. "That's where I learned it from a demon hunter by the name of 'Kiri Sasayaki' which translates to 'Mist Whisper'" Trixie looked back at Luna with determination. "This thing has caused enough suffering... I'm not leaving this to chance." Everypony looked at the former showmare with a variety views; apprehension, fear, but some actually looked upon her with respect and understanding... "...Very well." Luna said. "All we require is the amulet now, correct?" Rainbow dash laughed. "Hah! why do we need all these extra spells? Our rainbow power should be more then enough" she bragged before Discord cut her off. "Because..." he said, his tone serious and cold. "...Blood Dust is in a league all his own..." His gaze burned into Rainbow Dash. The lord of chaos held out his Lion paw, levitating the alicorn amulet to the center of the circle. "...and his children, while lacking his raw power early on, have he potential to match or surpass him." "Besides, wearer or not, I don't think this thing will let us destroy it without putting up a fight..." Trixie said nonchalantly. "His 'children'?" Applejack asked nervously. "Surpass him?"Luna asked in horror Discord nodded. "This amulet isn't truly Blood Dust, but a portion of his soul that-" he nodded toward Trixie. "-according to our new friend, here, has become self aware; As such it would be more accurate to call our little prisoner the 'child of Blood Dust' rather then Blood Dust himself." he allowed himself a sly smirk as a new idea popped into his head. "...or perhaps a clone...?" "You speak as though there are...others..." Luna trailed off as she recalled Sombra's words... "He would not appear before the likes of you or Celestia... He is the soul purpose for Tartarus becoming a prison; and yet time and again he has found ways to indirectly escape." "When this is over, we shall have to look into tracking down any other 'children'." Luna muttered. "...Are we ready to begin?" "Yes; we just need four ponies to operate the spell circles by focusing their magic into each of the four prong points around the circle." Sunset declared. "I call this one!" Lightning dust called as she dashed for the green prong point. "I'll take this one." Trixie said trotting back to the black prong point. "I guess I'll take the funnel spell..." Sunset Shimmer said putting a hoof over the red point. Luna circled around and took her place at the prong point of the reverse barrier. "Then let us begin!" Twilight turned to her Friends with a new determination. "Alright girls lets-" "Wait!" Pinkie Pie shreiked, drawing everyone's attention to her as she stumbled about in a fit of convulsions. When it finally ended, she got back to her hooves and wiped her forehead. "phew...that was probably the doozie-est doozie that ever doozied a doozie!" Applejack nodded in agreement to Pinkie's comment before speaking. "So, what are we expectin', sugarcube?" she asked. Pinkie shrugged; a confused look on her face. "...I don't know...I just hope that when we try to use the super advance spell thingy it doesen't make the spirit inside the amulet release a surge of magic and rip some magic out of Discord to rewrite the spell sending Trixie, Sunset, Lightning and Princess Luna to some strange and dangerous new dimension with strange new bodies like the one twilight gets when she goes through that magic mirror thingy..." she paused only to take a deep breath. "...and force them to go on all kinds of dangerous adventures that reveal a terrible conspiracy that threatens both worlds with an ancient and terrible enemy capable of making Tirek look like a total chump and and all our enemies coming back at the same time and having a huge battle royale that nearly totals CANTERLOT!". the end of her...oddly specific rant left her breathing heavily as every pony in the room stared at her; complete incomprehension hanging over them. "What?" no answer. Her bright cheerful smile returned. "Well, let's just hope for the best, huh?" "...R...right..." Twilight stammered; completely at a loss for how else to respond to Pinkie's verbal diarrhea. "...So, let's begin..." "Right!" Twilight's five friends cheered as everypony took their positions; Celestia discreetly looking back and forth between Pinkie Pie and Discord. "Is everypony ready?" 'As ready as I'll ever be...' Trixie said internally. Discord grinned. He could feel his senses tingle at the sheer levels of magical Power being released as the four ponies at the spell circle activated. "This is going to get very interesting," He couldn't help but wonder if Pinkie Pie's prediction would come true... "We are ready!" Luna declared. "Then let's go girls!" Twilight cheered as the six of them were engulfed in a pillar of brilliant rainbow hued light. The six rose from the floor and emerged from the light in their powered up forms, with flowing manes and colored streaks through them. The four at the spell circle took this as their que and activated the circle. The circle crackled with energy as it activated, releasing geysers of blue, green and red light; with blazing pyre of putrid black and purple in the center. A bright blue bubble appeared over it. Ethereal chains sprouted from the ground and latched on to the amulet like rattlesnakes biting their prey. A red cyclone of energy appeared inside the bubble. Twilight and her friends fired the rainbow of light at the bubble, phasing through it. The sound that followed was...horrific. An ear piecing roar of rage and agony echoed through the castle chamber, and possibly was heard through all of Ponyville. It sounded like the howl of a thousand eldritch horrors...Sunset Shimmer and Lightning Dust both flinched and recoiled as the sound almost blasted them back. Trixie squeezed her eyes shut and cried out as the glow of her horn intensified. What seemed like a blob of red blood billowed upward through the black aura like a mushroom cloud; black sparks crackling around it before it seemed to get sucked back into the amulet with a loud thunderous slam that shattered the floor tiles beneath it. That's when the tables seemed to turn as a disembodied voice roared "CHAINS OF HADES!!" and a red crystalline chain blasted out of the amulet, punching through the bubble and launching towards Discord, transforming into a shackle around his neck. "YOU HAVE MADE ME ANGRY!! I'LL NOT BE DESTROYED SO EASILY!" Discord cried out as his eyes shot open glowing brilliantly with his Chaos magic as a familiar blue and purple energy poured out of him and flowed down the chain and into the amulet. "I think not, Monster!" Luna countered as her own magic intensified, making the bubble close around the red chain, snapping it. The chain around Discord turned to dust and disintegrated letting Discord collapse to the ground. "MY TURN!" the disembodied voice taunted as glowing red eyes appeared in the black cloud. "WE'RE GOING TO PLAY BY MY RULES NOW, HAHAHAHA!!" at his word, the four layered spell circle began to shift. Layer by layer, the runes began changing as Luna, Trixie, Sunset and Lightning began to realize that they were no longer in control of the spell. Finally the reverse barrier shattered and more red chains shot out, this time at The four around the circle. "He's opening a Warp Gate!" Discord warned. "I can't stop him in this condition!" It didn't take long for every pony to realize that the rainbow of light was no longer hurting the spirit within the amulet. "Why isn't it working?!" she demanded. "He's using the magic he stole from me to redirect it!" Discord answered. "LUNA!" Celestia screamed, rushing to her sister... "Help them first, sister!" Luna called, nodding over to Trixie, Sunset and Lightning being slowly but surely pulled in despite their thrashing against the dark chains. The glowing red eyes in the black cloud of magic spun around to glare at Celestia. "...NOT...SO...FAST..." he growled. the shadow pulsed like a beating heart, releasing a shock wave of vile black magic energy; Blasting Twilight and her friends out of the air and making them crash into the wall behind them. Celestia was blasting back as well, but recovered quickly. The cloud began to shift, taking a new shape; that of a pony... with a mane and tail of chaotic red energy that mirrored the mural that Luna had discovered, The alicorn amulet at the center of its chest in much the same way as Celestia's royal regalia. "...I've been away from my brethren for far..." then the voice began to change, becoming... "...far..." feminine? "...too long..." "What are you?!" Celestia demanded. "What am I?" the shadow asked. "...I am... the future lord of both dragons and demons...I am the reincarnation of Blood Dust the Abyssal..." The shadow offered a feral grin lined with sharp pointed teeth. "Well...I'll be going now..." the shadow paused. "...But first..." The next few seconds made Celestia realize why Luna wasn't using magic to escape her confines as a familiar red crystal chain shot from the shadow's hoof at her, latching around her neck as it did with Discord. As the seconds seemed to stretch on like hours, Celestia felt her magic drain from her body. It felt different from when Tirek did so; more like her very life force and vitality "...No!..." she had to fight back some how... but what could she do? "...Luna!" was the last thing she could muster the strength to say before exhaustion took her. .............................................................................................. She floated in empty blackness. "..." what? Was somepony trying to call out to her? "..." Why was she here, again? what happened... the last thing she remembered was... Sunset Shimmer had returned from the world beyond mirror portal...wait... Then Twilight reveals this new information about the alic... The alicorn amulet! they had begun a ritual to destroy it and... Oh no! "Princess!" That was Twilight's voice! Celestia woke with a start. "W-what happened?" she panted heavily. "Princess Celestia... Sunset..." Twilight was at a loss for words. "Trixie, Princess Luna...Lightning Dust... they're..."She couldn't bring herself to say it; it just couldn't true, could it? Discord, who was leaning against a support pillar, spoke. "...They've been pulled through a warp gate." he said, a cold look on his face. "...Blood Dust 2.0 pulled them through and probably just dumped them in some random passing dimension out of spite or sadistic amusement..." "How is that possible?" Twilight asked. "You can't just teleport to another dimension!" Discord merely smiled. "Well, that will be your little secret." he said playfully. "...um...is it really possible, Discord?" Fluttershy asked. "With my magic..." he said, his tone once again turning serious. "...it is." He began to stroke his beard with his eagle talon hand. "With warp gate magic, though, you have to know exactly where you want to go, or you could easily get swept up in the current that you have to follow to get there and you may never get out. It operates on a similar principle to time travel; it's very precise. Even the slightest missed turn could spell your doom..." "But what do other dimensions have to do with this?" Twilight asked. Discord only laughed in response. "Hah! where do you think i spend my time when I'm not here, hm? How do you think i get to and from there?" he asked. "By using warp gate magic." he finished with a 'well duh!' look on his face. then a thoughtful look crossed his face. "...For a while, I used to see a strange metal box swirling around in there...haven't seen it for some time though, I wonder why that is...?" Celestia who had been listening carefully, nodded. "Would you be able to track them down?" she asked. "To locate where they were taken?" "Well, I can try, but we're talking about an infinite number of worlds here." Discord said. "...That's infinite alternates of this world and whatever universe they were sent to..." He sighed wearily. "...oh, I'm going to be working around the clock for a good while on this one..." "If there was a single other being capable of doing so, then we'd call on them to help you, but as it stands..." Celestia said trailed off, wanting to be careful to maintain her composure. "...You are the only one." "Well, I suppose I'd better get to work, then." The chaos spirit declared with an air of resolve. ................................................................................................................................ The scent of flowers tickled her nose through the dark of unconsciousness. Trixie new this smell, though she couldn't place the flower... next to register was the sound and feel of a gentle breeze blowing through trees above her. "She's waking up." came the sound of Sunset Shimmer's voice. Waking up...yes. even though, she'd felt more rested and refreshed then she had for a long time. Yes, it was time to wake up. Her heavy eyelids slowly inched open. She became aware that she was on her back. Time to fix that... "Ugh...what happened?" she asked, her body feeling too heavy to move right away. That's when...something crouched at her side. It had a mane that very much resembled Sunset's; deep red with golden streaks through it. What ever it was, it was certainly no creature she'd ever seen. A bipedal creature wearing a black leather Jacket with metal studs on the collar. Her Cutiemark embroidered onto the purple shirt she wore. Black boots with a purple flame pattern starting at the toe an going up the front. "Trixie, I need you to try and calm down..." It spoke with Sunset Shimmer's voice. "It's me, Sunset." 'Sunset' said, seemingly picking up on her sudden change from relaxed to stalk still, and staring in morbid fascination. "...Breathe..." she urged. "Yes, calm yourself, Trixie Lulamoon." the voice of Princess Luna said from her right. Trixie followed the voice to its source, being another creature like this new Sunset Shimmer. this one being tall and regal looking, in a dark blue dress that matched the color of her pony counterpart's fur. "We have all been changed into these strange new bodies... They are called "humans" correct?" Luna asked Sunset, who nodded. Next to Luna was...Lightning Dust...? another 'human' wearing snug fitting clothes that resembled the flight suits worn by the Wonderbolts. "The weird part is there actually seems to be magic in this world...I can actually feel the difference." Sunset informed; a look of bewilderment on her face. "Why is that weird?" Trixie asked. Lightning Dust and Luna glanced at each other. "...I wonder how long it's gonna take her to realize it...?" Luna whispered. "...wait for it..." Lightning Dust shot back and amused grin on her face "Because, in the world beyond the mirror, There was no magic until...I...Brought it there..." she trailed off. "...Long story." Sunsest shook her head. "Look, nevermind. The point is, after being in a world where magic doesn't...well isn't supposed to exist... you can actually feel the difference." "...Wait for it... That's when Luna's words finally sunk in... We have all been changed into these strange new bodies... those words replayed in her mind. She looked down at herself...and screamed. "...AAaaaand there it is..." Lightning dust chirped as Trixie abruptly fainted and was once again unconscious. Sunset just sighed warily. "This is going to be...challenging..." ....................................................Else were......................................................... A squirrel watched as it crawled down a tree trunk towards its target. Closer...a little closer... Target acquired. Only a few meters away as it hopped forward. A strange sound drew its attention away for a moment. It recognized this sound as the buzzing of swarm upon swarm of flies, and listened for a moment longer. Then something moved. It bolted back to its tree, abandoning the acorn it had hoped to collect as what ever it was continued to shamble through the brush. then it showed itself. An eldritch horror that looked humanoid in shape apart from the fact that it seemed to be made of blood; A heaping mass of coagulated and clotted blood... with a glowing red gem on its chest. The festering stench wafting off of it was almost too much to bare as flies surrounded it like a a foul aura of decay. Step after shambling step it took. All the while uttering sounds more akin to a growling beast then any sound a human could make. Suddenly its head lurched upward, making the squirrel flinch as it stared at the horror beneath it...It was staring back. The creature swayed and jerked as though it could collapse to the ground at any moment. It's foul smelling glop dripped off of it with every movement even as it tried to stand still. It's eyes were lifeless and grey and yet...there was a ravenous hunger that burned in them. It uttered a final choking growl as it opened its mouth through the seemingly everlasting red ooze that covered its entire body, revealing a large maw filled with sharp pointed teeth. A chameleon like tongue shot out of its mouth at the squirrel and engulfed it completely before recoiling back to is mouth. Its eyes flickered red for a moment before it shambled away from the squirrel's tree and out of the tree line of the forest. If anyone had been present to see it, they would have sworn the creature was smiling at the sight before it...and then shuddering at the concept of it... That cattle farm wasn't going to last very long... .....................................................Back with our heroines.............................................................. It had been a while since Trixie discovered her new...circumstances; and she'd had some time to calm down and think clearly. So...she was a 'human' now, huh? She looked down at her new alien body. A complexion of off-pink or peach her mane was still the same color as before; a blueish silver, though her body was wrapped in an ensemble of a blue corset style top with her own cutiemark decorating a purple skirt, and a familiar hat and cape on her head and around her shoulders, vibrant purple with a star and moon pattern adorning both. Black leggings and blue boots finished the out fit off. Then she remembered what Sunset said before... "...Still have magic, huh?" Trixie held out her hand, encased in a blue arm warmer, and focused. Her horn was gone, so it didn't work right away. Instead, she focused her magic to the palm of her hand. A silver spell circle appeared over her palm, and soon after, a silvery star shaped mass of energy engulfed in what looked like purple fire sparked into being over her hand; and then another...and another. A satisfied smirk crossed her face. "...Good. As long as i still have my magic..." she looked over at her new friends. "...and them...then I'll be okay." "So, what now?" Lightning Dust asked lamely. "First we must figure out where we are... find a settlement and gain our bearings." Luna stated before walking away. Lightning sighed. "Better then nothing, I guess..." she admitted as she followed after with her hands in her pockets. Trixie had lost track of how long they'd been walking, when they finally exited the forest to see a small town with thick black smoke rising up from within. It was being destroyed. "They're being attacked!" Trixie called out. "then let us lend a hand!" Luna declared. "Aaawwwwww yeah!" Lightning Dust cheered, cracking her knuckles. "Lets kick some punks into next week!". Sparks of electricity arced around her as wings appeared on her back. "...And help the townspeople however we can." Sunset said pointedly giving Lightning dust a a disapproving look. "Let's just go instead of arguing..." Trixie deadpanned. With that they began heading down the road to the town ahead. ..................................................The Farming Community of Lilac Town............................................ A young man stood in the town square of Lilac town, surrounded by bandits. The townsfolk had sent a request to the guild to deal with some bandits that had been harassing them for some time now. Gray Fullbuster had arrived to find the town already being burned to the ground. "So, how many of you losers do I have to pound into he ground before you finally piss off and leave these people alone?!" he demanded. "A few more, I'm afraid, Fairy Tail wizard..." a voice called out, drawing his attention to a figure emerging from the clamoring bandits. A figure donning a tattered coat, worn top hat, and what looked like it was supposed to be a masquerade ball room mask portraying a smiling face...that had blood oozing from the eye holes and mouth slit... "Might I suggest giving up, Fairy Tailer? If you continue to interfere with my affairs, then I shall have to kill you." Gray merely smirked at the threat. "You can try..." he said, excitement in his eyes. Gray was always ready for a fight! The young man pounded a fist to his open palm. "ICE MAKE: LANCE!" he roared, extending his hands and firing a barrage of spear like projectiles made of ice at the masked bandit. With inhuman agility, the masked man dodged and weaved around the oncoming attacks. "Heheheheheh..." the man chuckled. "...hm...Ice magic... you must be young Gray." he observed. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lazaro Sarabaas. Overseer of the recent troubles to this town, and ranking member of 'Blood Diamond'." Lazaro greeted with an eloquent bow. Gray's eyes went wide for a moment. "...So, what's a punk like you got to gain from things like this?" he asked, readying another ice spell. "Oh, it's quite simple, really..." he drawled as he readjusted his top hat, and his eyes shone with flickering red glow. "...nothing." he finished with a menacing sneer in his tone. Gray blinked. "Then...why all this?" he asked; genuinely confused now. "Why attack this town and burn it to the ground?" lazaro asked, parroting Gray's unasked question. "...because I can. That's w-" "Lazaro!" a new arrival shouted; another bandit had pushed through the crowd in a panic. "What is it!?" Lazaro demanded. "There are four more wizards blasting their way to us!" The man was getting hysterical. "They're strong too! they've gotta be Fairy boy's back u-mmmmph!" his ti-raid was cut off when Lazaro's hand shot forward, gripping the man's lower face and effectively covering his mouth. His glowing crimson glare meeting the man dead in the eye, he raised his free hand and wagged a finger in a taunting manner "Tsk, tsk tsk tsk...what will I ever do with you?" he asked with a mock tone of wariness. "Ah i know..." what happened next made Gray's blood run cold. Lazaro tightened his grip as what looked like a condensed mist of magic energy began siphoning out of the bandit and up lazaro's arm. "...Do...not...interrupt...me..." As this continued, Gray watched in horror as the bandit seemed to change before his eyes into a dried, mummified corpse. He released his grip on he bandit as the corpse crumpled lifelessly to the ground. Gray was snapped out of the stupor when a magic shock wave sent the bandits behind him flying in all directions, revealing four young women ready for battle. The one apparently at the lead stepped forward. Her hair flowed with an ethereal grace as though it were under water. It didn't take long for the four newcomers to notice Lazaro and what he'd done. "Your heinous work ends here, scum!" she declared authoritatively before shifting into as close to a combat stance as her attire would allow and a host of ethereal swords materialized in mid air around her. The one with the hat and cape merely stood and glared disdainfully at the masked man; and for a moment Gray could have sworn that she looked familiar. The redhead stared in horror at what had become of the bandit, and the blonde was just seething. Sparks crackled around her with growing intensity before concentrating around the knuckle dusters that adorned her hands. "I've seen enough, this bastard's MINE!" she roared before charging forward at such speed that his eyes could not tack her movement. A mere second later, Lazaro had been sent flying through a wooden fence that was still standing. She looked back at Gray, and then her comrades. "You guys get the townspeople outta here; I got this!" Author's Note What's this? another Cliff hanger?! Well I hope the new chapter was worth the wait. it was a huge challenge for me to write up, because I had figured out how my four main characters would meet up and establish themselves, and I have a solid plan of what's going to happen now that they're in the Fairy Tail universe, But it took me a long time to figure out how to get them from one world to the other and i went through a couple other options and this one was the one that I thought would work the best. It does slightly deviate from my original plan, but not too much. Also, 'Prophet Pinkie' being unintentionally prophetic like in the equestria girls movie. I always found that bit really funny and I wanted a chance to try one out in my story. so what do you guys think? Too spoiler-ish? let me know in the comments below, and keep watching for the next chapter as Lightning Dust, Gray and Lazaro clash in a battle of martial arts! Next Time: "Storm's Fury vs Fist Of The Wraith!" thanks again guys! Corrupted Champion OUT!
Storm's Fury vs Fist Of The WraithStorm's Fury vs Fist of the Wraith! Everyone was shell shocked that Lazaro had been sent flying, Gray included. "Now hold on!" He called to the blonde newcomer. "I don't know who you are, but be careful. You can't let this guy touch you or else he'll do to you what he did to that bandit!" He walked up next to her and dropped into a stance of his own. "...Besides, he's from a dark guild with a nasty reputation. I'm not letting anybody take him alone." "Noted." was all she said in response as she dropped into a stance. "Just don't chicken out on me later..." she added with a cheeky smile. Gray couldn't help but smile. He couldn't help but like this girl's attitude. "I wouldn't give you the satisfaction." he shot back before Lazaro exploded out of the rubble; his clothing even more shredded. "...Well now...isn't this an interesting development?" Lazaro mused aloud with a deadly serious tone. He turned to the girl. "...and who might you be, young lady?" The girl grinned. "The name's Lightning. Lightning Dust." she replied. Gray arched an eyebrow. 'huh...strange name...' "Ya know... that mask of yours is pretty creepy. I think I'll smash it." She said casually. Then, she gestured for him to come closer. "...your move." "You interrupted me when I was talking before... miss Dust..." he stated. "I hate being interrupted..." he hissed. "Then let's see you do something about it!" Gray Challenged. He once again slammed a fist to his open palm. "ICE MAKE: SPIKES!" His spell ready, he slammed his fist into the ground, causing a large area of the ground between them to erupt with jagged Stalagmites made of ice. Lightning's eyes went wide. "Whoa, sweet!" Lazaro's hands were engulfed in a foul dark energy. "REAPER'S PALM!" he bellowed, actually charging into the attack. He slammed his palms into the approaching Ice spell and stopped it dead in it's tracks, shattering most of it. "You'll have to do better then that..." he taunted. "Fine by me." Gray accepted; suddenly shirtless, much to Lightning's surprise. "I'm just getting warmed up!" "Let's go!" Lightning declared. With that, Lightning and Gray charged Lazaro. He charged to meet them. At the last second, Lazaro jumped into a flying kick; his heel skillfully crashing Into Lightning's chest, and then Gray's jaw. Both of them were down, for a moment. Gray was the first to recover as he charged back to throw a punch. Lazaro blocked with his forearm, only for a follow up roundhouse kick to connect with his face. Lazaro was stunned for a moment. Gray threw another punch which Lazaro once again blocked with a forearm. Gray's next punch impacted heavily against Lazaro's jaw, making a crack in his mask. His next move was to wrench Lazaro's arm. Lazaro was quick to recover as he skillfully front flipped out of Gray's grapple and an open palm strike made Gray stumble back a few steps. His hands once again exploded in that foul black and purple energy and unleashed a flurry of punches that Gray was helpless against. "Round one..." Lazaro teased, the lept into a cartwheel kick, cracking hard against Gray's jaw. "Goes to me, Fairy Tailer...". He traced a finger across the crack in his mask. "You actually managed to crack my mask..." he breathed in disbelief. "I'll have to prepare a special death for you..." Gray cursed under his breath. His vision was spinning and he could barely stand. It was like those strikes sapped his magic energy. This was getting bad; If he couldn't end this quickly, then this scumbag would just continue on his marry way... "I'm not done yet!" he roared defiantly. He threw a clumsy punch that Lazaro easily dodged by leaning back. He countered the punch with a series of kicks to Gray's abdomen. One to the left, one to the right, one more to the left and finishing his assault with an upward kick to Gray's jaw sending him sprawling. "Just stay down!" Lazaro growled, showing his exasperation. This is when Lighting charged back into the fray; Charging in with a jumping kick that Lazaro jumped back to avoid. then another. another. Each time, Lazaro jumped back to evade her attacks. Lightning smirked. Lazaro was starting to slow down. "Running out of juice are ya?" she taunted. "I'm running out of something." Lazaro shot back. "...but it's not energy." Lazaro caught Lightning off guard with a flurry of punches. One to the knee, forcing her into an awkward stance. One to the jaw. Two to the chest. Upward kick and scissor kick sending her to the ground with a heavy thud. "I'm running out of patience!" he growled. Gray charged back in, hoping to catch Lazaro from behind. This, however would not be, as Lazaro spun on his heel to face him. "You're starting to piss me off!" Lazaro hissed. "Feeling's mutual!" Gray yelled back. "Together!"Lightning called to Gray, who nodded in response. "Time to take this punk out!" Gray confirmed as he Encased his arm in a heavy gauntlet of ice. Lightning's knuckle duster crackled with electricity. The two of them jumped back to evade a leg sweep before jumped forward throwing all their weight into a combined assault that Lazaro blocked with his forearms, though they did push him back several feet with the one impact. "Disappear!" he bellowed. "Just get out of my way!" with surprising strength, he pushed them away, and threw a kick that nailed Lightning in the chest, then into Gray's jaw. His next attack was a spinning roundhouse kick to Lightning's head. "You die first!" Lazaro hissed, readying a strike to finish her off. "I don't think so! ICE MAKE: GEYSER!" Gray shouted as he cast his spell, making a pillar of ice shoot up underneath Lazaro, Trapping him in the process. Then it was Lightning's turn to surprise Gray once again as ethereal wings emerged from her back that crackled just like her fists. She launched herself into the air; leaving a contrail of lightning behind her. "THUNDERBIRD DIVE!" she called before launching herself back downward. With energized fists, she used what strength she had left to hammer Lazaro back down to the ground through the ice. Punch after punch; deeper and deeper she drove him. Five feet. Ten feet. Fifteen. Twenty...all the while, large cracks beginning to rake across the pillar of ice... When only five feet remained, She launched herself back up in the air once more. This time, raising her leg as if for an axe kick. Her foot becoming the central point for the lightning to focus. "STORM'S FURY: HALBERD HEEL!!". With the booming sound of a thunder crack, Lightning's final attack shattered what remained of the ice pillar, causing it to collapse on top of them both. His body ached. Almost every inch of him was in pain after the beating he took form Lazaro; but it was over. Right? He looked around to see that the other three were cleaning up the bandits. The one with the hat and cape was actually hog-tying them... He saw that the redhead was tending to the injured townspeople, and the tall one with the funky flowing hair was talking to someone, presumably the mayor of the town. Gray turned around to began digging his temporary partner out of the avalanche she had created. Eventually, he fished her out and piggy-backed her over to her friends. "I don't know who you ladies are, but thanks for the assist." he said, addressing the leader...at least... he thought the tall one was the leader. ........................................................................................................ Sunset was tending to an injured boy. Her hand enveloped in a warm golden glow. "You really can use healing magic. That's amazing!" he gushed. "Oh, It's nothing special..." She insisted modestly, a bit of red fluttering across her cheeks. The boy furrowed his brow in thought. "I'm pretty sure healing magic is super rare...". Really? a simple spell like that is considered rare? Sure, she was no doctor, but a simple spell for cuts and abrasions sets her apart? Sunset looked over to see Lightning being carried over to Princess Luna by that guy that She had decided to team up with...who was now shirtless, for some reason... and both of them look like they had been to hell and back... "I don't know who you ladies are, but thanks for the assist." he greeted, addressing Luna. "Of course, we were happy to help." Luna replied graciously. "How is she?" "We both took a hell of a beating, but we took that masked creep down." He said. "She's just passed out from pushing herself too hard. A little rest and she should be fine." Sunset approached them. "Here, let me take her..." she offered. Her eyes shone with a gentle green glow and Lighting Dust was gently lifted off of the young man's back. "The name's Gray, by the way. Gray Fullbuster." he said. "I'm Sunset Shimmer." She greeted, shaking his hand. "Nice to meet you, Gray." She gestured to each of her friends. "That's Luna..." Luna gave a respectful, yet regal nod. "...Trixie..." The silver haired girl in question had a smug grin on her face as she sat on top of a particularly large bandit hogtied on the ground. She gave him a sharp jab in the ribs with her heel before tipping her hat in greeting. "...and you've already met Lightning Dust." "What guild are you with?" he asked casually. "Guild? We're not with any guild." she answered, getting a surprised look from Gray. "seriously?" he asked incredulously. "You girls have got some talent. I would have sworn that you were with a wizard guild like me. Why else would four wizards come here if not for a guild request?" Sunset looked over at Luna and Trixie. The latter merely shrugged her shoulders. "Uh...we just kinda found it by accident..." she admitted with an awkward grin. "We were lost in that forest there and were just looking for some kind of town to figure out where we are." Gray gawked at her in utter disbelief. "You can't be serious!" "Yup. We were sucked through some magic portal thing and were kinda dumped out here so we just wanted to figure out were we ended up." Trixie confirmed. "On that front, this is Lilac Town; a farming town." Luna explained. "And for our efforts, The mayor has insisted that we stay for as long as we need to recover for free room and board." "Cool." Sunset sighed. "That'll give us a chance to help them rebuild the damaged part of town while we wait." "...Oh, your such a girl-scout, Sunset..." Lightning Dust groaned. Sunset merely smirked. "That's how I role, deal with it." she said playfully. Trixie looked up at Luna. "...Does that include food?" Luna nodded. "Yeah!" she cheered. The Mayor nodded to Gray. "...It'll also give us time to secure your payment as well, Mr. Fullbuster." he said pointedly. This drew Trixie's attention. "Payment?" Gray nodded. "Yeah. the guild requests I mentioned before? it's how guild wizards make a living. By taking care of particular problems that the non-magic populace can't take care of on their own." He proudly pointed to the tattoo on his chest. "This mark means I'm a member of the Fairy Tail guild." he explained. "A few days back we got a request to take care of the bandits, who until now, were just harassing caravan drivers going in and out of town. Now I get here and now there's a dark guild thug burning the place to the ground." "Yes. The masked one was a new comer who had arrived only this morning..." The mayor explained. "If we'd known a dark wizard would be here then the reward would have been higher..." Gray waved it off. "Don't sweat it. At this point, you need the extra cash more then I do." "Let me see if I have this right..." Luna said. "Guild wizards are like mercenaries? doing this jobs for money?" Gray narrowed his eyes. "Don't say it like that; you make it sound like we hire out to anyone with money, and that's not the case." "I meant no offense, Gray Fullbuster. I'm merely am trying to understand the way this is done." Luna clarified. "We do not have wizard guilds where we are from, so this is new to me." Gray shrugged. "It's like this; There are magic guild all across Fiore, and they take on jobs that are sent out across the kingdom, but only if they are approved by the royal government and magic council." He explained. Trixie was now very interested in guilds. "Does it pay well?" she asked. Gray shrugged. "Well, depends on the job." he stated. "The pay changes depending on how dangerous the job is." Sunset nodded in understanding. "So that's what the mayor meant when he talked about the payment being higher...?" she surmised. Gray nodded. "You catch on pretty quick." he said with a friendly grin. his smile faded after a moment. "...then there are outlaw guilds that take on jobs like that masked freak did. Illegal jobs like assassination or just causing mayhem.". He paused his explanation to put his black t-shirt and white coat. "...Some of them don't even do it for money...they do it...just because they can. These outlaw guild are called "Dark guilds", and the lot of them should be dragged, broken and bloody, to a prison cell." Sunset turned to Luna. "Maybe these 'Fairy Tail' people can help us get back home?" she asked. "...Call me crazy, but I think that we can trust them...well, this guy at least..." Luna nodded. "...Yes, I am inclined to agree with you..." she then addressed Gray. "...Gray, could you take us to your guild? we wish to learn more of it." Gray smiled and nodded. "Sure. there's always room for new faces around the guild hall. Lets rest up and we can head out later." he said. Lightning Dust smiled. "Another hour or so, and I'll be ready to head out." she announced from her cot. "Sounds good!" Sunset said with a smile. Unknown to Gray or anyone else there, Lazaro lay limp in the pile of ice. "...Lightning Dust...Gray Fullbuster... we..." His eyes shone like burning coals piercing the blackness of the eye holes of his mask. "...will meet again..." slowly, he dug his way out. pushing through the agony that wracked his whole body. They would pay for this...in due time; Blood Diamond never lets those who cross them go unpunished. ...................................................................Else where................................................................... The fields were empty... The cows were gone; so were the chickens...and the sheep... the entire farm was silent. no sounds of animals, the farmers were nowhere to be seen; but a lone young woman sat in a decadent arm chair in a room in front of a burned fire place. she poured herself a glass of red wine. she wore simple clothes, but anyone looking at her would say even at a first glance that she didn't belong there at all; but she smiled as if she hadn't a care. "...Enjoy our time apart while it lasts..." she whispered before taking a sip from the glass. her hand went up to the slightly glowing red tattoo over her collarbone. "...because I'm coming for you...my dear Trixie Lulamoon..." She flicked a lock of her silver hair behind her ear as her eyes flickered red with an unholy hunger, and a sinister smile tugged at her lips revealing her sharp pointed teeth... ............ Author's Note And that's chapter four! what do you guys think? Next chapter our heroines follow Gray back to the Fairy Tail Guild hall, and meet the rowdiest guild in all of Fiore. The girls meet the more noted names in the guild, like Cana, Elfman, Natsu and Erza, who has a big request for Gray and Natsu. Trixie and Natsu's plus one, a girl named Lucy, get suckered into tagging along how will this turn out, I wonder?
