It was a nice, sunny day.

Rabbits were frolicking, bugs were buzzing, birds were chirping-

**BUUUUUURRRRRP!**

.....

A loud burp was heard outside of the forest which belong to three people. 

One was a young girl with blonde hair with her right side being wrapped in a ponytail. She was wearing a sleeveless blue shirt with a white skirt and black fingerless glove on her left arm. She also had a black whip and a set of keys for accessories.

The second one was a male with pink spiky hair. an open-collared, one-sleeved long overcoat version of his original waistcoat, which is instead tucked in and zipped. The sleeve covers Natsu's left arm with a faux leather brown armband, leaving his Fairy Tail mark, as well as his entire right arm, consequently exposed. He also has a wristband on his right wrist, and bandages on his right arm.

The final and the most strangest one was a humanoid looking blue cat with a set of white wings on it's back which he was using to fly.

Lucy: Natsu! Geez!

Happy: That might have been your biggest one yet.

Natsu: I can't help it! That boar from yesterday was scrumptious!

Those three are Natsu Dragneel, Lucy Heartfilia, and Happy, the wizards from the famous and strongest guild in Fiore, Fairy Tail. Well, were the strongest guild. 

About a year ago, Fairy Tail was disbanded by their master Makarov for unknown reasons as everyone went to move on. But right now, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy are searching their friends to rebuild Fairy Tail.

Currently they were on their way to Lamia Scale, where Lucy's information said Wendy was.

Happy: How much further do we have left?

Lucy: Should take a day or two more.

Natsu: Man, all this walking is so boring.

Lucy: Well, luckily for us there's a small village right up ahead. We can take a short break to gather more info.

An hour later, they arrived at the village.

Happy: (confused) Where are we now?

Lucy: Tuley Village. What do you guys think about getting a room here for the night?

Happy: Aye!

Happy notice that Natsu has a weird look on his face.

Happy: Something wrong pal?

Happy then looked on what he was looking at and it was the tower of Tuley Village.

Happy: (reconized) Whoa! Wasn't that the clock tower you demolished a while back?

Natsu: Yeah, looks like they were able to fix it.

Happy: Sorta, but the new part doesn't quite match.

Natsu: Should I trash it again?

Lucy: (angry, whacks him on the head with the map) Of course not you flame brain!

Natsu clecned his fists in anger and frustration before he yells.

Natsu: NNNGGGG... AHHH!!!! IM GOING CRAZY!!! A WHOLE YEAR OF TRAINING MY BUTT OFF TO GET STRONGER AND FOR WHAT?!

I FOUGHT THE WINNERS OF THE MAGIC GAMES, BUT THEY ALL SUCKY!! I BARELY BROKE A SWEAT WITH THOSE LOSERS!! (does a couple of jabs) I HAD A PLAN TO COME BACK AND PUT GRAY IN HIS PLACE!! AND THEN IT WAS GONNA BE UNDER ERZA AND LAXUS, THE BIG OL' LIGHTNING DOLT!!

Happy: Yeah, well Gray's one thing, but fightning Erza and Laxus would be pretty crazy.

Lucy: You think Gray's easy?

Natsu: I've got an idea, Lucy. Let's get it on.

Lucy: What? No way! (smirk) 

That was the answer you were expecting, weren't you? But I actually did super, super training on my own.

Natsu: (surprised) Huh?

Lucy: (puts her hands on her hips) I mean I could never beat you in a serious fight, but I am down to do some sparring with you instead.

Suddenly, Natsu smells something was wrong.

Natsu: Hold that thought. (drops his bag) 

Lucy: What now?

Natsu then suddenly shoots a fire breath attack underneath Lucy's skirt to attack an enemy that is far away from them.

Lucy covers her front skirt while blushing in embarrassment. We then cut to a man whose wagon is being stolen by bandits. 

Man: No, please stop! All my tools were in there! I can't work without them! Please!

Bandit 1: Sorry, old timer! 

Bandit 2: You should've come out here with some protection if you didn't want bad stuff happen to you! 

Bandit 3: Yeah, geezer! 

But just before they can get away, Natsu's breath attack knocks them off and knocks them out. The man is both shocked and confused on where that fire attack came from. 

Lucy: (pouts) Geez! Were you trying to kill me just now?!

Natsu: (smiles) Nah. Just doing my job, Lucy.

Lucy: Well, just so you know. I have gotten really strong. 

Natsu: Cool, but I'm still not feeling fired up. 

Lucy: Seemed like it to me? 

Natsu: (serious) Wait... 

Lucy: Now what is it? 

Natsu: I smell something, and it ain't right...

Happy: What did you smell?

Natsu turned to the clock tower.

Natsu: The smell's coming from there, some kind of magic.

Lucy: Magic?

Natsu: Yeah, but I'm not familiar with this kind of magic.

Happy: Let's go check it out then.

Lucy: Right!

They immediately went to investigate the clock tower. Natsu, Lucy, and Happy went inside the clock tower.

They stealthily- Oh who am I kidding? Natsu charged all the way up without a single care for stealth.

Lucy: Do you have to barge in like that?

Happy: That's Natsu for ya.

Natsu: It's around here somewhere.

They made it to the top of the clock tower, its attic to be more precise, where they found a strange magic circle.

Happy: What's with this magic circle?

