Guild Hall

Lucy: (shocked) What?! Mira's gone too?!

Erza: It would appear so. She and Elfman were both looking near the outskirts of Magnolia; the entire place was torn up, as if a huge battle had taken place there, there was no sign of her or Elfman when I got there.

Lucy, Erza, along with Natsu, Gray, Gajeel, Juvia, and Happy were at the bar with a few other members, with Master Makarov sitting on top the counter.

Natsu: (squeezing his fists together) Damn it! 

Happy: Natsu, take it easy. Getting angry isn't gonna help anyone.

Natsu: I'm not gonna take it easy until I find the bozo who's kidnapped my friends and burn him to a crisp!

Gray: Get in line Fire-Breather. (put his fist to his palm) I want a piece of this guy too.

Gajeel: (looks at Makarov) Got any idea who's behind this?

Makarov: I'm not too sure. But whoever is taking my children will pay dearly.

Even though the old master had a calm demeanor, deep inside he was ready to lash out at the one responsible for hurting his 'children'.

Juvia: I think there may be a sort of pattern behind these abductions. 

Gray: What do you mean?

Juvia: Not every wizard that was ambushed was taken. The first one was with Levy, Macao, Wakaba, Jet, and Droy; only Levy was taken, and the others were left behind. Then Cana went missing and we found Alzack and Bisca, injured but left behind as well; the Thunder Legion vanished soon after that, and now both Elfman and Mira have been abducted as well.

Erza: I see where you're going. You believe that whoever's involved is targeting Fairy Tail's strongest wizards?

Juvia: It's only a theory, but I believe so. 

Erza: If that is the case, then I may be the next target. Or perhaps Natsu and Gajeel, or even Gray, maybe even you.

Lucy: Hey what about me? I mean, I don't want to be kidnapped, but I'm pretty strong to you know.

Happy: This isn't the time to brag Lucy.

Lucy: (anime vein on her head) I'm not bragging!

Natsu: I hope the guy goes after me next; so I can pound the living crap out of him!

Gajeel: Don't get cocky moron.

Natsu: WHAT'D YOU CALL ME!?

Gajeel: (bunted his head with Natsu's) You heard me! 

Erza: Enough!

She broke them apart, and the sounds of necks cracking was heard as she pushed their heads aside.

Gray: Hold on a minute. If this guy's targeting Fairy Tail's strongest, wouldn't that also make Dante a target?

That got everyone's attention.

Makarov: That may be very well the case, him being the son of Sparda.

Lucy: A son of Sparda. There's two of... (something then came to her) Hold on a minute. Targeting the strongest, the likes of Mira being kidnapped, and leaving a path of destruction in the battle; you guys don't think that...

Happy: What are you saying?

Lucy: Dante is practically the strongest person in the guild. He even beat Erza, but there was someone who actually beat him.

Gray: You think Vergil might be behind this?

Lucy: I wouldn't know, but it would make sense.

Erza: I would have to agree, even Dante confirmed his brother was stronger than him.

Natsu was now getting even angrier. He only met Vergil once, and he already hated his guts; bad enough that he attacked his own brother, but the fact that he thinks power is the only thing that's important... Natsu wanted nothing more than to burn his face off, but if he's the one responsible for his friends being kidnapped, there will be Hell to pay.

Happy: Hold on, where is Dante? 

Just outside.

It was dark outside, as night had now fallen over Magnolia, and it was very cloudy as well, not a single star in the sky was shown, not even the moon was visible tonight.

Dante was leaning against the wall on the Fairy Tail building near the entrance, deep in thought. He was already suspecting that Vergil was responsible for all of this when he heard Mira had vanished as well; she was an S-class wizard with skills that could rival Erza, it would make sense that she could only be beaten by someone as strong as Vergil.

Dante: (thoughts) Why? Why is Vergil doing this?

???: You okay?

Dante looked to his right and saw Kat and Trish approach him.

Dante: Yeah, I'm fine.

Kat: We heard what's been going on, you think it's Vergil?

Dante: Probably but... why go after them? They have nothing to do with it.

Trish: Who knows what goes inside that guy's head. It's hard to believe that you two are even related. 

Dante: Yeah, I don't believe it either. 

Kat and Trish noticed the contempt evident in Dante's voice and looked with honest concern. It was extremely rare for him to get this serious. 