The Wizard In ArmorThe Wizard In Armor The five of them continued the road in a carriage pulled by a large purple boar. A couple hours had passed and the townspeople of Lilac town were so grateful that they provided the carriage back to Magnolia. "I'm glad that we got a ride back." Gray said with slight relief. "Yeah..." Lightning said in agreement. "...after getting our asses kicked six ways to sunday, I'm not really keen on walking back to...what was it again?" "Magnolia..." Gray answered. He looked over to the silver haired girl, Trixie, and noticed she had taken Lazaro's top hat with her and was examining it. "why do you have that?" "Because, there's some kind of magic in it." Trixie stated, then an excited grin pulled at her lips. "...and I intend to figure it out and learn it." "hm..." Gray nodded thoughtfully. "It's kinda my thing..."She said with a shrug. "...I tinker with magic..." Gray nodded. "That's pretty cool..." Sunset was looking out her window when she asked "So, what's Magnolia like?" "It's a seaside city, and our guild hall gets an awesome view of the ocean, just off the back yard." Gray said with a smile. "sometimes I like to just go out and watch the ships go by from the guild hall." Luna smiled. She always knew the look of nostalgic whimsy when she saw it... Trixie couldn't help but think of Manehatten as he spoke. "Sounds like a place I would enjoy..." she said softly. Gray frowned. "When we get back, I'm gonna have to ask the master about that 'Blood Diamond' Guy..." he muttered. This brought Lightning's attention to him. "You mean the creepy masked guy?" she asked, getting a nod from the Ice wizard. "...Why? we totally creamed him...right?" "This time..." Luna corrected. "Take into account that he disappeared before we could figure out what to do about him; I wouldn't be surprised if we encounter him again somewhere down the road." "That's right." Gray confirmed. "Dark guild thugs like to strut a nasty reputation with an even nastier list of crimes under their belts... This guy was messed in the head; I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be a cut above your average dark guild criminal...". "There aren't a lot of people like that are there?" Sunset asked nervously. She had seen how well he fought, and was in no hurry to go against him, or anyone like him, anytime soon. "well, dark guild wizards aren't exactly popping out of the wood works, so... I don't really have any other encounters to compare it to." He confessed. It was true; he had never run into an actual dark guild wizard before today, as they were surprisingly good at hiding for how chaotic and destructive they are... but then, Fairy Tail wizards had a reputation for being chaotic and destructive as well... He couldn't help but smirk at the irony. As time went on, Sunset felt a pang of guilt, eventually, if they really wanted this Fairy Tail guild to help them, they would need to confide their secret to...someone. The four of them had already agreed that they can't get back to equestria on their own; they needed help, and could only pray that there even was a way to get back... They rode in an uncomfortable silence for about 45 minutes before Gray called over to the driver. "Hey, stop the wagon for a bit!". The wagon took a moment to slow to a stop, at which point Gray stood up and hopped out. "Where are you going?" Sunset asked. "Gotta use the bushes..." he answered nonchalantly. Though Sunset had a suspicion that there was something else, probably the awkward silence was getting to him too... Trixie set the top hat down on the seat next to her as she saw him taking off his shirt and toss it against a tree as he passed it. "...seriously...?" she groaned standing up and following after him to pick up his discarded clothing. Luna merely chuckled in amusement at the sight. ....................................................................................................................... His shirt... His pants... His shoes... ...and one sock... Trixie glared at the bundle of clothing tucked under her arm. "...I swear, if this becomes a regular thing, I'm going to hang that jerk with his own pants..." she seethed. After another ten minutes, she heard two voices cry out. One of them was Gray. "...Found you..." she deadpanned in annoyance, before cutting through some bushes to the source. "Do you always have to fight?! she asks worriedly..." a strange new voice said. It was a hoity toity canterlot-esque accent. "You can take em Natsu!" another new voice said triumphantly. A child, perhaps? Trixie trudged out of the bushes to find Gray, thankfully still in his boxers at least, glaring down another guy with pink hair and a scarf. To her right, were what she guessed to be the sources of the new voices. A very expressive blue cat with a green rucksack and...wings? Sitting atop the shoulder of a grandfather clock with arms, legs, and a face? Trixie tried to tell herself that she'd seen stranger things, but that was down right weird... "Why is He in his underwear? the lady inquires in confusion." It turned out that the talking clock was speaking for the golden haired girl...sitting inside? she would have to get the story on that later...but first... "THESE!" Trixie threw the shirt at Gray; it ended up draped over his face. "ARE!" She threw the pants at him next. His surprised stumbling caused the pantlegs to get tangled around his ankles. "YOURS!" Finally, she threw his shoes at him, nailing him right between his legs, causing him to howl in pain. "NOT COOL!!" he wailed, causing the pink haired guy to burst out laughing. "HAHAHAHA! That just made my day!" The pink haired guy cheered. "What's 'not cool' is me having to collect all your crap that you scattered through the forest on the way here!" Trixie bellowed. "...And now you've gone and picked another fight!" Trixie then took a closer look at the pink haired guy. He had a tattoo in red on his arm that matched the blue one on Gray's chest. "Your with Fairy tail right?" she asked. "That's right, I'm Natsu; I'm what you call a dragonslayer." He said cheerfully. What? That word brought Trixie's mind to a grinding halt. He said he was a dragon slayer...like Sombra... there were others? How could there be others? this was a completely different universe...right? how was this possible? did Sombra go here at some point and learn it? Did Blood Dust originate here? but if that's the case, how did he get from here to Equestria? How did one of Equestria's most ancient and terrifying enemies jump between their two worlds...unless...Discord? The chaos spirit wasn't always their ally, it was no secret; and Discord was familiar with the name while the princesses knew next to nothing about him... -Snap!- -snap!- "Aahhh! what?!" she shrieked in panic. Gray, now fully clothed, had snapped his fingers right in front of her face. "You spaced out on us for a minute." the girl from the clock informed. Oops. "Oh, uh...sorry..." she said awkwardly. "...and who is 'Sombra'?" Natsu asked. "That's what you said right? Sombra?" Trixie's shoulders drooped. How could she have been so stupid? she just said it out loud like that, what else did she blurt out? 'Oh crap...' she thought. "...It's... a long story..." she defended lamely. "Is this Sombra guy a dragon slayer too? 'cause ya looked like you were about to freak out when I said I was one." Natsu asked. "This'll be easier if I get the others to help me explain..." Trixie offered. As much as she loved to be the center of attention on a show stage, she hated being put on the spot off of one. "Sure." Gray agreed while Natsu and his companions turned to follow her back to their wagon. "So, your name is Trixie?" the clock girl asked. "Yes, Trixie Lulamoon; but, how did you know?" she confirmed. "Gray told us while you were in lala land!" the blue cat declared cheerfully. "My name is Happy, by the way." "...and I'm Lucy, it's nice to meet you." the clock girl said, finally giving her name; referring to her as 'clock girl' would get tiresome after a while. "Yes, nice to meet you too." Trixie chirped back. That's when it happened. A tidal wave of sand crashed into them. Trixie had no idea how far it pushed them as they crashed and tumbled quite a bit; the former unicorn couldn't hear or feel anything but the buffeting sand and the howl of the wind that carried it. she could have sworn that she'd heard Happy cry out for a moment before the sandstorm faded. "Ugh..." Lucy groaned. "What happened?" Gray asked as he slowly rose out of the sand and shook the clinging grains out of his clothes and hair. "Happy!" Natsu called through the sand in his mouth. "...Help me!" the little blue cat whimpered. "Heheheh, no berries for us tonight." said one young man in a red coat. "Yeah, finally we get some actual protein!" his identical twin cheered. On the other side of a hogtied Happy, was...she wasn't quite sure what they were. One looked like a blue skinned goblin; considerably shorter then his companions, his frog like face was decorated with purple tattoos on one side, and pointed ears. Staring at Happy with a staff in its hand and a look of desperate hunger in its eyes, was a large yellow...thing... she literally hadn't the foggiest idea as to what this being was. It looked like a giant plush chicken without a beak. It had a red mohawk on its head that looked like a chicken's waddle, with a matching...beard? Trixie was so perplexed by what she was seeing... "MEAT!!" It declared inarticulately. Well...It seems like it is capable of speech at least... The last one she noticed was a considerably normal looking chap compared to the previous two... "...Our future holds a feast..." he said softly. "Hey, come on guys..." Happy pleaded. "...please let me go; I gotta go to the bathroom real bad!" "Who cares?" the goblin scoffed. He turned to the yellow creature. "Cook him!" "MEAT!" it growled menacingly as its staff ignited a fireball at the end. "NOT SO FAST!" Natsu shouted from their vantage point, making them all flinch. "That's our friend you're trying to spit-roast there, pal! you're going to have to make other plans." "Hey, you're wizards aren't you, what guild are you with?" Gray demanded. The Goblin merely grinned and held out a hand; a yellow spell circle flashing above his palm. "I'm not telling." he declared. "SAND STORM: FURY'S TORRANT!". The area around them exploded in howling wind and buffeting sand once more. "Let's do this Gray." Natsu said, preparing to jump down into the fray. "Fine, but don't go telling me what to do..." he shot back. With that, they both charged forward; Natsu plowing through the red coat twins, while Gray front-flipped over the yellow one with surprising ease. The sand storm's wind began to change. "SAND BALL, GO!" the Goblin bellowed. The wind began converging on Natsu. The swirling sand and wind now focused solely on the dragon slayer, lifting him up in the air. "Natsu!" Lucy called, running to his aid, only to be stopped by Gray. "He'll be fine, go help Happy!" he ordered. Lucy nodded and ran over to the cat. "Ah! Help me! Lucy's gonna eat me!" Happy shrieked hysterically. "Oh, shut up, cat!" the blonde snapped. "What am I, chopped liver?!" Trixie demanded as she held out both hands. Purple and silver spell circles appeared at each hand and a barrage of star shaped projectiles fired from each, bombarding the soft-spoken man with the crystal ball, and the yellow one both. "Don't you punks ignore me!" "Pipe down!" The Goblin shot back. That's when Natsu exploded out of his sand prison. "...Uh oh..." "You jerk!" Natsu groused. "Now I have a mouth full of sand and its all your fault!". His fist burst into an intense flame as he launched himself forward. "FIRE DRAGON: IRON FIST!!" ..................................................-BOOM!!!-........................................... The battle was over quickly. The dust had settled and the five of them were tied to the base of a large tree. Natsu, Gray, Trixie and Lucy stood around them when Gray turned to Natsu. "You went a little overboard, don't you think, Natsu?" Natsu, not looking Gray in the eye merely looked off to the side. "Oh, shut up! It got the job done didn't it?" he shot back. "You're an embarrassment to the guild!" Gray spat. "What'd you say, Snowman?!" While Natsu and Gray argued, Trixie joined Lucy, who seemed to be talking to the goblin. "What was that? Lul...?" "...Lul...laby..." he rasped out. "Lullaby?" Trixie and Lucy chorused in confusion. "What's Lullaby?" Trixie asked. Lucy put a finger to her chin. "I don't know..." Trixie looked back over at Natsu and Gray; still arguing...of course...wait- What seemed like a living shadow was barreling toward them. 'Oh great...there's more of them...'. She spun back to the big yellow creature and her eyes flickered with a violet glow. His gnarled staff was enveloped in a matching glow and zoomed to her open hand. She focused her magic into it and a blaze of violet and silver ignited at the end. That's when something strange happened. Her body went into a strange autopilot. some how she knew exactly how to move and how to focus; how to mould her magic. "COMET HAMMER!" She roared, jumping into the air, twirling the staff over her head before swinging the head of the staff down to the ground, creating a small explosion of purple energy. "Aaahhhh! It's Eisenwald!" The goblin shrieked. "Ya gotta untie us, please!" "Look alive boys, we got more visitors!" Trixie barked over to Gray and Natsu. "What?!" they both gasped. The moving shadow charged into the boys, sending them flying The shodow split off into multiple smaller shadows. Three of them shot out of the ground, suddenly becoming three dimensional, and transformed into punching fists. Each one striking at Trixie; one to the stomach, one to the chest and the third struck her square in the jaw. she was sent sprawling sevral feet away. then they wrapped around Lucy's ankles, Hammer tossing her on top of Trixie. "Guaaagghhh! Get off me!" Trixie croaked. "No, NONONONONO!!!" one of the prisoners frantically stammered. The shadows merged together once more, taking the form of a giant hand. The fingers rose out of the ground and engulfed the five of them and pulling them under. Trixie watched in morbid fascination as they all sank into the ground as if the ground beneath them was quicksand. Oh wow, the shadow hand even took a good sized chunk of the tree with them... Lucy slowly climbed off of Trixie as Gray ran up to them. "You girls okay?" he asked. "What was that?" Lucy asked shakily. "Who was that?" Natsu countered, asking what Trixie thought to be the bigger question. "...well, whoever it was, they're fast..." Trixie grumbled. She had to admit, whoever it was, was good at evading persuers, and they reacted quickly to her interferance. "That short guy said it was "Eisenwald". any Idea who that is?" Lucy asked. "I imagine Eisenwald is one of those 'dark guilds' you told us about, right?" Trixie asked Gray. Gray nodded with a sigh. "...well that makes two dark guild run-ins today...man..." This drew Natsu's attention. "Really, you ran into someone else from a dark guild already?" "Yeah, some psycho from 'Blood Diamond'." Gray answered. "Turns out he was the one behind the bandits of Lilac town job..." "Lets just go back to Magnolia before we get dragged into any more fights, okay?" Lucy pleaded. Everyone agreed and Gray and Trixie lead Natsu and Lucy back up to their waiting wagon. Sunset and Luna met them half way. "There you are, what happened?" the redhead asked, concern written all over her face. Trixie, with an annoyed deadpan expression held up one finger. "First, we met up with some of Gray's friends from Fairy Tail..." another finger went up. "...Second, we were attacked by a bunch of lowlife hooligans who tried to mug us for food..." a third finger went up. "...and third, we were attacked again by someone from another one of those 'Dark guilds' that Gray told us about before..." Then Happy piped in. "um...I think it's more accurate to say that the second attacker was there for those other guys rather then us. We were just in the way." He stated matter-of-factually. Sunset stared wide eyed at Happy for a moment. "Oh, My name is Sunset, by the way!" she blurted sticking her hand out. Natsu took it heartily. "My name is Natsu, and this is my partner, Lucy!" he said cheerfully. "...And my name is Happy!" chirped. "My name is Luna, if there are to be introductions." the moon princess greeted with a slight bow. with her new human body, she didn't hold such a prominent height difference over her peers that she had back in Equestria. she couldn't help but find it...refreshing...to be able to look someone in the eye without looking down all the time. "I am pleased to see that none of you are seriously harmed. Will you be accompanying us back to Magnolia, then?" Lucy nodded exasperatedly. "Yeah, I've had my share of excitement for today..." "Yeah...I'd rather get back to town as quick as possible." Gray said warily. "Erza's due back in town any time now, and I'd rather not get caught in her path in my current condition..." Lucy gawked at the nasty looking bruises all over Gray's body. "...oh wow..." she said quietly. Natsu suddenly looked terrified. "What, really?!" "THE Erza?!" Lucy asked with all the youthful exuberance of a total fangirl. "I can't wait to meet her!" she gushed. Then a thoughtful look washed over her face. "Now that I think about it, I've never even seen a picture of her in 'Sorcerer weekly'. What's she like?" Gray's shoulder's drooped. "Let's just get back to the wagon, I'll explain when we're finally moving again..." Sunset noticed a wooden staff in Trixie's hand that she hadn't seen before. "Where'd you get the staff?" Trixie blinked, then looked down to the staff in question. "Oh, that's right; I'd almost forgot about this thing... got it off one of our attackers." She gave it an experimental twirl. It seemed to glimmer with magic energy like stars in the night sky. "It seems to be a catalyst for casting spells..." she chose to leave out the bizarre moment of clarity in which she somehow knew exactly what to do with the blasted thing. Trixie would have to ask Luna or Sunset about it later when they had a little more privacy. The magic of this world works differently then what she was used to... This definitely needed some research and experimentation... "...I think I'll keep it." And so they all made it back to the wagon, Lightning Dust introduced herself and Natsu and Lucy did the same. The latter also heard Lightning Dust's side of their encounter in Lilac Town, and Gray and Natsu regaled their new friends on tales of the 'terrifying and deadly' Erza Scrlet. Of course, Lightning found it far-fetched to the point of being laughable. As well, she found it harder to take the boys seriously the more and more they exaggerated. It wouldn't be long however, before they met Erza in person... ..........................................Magnolia 2 days later........................................... She tromped down the street; a humongous horn held over her head with a single steel gauntleted hand. Her long red hair danced in the breeze. Her Paldrons clinked heavily against her chest plate. After vanquishing a giant cyclops that was attacking a fishing town, the locals were so grateful, they decorated the severed horn for her to take home as a souvenir... Her name was Erza...and her mission was not over; not if the rumors she'd heard were true... She just needed Natsu and Gray to help her...She just needed those two to work together... ........................................................................................................................ "Really? he had the poor guy locked up in a jail cell for three whole years?" Sunset asked incredulously. Lucy had been telling her of her 'job' with Natsu to infiltrate the mansion of some crooked little business tycoon named Everlue who had a book in his possession that they were supposed to destroy. Lucy then went into a lengthy commentary of the terrible things that surrounded its creation. The author had been locked in a jail cell and been forced to write it or else his family would lose their citizenship and be unable to make a living. It turned out That the man had a large list of his other illegal dealings under his belt, and he ended up losing everything from his wardrobe to his estate and everything in between once the Magic Council got wind of the events that transpired. Trixie smirked. "Sounds like karma kicked his teeth in good..." she said loosely. She may not have been an angle, but this Everlue guy sounded like a total scumbag... She took a swig of her drink and looked over to see Wakuba, a man with a pompadour hair style and a very odd practice of casting magic through chain-smoking cigars... this guild was definitely something else...anyway, she saw Wakuba, flirting with Mirajane, a transformation specialist who was easily the kindest woman she's ever met... "So Mira, when are we going to go on a date?" he asked confidently. "Wakuba, there's just one small problem..." with a snap of her fingers, she was enveloped in a pink aura before a cloud of pink smoke swirled around her with a loud pop. "You're already married!" she said cheerfully as she took the form of a larger woman with brown hair and a frilly pink dress. The look of horror on Wakuba's face was priceless as Trixie struggled not to spew her drink in a fit of laughter. Luna was inspecting the Job board when Mira walked over. "If you find a job you're interested in taking, let me know. The master's away for a conference, so I'm filling in." she said with the same cheerful attitude that reminded her of Pinkie Pie, back in Equestria. Mirajane however, was a far more reserved cheerful, and seemed to have adopted the role of a guild wide 'older sister' of sorts. "What sort of conference?" Luna asked. "It's like the Magic Council, but not...basically, the guildmasters all get together to discuss the state of things." Mira explained. "Excuse me, Reedus, may I borrow a Light pen?" Reedus, a man of impossible proportions drew the item from his pocket with a nod. "Oui." he replied. A Light Pen, it turned out, was a magic item that allowed someone to write in thin air... this world was surprising her at every turn with its ingenuity, both practical and quirky... As old as she was, she couldn't help but watch with child like awe and interest as Mirajane proceeded to draw out a diagram to illustrate the politics of the guilds and the magic council, explaining the process all the while. Luna nodded. "So the guilds are all interconnected, that's good, it helps keep everything from falling apart." she summarized. Mira nodded. "That's right, it can be a really stressful job." "Why don't you pick us another job, Lucy?" she heard Natsu ask. she turned to see Lucy glaring at Natsu and Happy. "Why would I wanna do that?" she deadpanned. "Well we are a team, aren't we?" he asked as if the answer should have been obvious. "Yeah, we picked the job last time, so it's your turn now!" Happy cheered. "You'd be better off with someone other then those losers" Gray called over from his spot by Cana. "What'd you say, Snowman?!" Natsu bellowed. "What ever the hell I want, Firecracker!" Gray countered. Luna merely arched an eyebrow. 'really?' she thought. 'this again?' "Lame insults, guys..." Lucy moaned. "Yeah, they run out of ideas sometimes..." Happy drawled. Meanwhile, everyone watching was having a good laugh at their antics. This however, was short lived as the resident heart throb, Loke, burst through the front door. "BAD NEWS!!" he shouted. "It's Erza...she's on her way here!" The whole room erupted in panicked murmuring. "Wow, just mention Erza's name and everyone freaks out." Lightning Dust mused from her place at the bar. Then the room went deathly silent. heavy foot steps were heard as they clomped ever closer. Everyone whispered quietly amongst themselves. Sunset decided to stand up and wait as a looming figure walked in the doorway. A young woman who didn't seem much older then herself with a massive horn held above her head with a single hand. Her relaxed expression suggesting that she was barely putting any effort into lifting it. Sunset took a couple steps forward, drawing the woman's attention. "Uh...hi. do you...need any help with that?" she asked awkwardly. The armored woman took a moment to look at her. "I have it well in hand, thank you." she said casually. The armored woman effortlessly set down her new trophy with such force That Sunset would have sworn the floor would collapse under it with how loud the heavy thud was. Then she turned to address Mirajane. "I have returned; where is Master Makarov?" Mira simply greeted her with her usual smile. "Welcome back, Erza. The master is away on conference right now." Erza didn't seem fazed at all. "I see..." "Impressive trophy." Luna said, clearly impressed that she even brought it all the way back from...where ever it was that she got it... "What manner of beast did it come from?" Erza turned to Luna with a curious look in her eye. "It was a cyclops that I defeated. the locals were so grateful that they decorated it up for me to take home..." "To slay a beast of such magnitude...You are living up to your reputation miss Erza. My name is Luna Solaris, It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person." Luna offered with a bow. Erza smiled. "The pleasure is mine. It's always wonderful to see new faces around the guild." Her expression then went hard and cold. "Now listen up!" everyone else in the room flinched. "While I was on the road, I heard a few things. Rumor is Fairy Tail has been causing nothing but trouble as of late." her glare intensified. "Master Makarov may not care, but I most certainly do." she whipped around to face Cana, whose face was obscured by the keg she drank from. "Cana, you need to start controlling your drinking!" the drinking woman now sat stalk still with a look as if she had just looked death in the face. "Vijator, please take the dancing outside!" The young man wearing a black bodysuit who, for some reason, was always dancing, flinched in terror. "Mab! I suspected I'd find you dawdling in front of the request board. Just hurry up and PICK A JOB!" She then turned to Macao, an older member of the guild who wore a white trench coat and used a strange variation of fire magic. the man flinched at the eye-contact. "Macao!" she sighed warily as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. "...I don't even know where to start..." Trixie and Lucy stared in awe. "...wow, she's really tearing into everybody...it's almost like she's taking over." Lucy said in amazement. "Yeah, no kidding..." Trixie nodded in agreement. Erza spoke once more. "Are Natsu and Gray here?" The two boys in question put up obviously fake and terrified smiles. "Oh, hey Erza, we're just hanging out like buddies do...heheheh...." Gray stammered. "Aye!" Natsu chimed in. both of them were already sweating bullets. Lucy now had no idea what was going on. "...why is Natsu talking like Happy?" "Isn't it obvious?" Lightning Dust smarmed. "She clearly has their balls in her purse." she smirked at her little joke before taking another drink. "Oh, they're both terrified of her, because Natsu challenged her to a fight and she beat him up pretty bad." Mira chirped. "Then she found Gray walking around naked so she decided to beat him up too." "Like I said...she's got their balls in her purse..." Lightning Dust said once more. Erza nodded; a satisfied smile on her face. "Good. I'm pleased to see you two getting along so well." she said. Cana and Macao smirked. "Then she beat up Loke for trying to hit on her..." Cana jeered. Macao merely chuckled at the memory. "Yeah...not surprised in the slightest..." Trixie deadpanned as she remembered her own first experience with him. "Can't say I blame her..." Lucy agreed. The two girls had become quick friends at the agreement that they both found the heartthrob more obnoxious then charming... "Natsu, Gray, I need you to do me a favor." Erza said drawing everyone's attention once more. "While I was traveling, I heard a few things that have me worried. Normally I'd consult with the master before acting, but he's not here, and this is a matter of utmost urgency..." Trixie and Lucy stared as they listened in. "...wow, this looks serious..." Lucy whispered, getting a nod from Trixie and Luna both. "The two of you are the strongest wizards here and I could really use your help." Erza continued. Her words hit Natsu and Gray like the front grill of a train going at full speed. they both did a double take before turning to face each other for a brief moment. Even Mirajane was slack jawed. It seemed even to the woman who would just brush off a bar brawl as another day in the office, had never seen this coming. "...did that...did that really just happen?" the room had once more erupted in murmuring; this time, it was bewilderment. "We'll meet at the train station tomorrow morning..." Erza said, blissfully unaware of how surreal this development seemed to all the others in the room. "Natsu, Gray and Erza?" Mira asked more to herself then anyone else. "working together as a team?" she continued, still trying to wrap her head around what just happened. "...This could be the strongest team Fairy Tail has ever seen..." ....................................The Next Day: Magnolia Train Station........................... "Rrrraaaaaaaagggggghhhhhhh!!!" Natsu roared. "I hate this! having to work with you is the worst thing ever!" "Yeah, tell me about it. Erza made a huge mistake asking a loser like you to come along!" Gray shot back. the two were once again glaring disdainfully at each other; Their magic energies blazing in auras around them, red and orange for Natsu, and blue for Gray. Trixie and Lucy sat close by on a station bench. Lucy cradled what looked like a living snowman...apparently it was one of her 'Celestial Spirits' that she can summon to fight with her in a jam. while this one was generally harmless and she kept him around because he was cute and cuddly. She stared awkwardly at the ground in front of her. "...let's just sit here and pretend we don't know them..." Trixie, for her part was quite adept at pretending that she wasn't paying attention, as she sat in a relaxed manner reading a magazine. "Maybe Erza will show up without them noticing and give them a thrashing so we can get on with whatever she needs our help with..." she mused, her eyes never straying from her page. "It'll be a huge pain if this becomes a regular thing with these two..." Happy, who was sitting with them was simply enjoying a fish that he brought with him. "What made you decide to come with us?" he asked over the fish in his mouth. Lucy sighed. "Mirajane asked us to tag along..." ...........................................Flashback.................................. Moments after Erza had said her piece and left, Natsu and Gray were once again at each other's throats, glaring and seething. "They're hopeless..." Lucy groaned. Their ti raid against each other, was cut off as Trixie stepped between them, taking a firm hold of their ears as she pushed them apart. '"OW! owowowowowow!" they both wailed. "KNOCK. IT. OFF!!" Trixie screeched before bringing her hands behind the heads and cracked them together violently. They both groaned in protest. "Stop your whining, that's more Gentle then what Erza would have done!" She then went back to her seat and downed her drink with a scowl on her face. "Nicely done!" Mira chirped. "Hey, those two are going to be in each other's faces whenever Erza's not looking, so I'd like you two to go with them and keep them in line, okay?" "WHAT?!" Lucy shrieked. "I'd better get something out of this..." Trixie grumbled. .....................................End Flashback............................... "...you're not doing a very good job..." Happy stated. "They're hopeless, what can I say...?" was Lucy's response. That's when Erza arrived. "Sorry I'm Late..." she greeted. "...have you been waiting long?" Trixie looked up and her eyes went wide at the sight of all the luggage that Erza was towing behind her, but said nothing. "Oh no, It's gyah!" Lucy trailed off in mid-sentence at the sight as well. Seriously, what could she need with all that stuff? "It's time to go, good buddy!" Gray cheered comically. "Aye, hahahah!" Natsu replied with an equally comical tone. "Good, I love to see you getting along..." Erza said with a soft smile. then she turned to see Trixie and Lucy. "...and what were your names? I believe I saw you at the guild yesterday...?" "Oh, I'm Lucy, I just recently joined." the blond girl greeted. "I got in with a commendation from Natsu!" Erza's smile brightened. "Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, I heard you beat a vulcan on your first job. It'll be great having a wizard of your skill with us." "...and I'm Trixie. Trixie Lulamoon. I got in with a commendation from Gray." Trixie greeted casually. "You've already met the first half of my team, Luna and Sunset..." she offered her hand, which Erza took happily. Trixie now sported a new outfit that consisted of a sky blue tanktop with her familiar magic wand insignia on the front, black jeans and her familiar blue boots. Blue and purple fedora and dark sunglasses completed her new look. "Yeah...since we're new in Fairy tail, Mira said we should tag along and see if we can learn a few things. I hope that's alright with you...?" Erza smiled. "Of course. The more, the merrier." Natsu finally decided to drop the 'BFF' act with gray and speak up. "Hey Erza, I'll help you out, but on one condition!" he declared. Gray looked mortified. "Shut up, man!" Erza quirked an eyebrow. "Really? Well, let's hear it then." "When we get back to Fairy Tail, I want a rematch!" Natsu said, a fire od determination in his eyes. "I'm a lot stronger then I was last time, and this time it's going to be different because I'm going to beat you!" "You got a deathwish?!" Gray demanded. Erza closed her eyes. "hmm..." she said thoughtfully. "...It's clear that you have improved..." she granted. "...whether it's enough to beat me, however...that remains to be seen..." Erza looked back up at Natsu with an almost malevolent look in her eye. "...very well. I accept your challenge." "Yeah! I'm fired up!!" He roared triumphantly as his body burst into flame. Soon after, their train departed. what was this task that Erza had enlisted their assistance for? only time would tell... ................Elsewhere...In the secret headquarters of the dark guild "Blood Diamond" ......... Lazaro stood in front of the guildmaster. he was seething. "...to think that you were ousted by some Fairy Tail whelps...shameful." The guild master, Marik, said calmly. though anyone else in Blood Diamond knew that when Marik spoke in such a calm fashion in regards to a failure, there was always venon in his intent... "what have you to say for yourself, Lazaro?" The masked man glared back his superior. "...They got a lucky shot..." he growled. "Next time, they won't get so lucky..." Marik's eyes narrowed. "...see that you make their deaths painful..." he said coldly. Their conversation was interrupted by a sultry female voice. "Perhaps I could provide you an opportunity, gentlemen..." The two of them spun around to face the intruder. "Who are you?!" Marik demanded. "and how did you find this place?!" The intruder, a young woman garbed in black and red with a similar mask to Lazaro's except hers was a featureless surface with eye slots that held only empty blackness. Across the right eyeslot, a blood red crescent moon was etched into the mask. "...A kindred spirit, I assure you." she said with a laugh. "you see... I'm quite familiar with the group that foiled your mission...which I am guessing was for the purpose of aquiring this?" she offered reaching under her black cloak and pulling out a piece of paper. "The deed to one "Crichton Silver Mine"...?" Lazaro glared at the woman. "How did you get that?!" he bellowed. Once again, she merely laughed it off. "...by happy coincidence, I happened upon it during the raid..." "...and the original owner...?" Marik asked. She smiled under her mask, and blood seemed to gush out through the cracks in the tile floor at her feet, forming a large puddle. The blood seemed to ripple before a skull rose from it, still stained red from being submerged. "...He tasted quite delicious..." she said huskily. "...so did his family..." It was Lazaro's turn to smile under his mask. "...you said you had an offer of sorts...did you not...?" "Why, yes I did..." she said, holding out the deed. "...Consider this the payment for my request..." Marik took the deed and smiled. "...What did you have in mind...?" Author's Note phew! sorry for the long wait again, guys. things have been pretty hectic for me lately. But there it is, Chapter five! Their team up with Gray was happening during the whole "Duke Everlue Mansion" job that Natsu and Lucy took, in case it wasn't clear, but I'm pretty sure it was. Whatever... As well, we got a brief showcase of Trixie's new abilities, and we'll see more as The Eisenwald arc continues, and before you ask, No. I didn't forget to have them ask again about Sombra. They legitimately forgot to bring it back up once Erza became the topic of discussion, and it will be addressed again, so be patient. I promise, I'll try and answer questions without giving away the whole plot line too early. Also, the mysterious woman from the last chapter has returned! ...and the plot thickens! More will be revealed in the next chapter. Corrupted Champion out!
