If Gabbriel Redfox knew anything about the world she lived in, it was the fact that life loved to throw a curve ball when you needed it the least. 

So much has happened from the time Gabbriel and Gajeel lost to Natsu, absolutely on the ego inflated high that they were superior,  to the time where the four Dragon Slayers of her new home fought a metal dragon, together. 

To think, it hasn't even been a full year yet.

The Iron Twins really did put themselves through a lot. 

The only thing that Gabbriel could feel right now, was the pain Hughie had subjected her to. It was much different from last time, too. 

Last time, Gabbriel had a bond with her twin brother. She could feel Gajeel push reassurance through their bond, love, strength and energy. Even if he wasn't even doing anything, Gabbey felt like Gajeel was really by her side. His presence in her mind was like a trick she used to make a phantom of him standing next to her. 

But now, she didn't even get the feeling of him worrying for her. As much as it hurt, knowing she destroyed the only thing the twins relied on since Metalcana left, she didn't regret. 

Because even though he never told her, Gabbey knew when the pain became too much for her own body, her tight grip on her bond loosened and Gajeel felt everything she felt. 

So, no, Gabbriel was not too upset when she subconsciously reached out for her brother, only to feel nothing but darkness. Alone, but not upset. 

Gabbriel also had another person in the same position as her, just hanging across the room from her almost three years ago. They did everything to keep the numbness away. They retold stories, shared wishes and secrets, and even planned out a future the two of them would live out. Together. 

But, the red-eyed woman hung alone in the dank room, having been there for hours now. Her mind was running on its end, doing everything it could just to keep the woman sane. Because the last thing it needed was for Gabbriel to go insane. 

But wasn't she already insane?

Gabbriel thought that she could take down Serpents by herself. That she could solve this problem without the help from her guild. If it wasn't for the shocking revel of her assassin, Gabbriel was sure she could have made it at least to the castle. 

Gabbey rolled her shoulders, hissing in slight pain as the wound on her back pulled. She felt the warm blood drip down her shoulder blades and down her back, staining a trail on its way. She couldn't see it, but she no doubt knew there were words carved into her back.

Hughie's idea. 

As if she heard her name, the said older woman swung the still creaking door open. "Hello!" She purred. "Wondering what kind of words people will be saying behind your back?"

   "Has it already been an hour?" Gabbey replied, eyes sticking to the ground. 

   "More less," Hughie drawled. "The sun is just now starting to rise." When Gabbey made no retort, she huffed childishly. "You use to be fun to torture, now it's just a bore! You won't even say something sarcastic! Or look at me!"

  "Wonder why," Gabbey muttered with an eye roll, a soft breath escaping her mouth. Hughie snarled, a dagger appearing in her hand within seconds. 

   "I guess I'll just have to reteach you some manners then, won't I?"

🌹🌹🌹

The sun disappeared and reappeared, with the Fairy tail members hiking through the forest with minimal problems. Which was more worrying then running into things. 

The forest itself was quiet. Once they passed a certain point, there was no sound besides the grass crunching beneath them. 

The group didn't realize how close they were to the city until Lil suddenly stopped. "We're on the outer edge of the city." She announced. 

The fairies looked up, drinking in the sight of the ruined city. The rubble of buildings and random holes in the street, broken street lights and overgrown plants. The castle loomed in the distance, a harsh outline against the sky of azure. 

   "What's the plan?" Levy asked. 

   "We're suppose to make a plan?" Natsu blinked owlishly. "I thought we were just going to bust right in!"

   "Usually I wouldn't mind that approach," Erza started calmly. "But, seeing as this is a dark guild, with someone of ours in their clutches, we'll have to be a bit stealthy."

   "Like how?"

There was a pause, which Gajeel found just a tiny bit irritating, before Gray spoke up. "What if we got as close as we could to the castle, without getting caught, and see if we can find a different way in."

   "Maybe we can find out where their keeping Gabbriel as well," Lucy hoped. 

   "Lets just get moving," Gajeel grunted harshly. "The more time we wait, the more time they could be completing their plan."