Dante: Why doesn't he just come and face me himself, instead of going after them? Why can't...

Trish put a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. He looked to her.

Trish: You'll find him, and you'll beat him. I know it.

Dante gave a small smile at her encouragement. But actually beating Vergil was easier said than done.

???: Am I interrupting anything?

The three turned to the gate that led into town, and saw Lady walk into the Fairy Tail grounds.

Kat: Lady? 

Dante: What are you doing here?

Lady: Heard that nutcase, Vergil, was back; so I came to see if I can help.

Dante: How'd you hear?

Trish: I called her. I think we can probably use the help.

Dante: Yeah, good idea. 

Dante was glad for it, but he was also a little worried. He hated it when others got involved in his business; not that he didn't appreciate the help, but he couldn't stand the thought of others getting hurt when helping him.

???: Yo Dante!

All three Devil Hunters turned to see Natsu exit the building, with Happy trailing behind him.

Natsu: What are you doing out here?

Before Dante could answer, Happy saw Trish was standing awfully close to Dante and a sly smile formed across his face. 

Happy: Looks like he and Trish were about to do some things.

Trish: Shut up cat! 

Happy: (snicker)

Natsu turned to see Lady here as well. 

Natsu: Oh hey Lady, what are you doing here?

Lady: Heard what's been going on, thought I could lend a hand.

Natsu: Well anyway, Dante we think whoever's kidnapping our friends is targeting the guild's strongest.

Dante: I noticed.

Natsu: Some of us also think it might be that scum bag Vergil.

Dante: Well... Where is everyone?

Natsu: All here at the guild. Gramps called us all back here to lessen the chance of someone getting snatched. 

Dante: So Gray, Erza, Lucy...

Happy: All here.

Dante: And Wendy, where is she?

Natsu and Happy looked at each other. 

Natsu: You know what, I don't think I've seen her. You Happy?

Happy: No, she and Carla aren't here.

Without a second thought, Dante went running straight for the town.

Natsu: Uh, hey Dante! Where are you going!? 

He was already gone.

Trish: (came up to Natsu) You said Wendy wasn't here?

Natsu: Yeah but why...? (realization dawned onto Natsu as his eyes soon widened) You think she might be the next target?

Lady: She is a Dragon Slayer.

With that, Natsu and Happy ran back into the guild, with Lady and Trish right behind him.

Makarov: Natsu wha...

Natsu: It's Wendy! She's next! 

This caught all the members by surprise.

Erza: You know this for sure?

Happy: Dante seems to think so, he ran off to look for her and Carla.

Lucy: Alright, let's go help him out!

Erza: Okay, we'll split up and cover more ground. Lady and Trish; Gajeel, Kat, and Lucy; Gray and Juvia; Natsu and Happy are with me. Warren!

Warren: Yes Erza?

Erza: I want you to use your telepathy magic to link us all. If we find Wendy, let the others know.

Makarov: Also if any of you run into our mysterious kidnaper, do not, under any circumstances, engage him immediately call for support and we will all face him together. I will not loose any more of my children.

Natsu: Alright. Let's move!

They all ran to find Wendy.

(meanwhile)

Wendy and Carla were walking through the streets of Magnolia, which was quite dark. The only source of light we're the lampposts on the sides of the streets. As the darkness continues to set in, Wendy began to get chills, and it wasn't because it was chilly.

Wendy: Are you sure we should be out here Carla? I think we should have stayed at the guild hall instead of going back to Fairy Hills.

Carla: I miscalculated the time the sun would set this evening. And I would not allow you to leave the guild hall alone, not while many of the members are vanishing.

Wendy: First Levy, then Cana and the Thunder Legion, now Mira and Elfman? Who's strong enough to capture them? What if they come after me?

Carla: I don't think you'll have to worry. Whoever this person is, they seem to be targeting the guild's strongest fighters; while it is true you are a dragon slayer, your skills aren't nearly at the same level as Natsu's or Gajeel's, so I don't think they'd find you a target.

Wendy: I guess you're right.

Wendy agreed a bit. She however, felt a little bad that she wasn't as skilled as many of her friends as she wanted to help them.

???: That seems reasonable.

The two were slightly startled at that voice and turned in multiple directions to find the person speaking.

???: However, you fail to account for potential power.

Wendy and Carla turned behind them and saw a figure walking through the darkness towards them.