The Rise Of EisenwaldThe Rise Of Eisenwald Trixie continued to read her issue of 'Sorcerers Weekly' across the isle from the others when Gray looked at Erza. "I think it's about time you started filling us in on the details..." he said quietly. "...what kind of mission have we signed up for?" "Yes, of course." Erza said with a nod. "You see, I have reason the dark guild Eisenwald is preparing to do something big, and it has something to do with a magic item called 'Lullaby'..." she began. This drew all their eyes to her. Lucy gasped at the name, and Trixie snapped her gaze to the armored woman. she recognized that name from their run in with the muggers before... "Lullaby?" Trixie, Lucy and Gray chorused at once. "That thing from before?" Lucy asked. Erza narrowed her eyes at them, silently demanding what they were talking about. They recounted their fight with the muggers and then the living shadow that had attacked them afterward. ....................................THE DARK GUILD EISENWALD............................ Four figures walking at a purposeful pace left the looming gateway of the Eisenwald guild hall. "I hear Kageyama finally got back to us..." one of them said. "He says he's actually found it!" The leader, a man with a large scythe resting on his shoulder turned to face the other one slowly. He wore little other then the tattered hakama trousers simple sandles and navy blue scarf that consisted of his attire. the rest of his body was covered in tattoos. "...The moment of truth has arrived, gentlemen..." he said with a dark finality that was accentuated by the sadistic smile and the demented glee in his eyes. "...That means we're one step closer to achieving our goals... The guildmasters will be too busy holding their conference to realize what's hit them..." ................................................................................................................. At some point during the train ride, Natsu and Lucy had traded places so Natsu was sitting beside Erza, who gave him a swift punch in the gut; effectively knocking him out... "I see..." Erza said, nodding in understanding. "So you've had a run in with the Eisenwald guild before...?" "Well I'm not positive, but they did mention Lullaby... I think they might have been runaways who didn't want anything to do with what they were planning..." "...So this thing is so bad it scares dark wizards?" Trixie asked across the way, getting a nod from Erza.. "I've had experience with a similar such thing..." she muttered. Gray was silent for a moment before speaking up. "That reminds me...Eisenwald isn't the only dark guild run in I've had recently..." Lucy nodded. "That's right, you mentioned before that the bandits from your job in Lilactown was being led by a guy from..." she furrowed her brow for a moment. "...It was Blood Diamond, wasn't it?" Gray nodded. "That's right, it was some freaky masked guy named Lazaro." he confirmed. Erza did a double take. "Lazaro Sarabaas?!" Erza asked urgently. "You fought him and survived?" She couldn't hide her amazement. Gray shrugged. "...well, I wasn't actually alone when I fought him..." he admitted. "... I had a lot of help from Trixie and her team; Plus, we got a lucky shot. That's all..." "I imagine he'll be back..." Trixie wagered. "...and mad as a hornet at that." Erza held a thoughtful look for a moment. "...Well, back on topic... I'm only hypothesizing...but I believe that the one who dragged off your attackers must have been from Eisenwald...It's clear that they didn't want their plans getting out..." "Yeah, one of them seemed to know exactly who their attacker was..." Trixie recalled. The image of the Goblin's terrified expression and his frantic words flashed across her mind. '...It's Eisenwald! ya gotta untie us...!' she recalled. "what do you think they're going to try?" Lucy asked. "Let me start at the beginning." Erza said calmly. "I was on my way back to the guild when I'd stopped at a pub in Onibas that was a known gathering place for wizards and gossip..." ............................................................................................................ "Hey, hurry it up, Bartender!" a voice called out from behind her, drawing her attention to a group of four or five at a table in the corner. "Let's get another round over here!" Erza discreetly watched over her shoulder at them as their conversation continued. "Hey, take it easy man." another one said. "How can I?!" the first one asked; his tone was harsh with irritation! "We finally figured out where Lullaby is hidden, and we can't do anything! ...and because of some seal?!" A third one spoke. "Hey, keep it down, man..." he said in a harsh whisper. "Don't sweat it guys." the fourth said coolly. "...Let me handle this one." He said standing up from his chair. the third one spoke again. "You sure Kage?" he asked, his deep voice wavering a little. The notion made him nervous. "You gonna be okay on your own?" the second one asked. "I got this." 'Kage' said confidently. "You guys just go back to the guild and tell Erigor that I'll be coming back with Lullaby in three days." Erigor...where had she heard that name before...? ............................................................................................... "Lulluby? that's a song that you sing kids to sleep...?" Lucy asked; a theory forming in her head, but she wouldn't say anything until she was sure. "Yes...and the fact that it had been sealed away would mean that it is very powerful, and very dangerous magic..." Erza answered grimly; Natsu not paying attention as he was practically comatose next to her... "Are you positive the guys you saw at the pub were with Eisenwald?" Gray asked. Trixie saw the self berating look in Erza's eyes before she spoke. "...Yes..." she said barely above a whisper. "...I can't believe I was such a fool that day..." She looked down at her hand and clenched a fist. "I hadn't recognized the name at first..." she said grimly. "...Erigor... 'The Ace Of Eisenwald'...known for only accepting assassination missions...which is how he came to be better known as 'Erigor The Reaper'" "He kills for money?!" Lucy asked in horror, getting a nod from Erza. "...When the magic council outlawed assassination requests, Eisenwald and the other dark guilds decided money was more important then the council's rules." Erza explained. "As a result they were kicked out of their wizards' league six years ago; but that hasn't stopped them. They disobey the orders and remain active to this day..." Lucy was terrified. Trixie couldn't deny, this group sounded more then a little intimidating... "Okay...I really should be going back home, now..." Lucy whimpered, hugging her little snowman spirit into her chest a little tighter then before. "Wow, Lucy's slimy all of a sudden." Happy chirped. "It's sweat, FURBALL!" she hissed... Trixie, Lucy and Gray all flinched as Erza brought her fist down...on the side of Natsu's head... "How could I have been so careless?" Erza seethed. "...If only i had recognized Erigor's name that day, I could have pulverized them; forced them to reveal their plans to me." "Gray was thoughtful throughout Erza's explanation. "So, if I got this right, Eisenwald is planning something with this Lullaby, and after what you overheard, you're pretty sure it's going to be something bad...?" he summarized. "That's right, I have no notion of taking on an entire dark guild by myself..." Erza confirmed, Trixie who had been silently listening the whole time, finally spoke up. "That's all well and good, but are we supposed to do about it? what's the plan here?" Trixie asked. Erza now held a determined fire in her eyes. "This is the reason I had asked for your help; ...we're going to storm the Eisenwald guild..." Lucy looked even more terrified, while Gray grinned. "Sounds like fun to me." he agreed. "Maybe we can rescue those prisoners while we're at it...?" Trixie mused aloud. "It is possible; we'll just have to see." Erza granted with a smile. ............................................Later......................................... The rest of their train ride consisted of banter and small talk until they transferred to another train, bound for Onibas, where Erza had overheard the Eisenwald guys. This time, they decided to order some lunchboxes for something to eat. They happily ate their food when a thought occurred to Lucy. "Oh, by the way, what kind of magic do you use, Erza?" the Celestial wizard asked. Trixie had to admit, she was curious as well. "An excellent question." Erza stated casually. "Its a really pretty magic that she uses to make her enemies bleed; A LOT!" Happy cheered. Erza shrugged. "...personally, I think Gray's magic is much more beautiful then mine..." Lucy looked over at Gray expectantly. Gray smirked and placed a fist down across an open palm and the room seemed to instantly get a little colder as a three dimensional Fairy Tail guild mark appeared in his hand and floated over to Lucy. "I use Ice Make magic." He stated simply. "Oh, Now I get it!" Lucy beamed. "You don't like each other because he's fire and you're ice; talk about not mixing well..." "I never thought of that..." Erza mused aloud at the notion. Gray shook his head. "...Nah, I just hate his guts..." he said, completely missing the cocked eyebrow on Erza's face. Trixie just smirked as she imagined Erza threatening to toss him out of the train. ...........................................Onibas Station.......................................... "Do you think the Eisenwald guys are still in town?" Gray asked. Trixie considered the question as well. It was unlikely if she were any judge... "I have no idea..." Erza confessed. "That's what we're here to find out..." "Well, even if they aren't, they will have left a trail for us to follow..." Trixie stated. "What makes you say that?" Lucy asked. "...Ego..." was Trixie's simple reply. "huh?" Lucy tilted her head quizzically. "They don't want their plans to go completely undisturbed..." Trixie clarified. She then turned to Erza. "If I were to guess, they knew you were there that day at the pub...and they deliberately leaked that info to you, knowing you'd act on it." she brought a finger to her chin. "...So they could lead us into some kind of trap, beat us, and have an audience while doing so." "I see..." Erza said quietly. "How do you know this...?" Trixie's face darkened, and she looked away; unable to meet their gaze. "...because...I wasn't always on the up and up... I used to do such things all the time... just to stroke my ego.". After a moment of uncomfortable silence, she looked back up at them. "...that's how I know... I doubt they're interested in any kind of physical reward if this Lullaby is really as dangerous as you're making it out to be." "...So apart from whatever their goal is, They're also trying to put themselves up on a pedestal as a cut above the other dark guilds..." Gray deduced. "Hey, where's Natsu?" Lucy asked, bringing their conversation to a halt. "Oh, he...was...right behind me when we were...leaving the...train..." Trixie trailed off as she saw the train they were on, already in the distance. "OH, COME ON!!!" "...We were so busy talking that I completely forgot about him!" Erza lamented. "This is all my fault! Natsu hates all forms of transportation!" She clenched a fist and her eyes snapped shut. "I need one of you to hit me for my penance!" she declared. Lucy was horrified. "I think that might be a little much..." she said, whilst Gray pretended not to pay attention when- -SMACK!!- Trixie swatted Erza in the back of the head. "...Remember, you asked for it...literally." she stated nonchalantly. Lucy and Gray just stared, dumbstruck as Trixie kept walking. ........................................Back on the train................................. Natsu was groggy as he pushed himself up to a sitting position. His stomach and head screamed at him in protest to get off this stupid train. "...well well, looky here." a new voice said from somewhere ahead of him. "...It's a Fairy Tail wizard." this new voice sounded pleasant enough. "How's the guild life, these days? Is it worth stickin' around?" he asked. Natsu finally looked up to see a young man, about his age, casually leaning against the bench just ahead of him. "...Huh...?" he croaked weakly. he was a slim looking guy wearing a white coat similar to Gray's. light blue pants and black shoes finished his wardrobe. -CRASH!- Before Natsu could react, the newcomer had rammed his foot into his face, pressing him into the back of the bench he sat on. "Don't act all high and mighty just because you're in a legal guild 'Mister Fairy'!" he barked. "...You guys who blindly follow the magic counsil, ya know what you look like to us? INSECTS! that's all. Just weak, insignificant flies!" This set Natsu off. His fists burst into flame as he took a quick swing at his attacker, though he jumped back skillfully. "Oopsie, guess I hit a nerve, hahaha!" he chuckled "Why you-" Natsu trailed off as his nausea returned with a vengeance. extinguishing his fire instantly. "Ha! what kind of magic is that?!" he demanded. "Let me show you how it's done!" He brought his hand down on the ground, and his shadow seemed to come alive. It snaked out from him, springing fourth, and taking three dimensional form and striking the fire wizard in rapid succession. Natsu flew back several feet and slammed hard into the floor. "It's all in the follow-through." he taunted. Natsu struggled to get back up. He'd seen this before... he remembered the living shadow magic from when they were attacked a few days ago... "That magic..." he wheezed. He was about to say something when suddenly the train's brakes squealed as it slowed to a stop. It happened so suddenly that he was lurched off his feet and sprawling forward. "Whoa!" he blurted out as he tumbled to the floor. That's when Natsu saw it. He wasn't sure what it was, but if he had to guess, he'd say it was some creepy novelty flute. .........................................Back at Onibas Station.................................. "Hey, You can't just pull the emergency brake like that!" A hysterical station worker yelped. "It's for our comrade, please understand..." Erza replied calmly. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" he demanded. "Now, I'd like you to take our luggage to the hotel..." Erza requested. "I AM NOT A BELLHOP!!!" he shouted indignantly. Trixie and Lucy watched the scene unfold in bewildered embarrassment. "...Ya know, I'm starting to realize that all Fairy Tail wizards are just a little bit crazy..." "...Well, not ALL of us..." Gray chimed in...in nothing but his boxers. "OH YEAH, THEN WHERE ARE YOUR CLOTHES?!" Lucy bellowed while Trixie just placed her glasses on the brim of her hat and face palmed. ............................................Back on the Train.................................. Natsu kept looking at the flute. "What is that...?" he wondered aloud. "No! he saw it!" his attacker paniced. That's enough outta you!" Natsu declared. His fists exploded in flames once more, and this time this punk wouldn't have the train's motion to save him... "FIRE DRAGON: IRON FIST!!" "GUARD SHADOW!!" his opponent called, and once again, the shadows rose from the ground, this time to form a protective wall in front of him. -KABOOM!- The roof exploded off the train car. thankfully, no one else had been in that car... .................................................................................................... The engine roared as the magic mobile sped down the dirt road. Gray frantically struggled to hold on to the roof of the vehicle while Lucy rode in the back and Trixie, having refused to enter the contraption while Erza was 'driving like a psychopath' as she put it, was being towed behind the vehicle with a heavy rope while floating on a large star shaped mass of magic that she stood on top of. One could argue that this was just as, if not more risky then being inside the vehicle should it meet a sudden untimely demise, but she would rather be able to let go of the rope if Erza's crazy driving sent them cartwheeling down the rather steep hills that surrounded them. Her telekinesis was quite capable of grasping the falling magic mobile and lifting them back up to safety on the condition that she wasn't caught up in an uncontrollable sixty mile an hour vertical cartwheel... Needless to say, she didn't trust Erza after seeing her squeal around the corner, scoop Lucy into the back and call for them to grab on, all without stopping... That was the reason as to why Gray was on the roof rather then safe inside. ............................................................................................... "Attention: this emergency stop was a false alarm..." the voice of a stewardess announced over the P.A. system. "...we will be departing again shortly..." Natsu went pale. "Oh, crap!" he wailed as he grabbed for his backpack. "I gotta get outta here!" "Now hold on!" his attacker demanded. "You and I aren't done here yet! No one crosses Eisenwald and gets away with it!" Natsu glared back. "Oh, so you're with Eisenwald are ya? I'll show you what happens to punks who knock FairyTail..." he growled. That's when the train began moving again. "Oh no!" he squeaked, his nausea hitting him like a steamroller. ...................................................................................................... They had finally caught up with the train, and Erza finally slowed her pace to match the train's speed. "Natsu!" Lucy called, her head out the window, trying to find him in the train. As if on Que, Natsu blasted his way out of a window, sailing toward them. "AAAaaahhhhhhhh!" he screamed. "Oh craaaaaaa-" Gray shouted, but was cut off when they crashed into each other in an unintentional high-speed headbutt. Trixie let go of her rope and tried to catch Natsu and Gray. They were coming at her pretty fast. Her floating star platform now going at a considerably slower speed then the magic mobile, she was able to concentrate on grasping them with her mind. Her eyes flickered and began to shine with a pale violet glow as she held out her hands as if to grab them physically. The same violet glow enveloped the both; it was faltering, but there. They rolled across what seemed like an invisible barrier a few feet above the ground, but did not impact. finally she managed to steady them and set them down gently. Having to concentrate this hard on both her telekinesis and her platform star was beginning to give her a mean headache. "You okay, boys?" she asked, breathing heavily. "...been better..." Gray groaned. "...Ow..." Natsu replied. ..............................about fifteen minutes later........................... Gray glared at Natsu. Natsu glared back. "THAT HURT YOU IDIOT!!" Gray roared. Natsu wasn't having it. "Shut up you icy freak! how come you guys left me on the train?!" "Does being on any form of transport really leave you so defenseless?" Trixie asked. Natsu paused when he noticed her tone. it wasn't a judging tone, it was one of concern. "...Yeah...had that problem since I was a kid..." "Either way, I'm glad you're okay." Erza said warmly looking like she was about to hug him when she...sort of hugged him by pressing his face into her chest plate, eliciting a grimace from Trixie, Lucy and Gray as his face slammed into it with a loud clang. "Please forgive me..." "...aye..." he squeaked. Natsu pulled back. "I'm a little shaken up, though." he confessed. "I was attacked on the train...some weirdo dressed in white. I think he was the one who used that shadow magic to drag away the guys who were gonna eat happy..." he turned to Erza. "...he said he was with Eisenwald-" -SMACK!!- A hard impact from Erza's gauntlet-less hand sent Natsu tumbling to the ground. Lucy, Gray and Trixie once again flinched as she struck him... "YOU FOOL!!" Erza roared. "That is exactly who we are chasing after! Why did you let him get away!?" Natsu, now very confused, merely rubbed his tender cheek. "What? that's the first I've heard of it..." he defended lamely. "We talked about it on the train ride here, you should listen when people are talking to you!" Erza lectured. "...she completely forgot that she knocked him out herself didn't she...?" Trixie whispered to Gray. "This woman is unbelievable..." Lucy said with a sigh. "...yup..." was Gray's solitary reply. "That's Erza for you!" Happy chirped. ............................Five minutes later.................................. Erza slapped the S.E. plug back on her wrist and readied the magic mobile. "...So he was on the same train as we were..." she said. "...we need to find him." Gray looked at Natsu. "So, what was this guy like?" he asked, genuinely curious. "He didn't look like a guy you'd expect to be in a dark guild, but he had this weird looking flute thing." Natsu recalled thoughtfully. "...On the end, it looked like a skull, but it had three eyes." "...That's creepy..." Gray muttered while Trixie nodded in agreement. "A three eyed skull?" Lucy asked, a little alarmed. Trixie arched an eyebrow. "...ringing a bell, is it?" she asked. All this talk of evil artifacts was starting to put Trixie in a dark mood, and it was showing in her tone a little more then she had intended. "...It's just...I've heard of that flute before..." Lucy said nervously. Erza was backing up in the magic mobile as Lucy continued. "...Lullaby: The cursed song... it's death magic!" "What?!" Erza snapped her gaze to the blond. It was safe to say that everyone's attention was now undivided on Lucy. "The cursed song? like some kind of incantation?" Gray asked. It was clear in both his expression and his tone that he didn't like where this was going. Trixie certainly didn't... "I've only ever read about it in a book before...but in this world there are magics that are so terrible that their practice is outlawed at the highest degree..." Lucy explained. Erza nodded, a dark frown across her features. "...that's right... cursed black magic that will kill the one it's used on..." "well, if I'm right..." Lucy was clearly getting very shaken over the notion as she spoke. "...Then lullaby is among the worst of the worst..." .........................................Kunugi Station.......................................... A woman screamed at the top of her lungs as a man was cut down before her eyes. A train station worker now lay dead at the feet of the notorious 'Erigor the Reaper'; A dark scowl on his face, and murder burning in his eyes. "This train belongs to Eisenwald now!" he declared. The Eisenwald Guild then began ransacking the train; for what, no one else knew. "Get everything off the train!" he barked. "Luggage, the conductor, ALL OF IT! If anyone dares to defy us then kill them all!" he roared, unaware that they had an observer watching them from just around the corner, completely unseen in the chaos. ............................................................................................................... By happy coincidence, Lazaro Sarabaas had been passing through when he'd spotted the Eisenwald guild. Another member of the "Shadow Hand Syndicate" as their alliance had been called. There was a few small time dark guilds in their alliance, but Eisenwald and Blood Diamond were the major players. He couldn't help but smile as he observed and wondered what they were up to... Perhaps they'd be interested in a joint venture when their current little...what ever it was they were planning... was completed. Their new benefactor had graciously given them a silver mine as payment and so they'd be doing jobs for her for a while yet, with the promise that there would be greater rewards if they stuck with her to help her carry out her goals as she revealed them. she was rather quiet on her endgame, but she said that eradicating the magic council and a select few of the legal guilds, master and all, was an integral part of her plan... He smiled under his mask as he couldn't help but wonder how long they would take to notice him, he wasn't exactly subtle to spot... .................................................................................................. "Well, look who's here." The voice of Kageyama drew Erigor's attention to a train car a little further down from his position. "Kageyama..." Erigor greeted calmly. "...I heard you were coming back aboard this train. There's quite a bit of wreckage here, care to explain what happened?" his tone demanded answers, and Erigor wasn't a man who liked to be kept waiting... Kageyama only smiled. "Oh, come on. Aren't you the least bit interested to see what I brought back with me?" he asked reaching into his jacket and pulling out the Lullaby flute; distinguished by the three eyed skull. "I finally managed to break the seal." he said, a dark smle on his face. "Excellent." Erigor said with a smile of his own. "Oh yeah!" one of them said. Apart from the odd pharoh-style headdress on his head, he wore a simple, unassuming navy blue suit. "Is that it?" another asked. he was a much larger fellow who wore a red jacket reminiscent of nobility or military. "Yes, this is it, men...the forbidden lullaby!" Erigor declared triumphantly. "At first it was a tool for casting simple death curses... simple but limited..." his grin grew as he spoke, almost reverently, of it. "...But then the dark wizard Zaref transformed it into a demon flute." Erigor was now grinning ear to ear with psychotic glee. "...Now its song will kill thousands! MILLIONS!" He raved. Erigor's ravings were cut short as a voice familiar to him rang out. "Ah, so that's what Eisenwald has been up to lately!". All heads turned to see a man walking towards the white haired assassin. A man in a tattered coat and a white mask with blood seeping from the eyes and mouth; Lazaro Sarabaas. "...You boys have something big planned I imagine, eh?" "Indeed!" Erigor greeted. "It's been a while, Lazaro." Erigor held out the lullaby flute. "...We have something special planned for the guild masters at their conference...I don't suppose you'd care to join the fun?" Lazaro brought a finger to his chin. "...hmm..." having them owe Blood diamond would certainly help in the long run... Oh who was he kidding? Of course he was in! "...Yes...I believe I shall, and perhaps when this is done, Eisenwald would like to Join Blood diamond in something rather special...?" "Intriguing...we'll discuss it further in a moment..." Erigor said with a nod before turning back to Kageyama... .................................................................................................................... Gray was once again frantically grasping the roof of the magic mobile, this time because the cab was completely full up with people, being Natsu, Lucy, and Trixie, who had opted to ride in the car this time as she didn't want to risk burning herself out with a repeat of earlier... "Slow down Erza!" Gray shouted over the sound of the engine. "If you keep this up, you'll burn through all your magic energy before we even get there!" "We can't take any chances!" Erza called back. "If Eisenwald gets too far ahead of us, then we won't be able to stop what ever they have planned!" "...And Lives will be lost..." Trixie finished in disgust. A scowl on her face. ..........................................The Town Of Clover........................................ "Oh, I am so jelous Macky." A large man dressed in vibrant pink swooned. "They're so full of life, and they're such cutie pies!" This was Bob. the guild master of the Blue Pegasus guild. Many are always surprised to find out that yes, he is a man and not an overweight woman... many of the other guild masters often make jokes about how effeminate he is, and he rolls with them surprisingly well. "Oh, you mean Lucy?" Makarov Drayar inquired, inebriation slurring his speech slightly. "...Yeah, she's one of our newest recruits, and she's got a body that won't quit!" he declared. "...Trixie and Sunset are up there too! heeheehee!" "Oh, so naughty!" Bob gushed, covering his face with his hands. "I wouldn't be joking around too much if I were you..." a gruff voice said from the buffet table. It's source, a man wearing a simple black t-shirt and a wizard hat with a spiked red band around it, with a matching collar around his neck. This was Goldmine; the master of the Quatro Cerberus Guild. "Your wizards may be spirited, but ya gotta admit, they go overboard sometimes." he pointed at Makarov with the kebab in his hand to emphasize his point. "...Some folks are concerned that your wizards will level an entire city if they aren't careful... Can't say I blame them." Makarov shrugged it off. "Bah, let them worry; what do I care?" he laughed. "Their just jelous 'cause my wizards are HOT!!" "Oh, Macky." Bob gushed once more. "You shouldn't talk about your wizards like that, you're such a scoundrel!" Master Makarov! Mail for Master Makarov!" a high pitched voice chirped. A small blue bird with a wizard's hat flew over to them with a letter in its tiny talons. "I have a letter from miss Mirajane, sir!" it chirped again. "Oh, thanks a lot..." Makarov replied. "No problem!" the bird chirped before flying away. Makarov traced his finger around the ink seal on the envelope and a blue spell-circle flashed over it for a brief moment. A projection of Mirajane herself appeared in the spell circle's place. "Hello Master" the projection greeted. "I'm glad you made it to the conference safe and sound." Makarov held out the envelope for all to see. "See? this beauty's our poster girl Mirajane! Grab some eye candy boys!" he laughed. "Ooh La la..." Bob appraised. While many would call Bob's sexuality into question, even he would never deny a woman's beauty. Goldmine whistled. "That's Mirajane? I haven't seen her in a good while, she sure has matured..." "Oh Master, you're not gonna believe it!" the projection of Mirajane cheered. "Something amazing has happened! It may be the most amazing thing in the history of Fairy Tail!" Makarov blinked. "Really?" he asked incredulously. What could possibly be so... "Natsu, Erza and Gray have all teamed up together! Isn't that amazing? They are probably the most powerful team in all of Fairy Tail!" No... No...no... "I'm sorry to other you, Master, but I just had to tell you the amazing news!" "...Not...those three..." he wheezed. "See you soon Master!" The projection chirped before vanishing in a little flash. How could this happen? How could this be allowed to happen?! "Those three really COULD destroy an entire city!" Makarov whimpered. "The conference ends today, so I can be back at Fairy Tail by tomorrow afternoon, I just hope nothing crazy happens between now and then...Oh, please let nothing happen..." .................................................................................................................. "I can understand hijacking cars or boats, but why go through all the trouble of stealing a train?" Lucy asked. Happy was looking out at the chaos below at Kunugi Station next to Lucy while Trixie was trying to keep Natsu from vomiting on her... "It doesn't make much sense to me either...They aren't much good for a getaway cause it can only follow the tracks it's on..." Happy stated. Trixie shrugged. "Well, unless you can fly long distances, then Train is the fastest way to get around..." "I guess it's up to us to find out where they were going and why they were in such a hurry..." Gray stated thoughtfully...for some reason in nothing but his boxers... "...Pants Gray...?" Trixie inquired in slight annoyance. ""hm?" he looked down at himself. "Oh..." he said as if it were no real problem. "The military has already been called to action, so it should be only a matter of time until they find them, right?" Lucy asked, noting the armed battalion outside of the train station. "I hope that's the case, Lucy..." Erza said before starting the engine and driving away... .......................................................................................... A loud crack thundered through the train car. Kageyama dove in terror as Erigor swung his scythe down at him, splitting the bench that he had been sitting on. "...Now, let me get this straight..." Erigor seethed. "...Not only did you let one of those Fairy Tail 'flies' see the forbidden Lullaby, but you then let him GET AWAY?!" Kage waved his arms frantically. "But, it's not like he knows anything about the plan, sir!" he pleaded. "...and even if he did, there's no way he and his stupid guild would be able to stop us, right?" This did nothing to stay Erigor's fury, as the scythe wielding man swung his weapon again; this time, the blade punctured the hardwood floor of the train car inches away from Kage's crotch."We can't take any chances!" he bellowed. his expression changed to his usual confidence. "It's fortunate that we have a strategy in place at Oshibana station...can't have any of Fairy Tail's flies buzzing about where they're not wanted." he held up the flute in his hand. "As I advance to the final stage, it will be up to all of you to swat them away..." he nodded to the masked man, sitting calmly not far from where they stood. "...Lazaro will over see things at the station and ensure that the trap goes off without any problems. You all will be taking orders from him in my absence..." Another Eisenwald wizard in the train car grinned. "Man, we really lucked out getting Lazaro for backup!" he cheered. "We're practically guaranteed victory!" Erigoe smiled. "Yes, gentlemen, it seems as though the divines themselves are aligned to our cause. None the less, we will not leave this to chance!" he declared. "...And Lazaro's help comes with a price. He tells me that Blood Diamond is also planning something big and has invited Eisenwald in on their operation to spread the wealth that they will obtain!" The wizards of Eisenwald cheered. ........................................................................................................................ A familiar magic mobile sped through the streets of Oshibana toward the train station. Gray, through a terrible string of bad luck, ended up once again clinging for dear life to the top of the vehicle while Erza drove. "Slow down Erza!" he shouted. "At this rate you're going to overload the S.E. plug!!" Erza merely stared forward. "There's no telling how many innocents will die if the Lullaby is played!" She defended. "I can't slow down now!" "But at this rate, you'll use up all your magic energy before we even start fighting!" Gray pressed. Erza grinned. "Well, then I'll just have to use hand to hand combat." She shot back. "Besides, This is why I asked you and Natsu to join me!" In the car, Happy sat in Trixie's lap with a thoughtful expression on his face. "...hmm... I feel like there was something important I was supposed to tell you..." Trixie had been trying to keep Natsu from throwing up when Happy spoke. "Supposed to tell me?" she asked. "...no. Lucy..." Happy corrected. Trixie mere gave the cat a curious look before returning her focus to not being vomited on by Natsu... "...I can't believe Erza's still going at full speed..." she commented. "...She's gotta be feeling it by now..." She couldn't help but feel like this was going to bite them soon... "I AM NOT SICK!!" Lucy's shout snapped Trixie from her thoughts. "...But if that's not it then what was it...?" Happy muttered."...Lucy's weird...?" Trixie smirked. "...hungry...fishey? I like fish!" She couldn't help but laugh at that one... Lucy shot a dirty look at Happy. "Don't talk about such things and call me weird!" she cried indignantly. Erza was still driving at full throttle. She's be lying if she said that she wasn't feeling the burn by now, but that wasn't important. Looming over the rooftops ahead of them was a thick billowing column of black smoke. "What is that?" she muttered. ............................................Oshibana Station.................................................... A large cowd of people had gathered at the entrance to the train station; many of them curious onlookers who just wanted to know what all the fuss was about. Others were would be passengers who weren't allowed to even enter the building. "Everyone, please stand back!" the train station worker announced with a megaphone. "The train station is closed due to a derailment!" Among the crowd were three young women. The first one, a fair skinned beauty with glamorously styled long blue hair. Her ensemble consisting of a fancy looking white sleeveless top with the elegant blue shoulder straps hanging loosely around her shoulders that glittered beautifully in the sunlight. A lovely blue skirt and high heeled boots finished her outfit. "A derailment?!" She wailed. "...Of all the bad things to have happened, this is the WORST...,POSSIBLE...THING!!!" she cried, much to the chagrin and amusement of her two companions. To her right, a slightly shorter girl with purple and pink streaks decorating her boyishly styled dark hair. She was rather boyishly dressed as well. A purple button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, grey fatigues and purple lace up boots consist her outfit."...Oh, chill out, Rene." she chided after plucking the lollipop from her mouth. "...clearly something bigger is going on and they're trying to avoid a panic..." she said nonchalantly. The third, a tough looking blond with a simple plaid shirt, blue jeans and cowboy boots and hat with a revolver holstered at her right hip and a guitar strapped to her back shook her head in annoyance. "Ah, know what you're thinkin' Dusk...and the answer is 'NO'." she said with a flat unimpressed tone. "...Your last 'brilliant idea' landed us in a heap o' trouble and Ah ain't in the mood to go sneakin around the train station when we just barely avoided gettin' arrested once this week already!" Dusk spun on her heel to face her blond companion with her best 'sad puppydog' look. "...please, Alexis...?" she pleaded with a pouting lip. "I'm telling you, it was totally worth it to expose that Everlue prick!" she reasoned. "...we DID end up getting rewarded for it after, remember?" she asked, never breaking the sad puppy gaze. They stared at each other for a moment before Alexis sighed warily. "...alright, FINE!" she conceded. "...but we're going to do it smart this time, right?" she asked in a tone that suggested that it was NOT a request. Dusk blinked. "...uh..." Alexis glared. "Right?!" she growled. "Ah! Okay, okay!" Dusk relented. Rene chose this moment to speak. "Oh, and Dusk, darling?" "Yeah?" with a sugar sweet smile and tone, she continued. "I'd prefer if we stayed away from crawling in vents this time around... This is my last clean outfit and I want to make this one last more then two hours." Dusk's eyes darted around nervously. That was exactly how she'd planned on sneaking in... " ...uh...but what if it's necessary to-" "NO. CRAWLING. IN. VENTS..." she hissed menacingly; her fingertips transformed into crystalline diamond claws to enforce her statement. "Wah! Okayokayokay!!!" Dusk whimpered. It was true she was the sneakiest wizard thief from here to Crocus, but sometimes her ideas were so outlandish that anyone outside of an insane asylum would consider them crazy beyond all reason... that's because most people can't appreciate that genius and madness often come hand in hand... "Alright, let's find an entrance that doesn't have a bunch of people all over it..." Alexis directed; and with that, the trio slipped out of the crowd and around the corner. .................................................................................................................. Erza and everyone had exited the car and the red head approached the worker standing in front of the trian station. "Excuse me, could you tell me what's going on?" she asked. "Why would I tell you, Lady?!" he demanded. -SMASH!!- Erza answered his question with a scowl and a sudden headbutt. "What's going on?!" Erza demanded of another station worker, only to headbutt him down to the ground a moment later. Lucy looked on with a wary resignation as Erza moved on to another worker. "...It seems her method of questioning is a tad counterproductive..." "...yup..." Trixie nodded. "Erza's got her own way of doing things..." Gray stated matter of factly. "The Eisenwald guild is inside. Let's go!" Erza directed authoritatively. "You mean I have to carry Natsu inside?" Lucy asked desperately. "...s...sorry..." was Natsu's weak reply. ............................................................................................................... They were sprinting down the empty hallway. "...A small army unit charged in earlier to combat the Eisenwald forces, but none of them have returned yet." Erza explained. "Well, you can't exactly expect a bunch of magic outlaws to fight fair..." Trixie countered. "...Of course they fought dirty and of course the soldiers couldn't match it." Their pace slowed as they rounded a corner and were greeted by the sight of almost an entire platoon's worth of royal knights, sprawled and beaten... "They were completely wiped out." Happy lamented, concern written clear in his voice and his face. "They were up against an entire guild of dark wizards..." Erza said grimly. "...a small contingent like this wouldn't stand a chance..." They continued down the hallway until it lead to a large room. A lobby perhaps...? "Welcome!" a new voice boomed. "Step into our parlor, Fairy Tail flies!" "Whoa! there's so many of them!" Lucy whimpered. Trixie merely took off her glasses and hooked them to her belt. "...Erigor The Reaper, I presume?" she inquired. The silver haired man dressed in tatters merely grinned in response. Lucy was desperately trying to wake Natsu up. "Come on, Natsu. We need your help!" she cried. "Good luck..." Happy said bluntly. "...With the train, then the car, and now you shaking him, it's like a motion sickness triple combo!" A young man in the front of the large group before them glared nastily at Natsu. "You! It's your fault I got in trouble with Erigor." he growled. "Get up!" Natsu's eyes snapped open. "I know that voice...!" he whispered hoarsely. Erza stood her ground. "We're not threatened by any of you!" she declared. "Tell me what you're planning to do with Lullaby!" Erigor smirked. "Oh, so you haven't figured us out entirely yet?" he taunted before levitating up into the air with the sound of howling wind. "What do all train stations have?" he asked condescendingly. "Levitation...?" Trixie mused. "...no that's something else, not telekinesis." "It's wind magic!" Happy pointed out. Erigor landed into a crouching position on top of a P.A. speaker tower. in the lobby with a laugh. Erza's eyes went wide as the notion rammed into her like the front grill of a train. "You're planning to broadcast the Lullaby's song?!" she asked in horror. Erigor laughed once more. "Hahahahahaha! Thousands of nosy onlookers have flocked to the station to see what's going on. Who knows, maybe I'll be able to kill every single one of them with my cursed melody of death!" The man finished with a feral psychotic grin. "What the hell is wrong with you?!" Trixie demanded. "what beef could you possibly have with these people that would lead you to genocide like this?!" Erigor was unfazed. "This is a cleansing of all the ungrateful fools out there who fail to appreciate the rights they hold so dear." he raved. "...those who, all the while remain willfully ignorant to the plights of those who have had their rights stripped away from them!" A new voice rang out from the crowd. "They have committed the sin of turning a blind eye to the world's... -sigh- ...Okay, ya know what?" "That voice!" Gray blanched. He recognized the voice of the masked lunatic from Lilactown anywhere... The wizards of Eisenwald parted down the center of their horde to reveal Lazaro Sarabaas. "...All this noble talk really is just a load of crap. We know it, they know it." The masked man said nonchalantly. "We all know you just want to kill them just because you can..." he said, completely ignoring the glaring eyes of Erza. "...so let's stop wasting each others time, shall we?" "Killing all these people isn't going to get you your rights back, It's only going to make it worse!" Lucy reprimanded. "That's the whole reason you were kicked out of the wizard league in the first place!" Erigor turned his gaze to the blond. "At this point, we've given up on trying to regain our rights. We want Power!" he clenched a fist in emphasis. "Then we will be able to wash away the sins of the past and take control of what happens in the future!" Trixie took of her hat and ran her fingers through her long silver hair. "Well its good to know you all are completely mad..." Trixie said with an easy tone and a lop-sided grin. "It'll make putting you in you place that much easier...but before that starts, I do have one simple question..." Erigor cocked his head to the side in amusement. "...And what would that be?" Trixie's expression shifted into a hard glare. "...The five your shadow wizard dragged away a few days back...are they still alive?" "They are..." Erigor granted, then his grin darkened. "...for now..." "...Good..." Trixie breathed a sigh of relief. It was Lazaro's turn to tilt his head, this time in curiosity. "Why are you concerned about them?" the masked man asked. Trixie grinned and for a moment, her eyes flickered red. A dark grin of her own adding menace to her disdainful glare. "...You know, I was like all of you, once..." she said calmly. "...All I cared about was power and revenge... Money and fame..." She reached to her belt and drew out a small object that resembled a fancy pen or pencil. With a flash of violet light, it grew into the wooden staff she'd taken from the runaway that had attacked them before. "...needless to say, I was NOT a nice girl..." The end of the staff ignited in a midnight blue mass of magic energy that shimmered with brilliant ribbons of pale blue and green. glittering flecks glinted as she moved. It was as though she'd captured a small chunk of the night sky at the end of the staff. "Then it all came crashing down on top of me..." she continued. "...And I was at my lowest... All over my homeland I was known as a usurper and a slaver, and I was hated for it." She glared up at Erigor, with barely contained fury as all her building disgust and contempt for their actions, and her own, started to boil over. "...And if you don't surrender...I'm gonna show you...all of you...that side of myself, and you will find out the hard way what it feels like to have everything you've worked so hard to build fall away under your feet!" Her eyes glowed intensely as she neared the end of her speech; her violet irises practically invisible against their intense glow. Kageyama could only stare at the woman before their small army. She knew what it was like...? She knew what it was like and yet she turned from that dark path and strives to change things...? "That was very heartwarming, Trixie Lulamoon..." Lazaro interjected casually. "...and quite fortuitous that you happened to be a part of lady Erza's reinforcements..." He looked up at Erigor. "I'll handle it from here; you do have an appointment to make.". He returned his gaze to Trixie. "My employer wants you, Trixie..." he revealed. "...An old friend of yours... and I would hate for you to miss a chance at a reunion..." He said before his casual attitude gave way to hysteric, demented laughter. ...................................................Chapter End....................................... ....................................Next Time: The True Face Of Lullaby............................... Author's Note And there's "The rise Of Eisenwald"! What do you guys think? In the next chapter, the battle for the Lullaby flute begins as Erigor moves to the final step of their plan, and our heroes fight to take them out. Trixie discovers that there's still a small sliver of the Alicorn Amulet's power still within her and some unfortunate Eeisenwald wizards discover Trixie's dark side. Also another appearance from Alexis, Dusk and Rene, who I'm pretty sure you guys figured out are the Earthland counterparts of Aj, Twi and Rarity, respectively. I plan on having other counterparts enter the story eventually as well, but for now, It'll just be the three. Up next on my work list is Not the next chapter of this story, but the beginnings of another story. I hope you guys receive the new one as well you have this one. Not to worry though, I definitely plan on doing this one for a good while yet. This chapter was probably my largest one to date, not sure about the exact word count, but it's definitely one of my biggest one yet. In the next chapter, I'll try to include some pictures of some of these new characters that I've introduced, perhaps in a deviantart link or just inserting the images... Either way, with the multiple outfits I plan on introducing for each of the girls, I plan on having a bit of a poll with concept images for you guys to voice your opinions on which ones you would like me to stick with, so look forward to that. Thanks for reading. Corrupted Champion OUT!!