   "I'll go a little farther in with you, then I'll make a small camp." Lil softly spoke. "Just in case. . ."

Without another word, no one wanting to finish the sentence that trailed off, the fairies were on the move. They did their best to keep quiet, but Lucy couldn't help but let out a squeal of fear as a small group of rats ran past. 

   "Why did everyone just leave this place like it was?!" Lucy whispered harshly. 

   "Because they were too busy running for their lives." Daella remarked in monotone, but her words sent shivers down some spines. Because she was right, they were running for their lives. 

They were running from Gabbriel in her grief-wrecked state.

🌹🌹🌹

Her body burned, as if the devil himself was raising hell fire inside her. 

That was the first thought that crossed Gabbriel's mind as she forced herself out of the sleeping darkness that took over. She really doesn't remember what happened, just Hughie deciding to - 

Oh. 

Well, at least she remembered why her body felt like it was on fire. 

Hughie, the sadistic woman she is, didn't think she broken Gabbey's spirit yet. So she took a hot iron brand and pressed it over Gabbey's Fairy tail guild mark.

It hurt, Gabbey wasn't going to lie, she passed out. 

For once Gabbey didn't dream about anything. It was just plain darkness. She wasn't use to it, it made her a little bit uncomfortable. Sleeping was suppose to lead to dreaming, regardless if its nightmares or not. 

Gabbriel shivered, the dampness of the dungeon finally getting to her. As it should, all that was left of her outfit was the tattered front of her top that was held together by strips in the back and her skirt was ripped so much, it just covered her upper thigh. 

Who the hell can even guess where her necklace went.

The door creaked open, like it had done a hundred other times, but instead of just Hughie coming in, Hughie and three others joined her. Two of them she instantly remembered, Bryson and Thia. Thia leered at her, clearly not over the fact that Gabbey had bested him. Bryson was smirking, a stupid thing he always did. 

But the young boy behind them confused her. He looked terrified to even be with his guildmates - Gabbey could see his Serpent guild mark on his hand - but looked sick at the sight of Gabbey herself. He clenched both of his fists.

   "Another round?" Gabbey croaked with a bitter grin. "With some people to watch you, this time?"

   "Sadly, I don't have anymore time with you," Hughie sighed, gesturing for Bryson and Thia to get her down. "Your times all up."

   "So, you sent a kid to kill me?" Gabbey glanced over at the shaking boy, letting out a hiss as Thia ripped a stake out. 

   "The kid is just here for a witness," Hughie didn't even give him the light of day. "As if JD here can even handle a little blood. I'm surprised he hasn't puked yet."

   "I-I'm not that weak. . ." The little boy, JD, murmured. 

   "No, you're weak and pathetic," Hughie corrected.

   "Looks like you two have more in common than you thought," Gabbey snickered, her head snapping to the right as Hughie seethed. 

   "Shut up!" She yelled. "Lets just get this done and over with already! I don't want to even see her anymore after this!" 

Bryson snorted, rolling his eyes as he jerked Gabbey forward, Thia following behind. "So bossy, jeez. Wonder who put the stick up you-"

   "What he means to say, is lets go." Thia nudged Bryson to stop talking. Hughie narrowed her eyes, taking in Bryson's and Thia's body language. She nodded sharply. 

Nothing else to be said, JD held open the dungeon's door as Thia and Bryson dragged Gabbey out of the room, Hughie leading the way. 

Although last time was a random stranger and Prince Jellal, she felt an aching pain of deja vu hit her like a punch. They were even taking the same path she did two years ago. The only difference was this time, she was alone. 

At least she knows her brother is in somewhat good hands. That damn guild always finds a way to trouble. 

Gabbey rolled her head, a hiss of pain escaping her lips as her burn mark pulled. It felt horrible, she didn't even want to know what it looked like. Probably hideous. 

   "Wait," JD scampered in front of Hughie, his eyes determined. "Let me heal her."

   "What?"