???: Not yet skilled at the moment, but bound to be in the future. That is where power lies.

The man was just before the lamppost nearest to the two, they could see a blue robe, but darkness still covered his face, but his white hair was seen.

Wendy: Dante? 

She took a few whiffs and his scent was similar to Dante's but this wasn't him.

???: Guess again. 

He stepped into the light, his face now fully visible revealing Vergil.

Carla: (scowl face) You must be Vergil.

Wendy looked into his eyes, these weren't the same eyes as Dante's. They were void of all emotion, and there was a darkness behind them. One look from him made the young Dragon Slayer tremble with fear.

Vergil: Indeed I am. 

Carla: Why are you here? Are you responsible for the disappearances of our guild mates?

Vergil: Yes. As for why I am here, I am here for the Sky Dragon Slayer.

Wendy: (eyes widened with horror) Wh.. Wh.. What are you going to do with me?!

Vergil: That depends entirely on you. Your guild mates that I have captured are very well alive. You will join them either way, how is up to you. If you come with me right now, no harm will come to you. However, if you resist, make no mistake, I will use whatever force necessary.

As Wendy backed up a little, Carla's anger increased. 

Carla: How dare you threaten a child! Have you no shame?!

Vergil: It was not a threat, it was a guarantee. And I was not asking you. (looked to the frightened girl) Now then, Wendy, if you would please follow me.

Wendy: (trying to be brave) I... I can't. I won't! 

Wendy was trying to muster as much courage as she could, but Vergil saw right through her like glass.

Vergil: You misunderstand. I am not asking.

Vergil then grabbed Wendy's right wrist and yanked her to eye level, resulting in her yelping.

Carla: Unhand her at once! 

Carla flew to Vergil's face and slashed at him with her claw, causing him to let go of Wendy. Carla immediately grabbed Wendy and flew into the air as fast as her wings could carry her.

Vergil looked into the night sky where Wendy had flown with Carla, there wasn't so much as a scratch on his un-amused face.

Vergil: (sigh) It seems that an unwillingness to listen is a trait of this guild. 

Carla flew Wendy over a series of small buildings, trying to get as far away as possible.

Wendy: Carla we should head back to the guild! Find Natsu, or Erza, or Dante!

Carla: Yes, I agree that is the best choice. Besides, I have a few choice words for Dante when I see him.

Wendy: Why are you so hard on him? It's not his fault his brother is scary.

Carla: Had he warned us about Vergil to begin with, or dealt with him sooner, none of this would be happening right now!

???: You cannot change the past!

The two looked surprised as they turned around and looked down below to see Vergil running and jumping across the rooftops at top speed, catching up to the flying duo.

Vergil: Nor can you prevent me from catching you! 

Carla wasted no time in flying faster, gaining some distance. Vergil picked up his pace and was running at an even faster rate, getting closer to them.

Wendy: (scared) Faster Carla! He's gaining on us!

Carla: I am flying as fast as I can! 

Vergil was then right below them. He gave quite a large jump and actually appeared right in front of the two, causing them to stop in mid-air. As he appeared in front of them, Vergil gave a round house kick, which sent them flying back downward, and knocked Carla and Wendy in separate directions.

Carla hit a building and then fell onto some garbage bags, which broke her fall. Wendy however fell into a boarded up window as she landed in a boarded up and abandoned building.

Wendy struggled to get up as the impact hurt. She looked to the broken window and saw the white cat unconscious ontop of garbage bags just below the window.

Wendy: Carla! 

Wendy was trying to wake her up. She looked up, and as the moon passed through the sky and shined some light, she saw Vergil standing on the edge of the building, his blue robe flowing in the wind, with the moon right behind him. He looked directly towards Wendy.

The dark and terrifying stare instilled a whole new sense of fear into Wendy. Having no choice, she ran deeper into the building.

Vergil jumped from the ledge and into the broken window, landing gracefully on the floor. He looked around and it would appear this was a dark and abandoned warehouse. He decided to play this game for a little bit and walked in after Wendy.

*with Kat, Lucy, and Gajeel*

Lucy and Kat were running through the dark streets as the clouds began to clear and the night sky revealed stars as well as the moon.

Lucy: Wendy! 

Kat: Carla!

Gajeel was running on top the building next to her, trying to sniff out Wendy with his nose. 

Gajeel: Kid! Where are you?! 