The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 1Author's Note I know I said I'd be putting out the first chapter of another story before going any further with this one, but hey...This seems to be the only one with the creative juices flowing for it. In between all these different stories, trying to get the hang of SFM, Fallout 4, work, and trying to get back into school or into a new place, I have A LOT on my plate right now, so I hope that suitably explains the long wait in between updates. Plus, that art I promised will be shown with the final chapter of the Eisenwald arc, which will encompass the big battle between Erigor and Natsu, and Team Fairy Tail versus revived Lullaby while Team Phantom Lord storm's Eisenwald's guild hall to rescue a certain few hostages... ...Anyway, ON WITH THE STORY!!! The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 1 The True Face Of Lullaby To say that Trixie was a little disturbed by Lazaro's words was a bit of an understatement. Who could this "Mutual friend" be? Could the spirit of the alicorn amulet...? No...There would need to be a physical body involved... 'Oh no...' she thought. '...Don't tell me some poor fool found it and put it on...?' "Well, sorry to disappoint you, but you're not taking her!" Gray declared defiantly. "...besides..." He smirked. "I would have thought you wanted another chance to throw down...". Lazaro laughed. "Hahahahahahaha! Oh, I haven't forgotten about that little black mark you and your absent partner put on my record." Lazaro assured with a demented glee in his tone. "Do you happen to recall what I said that day?" his tone becoming a little more condescending. "...she dies first...then you will die...". In a blur of motion that Gray could barely keep track of, Lazaro was right in front of him; his blood stained-masked face mere inches away from his own. "...I'm going to make you watch..." his voice a menacing hiss. He drew one arm back. "...and then you are going to..." He slammed his open palm forward into Gray's chest. "DIE!!" "Guuaaagggghghhhh!!" Gray choked out a cry of agony as he flew backwards. "Gray!" Lucy cried after him. Erigor laughed. "It looks like you have everything in hand, then. I leave this to the rest of you, gentlemen!" he called before seemingly disappeared into thin air. One of the Eisenwald wizards, Kageyama, grinned. "We're rolling in a new era of darkness!" he declared triumphantly, then arched an eyebrow in what was probably intended to be a casual lop-sided grin, but turned out a psychotic expression that would send shivers down the spine of any normal person. "...Of course by the time it gets here, you fairies will be LONG GONE!!!" he placed his hand on the floor and familiar solid shadows arched out ahead of him towards Lucy. Th blond girl screamed as the shadows all leapt off the floor to attack her. That's when a certain pink haired teammate jumped in the way and swatted the attack away as though it were nothing. Kageyama's grin disappeared quickly, once again scowling. "Bah, you again?!" he demanded, a snarl of fury marring his features. Natsu had a grin on his face. "Eisenwald Dude! I knew I recognized your voice!" "Natsu, you're back!" Lucy cheered. Natsu's grin grew ever wider. "Oh, looks like we've got ourselves a party here, huh?" Lucy was horrified. "What?! No Natsu, these are the guys we're supposed to fight!" she cried. Natsu's smile took a feral, predatory quality as he cracked his knuckles. "...like I said...It's a party..." "Natsu, get Gray and follow after Erigor!" Erza ordered. "...Don't let him get away!" Gray was already back on his feet and engaging Lazaro. "I'm afraid I'm a little busy at the moment!" Erza glared at the horde of Eisenwald wizards with grit teeth. This was bad...she wasn't planning on Lazaro being here... he was capable of matching her at her full power, even with Natsu and Gray here, she feared they just might have bitten off more then they could chew... Trixie swung her energized staff in a wide arc in front of her, causing its stored energy to release in an explosive shock wave that almost looked like the night sky had ripped a hole across the area before them. "GRAND COMET TAIL!" she called. smirking in satisfaction as a large group of the were scattered by her spell, then turned to Natsu. "Natsu, Let's get after him!" Natsu nodded. "Right!"; and so the two of them ran for the hallway at the top of a small flight of stairs. This wasn't her plan, but Erza had no choice but to trust that Natsu and Trixie had what it would take to take Erigor out. "...Good luck..." she whispered. The Eisenwald wizard with the pharaoh style head-dress extended his arms and a plethora of black cables or ribbons shot up and latched on to the railing of that same upper level to pursue. "I got this!" he declared. "I, the great Rayule, will take them down!" Kageyama growled. "I'm not done with you yet, Bubblegum Boy!" he raved as a golden spell circle glowed under his feet, and he sank into his own shadow. Meanwhile, Lazaro had Gray on the defensive. "I need you to try and help Gray while I deal with all of them, Lucy." Erza said grimly. "What, you're going to take on practically an entire dark guild all by yourself?!" Lucy asked, unable to hide her worry. Picking up on this, many of the Eisenwald wizards began laughing. "Ha, my Mom always said never to hit a girl, but I think I can make an exception for you." one of them said with a vicious smile on his face. "Yeah, sorry ladies, but you're not gonna be near as pretty when we're done with ya!" another said while cracking his own knuckles. Erza held out her hand and a bright red spell circle flickered at her open palm in a similar fashion to what happened to Trixie's 'starfall barrage' as she called it, and an ornate long sword appeared in her hand. "If you insult the Fairy Tail guild again in my presence... I swear, none of you will live to see the sunset!" A large group of Eisenwald wizards conjured various weapons of their own. "You don't scare us!" one of them roared. "We've got tons of magic swordsmen in Eisenwald!" and several of them charged forward to attack. Erza was unfazed and seemingly made no move to attack or defend until the very last second, then, with lightning quick reflexes, she made two arching swings, sending the entire group of attackers flying and shattering their weapons. Then Erza turned her fierce gaze to the rest of the swordsmen. "Rrrrrraaaaaaaagggghhhhhhhh!!!!" She bellowed as she charged to meet the rest. Another Eisenwald wizard held out his hand and a blue spell circle flashed over it for a split second. "I'll show you!" he roared before a mass of magic energy appeared in his open hand and he threw it at Erza, several others following suit. Erza effortlessly dodged by jumping up in the air over their attacks and her sword vanished in a flash of crimson light; replaced by a spear. Lucy was completely dumbstruck. "It's a spear, now?!" she exclaimed incredulously. She continued to watch in awe as Erza wiped out wave after wave of attackers, each with a single wide sweeping attack. It wasn't long before Erza had cycled to a new weapon; this time, twin short swords. Lucy didn't have time to admire Erza's prowess farther as she remembered that she was supposed to help Gray. She looked over to see him fighting back, though she couldn't help but feel that the masked man was just toying with him. "Right...Time to get to work!" she said, drawing a gate key from the holster on her hip. "Open, Gate of the Crab: Cancer!" In a flash of pale blue light, there he was. A tall lithe man with dark red skin and large crab-leg appendages growing out of his back. He would probably be a terrifying sight if he weren't dressed like a male model... "You need me to take these dudes out, baby?" he asked, with a surprisingly gruff voice. Lucy shook her head. "Not exactly. I need you to focus on that masked guy and help Gray!" she instructed. At that moment, Cancer snapped his attention to the opponent in question, and Lazaro whipped his own gaze to meet it. "...Ah...so she's a summoner, is she...?" Lazaro mused. Scissors ready, he charged forward and assaulted Lazaro with a blinding flurry of jabs, lunges and slicing motions. Lucy was horrified to see the man dodging and blocking all of Cancer's strikes. "Wow, he's fast!" She couldn't help but be both impressed and horrified that someone was matching Cancer's agility blow for blow. Gray took a moment to catch his breath at the sudden reprieve granted by Lucy's intervention. "...Yeah...This guy's a league all his own..." He admitted through his heavy breathing. "Your spirit's pretty impressive too, but I don't know how much he'll be able to keep this up on his own..." The two of them could barely keep up with how fast the combatants were going, but they could see the battle was wearing on them. Lazaro's sleeves were shredded to tatters, and several cuts were visible on his arms that were actually drawing blood. Cancer was taking several blows as well. His once pristine blue pin-stripe shirt was now looking like it was fished out of a dumpster, with torn seams and stains from perspiration and blood starting to seep through it... The crab spirit also looked to have taken several blows to the face as one lens was cracked out of his sunglasses and finally, he sported a couple fresh bruises on his face. Meanwhile back with Erza, The red haired woman was starting to slow down. 'Gray was right...' She thought. '...I've used up too much of my magic just getting here...'... "There's still so many..." "Rrraaaaarrrggghhhh!" A sudden battle cry from her left drew her attention just in time to see her attacker when... -BLAM!!- The sound of a gunshot boomed through the room and her attacker was suddenly jarred out of mid air into a new path directly into the ground. Erza spun to see the newcomer. A young woman around her age stood with a magnum revolver held out in front of her in a gloved hand; A look of cold steel in her emerald green eyes. "...Well...looks like Y'all were right, Dusk..." she said nonchalantly, a smirk forming on her lips. She twirled her weapon on her finger and flicked her blond bangs out of her eyes. .............................................................................................................. Dusk Shianne grinned at Alexis' admission. "Told ya so!" she chirped before skillfully slipping passed them towards where a creepy looking masked guy was fighting a wierd crab man. "Heyo!" she cheered as she had slipped in between the two combatants, making them both jump back in shock. "Who the hell are you?!" the masked man hissed. "The name's Dusk Shianne of Phantom Lord." She greeted with a smirk. "...wizard, thief, and dark guild exterminator extraordinaire!" she finished with an extravagant bow before looking at who she presumed were the Crab-man's allies. "You guys look like you could use a hand, gorgeous..." She said to the hot blond chick and the equally hot shirtless guy next to her. The masked man merely glared at her for a moment before dropping into a stance once more. "...It seems that the game is no longer in my favor... this will be problematic..." Alexis sauntered over to where the small army was crowding around a red head who, if she were to hazard a guess was the famous Erza Scarlet. "...So, ya wanna fill me in on just what the hell is going on?" she asked the red haired woman while Rene elegantly strode over. "These wizards are with the dark guild Eisenwald, and they intend to wipe this town off the map with a demon flute called Lullaby..." The red haired woman explained. "...My name is Erza, by the way, you have my thanks for the assistance." Ha! knew it... Alexis turned a venomous glare to the Eisenwald wizards, and Rene flicked her hair back. "...well we can't have that now, can we?" she asked rhetorically. "Allow us to even the odds, Darling..." her sugar sweet tone was betrayed by the disdainful sneer upon her features. "...To think that Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail would be working together to eliminate a dark guild..." She mused. "...The master will be surprised when we tell him about this..." "...Eyup..." Alexis nodded in affirmation. Erza was shell-shocked. these women were with Phantom Lord? She looked over them to see that the blonde had their guild mark embossed on her belt buckle while the dark haired one had it tattooed in pale blue on her upper arm. What were Phantom lord wizards doing here? Were they on a job? Wizards of their two guilds crossed paths so rarely that it would always turn heads when ever someone came back with such a story. "I'm afraid I must ask you for help with these men." Erza admitted to them. "Erigor the Reaper is here to personally oversee their mission and even Lazaro Sarabaas of Blood Diamond is backing them up." she said nodding toward the masked man, now engaged with their third member, fighting along side Gray and Lucy. "I need to catch up with Erigor so I can stop him, but I used so much energy just getting here, that I'm starting to slow down. "I have to stop him but these men are in the way..." "Well, Then we shall give you an opening, Darling..." the posche girl said with a dramatic hair flip as she adjusted her stance and took a deep breath. "CRYSTAL DRAGON ROAR!" She bellowed as a cyclone of prismatic glitter exploded from her mouth. It looked like a horizontal tornado filled crystal shards of various colors and clarities as it mowed down all the Eisenwald wizards in it's path. "Get going, we'll deal with these punks!" The blonde laughed heartily. "MAGNUM SHOT: IMPACT RICOCHET!!!". A small spell circle flashed at the muzzle of her revolver and a bright burst of magic energy shot fourth from the barrel and in mere seconds, the shot ricoche'd across ten men and they all dropped. "Thank you!" Erza called over her shoulder as she ran off for the hall. ............................................................................... Natsu and Trixie ran down the hallway, unaware that they wee being followed by a Eisenwald's shadow bending wizard, Kageyama. Trixie looked over at Natsu as they ran. "So, where do you think he's hiding?" Trixie asked as they ran. "I don't know." Natsu answered. "Normally, I'd be able to track his scent, but his wind magic makes it feel like his scent is coming from everywhere." It was a few minutes later of solid running until they came to a 'T' in the hall. "...which way...?" Trixie asked, a little unsure. The sign hanging from the ceiling marked the hall leading to the left as 'Old Line' and the one to the right was marked 'New Line'. Natsu took a moment to look down each hall from where they stood. "I think we'll have to split up." He replied thoughtfully. "You take the left hall, and I'll take the right." "Okay..." Trixie nodded and turned to look down the hall herself. She was about to start down the hall when she paused. "...Natsu..." "Hm?" He turned back to loo at her over his shoulder. "...We're fighting against a bunch of guys who want to genocide the entire city with this demon flute of theirs..." she said. "...If you find any of them, give them a thrashing." she finished with a competitive smirk. Natsu returned the gesture. "You bet. I've got a bone to pick with that shadow dude anyway." Natsu grinned. "...and if you find any, you be sure to do the same!" he declared. Trixie nodded. "Right!" she replied. They turned back to their hallways. "Happy hunting!" she called as she took off down the old line hall. "Right back at ya!" Natsu called back as he ran down the new line hall. ................................................................................... Trixie ran down the hall until she stopped at a corner in the hall way; a speaker mounted up on the ceiling. "...They're going to play it over the broadcast system...I need to find the studio..." she deduced before taking off once more. She was starting to feel the burn of exertion in her lungs when she finally found it. She took a second to catch her breath before reaching for the door knob. Locked. "Of course it's locked..." she groaned in annoyance and took a few steps back. "STARFALL BARRAGE!" she called as she held out one hand and a familiar purple and silver spell circle flashed over her palm and a barrage of magic star projectiles shot from it, effectively blasting the door down. The lights were off inside the studio. "...That's weird... there's no one here..." She wandered in to take a look around. "...But, he said in the lobby that they were going to broadcast it...didn't he?" Trixie stood for a moment more before she felt a horrified tension grip her and she dove forward; just in time it seemed, to evade an ambush from above. The sound of several swinging whips and shattering concrete behind her boomed through the room. She fumbled back to her feet to see the the Eisenwald wizard with the pharaoh style hat hanging from the ceiling above where she was just standing by black cord like things tied to each finger that writhed like tentacles. "Good guess!" he chimed. "...As you probably figured out by now, Our plan isn't quite so simple as you first thought." Trixie regained her composure and flicked a stray lock of hair out of her eyes before adjusting her hat. "...Clearly..." she answered. "...so are you going to be a good boy and tell me what the plan is..." she asked as she drew her staff back out of her belt loop and ignited her magic to restore it to its proper size. "...Or do I have to beat it out of you?" Her opponent looked at her as though her question was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard. "Hahahahahahahahahaha! You dumb broad..." her eye twitched. This condescension was starting to grate at her nerves the more she'd heard it. "...You really think it'll be that easy?! Just ask and I'll tell you whatever you wanna know?! Hahahahahahahahaha!" her casual facade was starting to slip. "You have gotta be stupidest back alley slut I've ever met!" Oh...it is on, now... "...and now you're stuck here with me!" he finished with a predatory grin. "...I am the great Rayule...and I'm gonna have some fun with you little girl..." Swing after swing...His attacks were rapidly destroying the studio more and more as each impact she dodged was shattering the floor...the walls...the ceiling. He was definitely persistent, she would grant him that. Trixie wasn't sure how much longer she could stay on the defensive and make it out of this... "This is bad..." she muttered. Rayule swung again. "There's no escape from my urumi!" he bellowed as his 'urumi'...whatever that even is... began zig-zagging in the air, and becoming much harder to dodge. 'Time to improvise...' Trixie thought. "STARFALL SATELLITE!!" she called as she conjured her magic stars and did a quick pirouette, causing the stars to begin quickly revolve in orbit around her in a constant protective barrier. the urumi crashed against the stars and recoiled back to him. "What kind of magic is that?!" Rayule demanded. His anger made him swing even harder. Once...Twice... His third swing shattered her protective spell and the urumi cords wrapped around her violently, binding both arms to her sides. "I've got you now!" he roared triumphantly. A dark and familiar feeling began welling in her chest throughout their fight, but now he had her, and it was becoming all she could do to contain it. If this continued... it would come out...and that terrified her. She was hoisted up and slammed into the ceiling above her, sending a throbbing agony through her body as the back of her head crashed into the ceiling. -THUMP!! THUMP!!- The darkness in her pulsed with the impact like a heartbeat. Rayule slammed her back down to the ground, once again sending a wave of blinding pain through her. -THUMP- THUMP-...-THUMP THUMP!!- Twice, it pulsed. Trixie managed to struggle to a kneeling position. She chuckled, a lop-sided smirk on her bruising face. "What's so funny?" Rayule demanded. Trixie was silent for a brief moment further before she spoke. "...you've got it backwards..." she said softly, barely above a whisper. "Wanna run that by me again?" he taunted. "You're on your knees, defeated...where is your advantage here?" Slowly and shakily, Trixie pushed a leg up to stand. Slowly, she stood. "..." she muttered. inaudible. "What was that?" he taunted once more, a condescending grin growing on his features. Trixie returned his feral grin with one of her own. "...what i said, you lowly mongrel pup..." she growled. "...Is that you have it backwards..." her body was emanating an ominous red aura. "...It is you..." she looked up, her eyes shining a malevolent red glow. "...who is stuck here...with me.". The red aura began coursing through Rayule's urumi and the man began to find that he was loosing control of his weapons as they slowly and carefully began unwravelling from around her, and began snaking back toward him. "What?!" he shrieked. "...How are you doing that?!" He asked in panic as they coiled around him. A cruel smile spread across her face. "...magic..." she said simply. "...My magic...is superior..." she said with a frightening calm as a red spell circle flashed over her now free hand. "...This time, we play...by my rules." Rayule was suddenly feeling very afraid. Who was this woman? How was she doing this? No such magic exists; unless... is this some ancient form of lost magic? "...who are you?" he asked shakily. Trixie's hand seemed to magically phase through Rayule's chest as an identical spell circle appeared on it, and Rayule screamed in agony. Trixie waited for his screaming to quiet down to pained whimpers before she leaned forward; her lips mere inches away from his ear. "...I am the great and powerful Trixie..." she whispered. Agony quaked through Rayule's body once more. "Gyyaaaaggghhhhh!!!" he screamed as her hand pushed a little deeper then wrist deep into him. "Oh..." Trixie mused. "...I can feel your soul..." She tilted her head with a condescending smirk. "...I didn't think you had one..." Rayule struggled through a choking cough. "...What are...you doing?!" he choked. Trixie arched an eyebrow. "Imagine the body as a long bow..." she drawled. "...Your body is the shaft..." She slowly pulled her hand back, but as she pulled farther back, she drew a mass of magic out of him with it. "...and your soul is the draw string..." She pulled it out a little further. It arched out in the middle, where she held it, and curved back into his body at the top and bottom. "All I have to do is pull..." A little further... "...and...release!" As she let go, the mass of energy snapped back at him like a rubber band, sending him flying back into the P.A. Studio. Rayule crashed violently into the wall at the far side of the room and crumpled to the ground. "Hahahahahaha! That lovely little trick is called the Soul Hammer." Trixie laughed ruthlessly. "...so... have you had enough?" she asked. "...Or would you like to have your soul stretched again?" She slowly advanced on him. The borderline demonic glow in her eyes made all the more menacing as she stepped into the barely lit studio. Rayule, tangled in his own urumi, was scrambling to back away from the advancing young woman as she loomed slowly towards him like a wraith or a demon. His heart was beating a mile a minute by the time he had backed himself into the farthest corner. He had no choice... "I-it's the guild master's conference in Clover! Erigor's going to play the Lullaby at the conference hall and kill all the guild masters!" The darkness in her finally subsided and she began to feel the pain of the attacks she'd taken again. Her body was hurting all over. "Good..." Trixie said quietly. "...Now get out of my sight..." she hissed. "...If I ever see you again, I'm dragging your ass to the closest jail cell even if I have to break one of your legs to do it!". Seething at him, Eisenwald as a whole, their plan, and most of all...herself, for losing control... She turned to leave, but cast one final look over her shoulder at him. "Erigor isn't getting the same mercy... don't make me think leaving you here was a mistake, understand?" Rayule nodded in terror. "Yes! Th-thank you!" he yammered before clamoring to his feet and out of the studio. Trixie hobbled down the hall, suddenly feeling very drained. "...The rest is up to you, Natsu..." she muttered under her heavy breathing. "...I have to find Erza..." ................................................................................................................ Lazaro realized that he had been fighting a losing battle the moment all three of his opponents started attacking him at once. Gray Fullbuster had once again put a small crack in his mask. The ice wizard hadn't built a reputation for being one of Fairy Tail's more respected fighters by being a pushover, that much was certain. the boy knew how to throw a punch, and throw it hard. Then there was the interference from those wenches from Phantom Lord... They would definitely pay for their actions as well... He cursed them all as he made his retreat. Gray, Dusk, and their blond friend with the spirits were all hot on his tail as he made for the closest balcony. He smirked when he saw that Erigor's cyclone barrier wasn't up yet and he was just in the process of casting it. He just had to... He vaulted over the balcony and made it just outside the radius as the cyclone appeared, effectively locking his pursuers inside. "Erigor!" he called, gaining the wind wizard's attention. "...Hurry up and get going! Fairy Tail isn't the only guild who has arrived to stop us; It turns out Phantom Lord wants a piece of the chaos as well!" Erigor was not pleased to hear this. "What did you say?!" he growled. "A team from Phantom Lord was waiting in the wings as it were!" He called up. "Your little army has been completely decimated!" "Dammit!!" Erigor cursed before turning and zoomed away in the sky. "...Oh...this has not been a good week for me..." Lazaro groaned. ......................................about ten minutes later.............................. The Eisenwald wizard Virod was staring up at the glaring eyes of Erza. "Forget it, lady..." he grunted. "There is no breaking Erigor's sealing barrier. you and you friends are stuck here..." Erza pulled a fist back, ready to punch him for the fourth time when she heard Trixie's voice. "Erza!" she called. Erza looked around her to see Trixie on a pedway above the lobby, looking like she'd taken some serious damage. "What are you doing here?!" she barked. "Never mind that!" Trixie shot back. "We have to get to Clover!" Clover? "What, why?" she demanded. "Because, this whole thing was a ruse!" Trixie exclaimed. "Their real goal is the conference hall in Clover! They're going to play the Lullaby and kill all the guild masters!" Gray, Lucy, and the three girls from Phantom Lord gasped. "What?!" Gray asked, completely godsmacked. The others shared his sentiment as they all shared looks of shock and concern. Erza's glare intensified as she looked back to her new prisoner. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME??!!" She roared. When pitiful cowering was the only answer she received, she proceeded to fling him against a wall in frustration. "...Where is Natsu, wasn't he with you?" Lucy asked Trixie. Levitating down on her little star platform, Trixie shook her head. "...We had to split up... if I had to guess, that shadow guy is probably following him as we speak..." "Well, we have another problem." Gray interjected. "The whole place is surrounded in a sealing barrier, try to get through it, and it'll tear you to shreds..." His annoyance at their situation clear in his tone and on his face. "Well, then its a very good thing we happen to have a dispeller wizard, right here!" Alexis said heartily slapping Dusk on the back. "Uh...yeah..." The arcane thief said dismissively. "...detection spells...damn near any kind of lock, and...wait for it...DOORWAY sealing barriers...It'd take me a good while to crack something this size on my own." She gave her comrades an apologetic smile. "My magic is specialized and not meant for something like this...sorry." Trixie couldn't help but remember her time with Mist whisper, back in Neighpon. "...I think I might have a way around that..."