   "I-" He hesitated at Hughie's dark response. "I-I don't want to hear her complaining the whole time we're walking there, or when Grand Master Chai starts of the machine. It'll distract him. Yeah! I-I mean, we wouldn't want that, would we?"

With a gaze Gabbey was sure made from ice, Hughie stared JD down. Bryson shifted restlessly, letting out a groan. 

  "Just let the boy heal her, a little bit. He's right, Grand Master Chai wouldn't want her to keep complaining."

   "Fine!" Hughie snapped, her hands turning into a fist. "Heal her, make it quick. Grand Master Chai is waiting on us, we don't need to delay the inevitable."

Thia and Bryson leaned her against the wall, not-so-gently shoving her scarred back into the wall. She glared at them, a snarl on her face as they laughed, before turning her gaze to JD. He flinched away at her glaring red eyes. 

   "G-Gabbey, right?" JD asked nervously, making his way towards her. Gabbey's gaze softened, realizing this kid was at least eight, ten at the latest. He was so young, much younger than Wendy. He was close to Hanna's age. . 

   "Yeah," Gabbey finally answered, her tone just a bit dull. It was enough to JD to flinch again. She was practically a corpse. . . "JD, huh? What's that stand for?"

   "James Dorian," JD answered with a eye roll. "My mother picked it out. Hold still."

Gabbey watched as the young boy hovered his hands above the brand mark, his tongue poking out of his lips in concentration. A small pink light emitted from his hand as he tried his best to heal the brand. 

   "Mother, huh? Does she know you're in a dark guild?" Gabbey mused lightly. JD looked back up into Gabbey's eyes before darting them towards Hughie's direction and back. The lightbulb went off in her head after he did this a couple times. "Ah, I see. That's your mother."

   "She doesn't like to admit it," JD whispered. "She's ashamed that I got healing powers, like my dad, instead of her Requip powers."

   "Well, she's stupid then," Gabbey remarked. "Although, I already knew that. And, who knows," She dropped her voice into a low whisper, making JD lean in. "Maybe you have both of their powers."

JD leaned back, watching Gabbey with wide eyes before making a decision. "Here," He muttered quickly, digging a tin soldier out of his pockets and thrusting into Gabbey's face. "It's metal, eat it. You can, right? Before they notice."

   "Why?" Gabbey asked with furrowed eyebrows. 

  "Because I'm tired of being told what to do and how to do it. I want to do whatever I want, my way. Not the dark way." JD shoved the toy into her mouth, before standing up. "I healed it the best I could, but it's going to scar."

    "Doesn't matter," Hughie snapped, brushing JD away at Thia and Bryson picked the woman up again. "She's not going to live to see tomorrow."

This was too much like last time. There shouldn't even be a second time, but here she was. Making sure that Bryson, Thia, and Hughie couldn't hear, Gabbey slowly chewed the tin solider like it was food. 

Through the hallways she was dragged, but her eyebrows rose when she realized they weren't going to the cavern where the huge machine was last time. As if sensing her confusion, Hughie spoke without glancing back. 

   "The cavern that was originally holding the machine has collapsed because of the damage you did last time. So, we hid it better, place it closer."

The throne room doors were thrown open as Thia and Bryson brought Gabbey into the room, Hughie leading the way. JD shuffled away as soon as he passed the door frame, sending Gabbey a helpless look. 

It was all up to her. 

   "About time you brought her," Chai croaked from his seat, a vicious grin on his face. "Did she put up a fight?"

   "JD had to heal her, or she was going to bleed out before we got here," Hughie lied smoothly, saving them all from an outburst they didn't need. Not right now, not when they were so close.

   "Good, good," Chai murmured. "Then we can get started."

   "Without your machine?" Gabbey snorted. "I doubt anything could happen."

Bryson and Thia shoved Gabbey forward and let her go, causing her to fall face-first into the nasty carpet that covered the metal floor. She let out a irritated noise as someone stepped on her hand, her fingers popping. 

Her red eyes glared up at the perpetrator before softening slightly. Akemi's dead grey eyes stared holes into her skull. 