*with Gray and Juvia*

Gray ran across the river that was near Lucy's apartment. He stopped for a brief moment. 

Gray: Hey Wendy! Carla!

Juvia's head appeared as it rose from the water below. Gray turned downward.

Gray: Anything?

Juvia: Nothing yet.

Gray: Then keep searching!

Juvia: (whispered) As you wish my love.

She sank back into the water, with a heart appearing just above her head.

*with Trish and Lady*

Trish and Lady had both arrived in South Gate Park and looked everywhere.

Trish: Wendy? Are you here?!

Lady: She's not here. 

Both female Devil Hunters ran out of the park to continue their search.

*with Natsu, Erza, and Happy* 

Erza: Wendy! Where are you?!

She, Natsu, and Happy ran close to the Cathedral.

Happy: Carla! Come to me Carla!

Erza: (Erza turned to the Fire Dragon Slayer) Natsu...?

Natsu: (he sniffed the air) I think I found her. It's faint, but I got her scent.

Erza: Alright then. Lead the way Natsu.

Natsu: Right.

He, Erza, and Happy hurried through the town.

*with Dante* 

Dante ran through an alley, he looked frantically, but he found nothing. Dante clenched his fist as he began to shake. With a slight yell, he punched a nearby wall, and made a small crater.

Dante: Damn it Vergil. Why are you doing this?

*with Vergil* 

Vergil walked into a large dark room, the only light shining through was moonlight from the cracks in the boarded up windows. It was riddled with large boxes and a few empty closets.

Vergil: Now, where might you be?

Seemingly unknown to him, Wendy had hid herself in one of the empty closets in the wall. The door was completely closed, save for a small crack. She had both her hands over her mouth to keep as quiet as possible. Vergil could feel she was in here. 

Vergil: You are making this more difficult then it needs to be.

Wendy tensed up as he spoke, she barley could see him through the crack.

Vergil: Unlike my brother, I do not have much of a sense of humor, it is one of my very few flaws. Therefore, I am in no mood for games. If you come out right now, I guarantee that no harm will come to you. However, if you continue to hide, rest assured, I will find you.

Wendy was more terrified than she had ever been in her life. It was almost impossible to believe this man was Dante's brother. She felt something on her leg, she could see a spider crawl up her leg, and she almost gave a yelp but kept her mouth covered.

Vergil heard what appeared to be a muffled yelp. He gave a sly grin. Wendy was more still than a statue. She heard a door close. Being as slow and as quiet as possible, she reached up and opened the door slightly.

A hand came through the door and grabbed Wendy by the wrist. Wendy screamed as she was thrown out of the closet and looked up to the evil man standing before her. She crawled back to gain some distance.

Vergil: I am in no mood for any more of your games. Come with me now, this is not an option.

Despite Wendy being terrified, she decided to stand up. Neither Natsu, Erza, nor Dante would back down from this guy, so she wouldn't either. Wendy tried her best to look determined and not afraid, but Vergil was not convinced.

Vergil: You had better be very sure.

Wendy: (takes a deep breath) Sky Dragon Roar!

Wendy let loose a massive roar of Sky Dragon magic, which tore through the entire wall, the stream of magic could be seen from miles around.

*With Natsu, Erza, and Happy*

Natsu, Erza, and Happy saw the roar.

Natsu: That's Sky Dragon magic!

Erza: That came from the warehouse.

Happy: Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!

*with Dante* 

Dante could see the roar from the alley he was nearby.

Dante: Wendy.

Wendy took deep breaths as she observed the massive hole in the wall she made. Vergil was gone, so she breathed in relief hopping that she got him.

???: Hmph. Not bad.

Wendy's look turned into one of horror as she turned around and a hand covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming.

Vergil: But you'll have to be faster than that.

Vergil then gave her a pinch in her neck, causing her to fall unconscious.

*with Natsu, Erza, and Happy*

Natsu, Erza, and Happy just arrived at the foot of the warehouse.

Happy: WOAH! THERE'S A GIANT HOLE IN THE WALL! 

All three heard a groan, they looked to see a certain white cat slowly get back on her feet.

Happy: Carla!

Natsu and Erza ran towards her as well.

???: Guys!

All four looked to see Dante just arrive. 

Dante: Where's Wendy?

Erza: We just got here...