The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 2Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
The sign of the Siren's LagoonSunset Shimmer had arrived in Hargeon that morning, around 10:30; ready to face her first real wizard's job; Clearing out invading pirates who are attacking boats going in and out of an out of the way port called Coral Bay, an island port not far from somewhere called Galuna island...whatever. Dufflebag slung over her shoulder, she wandered down the streets of Hargeon to find they were rebuilding from what looked like a heavy bomber carpet bombed the place... "...what happened here?" she asked, more to herself then anyone else; she was caught off guard when someone actually responded. "It was Salamander!" a disgruntled voice hissed from her left. "say what now?" Sunset asked, surprised. She turned to see a middle aged man who seemed rather angry. The old man sneered at her. "Your boy, Salamander! the one with the green scarf!" he growled. Green scarf, huh? "um...pink hair? Uses fire magic?" Sunset asked dumbly. The man nodded vehemently. "Yes, that one! He got into some fight with another fire wizard and they damn near totaled half the town!" "...yeah...that sounds like Natsu alright..." Sunset sighed in defeat. "...well, if it makes you feel any better, you don't have to worry about me causing you any trouble...I'm just trying to find a boat that can take me to Coral Bay..." The man seemed to consider that for a moment. "Coral Bay...Oh! they're sending you to take care of those pirates harassing boats over there, eh?" Sunset smiled. "That's the idea, yeah." she said. "I'm a new recruit, so it's my first job with Fairytail." then something occurred to her. "Though...what exactly gave me away?" The man gave a smug smirk. "It's obvious that ya don't belong here, kid." he said, taking a moment to roll his shoulder. It was then that Sunset took stock of her surroundings once more. the man, it seemed, was rebuilding the front of whata looked like a restaurant. "...The shoulder patches and the 'fish out of water' look? ya might as well have a flashing billboard over your head." he chuckled lightly at his little joke. Sunset laughed as well. "Hahaha...yeah, I'll grant you that." she admitted. "anyway...yeah, this is my first time in this town, so I'm a little lost; could you point me to the docks?" He looked at her silently for a moment. "...you seem like a good kid, so I'll give you a warning; watch yourself around Coral Bay...the whole place is a den of vagabonds, thieves, and pirates... so keep your hand on your wallet." He pointed down the road. "Follow this road down to the canal, cross the bridge and turn right. That'll take ya to the docks." Sunset gave a bow. "Thanks so much!" she beamed before setting off down in the indicated direction. "Heh...God help those pirates if she's as destructive as the rest of Fairytail..." he mused to himself as he obseved her retreating form. He then returned his focus to rebuilding his bistro... ...........................................Ponyville Castle........................................... Twilight, Rarity, Rainbowdash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all were scouring the extensive library for magic tomes that might have something on this 'warp gate' magic that Discord spoke of. One hour in...nothing. Three hours in...nothing. "Seven hours...nothing...nothing...NOTHING!!!" Twilight screamed in frustration. "AAAAarrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!" she howled. "HOW CAN THERE BE NOTHING?!" "No kidding!" Rainbowdash nodded in agreement, having lost her own patience for it long before Twilight did... "Seven hours into this and we've found nothing but vague references and nothing else!" she grunted, fluttering over the massive stack of books that she couldn't believe she'd gone through so many of them... Applejack collected her hat from a table and put it back on her head. "-sigh- I hate to be the one to say it, Sugarcube..." she began hesitantly. "...but I think we're gonna have to take a step back and approach this at a different angle." Twilight spun around to face her friends. "But what other angle is there?!" she wailed. "We've dug through nearly EVERY magical theory archived in Equestria!" "It's pretty simple, actually." Pinkie Pie said casually. "How so?" Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow. Pinkie smiled. "...well, when you're faced with a problem, but the solution isn't in our neat little box...then maybe we need to look in another box?" incomprehension and uncomfortable silence hung over the room until Twilight's face lit up with excitement. "PINKIE, YOU'RE A GENIUS!!!" Twilight was still bouncing ecstatically while Applejack and Rainbowdash looked at each other in confusion. "what, now?" Applejack asked dumbly. "yeah...lost me..." Rainbow deadpanned. Rarity smiled. "I think I get it too..." she said thoughtfully. "the reference of Starswirl the bearded using a mysterious magic from a far away land to banish the sirens to another world, if I'm not mistaken?" Twilight beamed. "Right!" "So, one mystery leads to another...?" Applejack mused. "How do we figure where this magic came from?" Twilight felt her confidence returning. "we have access to two sources of knowledge that might be able to shed some light on the subject..." she stated as if encouraging her friends to take a guess. Pinkie spoke up. "Princess Celestia, and Discord!" she cheered. Twilight was practically bouncing once more. "Right on both counts." she declared. Her horn began to glow. "Discord? can you hear me?" she called. A simple window appeared, suspended in mid-air; it opened, revealing Discord, sipping a cup of coffee. "Twilght! what can I do for you?" he greeted. "How goes the search on your end?" "I think we might have a good lead, but we need some outside information." Twilight explained. "Warp Gate magic is little more then a rumor...not even a researched theory in Equestria, but we found a reference of Starswirl the bearded using an ancient magic from a land beyond our boarders in order to banish a trio of sirens to another world." Discord listened intently, sipped his coffee and nodded as Twilight finished her explanation and actually seemed quite impressed. "Bravo, Princess...bravo!" he declared. "...so you think I might be able to shed some light on exactly WHERE this magic came from, hmm?" "That is what we were hoping, yes..." Rarity confirmed. "Well, I don't have anything for you right this moment..." he was cut off by disappointed groans. "...but not to worry, somepony's coming who might..." he trailed off smugly. "...I'll keep an eye and ear out, but right now I must get back to work. Ta ta!" with that, his window slid shut and disappeared. "Hey, wait!" Rainbow called in vain. "Awwwweeee man..." she groaned. That's when Flash Sentry, a young guard who had been recently assigned to Twilight's castle, slightly opened the door. "Excuse me, Princess, but you have a visitor; she's demanding to know what's happened to Trixie." he said grimmly. "Who is it?" Applejack asked. "Uh...She's saying that she's Trixie's old teacher...?" he offered. "You're testing my patience, colt!" a new voice boomed angrily, causing Flash to flinch. Rarity and Applejack exchanged worried looks. "She's in here!" he called back. "...Finally...I've been trying to navigate this town for three hours, and my patience is at its end!" Fluttershy shrank back at the sound of the shouting mare. "...Oh dear...she sounds mad..." she muttered. Then, a unicorn mare dressed in a beautiful flower printed kimono magically swung the door open; "I have come a long way to get here, and my apprentice has vanished from this world. I want answers!" she huffed. a strong oriental accent in her voice. Twilight nervously stepped forward. "...Um... My name is Twilight Sparkle...how can I help?" The mare paused to compose herself, but was still clearly not pleased. she bowed. "...Princess..." she greeted. "My name is Mist Whisper; please forgive my temper, but I sense something terrible has befallen my apprentice..." she stated with a strained voice. "The sacred flames showed me a vision of her being engulfed in darkness, then...nothing... something sinister is at play here..." She trailed off; clearly uneasy about the whole affair. "Yes..." Twilight began. "...you said Trixie was your student, right?" she asked, earning a nod from the elegant new mare. Twilight shared uneasy looks with her friends before turning back to the elegant new comer. "...well... you're right. something has happened; but no news has gone out yet... we're trying to avoid causing a panic." The mare nodded thoughtfully. "Wise...panicked riots would be bad for everypony..." "That bein' said, how did you say y'all found out about it, again?" Applejack asked calmly. "I am a miko... a shrine mare. my power is fortune telling and purification magic." she clarified. "I am able to see into a pony's future, past or preasent state by focusing into the flames made from burning the wood of a powerful magic tree; The Dryad Oak." she explained. "The kami project visions... sometimes what was, sometimes what is and sometimes what will be... through the flames." "Whisper-sama!" a new voice called out; before a bright red cat with two tails bolted through the door; splashes of white adorned its cute little muzzel, its pointed ears, its paws, and its two tails; each one tipped in a little blue flame. "Have you found oniichan yet?" the little cat asked with a chirpy feminine voice. The mare gave the talking two tailed cat an apologetic smile. "...not yet, Hino-chan..." she said. "these ponies say they know what happened to her, though..." "I'm sorry darling..." Rarity offered. "she was here, but not any longer." "That is to say, 'she was here, hoping to destroy an ancient dark magical artifact called the Alicorn amulet, but we ticked off the evil spirit that was inside so much that it sapped a bunch of energy from us, and used it to drag Trixie and several others through a portal to even Celestia doesn't know where...', and we're currently trying to figure out where they went." Pinkie said offhandedly. The elegant mare seemed thoughtful for a moment. "...where...did this take place...?" she asked. "In this very room." Twilight replied. The mare looked around thoughtfully. "...yes...I can feel the echo of it now..." she said. "Echo?" Fluttershy asked. "What do you mean?" "when something of such great importance occurs, it leaves... an echo or imprint in time and space; a bookmark in history if you will..." Mist Whisper explained. "...have you ever been in a place and felt in your gut that something terrible had happened there? ...or near an object of some kind?" "...you have NO Idea..." Rainbow commented. "...from time to time..." Twilight said awkwardly.. "This is the echo that you feel; albeit only slightly. There are some who can train themselves to hone in on these echoes and read them. It is the basis of my fortune telling magic..." Then what Discord said played back in Twilight's head. "We've been working on a means to find them, but we've hit a road block..." she admitted. Mist Whisper cocked her head to the side. "Is there anything I can do...?" Twilight looked at her friends. they all had the same thought, it seemed. "Possibly..." .............................................Hargeon Docks....................................................... Sunset Shimmer wandered through the town, following the directions given by that guy earlier, for about half an hour before finally the town gave way to the shipyard and docks. Sunset smiled. "Found it..." she said softly to herself. She took a moment to look over the docks. "...Now, to find to boat to take me over to Coral bay..." Sunset walked up to what looked like a fishing boat. "Excuse me." she greeted, drawing the attention of the man who appeared to be offloading crates of stuff from the hold. "Yeah, what can I do for ya?" he asked. "I was wondering if you could take me out to Coral Bay...?" "Nope." he stated simply. Sunset blinked. "...um...can I ask why not?" "This is an honest merchant vessel." he said sharply. "This ship WILL NOT make port in a place that's in the middle of a Pirate turf war!" Sunset took a step back at his outburst, putting her hands up defensively. "Okayokay!" she protested. "I'll ask someone else..." "Yeah, you do that!" he snapped at her as she retreated. Sunset dejectedly shoved her hands in her pockets. "...no need to be an asshole about it..." she mumbled. She asked another guy; "nope..." ...and another... "Hell no!" ...another... "Absolutely not!" "Uuugggghhhhhh!!! What is everyone's problem with Coral Bay!?" Sunset wailed. "This place can't possibly be so terrifying!" She couldn't believe that people here could be so...so...difficult... 'I'm not going to have to swim there, am I?' the horrifying thought crossed her mind. "Hey there!" a hauntingly familiar voice called, bringing her attention to her right, where the spitting image of a certain blue haired guitar player stood near a rugged looking boat. "Trying to get to Coral Bay, are you?" he asked. "You with a wizard's guild dealing with our request?" Sunset was shell-shocked. she stood there taking in his appearance. a more ragged version of the familiar black leather jacket the CHS Flash wore, but with studded shoulders and cuffs; dark red headband tied around his forehead, and twin daggers sheathed; one over his right shoulder, the other at his left hip. she had to remind herself that she was supposed to be having a conversation. "Oh, yeah! I'm with Fairytail!" she blurted holding out her hand. "I'm Sunset Shimmer!" And so 'not Flash Sentry' shook her hand happily. "Flynn Richter; it's a pleasure." he greeted. "hop on, I'll take you over!" Sunset beamed. 'Finally, some luck!' she thought. "Thank you so much!" she said. "Everyone around here has been refusing to even look at me once I even bring Coral bay up!" Flynn shrugged. "...well, to be fair, there ARE a lot of pirates in the area..." he said nonchalantly. "...some of them are former dark wizards who left their dark guilds..." "Really?" she asked. "Is that why the request was posted?" surely that had to be it; dark wizards breaking away from their dark guild to go solo and ending up building a pirate crew... Flynn had a thoughtful look on his face. "well, it's a little more complicated then that..." he admitted. "Just come aboard, Krysta can explain it better then me... She's the one who put in the request." Sunset nodded. "Okay." she lung her dufflebag on to a bench on the large powerboat-esque vessel while 'not Flash Sentry' got to work turning on the motor. "So, what kind of magic ya use?" he asked. Sunset took a moment to consider that question. Magic in this world worked so differently from Equestrian magic. "well...I use a lot of different kinds of magic, but if I had to sum it up in a single sentence, then I'd call it..." she paused for a moment. "Phoenix magic...?" Flynn turned around and gave her a skeptical look. "...Huh?" Sunset blushed. "Agreed, I'm not the best at naming things on the fly, but to be honest, I'm not really sure what kind it is" Flynn said nothing, but waved his hand for her to continue. "...I can use fire magic..." she said, creating a ball of golden flames that would flicker black every so often, to show her point. the golden fireball disappeared. "I can cast healing and barrier spells..." her eyes glowed bright green as a green bubble of energy formed around her for a few seconds before dissipating. "...and I can use telekinesis and even teleportation spells." she held out her hand, and her dufflebag was enveloped in a familiar green glow and was lifted off the deck of the boat. Flynn nodded. "hmm...you're definitely one of the more versatile wizards I've seen..." he granted. "yeah, it's difficult to put all that in a single category." Sunset said as she set her dufflebag back down on the bench next to her. "Yeah, I'll grant ya that..." Flynn said as he returned to the helm. " ...can't say I've ever seen fire that was black and gold, though; magic or not..." "Neither have I; hence my own confusion." she said. Sunset looked out into the ocean. They'd been out on the water for about an hour by the time Coral bay came into view...as well as many very large and intimidating pirate ships. Each of them having it's own unique motif. Flynn slowed his motor boat right down as he began weaving in between them. "...You picked a good day, they aren't shooting at each other yet..." Sunset blanched. "...Shooting at each other...? as in...?" "Yup, with cannons, magic...or both; the whole nine yards." he said as if such was simply part of the status quo around here... "...charming..." she mumbled. That's when Flynn pointed at one of the large ships. "see the one with the spear wielding skeleton on the front?" he asked, getting a nod from Sunset. "That's an actual Ogre skeleton." That was impressive. "seriously?" she asked. Flynn grinned and nodded. "Yup, The captain of the ship used to be one of those rogue wizards I told you about. He'd gone up to Mount Hakube about..." he paused to think for a second. "...twenty...two years ago; in order to take down an ogre that had made it's home in the icy caves up there, feeding on any poor sod that went up there for pretty much any reason." "...and he killed it, obviously." Sunset surmised. "Uh huh, they battled it out for three whole days before he finally beat the thing, and after that, the client, some lousy scum bag named Everlue refused to pay, payed off local law enforcement to chase him out of town and even put the bounty on his head that he has held even to this day!" Sunset laughed. "well, I'm sure the good Captain will be pleased to hear That after all these years, Everlue's illegal dealings have been exposed to the public and he's now penniless and in prison." she said, and couldn't help but beam at the look on Flynn's face. "...what's the guy's name, anyway?" Flynn grinned proudly. "The one and only Craven Richter." Sunset blinked. "...Richter...?" 'he's not seriously going to tell me...' "...My father..." he finally said softly. '...he did...' "It's a small world." Sunset said with a chuckle. "...I'm sorry I'm not the one who brought him down." Flynn waved it off. "ah, don't worry about it..." he said casually. Sunset noticed a contented smile on his face as they continued towards the docks in relative silence before he pointed to a beached ship off to the side of the small port town. "see that ship over there?" he asked. Sunset noticed that there were wooden staircases and bridges leading up from the remote dock up to the main deck. "Yeah?" Sunset answered. "there an interesting story behind that one too?" "Used to be called 'The Siren's Song', but Krysta decided she didn't wanna be a pirate anymore so she just had it beached and turned it into a restaurant. Now it's called 'Siren's Lagoon'. That's where you wanna go once we're secure at the docks." he explained. Sunset was hesitant. "...Is it true, what they were saying in Hargeon?" she asked. "...that there's some kind of turf war going on between these pirate crews?" Flynn was quiet for a long moment. "...like I said...Krysta knows the situation better then a lot of people..." he said uneasily. "...she may not be an active pirate anymore, but she's got eyes and ears all over the place... Everyone knows that there's something going on, but only a select few know exactly what..." A dark look took over his face. "...but one thing that everyone knows, is that Captain Kota is at the center of it..." he said pointing at another ship that...Good god; now there is a guy who isn't a believer in subtlety... A massive Cyclops skull was chained and bolted to the front with a large three barreled cannon sticking out of the open mouth. A slightly smaller single barrel cannon extended from the eye socket. The hull was black and the sails were dark red depicting a skeletal viking with a shield and and axe. it's entire body was portrayed dripping with blood. "That one's called the 'Abomination'..." he said "Abomination is right..." she said, not bothering to hide her disgust. "That ship is hideous..." she said. 'Rarity would have a heart attack at the sight of it...' Flynn began to steer their boat towards the beached ship; it wasn't long before a neon sign reading 'Siren's Lagoon' came into view. bordering the sign was a depiction of three mermaids circling around it. The imagery reminded her of a pirate movie she saw in the other human world with Rainbow Dash...but with an oddly contemporary upgrade to it... cool. Sunset allowed herself to close her eyes and drift along to the sound and smell of the sea around her. the smell of the shallow water as they neared the docks... the sound of the waves rolling against all the ships that surrounded them... the churning of bubbles coming up from beneath their boat- wait, what?! "Huh?" her eyes shot open and she leaned over the edge to see over. Flynn noticed this and that dark look returned to his face. "...don't lean too far out." he warned. "There's golems under these waves..." "Golems?" she asked. "Is that normal here?!" He was quiet for a short moment. "...Like I said..." he nodded once more toward the Cyclops skulled ship. "...Somehow, Captain Kota is at the heart of it..." "...I suppose they're why I'm here, then..." she muttered. "You are correct!" Flynn declared in an overly cheerful voice as he found an empty dock that wasn't too far away from 'the Lagoon' as most locals called it, and slowly apraoched it; finally docking. "Sunset Shimmer, welcome to Coral bay! keep your hand on your wallet and your wits on guard! head on over to the Lagoon and tell the ladies that Flynn sent ya! I have my own errands I still have to run." "Ok!" and with that, Sunset grabbed her bag and set off towards the neon lit ship...slash restaurant. Not two minutes into her walk, a young child aggressively shoved into her. "Ooof! hey, watch it lady!" he snarked before running off into the crowd. Sunset immediately recognized what had happened. and took off after the kid with a glare on her face. "Hey!" she barked after him, but the boy just kept running. "...great..." she grumbled before vanishing with a flash of green... ........................................................................................... Kobe Brackett had just ripped off some ditzy looking tourist and was making his getaway, "Hey!" she called after him, but he wasn't going to stop just because she wanted him to... ha! He didn't get too far as he ran down an alley and rounded a corner just to crash directly into the same lady and fall flat on his back. "What?!" "Hand it over." she ordered flatly. Kobe scrambled back to his feet. "Screw you, lady!" he barked before running off again. Once he was confident he had covered enough ground, he looked over his shoulder to see his red haired mark merely glaring after him as she just disappeared in a green flash. "Huh?! she's a wizard?!" he finally realized before turning his gaze back to the street ahead of him to once again crash into her and fall backward. "...That's right..." she hissed as she loomed over him like a hungry wraith; her eyes began to glow that eerie green from before and he was lifted off the ground by his ankles. "Uuuaaaaagghhh!!!" he cried out in panic. she turned him around in mid air so the were looking each other in the eyes. That same flat unamused look still on her face as she held out her hand. Kobe knew that gesture...that look... "You have something that belongs to me...I'd like it back..." she said, confirming his thought. "Fine, take your stupid wallet!" he shouted in her face and shoved the wallet into her waiting hand. She let him down gently and he ran off once more with a crafty grin forming on his face. "...sucker..." He didn't take five strides before he was once again hauled off the ground by his ankles... "OH, COME ON!!!" Within seconds all of his pockets were being pulled inside out as if by invisible hands until the pocket that he'd stashed the money he'd stolen was found; the money levitated back to the young woman's waiting hand as she leveled a dangerous glare at him. "...Nice try, punk..." she said coldly. She proceeded to put the cash back in her wallet, but stopped at the final bill. She stared at it thoughtfully, then looked back at him. "...you wanna earn this one?" she asked. Kobe gulped. "wh...what ya want me to do?" "...Tell me everything you know about this "Captain Kota" I've been hearing about..." ...............................................Later.......................................... There it was, right in front of her; the beached ship that had been converted into a restaurant and hotel, 'The Siren's Lagoon' "...Hm..." Sunset couldn't help but think this whole thing was a rather impressive setup as she climbed he wooden stairs that led to the main deck. Dozens of tables were set up in much the same style as one would at one of those outdoor cafe's back in Magnolia or the world beyond the mirror... There was also what looked to be some manner of stage like back at the guild hall... That's when she did a double take as she spotted three very familiar faces floating about the place with little aprons, notepads, and one of them actually had a serving tray adorned with food and drinks. Adagio Dazzle...Sonata Dusk...and Aria Blaze... She blink her shock away as she found herself wandering about with the pretense of looking for an Ideal table. "You'll want to head up to the Captain's cabin, sweetie..." came a voice from her right, shaking her out of her stupor. She spun on her heel to face Adagio-or rather, This world's Adagio giving her that same bemused look as that guy back in Hargeon. "Huh?" Adagio merely quirked an eyebrow as her smirk grew. "You stand out like a sore thumb with that dufflebag, hun." she said casually. "Talk to Krysta up at the bar to rent a room; that is why you're here?" That's right! Krysta! "Yeah!" Sunset blurted awkwardly. the way that this girl was leaning forward like that, showing off a generous view of her cleavage...Sunset would swear that she was trying to seduce her... a light blush tinted her cheeks at the thought. "It's just up the fancy stairs to the upper deck, sweetie; you can see it from here." Adagio instructed, pointing over to a pair of indeed very fancy dual staircases leading up to a large structure that was probably once literally the Captain's quarters. but it was, instead, an open bar with yet another neon sign above it that read, 'The Captain's Cabin: Lounge and Bar' "Ok, thanks." she said. "My name is Adena, by the way..." not-Adagio greeted. "Sunset; it's nice to meet you." Sunset replied, adjusting her dufflebag. "I'll probably be back for a table before too long..." Adena smiled. "Lookin' forward to it, Beautiful." she said with a wink before spinning on her heel and strutting down through the tables, playfully greeting patrons as she passed by. Sunset returned her gaze to the double staircase. "Right..." she said. "Time to get to work..." ............................................................................................................... Author's Note Well, it took a good bit longer then I'd hoped, but hey...life happens. So here's chapter 10! please let me know what you think. A new cover art picture is also in the works! And so a few new counterparts are introduced, Flash Sentry, and the all three of the Dazzlings! Krysta is also a counterpart, but we'll see if you guys can figure out who's when I start writing her out.