   "Akemi, dear, lighten up just a little bit. It's a wonderful night!" Chai cackled. Like any iconic villain, Chai held up a remote and pressed a big red button. "Here, Metarurōzu, is where we will bring Zeref back to life!"

The room rumbled, a few of the unstable ceiling titles hitting the ground, as well as some bricks. A chunk of the metal floor beneath them split and opened up, revealing a gaping hole full of darkness. Slowly but surely, the very same machine that Gabbey was sure she destroyed long ago rose from the darkness. 

It, of course, was different. The machine wasn't sleek like it once was, it was mix-and-matched. Probably because they didn't have citizens to get stuff, they had to steal or make it. 

   "There she is. . ." Chai murmured in glee, not noticing Rebecca walking in from a side door, up to his throne. No one noticed, expect Gabbey, who wondered what was going on. "This is it."

   "We finally get to see Zeref. . ."

   "The Dark Lord will rise because of us!" 

   "Zeref will rule all of Fiore with us by his side!"

   "My loyal subjects!" Chai suddenly announced loudly, gaining everyone's attention. The chatter of his guild died down and silence rung out. "As you can see, we have finally done it! With the Infinity Elixir Stone in our grasp, the machine ready to use, and our sacrifice, we will finally raise Zeref from the dead!"

The Serpent guild roar with approval, feet stomping on the metal, hands clapping, even someone whistling. It should have hit Gabbey years ago, but somehow it just seemed to make sense. 

This people were insane. 

As if reading her thoughts, Akemi's foot put more pressure on Gabbey's hand, twisting the ball of her feet just a tiny bit to make it uncomfortable. 

   "Who, out of everyone in this wondrous guild of mine, would like to sacrifice the Metarurōzu!?"

Members raised their hands, eager to be apart of this stupid plan. Gabbey let out a scoff, rolling her eyes. Thia and Bryson, once again, grasped her under the armpit and dragged her over to the machine. 

While Chai was still figuring out who would 'do the honors', Thia and Bryson had locked chains around Gabbey's wrist, keeping her attached to the machine, and another around her throat, so she couldn't bite the chains. 

   "Looks like the bitch finally learned her place," Bryson sneered, a chuckle escaping his lips. Gabbey scoffed. 

   "Real original, Bryson. It's almost as if you're mother didn't abandon you on the streets." 

Thia had to use his powers to keep Bryson from attacking Gabbey, steam rising from him like smoke from a fire. Thia whispered something in to his ear, and Bryson huffed before walking away. 

   "It was good seeing you, Gabbriel. Too bad it was a short visit."

  "If only we never saw each other again."

Thia shook his head, an amused smile on his face before walking off into the shadows. This gave her clear view of Chai, who looked amused, Rebecca, who stared off into space, and Akemi, who had a grip on  her sword. 

   "There she is!" Chai suddenly called out. "I was wondering when you would volunteer. Come on, you get to do the honors!"

The sound of shoes tapping made everyone quiet down as a girl with silver hair and orange eyes stepped out into the open. Her once fire-like eyes were dulled and her hair was styled into low pig-tails. 

   "Maja," Gabbey breathed out, watching as the girl took Akemi's katana out of her hands sharply. Akemi didn't say or do anything, simply walked over to Chai's side. He looked just a little bit too excited for this. 

   "Metarurōzu," Maja droned. "Bet you thought you'd seen the last of me?"

   "We really were going to adopt you," Gabbey said softly. "Akemi and I had already started making plans for where you would stay."

   "Talking won't get you out of this."

   "I'm not trying to get out of this."

Maja narrowed her eyes, but a small grin crossed her face as she twirled the katana. Her movements were a bit sloppy, because she clearly never held a katana until now, but the blood-thirsty grin grew. 

   "My mother fooled me once, shame on her. But you, you fooled me twice, shame on me. It's about time I correct that." Maja mused. 

   "Any last words?" Chai rasped, practically leaning out of his throne in excitement. 

   "Go to hell."

Then, the world around her erupted into flames.

*I move into college this Sunday and I don't know how to feel about it.