Natsu soon took a few whiffs off the air, and his face turned into a scowl. 

Natsu: I know that scent.

His gaze shifted towards the roof and the rest followed as well. Lucy just came by with Gajeel on the building next to her; Gray and Juvia came from the other side, with Trish and Lady behind them. All looked to the roof of the warehouse and each had his or her own look of shock and/or anger.

In the moonlight, shined Vergil, carrying an unconscious Wendy underneath his left arm.

Natsu, Carla, Happy, Lucy, Erza, and Gray: Wendy! 

The rest looked shocked, save for Dante who looked more pissed off than he ever had been in his life.

Before Dante could act however, Natsu flew straight up, with streams of fire from his feet.

Natsu: LET HER GO, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!

Natsu flew above Vergil and came down towards him with flaming fists.

Vergil however jumped back to avoid Natsu's impact on the roof. Natsu leapt straight for Vergil, but he performed a round house kick that sent Natsu flying to the building on the other side of the street.

Vergil was able to duck and barley avoid a large blade that just passed over his face. He was able to jump back, but Dante pulled out his Revenant shotgun and pointed it straight at Vergil.

Dante: Vergil! Let her go! NOW!!!

Vergil: I've never seen you this emotional before, brother. You really should keep your emotions in check.

Dante: I said, let her go! 

Vergil looked towards the unconscious Wendy as he still held her. 

Dante: Where are the others? Where have you taken them?!

Kat: You better answer him.

Vergil turned around and looked to the other side of the roof to see Erza, Kat, Trish, and Lady glaring at him, along with Happy and Carla. Vergil then gazed to his left and saw Gajeel, Gray, Juvia, and Lucy all glaring at him as well. 

Vergil then heard a smashing noise and looked to his right to see Natsu just get up from his landing, his glare of anger rivaling the one Dante currently had.

Vergil: (then turned to Dante) You want them back? Then come and get them. Meet me where we first played and got lost.

Vergil then reached into his coat and pulled out an orb and threw it to the ground. It created a large flash and forced all of them to cover their eyes. By the time the flash had subsided, Vergil was gone, along with Wendy. It was silent for a few seconds before Carla flew straight for Dante.

Carla: This is your fault! Don't try and deny it!

Natsu: Woah Carla! Chill!

Carla: No! You all know that this whole incident is entirely his fault! (turned back to Dante) Vergil is your brother, therefore he is also your responsibility! 

Dante turned around, not even speaking. 

Carla: Don't you turn your back on me! You should have dealt with him sooner! Or at the very least warn us!

Erza: Carla! That is enough!

Carla: Don't even bother defending him! Because you know as well as I-

Kat: HEY SHUT UP!!!

All eyes were now set on Kat as she walked towards the flying white cat. During this, Dante walked away and jumped down from the roof into the alley below.

Natsu: Where is he going?

Carla: Obviously to run away from his problems again.

 A spear of light went past her face. All eyes were on Kat again but with a shock expression as Kat's left eye is now a golden orange with a light spiral.

Kat: (tearing) I said shut up! Vergil did all that, not Dante! Yes, they are brothers, but it is NOT Dante's fault! If taking care of Vergil was so easy, don't you think he would have done it?! He tried! And don't talk like you know him, because you have no idea what he's gone through! He lost his mother and his father when he was only a kid, he was separated from his brother at that time too! He's been alone all his life! On top of that, he's the Son of Sparda! While people treat him like a saint, the demons see Sparda as a traitor and hate him for it! Dante bears the same blood, he has been attacked and hunted by demons all his life! You can't even BEGIN to imagine what he's had to endure! So before you start making accusations, try and think of it from his point of view! Have a sense of empathy, you white fur ball!

All was silent. Carla's face was clearly evident with shock. All eyes then set on the point on the roof where Dante had jumped off. Many of those eyes carried looks of sympathy, especially Lucy, Erza, Trish, and even Natsu.

*with Dante* 

Down below on the streets, near a large tree. Dante had stopped walking. He yelled at the top of his lungs and brought his blade down on the tree, slicing it in half down the middle.

Both hands gripped the handle of Rebellion, they were shaking. His hands were shaking with a mixture of rage and grief. Dante let a bit of his coat fall off on his left shoulder and he looked to his red Fairy Tail guild emblem.

Dante: Do I really deserve this? Do I really deserve them?

Chapter 12 ended.