Mission Start!: Rescue The Pirates' Prisoner!The Great And Powerful Fairytail Chapter 11: Mission start!: Rescue Pirates' Prisoner! The stairs creaked loudly as Sunset made her way up to the Captain's Cabin; other patrons and customers were also going up and down the stairs passed her. This seamed like a pretty lively place, to say the least. It hadn't been long before the scent of various alcahols assaulted her nostrils; some rather pungent, others were quite sweet oders that seemed to balance it out. Finally, she made it to the top of the stairs to see the crowded bar before her. In between the patrons, she saw a tall and voluptuous woman that she could only assume was Krysta. Her tanned complexion was contrasted by her shiny emerald green hair that cascaded over her shoulders and down her back. A black and green strapless corset top that seemed to be of a similar style as Trixie's outfit offset by the lack of a skirt; replaced with grey pants and an array of belts adorned with various trinkets that seemed to emanate some kind of magical power. long black boots and gloves completed her look to give her an almost dominatrix look... complete with black eye shadow and lipstick that shone with a pearlescent green making the whole ensemble look gothic... She seemed about the same age as Principle Celestia, Sunset noted mentally as she slowly approached the bar. It was only a moment before the woman noticed her. "Have a seat, hun, I'll be with you in a second!" she called over, nodding toward a booth. Sunset looked over to see the empty booth and nodded. "Okay!" she called back before walking over to the booth, setting her dufflebag down and sitting down herself to find that the seats were surprisingly comfortable. Sunset wasn't left to look around for very long as the woman walked over. "What can I get ya, Sweetie?" she asked; never losing her devious confidence as she spoke. Sunset smiled. "Actually, I'm here to help you." she declared, bringing a surprised look to the woman's face. "I'm Sunset Shimmer, I'm here for the job request that was posted..." The emerald haired beauty was quick to regain her composure, however, and her seductive smile returned. "Oh, so you're the Fairytail wizard I was told to expect..." she confirmed, earning a nod from the redhead. Sunset's expression became serious. " So...what am I dealing with?" "Krysta... You'll be standing along side the crews of the 'Siren's Song' and the 'Giant's Requiem' against the 'Abomination', the 'Bone Warden', the 'Merman's blood', the 'Grey Lady' and a seemingly infinite army of gollums that regularly attack the town and anyone who lingers around the beach and docks for too long..." Sunset leaned back in her seat. "...so Flynn wasn't joking about those things then..." she said, more to herself then anyone else. "Do we know where they're coming from?" Krysta sighed. "...anywhere and everywhere..." she said in annoyance. "There's a wizard controlling them who's hiding on one of the four ships... whether it's willingly or otherwise, it has to end..." "Agreed, though it does still leave us with a problem..." Sunset said with a nod. Krysta's expression implied that she knew it too. "The moment any one of us sets foot on either ship to investigate, it'll put all four in a frenzy; The whole town will be up to their ears in total anarchy!" Krysta smirked. "...So, we hit all four ships simultaneously." she said simply. "This isn't our first rodeo, honey... this town's seen it's fair share of pirate problems..." Sunset shook her head. "...I suppose I shouldn't be surprised..." she said exasperatedly. "...so; when do we do this?" Krysta smiled. "...Tonight; midnight." she said confidently. "...but for now; the show's about to start, so we'll get you set up with a room below deck and you can get a table so you can watch; the girls are a local favorite these days." "...you mean Adena and them...?" Sunset asked, just to be sure. "Yup." Krysta said casually in response. "After all... they're going to need to warm up for tonight..." "...warm...up?" Sunset asked dumbly. do they do magic that encorperates music like the other versions do? "You'll see." Krysta chirped with a wink. The woman took a momen to examine something behind the counter before coming back and handing her a key. "We'll put you in room twenty six." she said. "It's just below top deck; the rooms are magically sound proofed so you don't have to worry about the noise from above, and magically set to these keys, so that only the holder of that specific key has access to the room." She motioned to the stairs. "Shall we?" ...............................................Clover Canyon.................................... Trixie was uncomfortable... Trixie was very uncomfortable. Natsu and Gray were both staring intently at her; waiting for her to speak. "Come on Trixie, spill it!" Natsu prodded. "who's Sombra?" "...um..." Trixie fumbled with her words, unable to meet their gaze. Their one sided conversation was drawing the attention of Erza, Lucy and Makarov. "...That's right...you did mention that name when you first met us in the forest..." Lucy said thoughtfully. Trixie cursed under her breath... her mind a torrent of panic as she tried to formulate a way to explain it in a way that they wouldn't write off as absolute craziness. "Sombra... sorry, King Sombra..." she began uneasily. "...is a dark wizard who used his dark magic to conquer and enslave an entire nation over a thousand years ago." The others were now quite engaged in the topic. Makarov and Erza were listening silently while it was Natsu of all people who connected the dots first. "...and he was a dragon slayer too, wasn't he...?" the others stared wide eyed at the prospect. but Trixie nodded. "...that's right..." she confirmed. "...the Baal fire dragon slayer... He apparently ventured into Tartarus itself to acquire the power from the unholy union of draconic and demonic power... 'Blood Dust The Abyssal'... as he's apparently known..." That last tidbit seemed to hit them like a charging Minotaur. Makarov stared at her. "...How is that possible?" the guild master demanded. "Dragonslayer magic didn't exist a thousand years ago! the first Dragon slayers didn't exist untill four hundred years ago." "Don't ask me!" she defended. "Maybe he was first ever Dragon slayer, I don't know!" Lucy cast a look at Natsu to see an odd look on his face. he seemed deep in thought at this new revelation. "...the first Dragon slayer..." she said softly; more to herself then anyone else. "what do you know about this guy?" Natsu asked urgently. Trixie thought back to Luna's memories. "Well...He became known for his endless cruelty..." she began. "...Luna can tell you more about him specifically; my experience is more with Blood Dust and his progeny...some twisted demonic spirit that possessed me a while back and has been hounding me ever since..." "You were possessed by a demon?!" Erza demanded. "How?!" "Blood dust tore out pieces of his soul and apparently placed them in various trinkets that he managed to sneak into the mortal plain even whilest sealed away..." Trixie looked up at Erza; her eyes fearful and pleading. "...Think back to what I said at the train station when we were fighting those Eisenwald guys..." She did remember. Trixie had said that she had once walked a less then savory path until something happened that uprooted it all and she was left to try and atone... "...I remember..." she said softly. Makarov spoke again. "Let me guess; you were a snot nosed punk who only cared about your own gain until you discovered one of these magic trinkets, went crazy, were defeated and have been dealing with the consequences ever since?" Trixie gave a humorless smile. "...that's...disconcertingly on the nose, Gramps..." she admitted, using Natsu and Gray's nickname for the old man. Makarov nodded thoughtfully. "Well... in any case, it's good to see that you've turned away from that life; what ever you were known for then...the part you played in saving myself and the other guildmasters is what you'll be known for in the future..." Trixie smiled; genuinely, this time. "...It's kind of you to say...but, that side of me still comes out from time to time. I'm just glad I have friends to slap some sense back into me if I step out of line again..." at that, everyone around gave her reassuring smiles and nods. The moment was ruined when Trixie's stomach growled loudly. everyone else wasn't far behind... "...Well, that's enough sitting around, moping." Erza said firmly, pretending that she wasn't starving like everyone else... "Yeah, we need to find some food..." Natsu lamented. they continued to prattle back and forth as they set out once again to find some kind of food in the middle of that Nightmare Moon-Forsaken canyon... ...............................................Blood Diamond Headquarters................................. The masked woman stared coldly at the criminal guildmaster Marik. "...we had...a deal." she hissed. "...and...?" Marik asked smugly. "In exchange for the silver mine, you carry out my mandate!" she barked. Lazaro standing at her left while Erigor stood to her right. Either man was silent save for Erigor tapping the pommel of his scythe on the floor every now and then. "...and we did." he stated simply; that snidely smirk never leaving his face. "...and now you wish to hire us for another job and have nothing to pay for it. well, my dear..." he snapped his fingers, summoning several other Blood Diamond wizards to his side. "That's going to cost you extra, or we will simply kill you right here..." he said with a cruel smile. No one else could see her face beyond her mask, but if they could, they would be able to see a smile on her own face that matched. "tsk tsk tsk... that isn't how you do business Master Marik..." she teased, wagging a finger playfully. "...on the other hand..." she said, reaching up and removing her mask, revealing her beautiful face marred by a horrific grin filled with sharp pointed teeth. "...I have been getting quite hungry..." Lazaro smugly leaned over to Erigor. "...you're about to find out why she's not to be crossed..." "Hmph..." was all the former 'Ace of Eisenwald' cared to say, still seething after his humiliating defeat at the hands of the fire dragonslayer of fairytail... "...Last chance..." Marik offered, holding up one hand, preparing to snap his fingers. "I've been playing nice with you so far..." the woman said, never losing her jagged grin and her seductive tone. "...but now, you're just getting too greedy...". Murder in her crimson eyes, she stood defiantly before Guildmaster Marik. "...Hurry up and make your move." "As you wish." Marik snapped his fingers, and the five other Blood diamond wizards all charged at her. Two swords plunged into her chest and several blasts of magic energy caused her body to explode; blood, viscera and bones...too many bones for one body... were scattered all over. Included in the mess was a strange black and red necklace; cut in the shape of a black unicorn with wings that had a perfect ruby set into the center Erigor wiped the blood from his face, and turned to Lazaro. "...you were saying...?" "Keep watching." Lazaro instructed; He then began to laugh. Marik gave Lazaro a curious stare. "...are you going to let us in on the joke, Lazaro?" "Heheheheheheh, you'll see in just a moment..." the masked man jeered with a cackle. "You do realize that you're covered in blood right...?" Erigor asked flatly. Lazaro simply turned to him casually and said "what? you getting squeamish already?" "...tch..." Erigor just turned back a the mess of carnage in front of them. After a short moment, Erigor watched in morbid fascination as the blood and viscera seemed to come to life. First, the ruby on the necklace began to glow an ominous red, then the bones all seemed to sink into the blood as if they were being fully submerged. The room was overcome with the stench of rotting blood and decaying flesh as...something began to rise out of the pool of darkened blood. Erigor's stomach lurched at the smell. Higher and higher it rose... as if it wasn't just solid floor at their feet, but a deep pool of this rancid dark red. It continued to rise until it reached a little taller then the young woman that once stood there. Now standing before them was a vaguely humanoid figure that looked like a melting gollum made of blood and carnage. Marik was livid. He glared at his attacking wizards. "What are you waiting for?!" he roared. "Finish the job before I kill you for failing!!" The wizards in question clamored in panic, each one trying to be the first to strike down the abomination before them... The first one, one of the magic swordsmen, was the first to fall as the creature engulfed him like an amorphous blob, devouring him entirely within seconds to the sound of the sickening cracks of his bones being shattered. The next was the three non swordsmen; one of them held a magic pistol while the other two equipped magic rings that allowed them to use such magic... turning one arm into a dark red kite shield to parry the other swordsman, it used the opportunity to surge forward, split its torso into three monstrous heads bite into each one pull them together and surround them devouring the three wizards in one brutal movement; The final swordsman watched in unparalleled horror as the creature transformed back into the young woman in black and red. The wizard was shaking in utter terror as she looked at him now with an eirily calm expression. "...drop the sword..." she said stoicly. "...you're out of your league..." Taking her unspoken warning, he dropped his weapon and ran for the door. "COWARD!!!" Marik barked after him. Ignoring the woman in black and red would prove a fatal mistake as unspeakable pain shot through him, centered on his chest. He looked down to see what looked like a dark red crystalline spear protruding from his chest, leading all the way to were her hand used to be... "...I do not show mercy to treachery, Master Marik..." she said calmly as it snapped off halfway between them and the half still connected to her melted back into hand. The man could offer no comeback except a choking gasp. "...but don't worry, you're guild will be put to good use under my banner." she leaned closer; her lips inches away from his ear. "...and your power will live on...as fuel for my magic..." she pulled back at reveal that horrific jagged grin once more. Marik was powerless to stop her as her mouth opened wider and wider, inhumanly so, and the last thing he heard was Lazaro's demented laughter... ......................................................................... Sunset sat at a nice table not far from the stage as Adena and this world's alternate versions of Aria Blaze, known in this world as Sareina Baltus and Sonata Dusk, known in this world as Yuna Valkyrie, had one by one walked up on stage. Adena, microphone in hand, took a few steps forward. "Is everyone ready for some music?" she asked in a casual tone. the crowd cheered and whistled in response. "...Good, good... well we have one or two new songs for you guys tonight, then we'll go to some fan favorites!" This was well received as there was more cheering. Sunset remained focused on the menu in front of her. The crowd hushed as the lights began to dim-wait, what? this was out door...open air. How was...? Sunset looked up to see some manner of magical illusion being cast that was turning everything dark, when it was finished, the spectacle was definitely something to behold; the afternoon sky was replaced with a beautiful night sky richly decorated with stars and the northern lights. Next came the music. It was smooth, yet upbeat... graceful yet energetic... it was difficult to describe. 'kind of like a slightly slower pop song...wow... that was easier then I thought...' Sunset thought... then came the words... "Deep down inside, I know in my heart that you are the one I've waited for..." Adena sang, near instantly drawing Sunset's attention. "Be still my heart, how it just flutters; how could I have asked for more...?" Sunset was mesmerized by Adena's melodious voice... "Baby, I know; just give me a chance, I can show you that there's more to this... ...Then love at first sight; just give it a chance and we'll discover just what this love is...!" " ...tonight..." the other two finally joined in... ...tonight... Just stay here with me and the waves, the stars the sea and this midnight moon! Through sky so high, through deepest tide, I'll be there by your side. Through sky so high, through deepest tide, You'll find I've never lied. Adena's voice was intoxicating; as her song continued with further words of longing and infatuation, she couldn't help but move in her seat to the rythem of the music and their voices. It wasn't long before she realized that other patrons were actually getting up and dancing... After a while, Sunset realized that they were singing another song, but like many other people in the audience, she was too busy dancing to really pay attention. By the time it was over, she felt like she's just did a light workout... "...phew... that was amazing..." The illusion over the ship was dropping and Sunset could see that late afternoon was fast approaching. That's when Krysta stepped up on stage. "Thank you all for coming out!" Krysta called out across the deck with a microphone. the crowd answered with cheers and applause. "...You guys really are an awesome crowd, but now the show is over..." her last sentence wasn't quite as well recieved as a collective groan from the crowd was heard. "Yes, yes; I know. Come on back tomorrow for another show and there may be so e extra celebration to be had!" she said with a grin. That seemed to set them off as excited murmurs erupted from all around Sunset as they seemed to clue in that something was going down... "...are we finally takin' it to Kota...?" one person asked. "...we must be..." another said. "Hey, look at her! do we have Fairytail backing us up?!" Sunset heard someone behind her say. "Oh, we're in for a hell of a show, now." yet another voice called triumphantly. an arm suddenly wrapping around her shoulder snapped her out of her growing discomfort. "enjoy the show, Sweetie?" Adena asked. "I did, you were amazing!" Sunset said, a little surprised at how much she truly meant it. "Awww, I'm glad!" Adena said, never losing that almost seductive smile. "Now that the show's over though, we can begin to work out the finer points of our battle plan tonight..." Sunset nodded. "Right, sounds good. Where are we doing that?" she asked. "We're meeting up in Krysta's cabin behind the bar once enough people clear out and get back home or to their rooms." Adena explained. "...I look forward to working with you." .....................................later................................ There she stood in a dimly lit room in front of a map spread out across a large table. With her were Krysta, Adena, Sareina and Yuna as well as several familiar and unfamiliar faces. Among the familiar faces were Flynn, this world's counterparts of Octavia, Bonbon...she was pretty sure the one skulking in the corner was Lyra, her hair was the right color, but her 'dias de las muertos' motiffed face paint was a little...much... the last familiar face actually came as a bit of a surprise to her; towering over her was this world's counterpart of Bulk Biceps. The map showed the entirty of Coral Bay, from the port town to the Creasent moon-shaped landmass that encompassed it; the ships within represeanted by chess pieces. "Okay, here's what we need to do." Krysta instructed, now taking on a stoic 'no nonsense' attitude. "On one of these ships is a wizard who's summoning and controlling these golums." she looked between all the faces in the room before continuing. "Everyone, this is our ticket; Fairytail wizard, Sunset Shimmer. By the decree of the magic counsil AND the king of Fiore himself, we cannot engage in any kind of hostility against Kota and his fleet of pirates unless it is done through legal means." Sunset smirked. "...so THAT's why I'm here when you guys clearly have some heavy hitters on your side..." she said, a little bemused, but a thought occured to her. "...so why would you be legally barred from standing up for yourselves?" she asked. "...especially against so many invading pirates?" "..." a voice said, barely above a whisper, drawing everyone's attention to the hoodie wearing lyra counterpart in the corner. "what was that?" Sunset asked, earning a cold look from the girl. "...The powers that be want us to play by their rules..." she hissed; her voice raspy and coarse. "...we operate without their say so, and it'll be recognised as a power play by a gang of pirates and dark wizards..." she held a hand in front of her conjuring a glowing green skull, and then smashed it with her free hand. "...and they will move against us...and everyone else in Coral Bay for harboring us..." Then another voice spoke, drawing their attention to a man standing not far from Flynn. He had the same dark blue hair; no doubt this was the Illustrious captain Craven Richter. "To put it simply young miss, they view us as delinquents on peroll..." "...as in literally 'on peroll'. We do anything outside of their ridiculous guidelines, and every single one of us gets put away fro life!" the hulking young man in the room said exhasperatly. "Hense the dilema..." Adena piped in, smiling casually. "...Told ya it was complicated..." Flynn deadpanned. Sunset had to admit; it was indeed considerably more complicated then the job request let on. "That's putting it lightly..." Sunset jabbed; her own face awash with a stoic deadpan expression. "We're getting off track!" Krysta declared bringing everyone's attention back to the map. "We need to organize the teams and decide who's going where..." "It'll need to be quick and quiet... our first priority should be disabling the ships as quick as possible so they can't turn around and start firing on the town." "All good and well, but there's still the gollums in the ocean." Sareina cut in. "that's why we're dividing into teams and hitting all ships simultaneously..." she looked between Krysta and Craven. "Naturally, the Captains will be hitting the Abomination..." "Not so fast..." Craven interjected, cutting her off. "Kota may be the one calling the shots, but Zaria, Gabriel, and Drogar are not to be taken so lightly..." "Agreed." Krysta said. "Craven and I will each be taking a team to hit the 'Merman's Blood' and the 'Bone Warden' to deal with Drogar and Gabriel while Sunset takes a team to Hit the Abomination and take down Kota... The remaining members will Hop aboard the "Grey Lady' and pay Zaria a visit." "Didn't you just finish saying we shouldn't take them lightly?" Sunset asked bluntly. "Why does it sound like you're treating Captain Zaria like an afterthought?" Craven cocked an eyebrow. "...because... I have reason to believe we can bring her to our side if we can convince her that Kota can be beaten." Then Sunset realized what the man was saying. "...you mean, they might be forcing her to fight for them?" she asked, getting a nod from both Krysta and Craven. "Okay then, who's coming with me to the Abomination?" ................................................................................ Author's Note Phew! ... Holly shit! it's finally done! that's the newest chapter up and out for your viewing pleasure. as always, I'm sorry for the long wait. As you may have gathered. this is all happening during the events of the episode "Natsu eats a village!" though with the addition of Trixie along for the ride. P.S. Lightning Dust is also still working with Levi, Jet and Droy at this point. Let me know if side story filler chapters about these little diversions are something you guys would be interested in; but otherwise, the plan is set, and Sunset and her new allies are about to try and take out an army of Pirates and Gollems and determine the 'who', 'where', and 'why' behind this mysterious wizard ally of theirs.
Set In to MotionThe Great And Powerfull Fairytail Chapter 12: Set Into Motion! Sunset wandered down the dark streets of the port town; trying to pretend that the whole town wasn't about to erupt into chaos. Bula Faust, the skull-faced Lyra lookalike and Brick Loxley, The Bulk-Biceps lookalike were with her as they slowly made their way to the docks. Sunset looked up at the sky to see the moon. The sounds of drunken laughter and merriment rang throughout in tiny pockets of activity. The voice of Krysta spoke into her ear with a magical earpiece. Bula was first to respond. "Team Crusafix, approaching the docks now..." she said robotically. Adena's voice spoke next. . Sunset had to pretend to be disinterested as the continued towards the docks as discretion was an absolute must in a port town filled with people who love to pry and find out others' business... It was imperative that they kept their intent private lest a pirate spy be watching them... "...you're handling yourself well..." Bula whispered. "...I know a thing or two about keeping secrets..." Sunset said cryptically. "...keep acting natural, ladies, we're being followed..." Brick, who had come up with the impressive cover of going out on a late night fishing trip for Araurabeams... a tropical fish that uses magic to camouflage during the day and emit brilliant lights during the night; and apparently they were a popular delicacy here as well as Hargeon... Sunset made a mental note that she's have to try some while she was here... ...but anyway, that had only been their cover. Their plan was to prepare a Flynn's boat to go fishing and try to sneak on board the Abomination to disable it and defeat Kota... who, quite possibly, from what she'd heard about the man, may already be expecting such an effort already; and so it fell to them to attack him from angles that he wouldn't expect. "...where...?" Sunset asked, make quick glances as she spun on her heel and walked backwards as if she was focused on Brick... "Over my left shoulder... one of kota's..." he said quietly. Sunset noticed a figure in the shadows. She didn't get a good look at the person, all she saw was a black biker style vest and was that pink hair? she spun back to walk toward the docks as they continued walking. "...so where are you from...?" Bula asked, then smirked. "...or is that one of those secrets you mentioned?" Sunset's stomach lept to her throat. this creepy girl truly had no idea... she remained silent as they continued. "So where's our boat?" she asked awkwardly. though a knowing smile on Bula's face suggested that she knew more that she let on... "...You'll know it..." Bula said. "...Flynn is waiting for us..." "I just hope Gollums don't attack til we get to the ships..." brick said uneasily. "ugh...don't say things like that...that practically guarantees something will go wrong..." Sunset said warily. "...Just keep going..." Bula said sternly. "...we're running out of time..." Indeed, they were. the time was nearing that the other teams would attack their assigned ship, and they needed to get aboard the Abomination before the chaos started. It wasn't long before the docks came back into view. There was Flynn, looking very anxious, though he seemed to brighten up when he saw them approaching. "What kept ya?" he asked. "Kota has people all over the the port." Brick explained. 'really? hm... i guess that's why we took so many detours...' Sunset pondered. they had to take alternate routes several times on the way as, from what she'd heard, even crossing paths with an opposing crewman would likely result in a destructive battle. "...well, the waters are starting to roil somethin' fierce. the gollums are on their way." Flynn reported. they all shared a nervous look, save for Bula, who just seemed perpetually perturbed as usual... "Then let's make sure we're not still here to greet them." Sunset said as she took a step toward the boat. "...why the hurry?" a hauntingly familiar voice chimed. "...stay a while and chat." as familiar as the voice was, there was something very unfamiliar in it. it carried a very cruel and ruthless tone. Sunset froze in her step. Slowly...very slowly, she turned around; her stomach had lurched up to her throat as she saw the newcomer at the far end of the dock. A very familiar face that had fallowed a vastly different path. Pinkie Pie?! No... it was the biker looking pink haired lookalike of her friend who had been fallowing them before. "Diane Blanchard..." Brick greeted coldly. "...Brick." she returned. She was wearing a black leather vest much like the ones worn by biker gang-members, black eye shadow adorned her icey blue eyes, her build was also a stark contrast from her friend as it was more akin to that of Lightning Dust, as she was quite robust. Tattoos of all manner of weapons from pistols and artillery to daggers and battle axes covered her well muscled arms; gothic looking gloves of black leather adorned with metal spikes covered her forearms. Heavy looking knee high boots, also littered with metal studs guarded her legs. Torn and tattered jeans finished her ensemble and made her look quite imposing indeed. "PICTO MAGIC!!! SPINNING CARNAGE!!!" Diane called, slapping an open palm to either shoulder. Her tattoos began to glow before she took a step back. She held out her arms and a large mass of light burst forth in front of her before taking the form of a Mini gun. Sunset went sheet white. "...oh God...". Brick stepped forward. "Get to the Abomination." he said; cold stoicism shrouding his features. "GO!!!" he roared as his own magic flared to life his body becoming encased in stone as the six barrels of Diane's weapon began to spin. As the chaos started, it did,'t take long for the whole town to get swept into the uproar. Sunset, Bula and Flynn hurried into the boat even as the tide began to froth. The gollums would be here any second. Sure enough, the first Gollums began break the water's surface as they lumbered ashore. A large wave crashed against the boat, bringing a gollum with it; clamped to the side of the vessel as it tried to climb in, it seemed to see Sunset and raised it's right arm, made of coral and a rusty anchor, ready to swing it down upon her. ................................................................................... Erigor the reaper entered the main chamber of the Blood diamond guild. Lady Bloodmoon sat upon the extravagant throne that Marik once used. "You wanted to see me?" he asked coldly. "Yes Erigor. I have a task for you." she said calmly. her voice still holding that same sultry tone that it always seemed to have. "You're going to the Heartfilia estate..." "...To kill who?" Erigor interrupted, cutting her off. "Oh, you are NOT to kill anyone...you are going there to secure a potential ally in one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom..." she said with a condescending laugh. Erigor glared at her. "I only do assassination missions." he said defiantly. Bloodmoon stood up. "...If you wish to live long enough to exact your vengeance upon Fairytail's Salamander..." she hissed before sinking into the floor. Erigor suddenly felt overwhelmed by a sudden surge of murderous intent from right behind him. "...then you'll do as you're told... or you will join Marik and his rejects in eternal anguish..." then he felt several sharp points at his neck. "...do you understand? those are your only choices now..." to his credit, Erigor smirked. "Heh... so that's how it is...?" he asked. the sharp points, it turned out were her crystaline blood claws, pressed a little harder, indicating that this was a correct assessment. "...Fine. I'll go..." he relented. "...So... Jude Heartfillia, then is it?" Bloodmoon's claws pulled away. "...Correct Erigor." she said. "You will pass along that his lost daughter is hiding among the Fairytail guild, then you will return here." her tone went even colder. "Get used to being on a leash, Erigor... If leaving yopu to your devices results in a failure as colossal as the events of the guild master conference, then you need to be controlled and trained to move with discreation instead of leaving a trail of corpses and destruction in your wake everywhere you go." She moved around for him to face her. "...Fail... and your defeat at the hands of Salamander will seem like a lavish vacation to what will await you..." Erigor shivered ever so slightly, but glared defiantly. "...Understood...?" "Yes." "Then get going, and send Lazaro in when you leave..." she barked. Saying nothing, Erigor bowed slightly before turning to leave. ............................................................................................. Time seemed to slow for Sunset as she threw a hand forward in panic. A blast of green telekinetic aura exploded from her palm, blasting the creature back several meters. It took Sunset a moment to realize that its other hand was still grasping the edge of the boat. "Look lively ladies!" Flynn called out as more Gollums continued to attack both them and those who remained on shore. "BAPHOMET RAM!!!" Bula called as a glowing green ram skull materialized over her hand as another gollum jumped up next to her. The green skull charged into the gollum; the impact shattering it completely. Krysta's voice asked over the comm urgently. after dispatching two more Gollums with Sunset, Bula could finally respond. "Team Crusafix is compromised!" she barked. "Blanchard ambushed us at the docks; Brick broke off to cover us!" They could both hear Krysta curse under her breath. <...Dammit! looks like Kota knew we were coming! Just get to the Abomination and take it out!!> "Great Pheonix Hand!!" Sunset called as she threw a flame engulfed fist at a gollum. at the apex of her punch, the flames exploded outward from her, taking the form of a pheonix and even uttered an eagle like cry before surging into its target. "Yeah, we're working on it!" She said exasperatedly on the comm. "We've got a bit of a swarm of gollums to deal with, and we're a man short!" The boat was rocking violently as more and more gollums shot up out of the water, making Sunset struggle with her footing and stumble back a few steps. the rolling waves grew bigger and bigger as the ocean became more and more violent. Like feral zombies, they reached up at them from the surf, clawing at the hull of the boat to get at its occupants. Flynn looked back at his two passengers. "Hang on ladies, I'm gonna punch it! we need to get to the Abomination, NOW!!" he called. Sunset and Bula faught off their newest attackers before acknowledged Flynn. "Do it!" Sunset called back. They grabbed on to the edges of the boat as it accellerated, smashing through gollums that were surfacing in front of them. "I'm going to need to drop you at the ship and return to the docks to back Brick up!" he called back at them again as the boat continued to speed up. Wave after wave; the boat powered through jumping off each wave and surfacing gollum. Crash after Crash; if this continued they wouldn't last much longer. A Gollum breached the surf right in front of them. "This guy again?!" Sunset moaned. It was the anchor armed gollum that attacked them earlier. In mid air before them, it was much too high up for Flynn to run over with the boat. A large glowing bone hand snatched the gollum out of the air. Sunset looked back to see Bula at the end of the skeletal arm connecting to a giant rib cage surrounding her like a small fortress. Bula glared dangerously at the gollum in her grasp. "...You're testing my patience!" she growled before tossing the living construct over her shoulder as if it weighed nothing. They were nearing the Abomination to the point that Sunset could count the number of teeth on the upper and lower jaw of the giant cyclops skull, and the number of bolts used to attach the skull to the body of the ship... twenty four... eleven massive bolts went up either side of the skull and one one either side fastening the bottom jaw to the skull. "Time to get to work!" Sunset called as her body was enveloped in a pale green glow and she levitated up the side of the ship. Bula observed Sunset for a moment before another large bone arm sprouted from the other side of her ethereal bone armor and she proceeded to climb up the side after her curious team mate. "Flynn!" she looked down at him. "...get back there and back Brick up! we have this under control!" Flynn gave a quick salute before turning his boat back to the docks and speeding away. "...God speed, ladies..." he said softly. He knew Bula's capabilities, but Sunset was still an unknown, so he still couldn't help but worry. ..............................................PHANTOM LORD GUILD HALL................................. A young woman in black and red walked through a crowded mess hall accompanied by another young woman wearing the formal dress of a maid of servant. "...don't let the rabble scare you... they're just rowdy..." the girl in black and red said casually. The other, a maid, merely looked around nervously as their every move was followed by wizards that looked more like bandits and criminals then law abiding citizens. "...are you sure we can count on these... degenerates? Miss Lucy is to be brought to us unharmed..." she asked. Bloodmoon smiled. "...your girl is being held by the top guild in the kingdom..." she insisted. "...whether she realizes it or not, Fairytail is far too dangerous for one of her stature; besides..." she trailed off. "...I have my own purposes for hiring Phantom Lord. They are also holding someone very dear to me as well, you see..." "...if you say so..." she eased. "...Besides, Master Jose is actually quite clever. He'll know the perfect wizard to send in order to collect her without total anarchy breaking out between them..." Bloodmoon declared. "...as you say..." They continued to make small talk as their guild continued to lead them up a winding staircase, and toward an ornate door at the end of a hallway. He knocked on the door. "Enter..." came a voice from the other side. the wizard opened the door and ushered them in before closing the door behind them. There he was. Guildmaster Jose of Phantom Lord; one of the ten wizard saints... He wore an elegant coat of navy blue with gold trim. The maid visibly eased at the sight of the dapper man before them. He was signing some manner of paperwork when they'd entered. He looked up. "...Ladies, what can I do for you?" he asked; a dapper charisma flowing through his words. The maid stepped forward. "Guildmaster Jose, I'm here on behalf of Sir Jude Heartfillia. you see, we wish to employ your guild for a very critical job." she said calmly. Jose quirked an eyebrow casually. "...and what could be so vital that one of the wealthiest men on the continent would wish bypass the job request procedure and speak with me directly?" he asked calmly. "The heiress of the Heartfillia family fortune is hiding amongst the fairytail guild, Master Jose, along with someone very dear to me." Bloodmoon answered. "We wish to individually hire the Phantom Lord guild to secure them directly because it would take months for anyone to pick it up, otherwise..." "...Indeed." the young maid nodded. "...as well, Master Jude will pay handsomely if his daughter is recovered as quickly as possible; payment will not be an issue." Jose grinned. "...No, I don't imagine it would..." he turned his gaze to the black and red clad woman. "...and you?" The young woman smiled. "...I own a silver mine, Master Jose. I am prepared to offer you one hundred pounds of silver as payment." Jose's grin grew ever wider. "Ladies, I believe that Phantom Lord can accommodate your wishes." he stated, his grin only fading slightly. "...My top wizards are out on jobs right now, but we will begin preparations once we have everyone together." "Excellent! shall I tell Master Jude to expect to hear of your success soon then?" the maid asked. "Please do! We look forward to reporting our success." Jose replied. "Splendid!" Bloodmoon declared. "The one I want you to find for me is named Trixie Lulamoon. She's my cousin you see, and our families want her to return so that we can sort out some private affairs." she said offhandedly, rather proud of her portrayal of the 'concerned relative'. Jose seemed to buy it at least, or perhaps he simply didn't care either way, and only wanted the money... He could prove quite useful if that were the case... ............................................................................................................ They were surrounded upon their arrival. The moment they vaulted over the rails on to the main deck. Sunset and Bula stood back to back as more and more pirates flooded the deck to surround them. "Shall we get to work, then?" Bula asked with a challenging tone. "...Who ever takes down the most pirates gets a free meal at the lagoon? loser covers the bill?" Sunset offered playfully, since assured by Flynn and Bula that Brick can hold his own and she wouldn't need to worry about him. "Sounds good to me." Bula accepted the wager, and so the chaos began. "PHANTASM BLASTER!!" Bula roared as two large ram-like skulls materialized in front of her; ghostly blue flames burning in the eyesockets as the jaw bones clattered open and a torrent of that same ghostly fire erupted forth from their open mouths. scores of pirates were caught in the blast. "ROLLING MIND WALL!!" Sunset called out, taking a vaulting step forward; eyes glowing emerald green, and threw her hands forward, resulting in a powerful telekinetic shockwave blasting the batallion of pirates off their feet. many were even sent flying overboard. "Now's our chance, GO! I'll cover you!" Bula barked. Sunset nodded and dashed for the cabin doors leading below, blasting a straggler with a fireball as she passed him by. then she heard the voice of Adena over the comm. Captain Craven said with a laugh. Adena spoke again. "Got it!" Sunset acknowledged as she continued down the stairs and into a hallway. Several doors lined the wall on either side. "...Uh...I'm gonna have to check room by room aren't I...?" Adena chirped over the comm, earning a less then pleased groan from Sunset. "...Great..." she mumbled. Sunset's fist engulfed in golden flames as she opened the closest door...and the next... ...and the next... ...and the one after that... Storage... Kitchen... ...Broom closet... "Oh COME ON!!!" "Hey, you!" an angry voice boomed from further down the hall. Sunset turned to see a pair of pirates. One drawing two magic revolvers, and the other summoning a magic sword. "Oh...goody..." she said coldly. "...You're comin with us, Girly!" the swordsman bellowed. "Yeah! If ya know what's good for ya, that is!" the other laughed. Sunset was getting angry. she stared at the two for a moment before advcing slowly towards them. "...two things, boys..." she said coldly. "One..." she took a step toward them; her other hand bursting into golden flames. "...You're going to tell me where the control lacrima for the gollum army is, and you will tell me NOW!..." she took another step closer, a golden aura of fire began to spread across her entire body. Even her hair began whipping up like an intense flame. "...and two..." her eyes were glowing. The two pirates were now quite frightened. Her golden aura was blinding. When it finally faded, it was as if the two pirates were facing someone completely different; in place of the rebellious teenager that had boarded their ship, was...an angel?! her leather jacket was replaced with white dress with golden accents and an elegant golden chest guard. A gold and red sun insignia belt buckle fastened a flowwing sash around her waist. Arm bands clasped around her upper arms bore the same symbol. White gloves covered her hands. and golden armored boots replaced the black leather boots she had worn. to top it all off, glowing etherial wings protruded from her back. Sunset glared at them. "...you're going to tell me where Captain Kota is!" she charged forward with speed well beyond their reflexes. they could only scream in terror... ........................................................................................................................ Next time! Chapter 13! Angel versus Abomination!
Angel versus AbominationAngel vs. Abomination! Sunset gripped the cowering man by the collar. "where is it?" she asked; one fist drawn back, and ready to punch. "...Stop resisting, and we will be merciful..." "Blow me, Bitch!!" he barked. Sunset sighed, her frustration vented, now she needed to stop toying with them... "Tell me, or I will simply tear this ship apart untill i find it..." The Pirate suddenly seemed to enbolden. "Hah! Joke's on you lady!" he barked. "The longer you waste time toolin' around with us, the longer the Captain has to demolish your little resistance fleet!" Sunset glared at the man. "Tear the ship apart it is, then..." she said coldly before slamming her flame infused fist into the man's face, sending him flying into the wall. Adena's voice chirped over the comm. "...sigh... I could use some help, it's like a maze down here..." she shot back warily. <...just keep going. We'll be down there helping in just a minute here...> Bula hissed in her gravelly voice. Sunset walked back into the frustrating hallway and charged down to another unopened door, blasting it down with a golden fireball. .......................................Ponyville Castle................................. Mist Whisper sat in silence; Twilight and her friends watched her with baited breath. Princess Celestia was also present. "...That is very high level magic..." she finally said, having heard in very intimate detail about the events that had transpired leading up to her vision... "This magic was originally designed to be one way... for the purpose of banishing dark entities that were too dangerous to keep in this plane..." "...Then why not just banish said darkness to Tartarus?" Applejack asked, a little confused. Mist Whisper regarded the earth pony for a moment. "...were it that simple." she said flatly. "...Tartarus is what we call a "demensional nexus". it's very existance bleeds an unstable magic that, in theory, one pony can use to open a gate way to another world..." "...You mean to say, that Starswirl the bearded..." Celestia cut in, "...drew upon this unstable power of Tartarus in order to banish the Sirens?" at this question, all eyes were on the foreign unicorn. "...Correct." she said. "...How he managed to master it to the degree that he was able to implant it into a mirror, however, is beyond me." she explained. "...he left no record of his exploits in my country that we have any knowledge of..." Twilight smiled hopefully. "We have that mirror here in this castle... would that help at all?" Mist whisper's eyes went wide. "You mean... you have that very mirror here?" she asked incredulously. "Yes!" she practically cheered. "...and I'm sure that if we combine your knowledge of warp gate magic and our knowledge of Starswirl's magics, then we could possibly reverse engineer the magic and figure out where our missing friends went!" The shrine mare smiled, but only for a moment. "...perhaps, but that's only half the problem..." she said as she stood back up and her horn began to glow. "...I'm going to show all of you something, and I want you to tell me what you think you see..." much like when Princess Luna used her magic to project her memories before, the room around them seemed to shimmer and warp. replaced with a seemingly endless expanse of what looked like the night sky... "It looks like the sky at night time..." Fluttershy observed. "Yes..." Mist whisper nodded. "...Now, imagine that each and every one of those "stars" is in fact, another universe just like this one but with minute differences." "It's own plain of existance?!" Twilight asked, her mouth agape. "...you mean... Haycart's 'Many worlds theory' is real?!" "...More real then Haycart himself ever would have guessed." the voice of Discord cut through the illusion as he seemed to insert himself into it. the chaos lord regarded the new mare with a smile. "...Excellent analogy, by the way... allow me to just make a teensy little update to your little map..." Rainbow dash, remembering their last talk with him glared at the draconeques. "...If you knew all of that, then why didn't you say anything before?!" she demanded. Discord arched an eyebrow at the pegasus. "...I'm getting to that..." he said, his smile dissappearing, and demeanor changing completely to an air of all business and no nonsense. He clapped his paw and talons together and pulled them apart slowly. As he did so, their view seemed to zoom in to a small cluster of 'stars'. "I've been searching nonstop for three days now, and i've only managed to cover these areas." he said, snapping his talons and several of these stars began to blink red. "Just those?!" Rainbow gawked. "...but...but-" Discord continued, cutter her off. he snapped his talons once more several of them began blinking blue. "...These worlds are all quite similar to ours, but each with their own little twist, Others have VERY different...well...diferences." he snapped again, and another group of them turned purple. "These ones are like the world beyond the mirror that Twilight and Sunset went to; again each one having its own differences." He zoomed in again to another star that hadn't been highlighted yet. this one begain shimmering in a rainbow of different colors. "...We are here." he explained. "...really take this in, now. they could have been shunted into any one of these Tens of thousands of MILLIONs of different universes." Discord went silent to allow the ponies in the room to process what he had just explained. Twilight felt her heart sink a little. "Are you serious?" she asked. Discord looked down at her sadly. "...and that's asuming that they all went to the same place. they very well could have been separated and scattered throughout the multiverse." Mist Whisper nodded. "indeed... the magic that this 'warp gate' magic is based on, was never studied to the degree that one could track where the subject was shunted." she continued. "It was intended to be used on terrible evils that were shunted away to some other universe dictated by random chance; How Starswirl or even Haycart managed as well as they did is baffling." Applejack nodded in understanding. "So what ye'r sayin' is, this magic was made to be some kind of interdimensional garbage disposal?" she asked, earning a nod from the foreign unicorn. "meant to be one way, so they never really put any thought into how to track where the problem goes once it's booted?" "Correct." Mist Whisper nodded. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room. Discord stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Unfortunatly, all we can do right now is keep searching; I think i have found a trail to follow, but that could still take quite some time..." "...well, it's something at least..." Twilight said uneasily. "...keep us posted, will you?" Discord smiled and gave a dramatic nod. "That, I can do; Good hunting ladies!" he declaired before vanishing with a flash and a pop. Applejack scratched the back of her head awkwardly. "Uh... back to the grind stone then, I guess?" Affirmations from everypony in the room set all of them back to work. ...............................................Coral Bay: The Abomination............................... -Fwoosh!!!- -Booom!!! another fireball, another door blasted down. Sunset glared through the newly opened door to see two new people. One seemed to be Captain Kota; a large man who's appearance fit into the stereotypical pirate cliche's with a few modern touches. A scragly beard, tattered long coat, what seemed like a steam-punk style peg leg... he even had a black eyepatch. in his hands were some nasty looking weapons as well, in one, a large curved sword; in the other, what looked like some kind of ramshakle four barrel shotgun... definitely a nasty customer. The second seemed much more unassuming. a young man, about her age, with messy dark hair. he two, had a long coat, but seemed almost stately or elegant. Bergundy with shiny golden trim, like a much newer version of Captain Craven's. Apart from that, nothing really all that remarkable about him appearance wise, but he was clearly the one controlling the gollums. the wizard smuggly looked over to the pirate. "...it seems your crew isn't as tough as you made them-" "Finish that sentence and I'll carve out your tongue and feed it to the sharks, boy!" Kota growled. "Face the facts, Captain. Even with the game rigged in your favor, with all the road blocks you've paid off the authorities to set up, they're going to tear you down; Drogar's gollum control lacrima has already been taken offline!" what? Sunset's eyes went wide. "Did you say 'payed off'?" Sunset barked, making the aged pirate to glare dangerously at the young man next to him. The young wizard stared defiantly back at the pirate as he backed away from him, placing himself equal distance between Kota and Sunset. "Oh, yes... a royal navy fleet Commander and a Rune knight Commander if memory serves; of course there are others, I'm sure." he said smuggly. then his face brightened as if remembering something important. "Oh, yes! there's also a member of the magic counsil. Not sure who, though..." --BEEEP!!!-- One of the lights on the control lacrima console flashed red and turned off, making Kota spin on his heel and look before turning a cruel smile to the yet unnamed wizard. "...Well, Looks like your lovely little lady Captain hasn't fared too well either, Hahahaha!" he taunted with a cackle. "Too bad, Little Cedric!" The wizard, named Cedric, apparently, snapped his gaze to the machine. and dashed towards it in a panic. "No nononononon-!" --CRACK!!!-- Kota slammed the hand guard of his oversized Cutlass into the side of Cedric's head as he ran passed, making him stumble forward and crumble to the floor; out cold. "...You've both outlived your usefullness to me..." he said coldly before turning back to Sunset. "...and YOU have proven to be quite a thorn in my side in a remarkably short time..." Sunset smirked. "Yeah, it's a particular talent I've picked up; throwing proverbial wrenches in the plans of people like you." A humorless smile took over the captain's face. "Is that a fact?" he asked, getting a nod from the girl. Kota nodded himself with a thoughtful expression. "Well, I suppose we'll just have to break you of that habit won't we?" His dark smile returned. "There are three ways that this can play out..." Kota leaned back into the lacrima console and jabbed his sword into the floorboards at his feet. "...One..." he began. "...is you accept a generous litle gift to turn a blind eye to what's going on here, and be on your way..." Sunset rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that one won't happen..." she shot back. The pirate merely shrugged in response. "Two... ya know missy..." he said casually. "I could always use a wizard as powerful as you in my crew..." 'is this guy serious?!' Sunset thought incredulously. "...I can see by the look on yer face that that one won't be flyin either..." he said, as though they were old friends talking about what they did last weekend; Sunset shook her head once more. "That leaves option number three, then..." he said, his cold smile never leaving his face. "...To put it simply young Missy... I kill you for the trouble you've caused me." That's when a voice crackled in Sunset's ear. the Bonbon lookalike announced with a thick accent. "That explains why it apparently went down so easily..." Sunset muttered. Kota's smile dissappeared. "what?" she confirmed. "yup; just found him. Kota clocked him in the head." Sunset looked back up at the pirate. "Sounds like the Grey Lady decided to throw their part of your plan, captain; they clearly had no intention of ever really helping you!" The pirate leveled his shotgun at her and fired. "GUN MAGIC: OGRE SPRAY!!!" --BOOOOM!!!-- the firey yellow spray of magic blasted her off her feet, sending her flying against the wall behind her. --CRACK!!!-- The impact put an indented hole in the wall before she reverted back to her original form and clattered to the floor in agony. None of the shots broke the skin or drew blood as far as she could tell, but if she had ever been shot with a bean bag gun or rubber bullets, she'd imagine that this is what it would feel like... The impact left her completely winded. Then came the numbness; her entire body hurt, but her torso especially. Sunset struggled up to her knees and found that the front of her shirt was shredded over her stomach, revealing some nasty bruises. Fighting through this combination of numbness and barely contained agony, she reached up to the damadged wall and grabbed on to the indented wood with her free hand while the othe held her bruised stomach tenderly, and tried to haul herself back to her feet. Kota had a cruel smile on his face again. "Looks like yer somethin of a glass cannon, Missy." he taunted. "Go to hell!!" Sunset choked out. Kota chuckled as he slowly advanced towards her. "You first." he said coldly. he clipped his gun to his belt and hefted his large sword. "Ye have a name, Missy?" Sunset was still hacking and wheezing to regain her breath. "...My name..." -cough!- -cough!- "...Is Sunset...Shimmer..." She glared up at him disdainfully. "...Of the Fairytail guild..." she righted her stance a little more as she slowly regained her stamina. "...I don't- urk!" she winced from the pain throbbing pain all over her body. "...I don't know why you're doing all this, and I don't care, but it ends today!" "Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!" the pirate cackled with demented glee. "After all you've done, you find yourself broken and battered after a single shot. My crew is still fighting your little friends and the rest of my fleet is still fighting!" his grin almost inhumanly wide, even for a man as large as him. "Prey tell, my dear; Where is my disadvantage?!" When Sunset couldn't answer imediately, Kota charged forward, blade in hand, ready to bring down he final strike. Sunset raised her hand and tried to summon her golden flames, but her coughing and wheezing made them fizzle out harmlessly. 'No! it can't end like this!' she shut her eyes and braced for the hit to come... ...but it didn't. "What?!" Kota's voice boomed throught the dark of her shut eyes. slowly she opened them. "...Your disadvantage..." the voice of Bula came, not from the comm piece in her ear, but from right next to her. "...is that slowly and surely, we are outperforming and outnumbering you and your forces..." she said, her tone cold and flat. that baalful glare never leaving her face. Sunset could see the fiery glow of her eyes even passed the green aura of her skeletal spirit arm that she'd used to stop the blade dead in its tracks. Sunset was gobsmacked. When had Bula caught up to her? How- it didn't matter! they needed a new plan! "Bula!" Sunset blurtted out in surprise. "What, did he suckerpunch you?" the goth like girl asked, the tiniest hint of a smirk tugging at her features. "...Get your head back in the game, it's not over yet." Kota Grinned. "Right you are little lady! Maybelle, bring our guests to the top deck!" as if the whole thing had been planned, the newcomer had joined the fray; phasing through the wall behind them, delivering a swift punch to Bula's face before grabbing her hand and then diving for Sunset, grabbing her by the throat with her free hand, and phasing back through the wall. before they could even process what had happened, Bula was launched up in the air above the deck and landed hard with a thud. Sunset however, could finally get a look at their new attacker. A girl about her age held he in a chokehold. her clothes looked like prisoners rags, heavy shackles were clamped aound her wrists, ankles and neck with long rattling chains dangling from each one. her long messy grey hair draped over the right side of her face, but that which was visible was further obscured by a stained and dirty blindfold covering her eyes, and a gag in her mouth. she uttered an unnatural hiss that sounded more like the anguished gasp of a wraith or shade... like she was suffocating... Author's Note Holy Shnykies that took way too long! sorry for the long wait guys, I don't get nearly as much time to do any writing as i'd hoped, but I'll keep going, because the writers black has been overcome and the creative wheels are finally turning again! in the next chapter, we'll see the exciting conclusion of my Coral Bay arc as Kota reveals his ultimate goal and brings his strongest crewmen out to play! Sunset and the Pirates are battered and can't keep up their attack for much longer, but wait! A small team of Rune Knights Join the fray; are they friend or foe? and Sunset gets an unexpected and very powerful gift from Adena! Next time! Rising Pheonix! Broken Bonds restored!
Outcasts Unite!The Great and powerful Fairy Tail Chapter 1: Outcasts unite! Equestria; a place of plenty. A place without war, famine, and suffering...yeah right... Trixie glared out the window of her makeshift treehouse. ...Okay, it wasn't really a treehouse. it was originally a tent she'd pitched up that had blown up in to the tree by a powerful wind storm...yeah... needless to say it didn't make for a good night's sleep when one could hear the gusts of wind approaching like a locomotive running at full speed every 45 seconds...and don't even ask about how it felt when those gusts actually hit... she knew the truth was to the contrairy. It may be free of war, but not conflict; and certainly not suffering, not if her own wasn't even to be counted. She sighed dejectedly. "...looks like its back to the rock farm..." then she shook her head. No... she wasn't going to be a burden on them by going to them again so soon after the first time...but... Her memory went back to the events of her return to Ponyville, when the Alicorn amulet possessed her and made her enslave the entire town. she was locked inside her mind, helpless to do anything as she watched through her own eyes as that corruption made her do those terrible things. certainly, she was hardly an angel like Twilight Sparkle and her cabal of friends...but to enslave an entire town? she had no love for the place, but she never intended for any of that to happen. ...and then there was the dreams... horrible dreams that would turn into nightmares as twisted demonic parodies of the Ponyville citizens would back her into a corner...her magic not working at all... and start tossing her about like a ragdoll, laugh and taunting "Look at her! the 'Meek and Powerless Trixie! Hahahahaha!!!" and other such things... until Twilight would appear. "Stop!" she would call out, causing the others to clear a path for her and her friends. "Oh, thank goodness, somepony with a heart!" Trixie would plead, only for that hope to be dashed as the puple unicorn and her friends would warp into similar abominations as the rest of them. "...Oh, I wouldn't say that...I still have to get you back for all the trouble you caused..." Her eyes become pools of black with shining red lights within. Her face contorts into a psychotic grin lined with sharp jagged teeth. Her alicorn wings warp into satanic bat wings, dripping with blood... "What?! but you said you forgave me!" Trixie pleads. "Ha! Forgive you?! That's a laugh!" she taunts. "...No...I want you to suffer..." The demonic Twilight Sparkle's horn simmers with a noxious black aura. "...Suffer like the weakling you are..." a wave of black magic blasts her back. Trixie stumbles back to her hooves as The demonic ponies slowly advance on her. Suddenly, she feels a strange urge driving her to look down. The familiar sight of the alicorn amulet greets her. "What?!" "Go ahead..." the demonic Twilight said, that cruel grin never leaving her face. "...use it." the cursed amulet seemed to clasp itself around her neck. "You know you could never match me without it; as patheticly weak as you are!" "No! I'm never using it again!" Trixie would always protest. Then would come a new voice. A deep growling voice that seemed to come from within the amulet itself. "Awww...but don't you remember how much fun we had?" it would taunt. "...All those wretched ponies cowering in fear of you...do you mean to tell me that it didn't exhilerate you to have them bowing before you instead of looking down on you as the scum of the universe?" Trixie couldn't deny that she hated being looked down upon for so long. it was because of this that "The Great and Powerful Trixie" came to be in the first place. "Like you weren't even worth a second glance? All you ever wanted was to dazzle them and make them happy with your special talents..." Tears were welling in her eyes as the scenario continues to play through her mind. "...And yet..." The alicorn amulet flares to life and she now becomes a spectator as she watches herself become enveloped with its dark red glow. A shock wave bursts forward, Reducing the demonic twilight and her gang of twisted monsters to smouldering charcoal... leaving only she...and her other self; now also twisted and corrupted. Her twisted reflection turned its menacing gaze to her. "...THOSE WRETCHED INGRATES FORSAKE YOU!! JUST LIKE YOUR PARENTS DID!!!" As always, this would mark the end of her nightmares as she would wake up drenched in a cold sweat. Today was no exception. She hadn't had a decent night's sleep since these nightmares began a couple weeks ago. She inched her way out to the entrance of her tent, which still hung dangling from its wooden prison, and looked down to the ground. she judged it to be about ten feet down. "...Okay... time to regain my barings..." she said more to herself then anyone else. -----------------------------------Canterlot Castle: Unknown chamber----------------------- Deep within the halls of Canterlot Castle, there was a room used to store all manner of Magical artifacts. Princess Celestia often visited this room in order to check on one particular object. A large mirror; its frame shaped like a horseshoe, and its sleek surface seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow. This mirror, it was discovered, was a gateway into a strange foreign world in which magic doesn't exist and was inhabited by strange creatures called humans... The reason that the princess would visit this artifact was an old student of hers. There was a unicorn named Sunset Shimmer. this young pony had been her student before Twilight Sparkle, and even in her absence in that other world, had come to be Twilight's equal in almost every way. either one could rival her own power one day... According to Twilight, however, Sunset had come to see the errors of her ways and now works to redeem herself. Twilight assured her that she would be proud of how much Sunset had matured in such a short time. Two months had passed since that day, and Equestria was still recovering from the damage caused by the demonic centaur Tirek. Coincidentally, the three day window in which the gateway was open had begun. She'd been staring at the mirror for a little over an hour by this point, for even now, she prayed for Sunset's well-being. A crestfallen sigh escapes her as she turns and begins to exit the chamber. The crackling discharge of magic from the mirror makes the alicorn spin back around. her wide-eyed visage of temporary shock was replaced by a gentle smile as a familiar unicorn mare stumbled through the rippling surface of the mirror. tears of joy began welling in her eyes as she approached her old student. "Welcome back, Sunset Shimmer..." she said; her voice shaking ever so slightly. The young unicorn looked up, a mix of surprise and fear on her face. "...P-princess?!" She stood slowly, her gaze fixed on the ground in front of her hooves. "...I...I'm-" The Princess cut her off by lifting her chin upward to make her look back up into her eyes. "...Shhh..." she cooed softly. "There is no need to say anything..." she then pulled Sunset into motherly embrace. "...all this time... I've waited for you all this time, praying that you'd return..." Sunset was in tears. "I...I'm sorry!" she sobbed. "...I...I just-" "Shhhh. I forgave you a long time ago..." The princess whispered. The two spent the better part of three hours talking and catching up on the state of things. Sunset was shocked when she heard about the events that transpired with Tirek; how he very nearly conquered all of Equestria in a few short days... and Princess Twilight and her friends unlocking some long dormant power from the tree of harmony in order to defeat him and send him back to Tartarus where he'd been imprisoned since before the reign of herself and Princess Luna; It had in fact been the legendary Starswirl the bearded who had banished him the first time. Then came the reign of King Sombra of the Crystal Empire; who coincidentally also very nearly conquered the nation in a very short time... not with raw power as Tirek did, but with cunning tactics and ruthless tenacity. the dark unicorn was forever marked as a brilliant and terrifying tactician after his reign came to an end. She was equally shocked to discover that the lavender unicorn now possessed her own castle, which apparently looked like a giant crystalline tree house. The Fiery maned unicorn couldn't even comprehend that 'The' Discord, the spirit king of chaos himself, played a major role in Twilight's victory. "I can't believe I've missed so much..." Sunset said with a sigh. "Indeed..." a new voice said. The two looked to see Pirncess Luna standing in the doorway. "You have missed a great deal, Sunset Shimmer. Welcome back to Equestria." The dark princess regarded Sunset with a gentle smile, having heard of her reform from Twilight as well as having been standing in the door for a good while listening to their conversation, waiting to see how long it would taking them to notice her presence. The princess of the night then joined the conversation and told of the adventures...and misadventures... of the various ponies that she'd helped and gotten to know since her return from banishment. ...................In the sky somewhere between Cloudsdale and Ponyville.............. A young pegasus mare stared gloomily over the edge of the sky chariot as the moving pegasai pulled it along. Her golden-yellow mane flared behind her as they flew away from Cloudsdale, her original home town; and heading towards the small town of Ponyville. Some agricultural community about a couple hours away from Canterlot by train. Lightning Dust didn't mind, ever since what happened at the wonderbolt academy with Rainbow Dash, she appreciated every opportunity she got to be alone with her thoughts. As she looked out over the fields, they transitioned to a forest of intricately placed trees. Apple trees. Ah, the famous 'Sweet Apple Acres' that she'd heard so much about. She was going to be staying with her cousin, Ditzy. Celestia bless that mare, but she was so accident prone, that it wasn't even funny...anymore. She looked forward to see something that made her do a double take. A big crystalline castle glimmered in the sunlight for all to see. It was truly a spectacle to behold. "...No way..." "First time seeing Princess Twilight's Castle?" one of the two pegusai pulling the carriage asked. She couldn't answer with words, only a bewildered nod. "When did THAT happen?!" she asked in amazement. "Heh... right after the Tirek crisis." was the response. Lightning Dust grinned. "I totally have to see it up close!" she declared. it had been a while sinse she felt excited about something, she couldn't help but think back to that moment at the Wonder Bolt Academy... ..................................................Flash Back........................................... "It isn't just about pushing yourself! It's about pushing yourself in the right direction!" Spitfire admonished. she ripped the golden badge off her training uniform and pointed towards the main complex. "...My office...ten minutes..." She had begun to realize how idiotic she'd been. with a defeated sigh, she turned towards the academy. she looked back at Rainbow dash and her friends said one thing. "...I'm sorry..." ....................................................End Flash Back.............................................. She didn't really care to remember what fallowed as it consisted of her having to prepare a formal apology to all the other cadets and Rainbow Dash and her friends who got caught in her tornado. On top of that she had to explain to her father, a former Wonderbolt himself, why she was sent home early. Needless to say, that wasn't her finest hour. Labeled a disgrace by her father and all her cloudsdale peers, she really had no choice but to find somewhere else to start over. As she looked back to the glimmering castle, however, her smile returned. "well...here's to a fresh start..." she said softly to herself. Little did she realize, that living in the same town as the only relative aside from her mother who didn't outright blacklist her, was the one mare that she'd wronged the most. Rainbow Dash... ..........................Meanwhile...approaching Ponyville from another direction................. Trixie grumbled in agitation, cursing her existence for the twelvth time that afternoon when she found herself coming up towards Ponyville. "...It's like fate wants me to end up lynched..." she said bitterly. the jaded unicorn continued down the path until she saw something new. "Oh! Nope, it just wants to continue rubbing the eternal success of "Princess Twilight" in my face untill I lynch myself..." she said with a humorless laugh. The reason for her statement being a certain crystal castle shimmering proudly in the sunlight... "Really? she has her own CASTLE NOW?!" How did this happen? when did this happen...? why...? A familiar voice hissed in the back of her head. <...Reclaim it... Claim her beautiful castle as your own... reduce it to rubble...It doesn't matter to me...> "Well, it does matter to me..." she hissed back after quickly checking to ensure nopony could hear her. "...If I ever see your stupid amulet again-" it taunted, cuting her off mid-sentence. <...But by all means, try...either way, you'll have to aquire the amulet to do so...> Trixie glared as though she would kill the tree before her with her gaze. <...You look angry...do you wish to strike at me? inflict pain on me?> She grit her teeth. "...Don't tempt me..." she growled. "You'll get what you deserve...I only hope i'm the one to do it..." Trixie hated when, whatever sort of demon this was, taunted her like this. she could only tune him out for so long... She was actually mulling over the idea of asking Twilight Sparkle for help with this 'problem' she only hoped that she wasn't walking into her demise. <...Heheheheh... as I said, go ahead and try. No mere pony denies Blood Dust his prey for long...> he said smugly, finally giving his name. Blood Dust, huh...? She continued walking into Ponyville; The wheels of her small wagon squeaking as she went, trying to avoid the stares she was getting. she looked around herself. Ponyville, like the 'Chaos Crisis' as it had been called, was the epicentre of the Tirek Crisis; and it showed. about half the town had been leveled during the final confrontation, she'd heard. The ponies were putting on braver faces, but the aftermath of the battle was everywhere. Everywhere Trixe looked, what she saw was blast craters, injured ponies and crumbled builings being rebuilt... "...All this destruction..." she muttered to herself. The blue coated mare thought back to her experience of the Tirek Crisis. She'd been at Rainbow Falls at the time... .......................................Flashback.............................................................. She trotted up the road from the train station along with a whole crowd of ponies who all looked like they'd packed up everything they owned. she turned to the stallion next to her. "going on a long trip?" she inquired, just trying to make small talk. The earth pony looked at her incredulously. "Have you not heard what's going on?" Trixie blushed. "ahem...well, uh... I've been traveling alot, lately..." she defended awkwardly. "haven't really stayed in one place long enough to get a sense for current affairs..." The stallion chuckled humorlessly. "Heh, smart idea... listen though, You steer clear of Canterlot now, y'hear?" Trixie tilted her head inquisitively. "Why, what's going on?" The Stallion's expression went dark. "...The city's turned into a warzone..." he said grimmly. She blinked... She blinked again...... "What?!" "...A hoof-full of us decided to get the buck outta dodge...pack up and leave before "It" found us...but it looks like we ain't the only ones who had that idea..." he continued. Trixie was now feeling very afraid. "Before...what found you?" she asked nervosly, voicing her thoughts. Another pony joined the conversation. A pegasus mare with a pale yellow coat with azure mane and tail, and silver rimmed glasses over aquamarine eyes. "It was a centaur! some demonic centaur with the power to suck out every ounce of a unicorn's magic, and even a pegasus' ability to fly!" Trixie gasped. "Such magic exists?! that's terrifying!" The pegasus nodded and pushed up her glasses before continuing. "My brother is in the royal skygaurd, and he says that this thing escaped from Tartarus after being locked up there since the days of old Starswirl the bearded..." Another voice rang out. "Yes! two Thousand nine hundred and forty seven years to be precise!" gasps and shreiks of terror drowned out almost everything else as the owner of the voice revealed himself in all his terrifying glory. His massive red form towering over the tallest pony... it had to be "Him" ...whoever he was... A centaur who looked like he could take on a dragon and not only win, but barely break a sweat doing so. It was total anarchy after that as the giant centaur magically lifted ponies into the air by the dozen and sucked some kind of energy out of them; leaving them looking almost like corpses. Their cutiemarks disappeared and their eyes became murky and grey, as though they were blind. They then dropped lifelessly to the ground like ragdolls. The monster then turned his eyes to her...- --THUD!!--...and end flashback... She stumbled back as whatever it was that she walked into jerked her back to reality. "Ah! Sorry, I wasn't paying attention-" She babbled in panic. Before her was a familiar pink maned pegasus. "...Oh, um... It's okay..." she said quietly with a small smile. what was her name again...? Trixie looked at her to see that she had apparently stepped in the way because there was a line of ducklings crossing the road. the pegasus shuffled her hooves awkwardly. "...Um... S-sorry for jumping in your way like that, but...um... you were going to walk right into these little duckies if I hadn't..." "Oh, uh...sorry." Trixie said awkwardly. Another uncomfortable silence fell over the two. "Um..." she began. "...I'm sorry, what was your name again?" "Oh, it's Fluttershy" she said with a timid smile returning to her face. Right! that's what it was... It was Trixie's turn to shuffle awkwardly. "Right. Fluttershy...um do you know where i can find...P...p-princess Twilight?" Fluttershy frowned. "You aren't here to cause Twilight more trouble, ARE YOU?" 'Oh crap! they still remember the amaulet incident...' "NO! I'm here because..." Trixie trailed off. They still hated her here...not that she could blame them. 'I knew it was pointless to come looking for help...' The unicorn's distress did not escape Fluttershy's notice, for she seemed to grow more distraught by the minute. "...Um...are you alright?" Trixie finally broke down. "NO I'M NOT!!!" her sudden outburst causing Fluttershy to jump back with a yelp. "It's that STUPID AMULET!! there's something in it. Some kind of demon or something, I dunno. I've been hearing some messed up voice in my head ever since I took that STUPID...CURSED THING OFF AND THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT STOP IS TO DESTROY IT OR THE DEMON...!" She had to stop and take a breath when she realized that entire rant was all in one breath. "I'm here because I have to destroy that cursed thing...but I can't do it alone." Tears were pouring from her eyes now. "...I need help..." she sobbed. Fluttershy couldn't believe what she was hearing and seeing. Straight from first greeting, she could tell that the mare had changed. Gone was the arrogant demeanor and iredeamable braggart. in her place was somepony broken and desperate. somepony at the end of their rope and barely hanging on. Now here she was. crying her eyes out, begging for help. she pulled Trixie into a gentle hug. "Shhhhhhh...there there, please don't cry." she said softly. "I promise, I'll take you straight to Twilight okay?" Trixie pulled away to look the pegasus mare in the eye. "-sniff- really?" Fluttershy nodded. "Come on, let's go see her now." she paused. "...well, that is...unless you'd rather wait til later..." Trixie wiped the tears from her face and smiled. "N-no...now would be great..." And so the two were about to set off for the crystal castle when some angered shout drew their attention elsewhere. Lightning Dust had finally arrived in Ponyville and was familiarizing herself with the town. as she'd learned and seen, barely half the town was still standing after Tirek was defeated. so it came at a heavy price. Her cousin Ditzy was walking next to her, helping her carry her luggage home. "Thanks again for letting me stay with you for a while, Ditzy. I really appreciate it." she said. Her cousin laughed. "Oh, it's no trouble, Dusty!" she said cheerfully. " A lot of ponies are out of a home after what happened. I've been helping all over the place with anypony who needs it. There's another pony staying with me too, so ya might have to share a room..." A roomie, huh? "I guess that's okay." Lightning Dust said nonchalantly. "Beggars can't be choosers, right?" "What are YOU doing here?!" a familiar voice demanded angrily. Lightning Dust sighed warily before turning to see the owner of the voice, glaring disdainfully at her. "Rainbow Dash..." she greeted calmly. The rainbow maned mare got right up in Lightning Dust's face. "You didn't answer my question!" Rainbow Dash barked. Ditzy Doo, better known as "Derpy" by the locals and a few family members, forced herself between the other two. "Dashie, Stop it!" "Get outta the way, Derpy!-" Lightning Dust's eye twitched. she hated it when ponies insulted her family, no matter who it was. "Don't call her that!" she snapped. "Her name is Ditzy Do, not "Derpy"!" The cross eyed pegasus looked at her cousin in worry. "Dusty, that's not helping!" she begged, tears in her eyes now. Rainbow dash glared at Lightning dust again. "Go hug a cactus, Lightning Dust!" "Everypony, please...settle down!" Rainbow Dash turned to see Fluttershy and- "Trixie! what are YOU doing here?!" Trixie returned Rainbow Dash's glare. "I'm here to destroy the alicorn amulet." she replied coldly. "...and I don't require your permission for that." Rainbow stared at the azure mare. "Hah! As if you could pull that off on your own!" She laughed. Trixie merely arched an eyebrow. "I have no such delusions of overcoming a demon that even Starswirl the bearded could not best..." she stated flatly. "I may be known for telling tall tales for the sake of entertaining a crowd, but I don't lie about things that can lead to a potential crisis..." Now it was Rainbow dash's turn to gawk. Lightning dust and Derpy shared a nervous look. "What kind of monster are we talkin' here?" Lightning dust asked. Trixie sighed. "I don't know, but he calls himself 'Blood Dust'" She confessed. "...and all he wants is to bring destruction everywhere he goes." "SHUT UP, BLOOD DUST!!!" Trixie blurted out angrily glaring at an empty space. Rainbow Dash blinked at the display. "Do I even want to know?" Trixie's eye twitched. "...Not much for paying attention when somepony explains something to you, huh?" she asked snidely. Rainbow Dash glared in response. She was about to make some manner of comeback when she was cut off by the sudden arrival of the newly minted 'Princess Of Friendship'. "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy! We have a problem, a HUGE PROBLEM!!" Twilight Sparkle shreiked in absolute panic. "Yeah, you bet we do, Twilight. Trixie is back and she's spouting crazy-talk as usual!" Rainbow snarked. Twilight blinked in surprise. "wait...what?..." she fumbled her words as she turned to see that Trixie was indeed in their midst once again. "Tirxie? what are you-" "I'm here because the Alicorn Amulete has an evil being inside it and I intend to see it destroyed." Trixie droned exasperately. Twilight's eyes were pinpricks. "Oh, good! add that to the list of disasters today." she said with an obviously fake smile. "Uh oh..." Rainbow Dash muttered. Lightning Dust gave Rainbow a worried look. "...what?" Rainbow sighed. "That look." she explained. " That's her 'total meltdown freak-out' look. " her face took on a bemused smirk. "I wonder if the princess is coming to call..." Twilight jerked to look at Rainbow Dash. "That's exactly IT!!" Trixie and Lightning looked at each other in confusion. "Okay...and that warrants a mental breakdown...why?" Trixie asked. Twilight's head snapped at Trixie, causing her to flinch. "Why...WHY?! It's Princess Celestia AND Princess Luna! Coming HERE! TODAY!! I havent even alphabetized the castle library yet...Ive organized and re-organized it three times now, and it's still a MESS!!" Trixie drooped; a flat unimpressed look adorning her muzzle. "...Why do I get the feeling she's the only one who sees that as a problem?" Trixie asked flatly. "Because she is..." Rainbow said with the same tone. "...But why would they both be coming here?" Lightning Dust asked, unable to hide her confusion. "Last I checked, today isn't a holiday or anything; so what's the deal?" "The Princess likes to discuss important issues with us in person...though she usually calls us to Canterlot for that. Maybe she's just stopping by to say hello...?" Fluttershy informed. Trixie smiled. "well that's good, I'm finally starting to get some good luck..." she said with a sigh of releif, completly missing the twitch in Twilight's eye. "...I can bring my concern directly to Celestia and Luna's attention and be sure that something will be done, and I can finally move on with my life." she declared with renewed resolve. Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Oh, drop the act! We all know that you have some idiotic self gratifying scheme going; all the while stroking your ego." she accused. Trixie bristled at the comment. "I'm getting tired of your attitude!" she growled. "Get used to it..." Lightning Dust droned flatly. "Rainbow Dash likes to hold a grudge." Rainbow nickered with a snarl. "I DO NOT!!" "You clearly do..." Trixie interrupted. Flutter Shy tried to break up the argument. "...um...actually, she-" "Ya know what both of you can do?" Rainbow Dash hissed; her glare darting back and forth between Trixie and Lightning Dust. "...It involves Everfree forest, Poison Joke. and a pissed off Manticore!" "...Um...Rainbow Dash...?" Flutter shy tried to interject once more. "You want me to teach you a lesson?!" Trixie Challenged "I have a nice little collection of spells now; I didn't need the amulete to take you down a peg before; I definitely don't need it now!" "QUIET!!" The Voice of Twilight Sparkle boomed, enhanced by the ever famous "Royal Canterlot Voice" spell. "YOU ARE GOING TO STOP FIGHTING...NOW!!!" Everypony stood huddled together cowering at the sudden outburst. The Princess herself stood smiling brightly. "Good; now that I have your attention..." she began, and her expression once again turned to one of panic. "...THE PRINCESSES ARE COMING!! THE PRINCESSES ARE COMING!!" .................................................................................................................................. Sunset Shimmer was accompanying the royal sisters to Ponyville to informTwilight and her friends of her return. Beside her, Princess Celestia beamed happily while Luna seemed deep in thought. "Is something wrong, Princess Luna?" The firey maned unicorn asked. her question seemed to snap the younger alicorn back to reality. "What? ...forgive me; my mind was elsewhere" Celestia gave her sister a questioning gaze. This was odd for her, as the Princess of night was always so focused on the task at hoof. "Is something wrong Luna, You seem distracted?" The Night Princess sighed. "A strange occurance has been frequenting the dreamscape these past weeks, Sister..." She said warily. "An entity other then I, who actively influences dreams." Both the Sun Princess and her former student looked at Luna in surprise. "What?" Celestia was floored. "When did this start?" "To my knowledge, two weeks ago. I was going to bring this to your attention earlier had Sunset Shimmer not so abruptly returned." Luna's tone became serious. "I had waited for two reasons." she began. "One: It is isolated. there is only one event every couple nights; this makes the culprit difficult to track." she turned to more fully face the other occupants of the sky chariot. "...and Two: after investigation I have determined that it is the same victim every night...very odd..." '...and troubling that whoever this is has the power to lock me out of their victim's dreams whilest they work...' she finished silently. Sunset fidgeted uneasily in her seat. "Has that ever happened before?" she asked, drawing Luna's attention. "To my Knowledge, Not since Nightmare Moon; though when that happened it was mass Nightmare syndrome and hysteria. This is a single pony, as I stated before." Was Luna's answer. Celestia sighed. "I suppose this means it won't be the social call I was hoping for..." she said, suddenly feeling rather exhausted...and annoyed that her hopes for a relatively good day were dashed so suddenly. Celestia was about to comment further when she was cut off by the sound of a familiar voice amplified by a certain vocal spell... "QUIET!! YOU ARE GOING TO STOP FIGHTING...NOW!!!" All three passengers in the royal chariot blinked at the sudden out burst that they could hear quite clearly from the air and looked out their windows. Sunset couldn't help but chuckle as she saw Twilight down on the ground waving her hooves comedically and gesturing up at them. before her were the familiar pony counterparts of her new friends from the mirror...well... Rainbow Dash and Flutter Shy anyway; oh, there's Apple Jack coming in from the town below. presumably seeing what all the fuss is about. There were also three others. two she only somewhat recognized from their human counterparts. One was the obnixious drama queen, Trixie, the other was the ever bubbly and cheerful...'Derpy' she was certain everyone called her. the third was a complete unknown. A seafoam green pegasus with a blond mane and tail. "What's going on down there?" was all she could say. Celestia cleared her throat. "Please bring us down!" she called. the pegusai did as requested and slowly descended to the ground, bringing the ruckus on the ground to quiet whispers as Sunset and the Princesses exited. Many Ponies stopped what they were doing and bowed in respect. Celestia raised a hoof to calm the murmmering. "Greetings my subjects. It is wonderful to see that repairs are going so smoothly." she gave them all a warming smile. "More aid will be coming from canterlot in a few short days. The builders are gathering resources as I speak." her words braught an air of reassurance to the crowd and they began to dispurse. "...You need only wait until then." Celestia then turned to Twilight. "Princess Twilight..." she greeted warmly. "...Princess Celestia..." Twilight returned the greeting with a bow. "...Is there really more relief workers coming?" Celestia nodded. "Indeed there is. Now shall we go inside? As you can see I've brought an 'old friend' of ours with me." she said nodding towards Sunset. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Apple Jack instantly recognized the mare. Twilight spoke first. "Uh...Hi Sunset..." she greeted awkwardly. "...when did you come back to Equestria?" Sunset shrugged. "Just earlier today, actually..." she said trailing off slightly when Celestia spoke next. "Shall we go inside, Twilight?" she inquired, a slight urgency in her tone. "...There is another matter that I needed to discuss with you..." Twilight, catching the hint braught everypony into the crystal castle where they could speak in private. "Of course, Princess. There was actually something I wanted to speak to you about as well..." Lightning Dust, Trixie, Sunset shimmer and everyone else filed into the throne room. Lightning looked up around the castle. "...So this is what it looks like in here..." she said in wonder. "Awesome digs..." Trixie and Sunset were also unable to hide how impressed they both were. Though Trixie couldn't help but disolve to a somber air of resentment. "...sigh... Beats the hell out of my measly one pony tent..." she mumbeled, finally shedding all the extra stuff she was carrying before dropping to a sitting position. Sunset and Lightning turned their attention to her. "What is all that?" Sunset asked. her question earned a discruntled grunt from the blue unicorn. "...Everything I own in the world..." She grudgingly said. "...Being a Pariah and outcast doesn't make for a comfortable lifestyle..." Sunset Shimmer looked at the pony-Trixie and smiled. "Yeah, I know what that's like..." the amber mare offered. "...I've made some stupid mistakes and spent a good while paying for it..." Trixie looked at the other unicorn thoughtfully for a moment. "So, what did you do?" she asked, earning a sigh from Sunset. "...I stole Princess Twilight's crown... and used it to turn into a deranged demon and attempted to brainwash an army to conqure equestria; then Twilight stopped me..." She summarized. deciding to only give the 'short version' instead of going into great detail. Trixie Nodded. "That's pretty solid..." she admitted. "I squandered my entire stage career with a few white lies that fate decided to call me out on..." Sunset and Lightning exchanged curious looks before returning their attention to Trixie to see a humorless smile upon her face. "-Sigh-... It just had to be an Ursa..." she droned. "...Why couldn't it be a Manticore? I could handle a Manticore, but an Ursa?..." Lightning looked at Sunset with a wry smirk. "...Uh oh, I know that look... here comes the ranting..." she whispered, getting a giggle from Sunset. Trixie however, was completely oblivious to their brief exchange; and continued her story. "...It all started when I found my way to Ponyville for the first time. I set up the stage and did my magic show, bragging about having defeated an imaginary Ursa Major..." "Yeah... any sane pony would consider such a thing suicide..." Sunset said bluntly... Lightning nodded, getting an ide as to where the story was going. "...Let me guess; while you're still in town after your show... lo and behold, the real thing appears and you were powerless to stop it...?" the pegasus surmised. Trixie nodded "...It gets better..." she said with a humorless smile. "...to add insult to injury, Twilight sparkle walks in...actually LIFTS the blasted thing and levitates it back to the everfree forest!" the blue unicorn utters a tired, wary sigh. "After all that the only pony who had lost anything was me. I lost my respect, I lost my career, and I lost everything I owned in my stage wagon when it was crushed under its foot." Lightning gave trixie a reassuring pat on the back. "Yeah..." she said awkwardly. "...That seriously sucks..." Trixie regarded Lightning for a moment before continuing with a much quieter and somber tone. "...It seems stories of my failure spread through equestria like a wildfire as everywhere I went, My new wagon was vandalized. Egged, grafittied and other such things. I was ridiculed and chased out of towns all over the place like my very presence is a curse of ill fortune... ponies...threw garbage at me..." tears were welling in her eyes now. Sunset and lightning looked at eachother, both sensing that Tirxie's story was only going to get worse. "...I was at an all-time low. I had become obsessed with the idea that it was all Twilight Sparkle's falt that my life had been tossed under the wagon. So i wanted to get something that would get me above her level and bring my career back; and all I did was kill it for good..." "...The amulet you mentioned before?" Lightning Dust asked having connected the dots. Trixie nodded, and with a sigh, she continued. "It reacted to the negative emotions in my heart; greed... petulence... dishonesty...everything about myself that I've come to despise, and it turned me into a monster that enslaved a town! It made me do so many horrible things!!" she was crying now. Lightning and Sunset took seats on either side of the crying mare. "Hey," Sunset said softly. " it's okay; you're among friends now..." Trixie looked up from her hooves; her tears still blurring her vision as she looked at Sunset. She sniffled and wiped her tears away. "-sniff- ...f-friends...?" Lightning grinned. "Yeah, we're in the same boat here." she said with a nod, before taking a softer tone and expression. "...us outcasts need to stick together, right?" Trixie wiped her nose with a hoof and smiled. "Huh, here I am pouring myself out and I haven't even introduced myself yet... Trixie Lulamoon; formerly "The Great and Powerful Trixie". nice to meet you." she said with an awkward smile. "Sunset Shimmer, former student of Princess Celestia." Sunset greeted. "Lightning Dust, Fastest and most reckless flyer in all Equestria." The pegasus said a little sheepishly. "I let my recklessnes total the wonderbolt training ground. Blacklisted by the wonderbolts and pretty much everypony else I know except my mom in Cloudsdale and My cousin here in Ponyville" Lightning Dust looked back at Trixie. "So...how did that whole amulet thing get worked out?" Trixie looked back down to her hooves and said "Twilight and her friends duped me into taking it off with a show of smoke and mirrors that trumped any performance I ever could have given... and the amulet was sealed away in the everfree forest." Their touching moment was interupted by the voice of Twilight Sparkle. "It helps when you have a lot of extra hooves helping out behind the scenes..." the lavender Alicorn said, drawing their attention. "...I believe they're called 'Roadies' in the entertainment business, right?" Trixie nodded. "Yes. I was actually trying to put together enough bits to hire a couple roadies when I first came to Ponyville..." she admitted. Twilight gave a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry it didn't work out for you..." Trixie shook her head and sighed. "...I'll bounce back some how...I always do..." Twilight nodded. "In any case, please join us in the throne room." she said before regarding Sunset and Lightning. "All of you." The three out cast ponies nodded and followed the new princess to the aforementioned throne room to see Celestia, Luna and all of Twilight's friends around a crystalline table that looked like a map. Luna acknowledged their entry. "Welcome; please join us." she said with a gracious nod. "Trixie Lulamoon, I understand you are the one who has been suffering the chronic nightmares; I apologize that I have not been able to do anything about them until now." Trixie looked up at the princess anxiously. "...why not...?" she asked "...Aren't you supposed to be all powerful in the dream realm or something?" Luna shook her head. "No being is 'all powerful' young pony." she corrected. "Though I do hold great power there, My sister and I are hardly the deities that many seem to think we are. We have limits and weaknesses like anypony else." she finished with a gentle smile. "Now tell me. You intend to destroy the alicorn amulet; how?" Trixie slumped. "I...I don't know... I was hoping Twilight... or either of you-" she gestured to the royal sisters. "-would have some idea." she looked down at her hooves. "I know I don't have any right to ask any of you for help after the troubles I've caused, but I just don't know who else to turn to..." Sunset puts a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. "Do not fret, Trixie." Celestia said with warm motherly tone. "You will not be alone in this." "Totally! I told ya before, we got your back, Trix." Lightning declared. she then adressed Twilight. "How did you guys find out about this amulet before?" The little dragon Spike answered. "Oh, we found a book about all sorts of ancient magical artifacts in the library when Trixie took over the town. there was a whole chapter about it." he chirped, unaware of the looks now falling upon Trixie. Sunset tilted her head. "Did the book not say anything about how to destroy it?" Spike blinked. "Uhh..." he looked between the others. "...I...I don't remember..." Applejack scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. "We were kinda in a panic at the time..." Rarity's ears drooped. "I don't recall anything other then the wearer being the only one able to remove it..." There was a pregnant pause that went on for several minutes before Lightning raised a hoof awkwardly. "...Uh...I have a suggestion..." she suddenly felt some stage fright as all eyes in the room suddenly fell upon her instead of Trixie. "...Yes?" Twilight asked encouragingly. "...Well...its got powerfull dark magic in it right?" everypony nodded. "...then maybe we could blast it with an opposing energy to...I don't know..." Lightning hated being put on the spot during situations as tense as this... "...purify it maybe; like nuetralizing a magnet...?" The royal sisters glanced at each other knowingly as Twilight seemed to catch on. "...And since it doesn't HAVE a wearer, it won't be able to stop us! Excellent thinking!" Twilight declared triumphantly. "Rainbowdash, Go get the amulet from Zecora!" The rainbow maned pegasus gave a quick salute before bolting from the room, leaving her signature rainbow contrail behind her. "What's the plan, then?" Sunset asked. Before Twilight could answer, a disembodied voice spoke, seeming to come from all directions at once. "Ohohahahaha! This is going to be good!" it laughed. Fluttershy smiled brightly. "Oh, Discord! It's good to see you!" She said as the owner of the voice appeared levitating above them, bring a smile to Celestia's face as well. "Indeed, Discord; as it happens, the timing of your arrival is quite fortuitous." Luna greeted. The draconiquus turned to the Princesses. "Oh, yes indeed, Lulu..." he said with a grin at Luna's slightly annoyed look. "...It's been well over a thousand years since we've had any trouble with Blood Dust..." he intoned, emphasizing the name. Luna's eyes went wide. "...Blood...Dust...?" Celestia gave her sister a questioning look. "...Luna, who is this Blood Dust? I've never heard that name before...?" Luna's face darkened. "Blood Dust was King Sombra's mentor during his fall from grace..." she slowly turned to face everypony else in the room, one by one. "...The original lord of nightmares..." Twilight and her friends were now confused. "...The 'original'...?" Luna put a hoof down on the crystal map table. "Nightmare Moon was not the first to delight in tormenting ponies with nightmares and other horrific illusions." she clarified. "Before Nightmare Moon was King Sombra, but before him was a dark lord known as Blood Dust. Even King Sombra himself dared not defy him. In fact the truth behind Sombra's cruelty was that he planned to eliminate Blood Dust by weaponizing the crystal heart." everypony in the room gasped. "...He simply ran out of time when Celestia and I assaulted his castle all those years ago." Celestia was bewildered. "Luna... how do you know this?" Luna looked back at her sister. "Think back sister..." she said sadly. "when we fought him, he took you by surprise and I had to battle him alone." her horn began to glow a gentle blue as everything around them seemed to warp to something different... Instead of her own throne room Twilight looked around to see that of the palace in the Crystal empire. King Sombra sat on the throne. Next to him, what looked like a small model was set up. A knowing smile spread across his face as he looked up at a stained glass window in time for the royal sisters to blast though, almost as if he were expecting them... Author's Note Authors Note: Well, that's the first Chapter. Constructive critisism is welcomed. Also... the program I'm using, Microsoft WordPad doesn't have a spellcheck/grammer check function for some reason. Anyways read and review please!
The True Face Of Lullaby: Part 3: Deadly ScereavoThe true face of Lullaby: Deadly scereavo Trixie was awakened by the scent of the night air, and something warm next to her. Her eyes slowly fluttered open and she turned to see the unconscious form of Erigor slumped next to her. she went stark still at the sight of him. Her eyes darted around to take in her surroundings. she was inside the magic mobile again, and it was getting dark out. "how long was I out?" she asked herself quietly. She didn't actually expect an answer, but she definitely would have appreciated one... Slowly, she sat upright; careful not to wake Erigor, and inched her way out of the car as slowly and quietly as possible. The door left open; Trixie tiptoed about four paces before- "...Going somewhere...?" she heard the familiar voice of lazaro ask behind her. Trixie spun on her heel to face him, and there he was, sitting atop the magic mobile. Her staff rested against his shoulder. "You!" she gasped. "...me..." he said calmly. Trixie's eyes narrowed at him. "...what do you want with me?" she demanded. "Have you forgotten already?" he asked. "I am to collect you and bring you to Lady Bloodmoon...she has plans for you..." a vicious smile in his tone. "...and who is this 'Lady Bloodmoon'?" Trixie asked. Lazaro nonchalantly slid off the top of the car. "...My employer..." he stated. "...She's given Master Marik ownership of a silver mine as payment for our continued services..." he looked up at her. "...One of which being-" he jabbed a finger into her chest. "-acquiring you." "Why?" she asked. Her question seemed to catch Lazaro off guard. "...Don't know, don't care..." he said said simply. "All I know is that she has big plans for you..." He turned to look down at the extravagant building a small ways off. "...right about now...Lady Bloodmoon is enacting the ritual to release the demon Lullaby upon the Guildmasters' Conference and the rest Clover." Trixie "...none of you will get away with this...Fairy Tail will stop you!" Lazaro broke into laughter. "Oh, how cliche!" he bellowed. He turned back to Trixie. "Hahahah! That's certainly holding true so far!" he laughed. "Let's see how long that luck keeps up!" That's when an ominous purple light bled out not far from the building. A horrendous roar thundered across the valley that made Trixie cover her ears. "Aaahhh!! what is that!?" Lazaro however seemed quite pleased. "Ohoh!" he declared before slowly turning back to Trixie in a menacing fashion. "...looks like your luck has just run out." A massive beast that looked like some horrific living tree had erupted from the purple light and stood towering above even the large conference hall. Its face seemed permanently contorted into a demented grin, and all three of its eyes shone like nekomata fire magic. Trixie gulped as she observed the creature. the very sight of the abomination sent a shiver up her spine. "Th...That's Lullaby?!" she shrieked. "...yes..." Lazaro answered malevolently. Trixie was shaking. she used to think that the Ursa was the most terrifying thing she would ever see...Oh, how wrong she had been. This horrific beast...she had no words for it. It looked like some nightmarish parody of an Ent or a Dryad... her body was screaming at her to run... every preservation instinct she had was screaming at her... ...but she didn't... growing inside her was something that was becoming stronger by the minute...fury. Her gaze lowered to the ground, obscured by her long silver bangs. "You monster..." Lazaro grinned cruelly under his mask. "...do you intend to do something about that?" he asked, as if wanting her to fight him. Trixie was shaking with fury. "...You..." she growled. "...YOOOUUUUU!!!!..." she charged at him and threw a punch. Lazaro effortlessly caught the punch. "...Just give up." he said with a bored tone. Trixie cried out in pain as Lazaro twisted her arm behind her. "...You're completely at my mercy." he said coldly. Trixie tried a wild swing with her free arm; Lazaro caught that one too...just as Trixie had hoped... Trixie opened her hand slightly, revealing a small object. "Eat this, ass hole!" she declared just before the small object exploded in a blinding flash. "Grrrrrraaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!" Lazaro howled in rage as he thrashed on the ground; his hands clawing at the eye holes on his mask. "You little BITCH!!" he roared, not that Trixie was paying attention, as she rolled frantically down the hill towards the conference hall. several feet down the hill, she finally managed to stumble back to her feet and ran the rest of the way down. Unknown to Trixie, however, she had an observer; a woman garbed in black and red... "ALL OF YOUR SOULS ARE MINE FOR THE TAKING!!" the demon roared. Many of the guild masters were running and screaming frantically in a panicked gong show. It didn't take Trixie long to finally track down Master Makarov and the others. Natsu was the first one to see her coming. "Hey, there's Trixie!" he declared, pointing at her. "What the hell is that thing?!" was the most articulate reply she could come up with at the moment. That's when she became aware of the presence of a few others. a man with a strange wizard's hat like her own, except it was black witha a spiked red band. he wore dark sunglasses... 'why are you where sunglasses at night...?' a cynical thought chimed in the back of her mind. "...It's a demon of Zeref." he said grimly. 'Zeref...?' she knew that name before... "Natsu and Gray! Get everyone to a safe place!" Erza commanded. "Stop barking orders!" Natsu cried indignantly. "Yeah, you're not the boss of us!" Gray rang in. Erza gave them an intense glare. "Just DO IT!!!" she growled. "Aye!" they both chorused as they ran off. The demon looked off to the side. "...YOU DOUBT MY POWER?! THEN I'LL PROVE IT TO YOU!!!" it bellowed as it gathered magic energy in its mouth and fired it at a mountain in the distance, completely obliterating it. The resulting explosion was a bright flash and a blast wave that knocked Trixie off her feet. How far away was that mountain...and yet... the sound thundered in her ears... the flash it made was blinding, and the blast wave was like standing in a hurricane. Finally the blast subsided, revealing that the mountain was indeed gone; reduced to a deep crater, Trixie would wager. "I HAVE NO NEED FOR THOSE WITHOUT MAGIC WITHIN THEM!!" It roared. "I PREFERE THE TASTE OF WIZARDS' SOULS, AND I WILL DEVOUR ALL OF YOURS!!!" "Oh yeah?!" Natsu challenged. "Bring it on, big guy!" "Good Luck!" a group of bystanders cheered from several meters away as they tried to take cover. Trixie gave them all an unamused look. "...yeah...don't help us out or anything..." The demon Lullaby reared its head upward. A massive spell circle appeared at its mouth and it gave a thunderous roar; a deafening blast that left everyone grasping at their ears to keep from instantly going deaf. Many of the guildmasters screamed and panicked, but Makarov merely grinned. Erza readied her twin swords. "Ready?" she asked. "Oh yeah!" Natsu and Gray both cheered before the three of them charged forward. Trixie however was frozen in place. staring in terror at the massive abomination before them. "HEAVEN'S WHEEL!! DANCE, MY SWORDS!!!" Erza called, the Heaven's wheel armor taking shape around her, and charged forward, a host of floating swords at either side of her. It didn't escape Trixie's notice when the beast recoiled in pain at he attacks. The ground at Gray's feet seemed to snap-freeze in a matter of seconds. "ICE MAKE LANCE!!" he called, launching a barrage of icy spear- like projectiles at it. Again, the demon howled in agony. Trixie couldn't believe what she was seeing. They could actually hurt this thing? A smile formed on her face. Natsu flew forward; propelled by his own flames. "FIRE DRAGON: IRON FIST!!!" he roared. Blasting through the night sky like a rocket, he hit the demon square in the jaw, sending it stumbling back even further. Trixie conjured her star-shaped hover-board; the "Levistar" as she affectionately called it, and took off to join the fray. Her comrades' success bolstering her confidence, she mustered he magical strength. "STARFALL BARRAGE: DOUBLE GATLING!!" she called as a violet spell circle illuminated each hand and a rapid-fire stream of star shaped energy blasts exploded against the demon's chest. Trixie observed with satisfaction as wooden shrapnel would splinter off with each hit. Volley after volley...blast after blast... Erza, Natsu, Trixie and Gray hit the demon about three times each before a blast wave exploded outward from it. "YOU'RE MAKING ME ANGRY!!!" it roared, swatting at them, to no avail. The demon opened its mouth wide and seemed to devour the massive spell circle that was above it. Trixie backed off a little to assess the situation. "...well, that can't be good..." she muttered as she looked down to see that all manner of vegetation in the area seemed to instantly die out...hell, she could feel what ever it was doing sapping her own energy as well; she wondered if the others could feel it as well... "JUST ONE NOTE AND YOUR SOULS WILL BE MINE!!!" the demon bellowed triumphantly. It inhaled deeply and unleashed its deadly song... ...at least, one could be certain that's what the demon intended; all that really happened was it opened its mouth and uttered the sound of a poorly played flute...a poorly played, broken flute... Trixie blinked a couple times. "well...that was underwhelming..." The demon was shocked. its face warped into a mixture of disbelief and indignant fury. "I DON'T UNDERSTAND!! WHY CAN'T I PLAY MY MELODY OF DEATH?!" "It must be all those attacks!" Goldmine, the Guildmaster of Quatro Cerberus deduced. "They punched so many holes in that thing that it totally messed up its sound!" Lucy declared. The demon suddenly drooped as it realized this itself... "...All that build up for that? talk about going out with a whimper..." Up on the hill Lazaro observed the same thing and slapped his palm to his forehead. "...Erigor...you fucking moron..." Lazaro growled. "...why my superiors want you in on their plans is beyond me..." Lazaro felt a cold shiver run up his spine. "...Seems for all that boasting, the mighty Lullaby is made of balsa wood rather then oak..." a sultry voice mused behind him. "Lady Bloodmoon, I-" Lazaro began but was cut off. "...don't fret, Lazaro...I would have been amazed if that idiot's plan actually had worked..." the masked woman said calmly...too calmly. "...You knew this would happen...?" Lazaro guessed. "I did." was her simple reply. "I'm pleased you still carry that seal I gave you Lazaro...It has allowed me to monitor your progress...and hers." "why do you want her so badly, anyway?" Lazaro ventured to ask. "All you have yet told us is that she is valuable to you, but why is she so valuable?" He glared at her. "...And why waste MY time getting me involved with this if you knew it was going to fail?!" Bloodmoon wagged a finger at him tauntingly. "Groundwork, sweetie... if you want your plan to go smoothly, then you must first lay down the groundwork..." she elaborated at Lazaro's apparent confusion. "Eisenwald is all but gone. defectors have destroyed their guild hall and rescued their prisoners. They now move to find honorable work with legitimate guilds. This mission was to determine whether or not there were any wizards in Eisenwald worthy of being brought into my plans..." she explained. "...Bring Erigor back to Blood Diamond; I will explain everything in greater detail to you both, and a few others, once he has awakened..." "...as you wish..." Lazaro hissed. "YOU DARE MOCK ME!!??" the demon roared before stomping on the ground like a child throwing a tantrum. Everyone on the ground could feel the earth shake with every impact. "I WILL KILL YOU ALL!!!" it declared; fiery red lights burned in its three eye sockets. "Now he's REALLY MAD!!" one man said as many of them ran in panic. "Stay together!" Trixie called to them as she rocketed toward them. She and Gray both stood in front of them. "I hope you know defensive spells..." Trixie said giving the young man a sideways glance. "Of course!" Gray shot back. "Here it comes!" Lucy shrieked. "ICE MAKE: SHIELD!!!" Gray called out as a large wall of ice shot up from the ground in front of them. "STARLIGHT WALL!!!" Trixie called, summoning a multitude of glowing star-shaped masses of energy connected by glowing lines forming a golden glowing grid; stars even etching themselves on to Gray's ice shield. The double shield spell worked perfectly against the demon's flames as barely a lick of flames got passed it. Gray noticed this and gave Trixie a surprised look. "You reinforced my ice shield?" he asked. Trixie was feeling drained. "...I've seen...a lot of different kinds of magic...and I've dipped a little into all of them..." "RRRAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHHH!!!" the demon bellowed furiously as its flames seemed a waste of energy. Its fury only growing when it saw Natsu devour them; sucking them up like a vacuum cleaner. "Hahah! Now I've got a fire in my belly!" Natsu chimed triumphantly. "YOU'RE NOT HUMAN!! YOU'RE A MONSTER!!!" The beast fumed as it threw a punch at Natsu, which he easily dodged. That look on the demon's face... was that...fear? "You don't get to say that!" Natsu shot back, sprinting up the behemoth's arm. "REQUIP!!" Erza called, the Black Wing armor replacing the previous suit she wore. "ICE MAKE: SAUCER!!!" Gray called, this time creating a spinning buzz-saw blade that shot toward the demon, slicing into its body. Trixie held out her left hand in front of her. she had one heavy hitter left in her...she'd make it count... and archs of energy that looked like she had once again taken pieces of the night sky now extended from her wrist, one going up, the other, down; resembling a long bow. she brought her right hand to meet her left, but only for a moment, as she drew it back, forming what looked like a spear made of the northern lights... "The flames of my right hand!" Natsu declared, his right hand bursting into an intense flame. "...and the flames of my left" Now his left hand was engulfed. "...put the two together and this is what you get!" He brought his hands together creating a large fireball above his head. "FIRE DRAGON:BRILLIANT FLAME!!!" He threw the fireball at the demon with all he had. Trixie smiled. Her intent all along was to time her last attack with Natsu's, and he didn't disappoint. "ORION'S ARROW!!!" she called, and released her spell, launching at the demon. Trixie's smile widened as it had the desired effect as it shot through Natsu's flames, drawing them to follow its path. Their combined attack exploded through the demon's chest, a blast of bizarrely beautiful rainbow colored flame erupted from its back before it engulfed the demon's abdomen and began spewing out of its mouth and eye sockets, as well as all of the holes that their attacks and made in its body. The demon frantically clawed at its face as it howled in agony before its head exploded in a rain of blazing splinters; it was already half disintegrated by the time it hit the ground... Trixie was panting as she dropped to her knees. "...we...did it..." she finally said. "That you did...well done, my children..." Makarov said approvingly. "That was quite the finale, Trixie. you mix your magic with others' well." he commented "Yeah, that was so cool!" Natsu cheered. "Oh, yes, that was amazing!" a new voice chimed in. "You kids made defeating that demon look easy." another said nonchalantly. Trixie looked toward the sources of these new voices. "...thanks..." she said as she took in the two new people. She then gave Makarov an inquisitive look. "Ah. gentlemen, this is Trixie Lulamoon, one of the new recruits I told you about." Makarov introduced while Trixie gave a friendly nod. "Trixie, this is Guildmaster Bob of the Blue Pegasus guild." he said gesturing to the large flamboyant man dressed in pink. "It's delightful to finally meet you!" the man said cheerfully as he held out a hand, which Trixie took. "Nice to meet you too." Trixie replied. "...and this is Goldmine; Guildmaster of the Quatro Cerberus guild." Makarov said, indicating a tall middle aged man wearing a wizard's hat much like her own except black with a red band. "It's a pleasure." Trixie greeted. She shook his hand as well. "The pleasure is mine." Goldmine said. "Well...I'm not sure what was going on with all that, but I think it's obvious that we all owe a round of thanks to the Fairy Tail guild." "Ya think so?" another man said uneasily. "...well...even so..." the man trailed off, drawing everyone's attention to the large crater where the conference hall...used to be... "THEY WENT OVERBOARD!!" many of them shouted simultaneously. "Woah, woah, woah...that's all on Blood Diamond and Eisenwald!" Trixie interjected. "Would you have preferred if we DIDN'T chase these guys all the way from Magnolia just to save your ingrate asses?!" she fumed. "And now you have the gall to turn around and hold US responsible for THEIR destruction?!" It had been quite some time since she'd felt this indignant. "Well, why don't you go and jump down into Clover Canyon if ya feel so strongly about it?!" By the end of her rant, Trixie was panting heavily; a nasty snarl on her face and the guildmasters who had set her off were staring shell shocked at her. Apparently, they have never had the appallingly large holes in their logic pointed out to them before... "...please explain this to us..." one of them finally said. Trixie scoffed. "Hell with that noise!" she snarked. she spun on her heel and began walking away. "...Erza, this was your mission, you tell them; I've had enough of twits for one day!" Erza was taken aback by Trixie's outburst, but proceeded to explain everything from her hearing the conversation at the pub all the way through to Natsu's defeat of Erigor and Lazaro's last second surprise... They were assured that the new information would be taken into account, but Fairy Tail would be hearing from the magic counsil about it some time soon. "Hey, Trixie!" Trixie looked up to see Lucy coming up to her. "what's up?" Trixie greeted. "I was wondering how you did all that?" Lucy asked. "...combining your spells with Natsu and Gray's, I mean..." "I tinker with magic." Trixie said simply. "if a spell doesn't work the way I want it to, then I keep tweaking it til it does; even if it's just to boost someone else's spell." she explained. "Just about all my spells could probably seamlessly combine with someone else's magic...I've always had a particular talent with that, ever since I was little." Trixie scrathed her head sheepishly. "Natsu probably would have finished off the demon without my help with his raw power...I just wanted to get one last hit in..." ..................................Back at the Fairy Tail Guild hall............................ Sunset Shimmer stood in front of the request board, marveling at how varied the magic jobs were... "Maybe I'll take the cursed cane job...?" she mused. "Going on your first job, huh?" the large man, Elfman inquired. "Yeah, though i can't decide which one I'll pick yet...I'm thinking I'll probably go for either the cursed cane or the Pirate fort..." she said offhandedly. Trixie had gone off with Erza and her teammates earlier that day, Lightning Dust had resolved to get to know the other guild members by asking to tag along with them on their jobs. She's gone with a small group who called themselves "Shadowgear", Luna was helping Mirajane around the Guild hall as a sort of older sister for the whole guild; anyone who had an issue or just had something to get off their chest, they all seemed to take to her quite quickly. To Luna's credit, she was very good at it, it seemed... Sunset covered her eyes with one hand, and jabbed at the board with the other..."...did I hit one?" Elfman laughed. "Yup!" Sunset looked where her hand had landed to see the Pirate Fortress job. "Oh, cool!" She looked over at the bar. "Mirajane, I'm taking the Pirate fort job!" "Ok! that's good to hear, good luck!" she said while bringing out a serving tray. Sunset was eager to try out a couple new tricks that Macao taught her about how to use her fire magic with more efficiency. a peculiar difference between their magic was that Sunset's flames were bright orange and yellow, but would often flicker noxious black... she would have to do some research on that later... but for now, she had some Pirates to slap around. she went back to the apartment that she shared with Trixie, Lightning, and Luna, and prepared for her trip to Hargeon port... Author's Note Holy S#!T!! that's the end of the Eisenwald arch! ...and so Bloodmoon intends to bring Erigor and Lazaro into her plans, and the plot thickens! And, now we're going to see Sunset go on her first solo job! We'll see if I cant work in one or two more counterparts in the following adventure, eh?