Lucy: I don't know but- Natsu what are you doing?

She saw Natsu poking at the magic circle, probably to see what made it tick.

Natsu: I wanna see what it does.

Lucy: Well, I'm curious too, but what if it explodes or something?

Natsu: I don't see that happening right now.

Lucy: But it could!

Happy: Do you think it'll summon fish?

Natsu: Ooh! Let's see if it does that!

Happy: Aye!

Lucy: Nay! No! Nein! Nyet! Just don't do it!

Natsu: Ah.

Happy: Oh.

Lucy: YOU IDIOT!!!

Those were their last words before the magic circle erupted in light....Before dying down to reveal a completely empty room.

Back at the Deadlands, Wyvern was seen looking at the unconcious Jill.

Wyvern: Jill... Is it really you?

He was about to place his hand on her cheek, but he hesitated and stopped himself from doing it. He then heard a bark behind him and turned to see the wolf from earlier and smirked in recognition.

It had been many years since they last met, and he had been but a wee pup then, but there was no mistaking this fine canine for anyone other than his beloved hound Torgal.

Wyvern: (smile) And who's this fine hound I see before me?

Wyvern starts careless rubbing Torgal's fur who enjoys it.

???: A fine hound who saved your life, that's who.

Wyvern looked up to see Cid coming over with a rather burly but timid companion. Cid starts rubbing Torgal as Wyvern stood up.

Wyvern: Torgal...

Cid: Eh?

Wyvern: His name is Torgal.

Cid looked between the two of them in surprise.

Cid: (To Wyvern) You two acquainted? Well then, you won't mind taking him off my hands. Funny. I'd always pictured you as more the chocobo type...

Cid paused as he stood up, before turning to look Wyvern in the eye.

Cid: Y/N Rosfield.

What Cid said was true. The true identity of Wyvern is Y/N Rosfield, the firstborn son of Archduke Elwin Rosfield and the former Shield of his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix.

Y/N: (glances at Cid) ...

Cid: (nonchalantly walking over) Come now... Fleet as flame, fierce as a wildfire, that there was the Blessing of the Phoenix. I'd heard rumors that you'd survived, but I never paid them much heed.

Y/N was looking down before he turns to look at Cid.

Cid: (chuckles) Calm down. I didn't come all this way for your handsome mug. (gestures to Jill) Now her on the other hand, she seemed worth muddying my boots for.

Cid walks over to Jill before he bends down to her level as Y/N was watching him.

Cid: None the worse for wear. (rubs his chin thoughtfully) Still, might be best to get a second opinion. (turns to his burly companion) Pack her up.

The burly companion walks to Jill, Y/N stopped by drawing his sword and using it to block him before he moves it toward Cid near his throat.

Y/N: Not another step. I mean it.

Rather than take offence Cid simply laughed and pushed his arm aside.

Cid: Well, I'm not about to leave her here, not when we've a warm bed waiting. (to his companion) It's alright.

The burly companion hesiated for a moment, but he picked up Jill and have her strapped onto his backpack. Cid then turned to Y/N.

Cid: You're welcome to join us. You do want to help her, don't you?

Y/N: ...

Companion: Uh, Cid. If we aren't back soon, Nan'll have our heads. (starts walking)

Cid snickered before walking after his companion.

Cid: (to Y/N) I'll explain everything once we're back at the hideaway. Come on.

Torgal looks at Y/N who sighs in defeat as he sheathes his sword and follows Cid with Torgal.

Some time later...

Y/N, Cid, Torgal, and the companion carrying Jill were in the deeper regions of the deadlands. 

Cid: Not much further now.

Y/N: But we're in the middle of the deadlands.

Cid: Keen eye, you. (spreads his arms out exaggeratedly) The Blight's sucked this place dry, meaning no trees, no birds, and no magic. But it also means no neighbors.

Y/N: (stares in realisation) The last place anyone would think to look...

Y/N bends down and places his hand on the soil before he stands up. They soon reached the mouth of a large cave.

Cid: (gestures to the cave) Home sweet home.

He then walks into the cave, followed closely behind by Y/N and his burly companion. As they enter through the cave, they're at an underground hideout of some sort.

Y/N recognised the layout and design of the hideout.

Y/N: This place... These are Fallen ruins!

Cid: Well, we didn't think they'd mind. And it keeps the black from our lungs. (takes an apple)

Y/N: But how do you survive without magic?

Cid: How does anyone? Hard work and a bit of nous. (offers Y/N the apple) You must be starving. We grow them here, believe it or not.

Y/N: (shook his head)

Cid: Hm. (shrugs) Suit yourself. (takes a bite of the apple)

???: You're back.

Cid looked up to see a red haired woman in white robes with a vicious scar that went down from her left cheek down her neck.

Cid: (grins) Ah, Tarja.

Tarja: (walks down the stairs) And this is the Dominant?

Cid: Out cold since we found her. I was hoping you might give her a look-over.

Tarja: (sigh) Alright. Goetz, get her upstairs.

Goetz: (nervous) B-but Nan will—

Tarja: Don't fret about Charon. I've taken care of her fee. (pulls Goetz along)

Goetz: All of it?

Cid: (to Y/N) She's the best healer this side of the Belt. You've nothing to worry about. Go on. Have a look around. l'l be in my solar.

Having said that, he took another bite of his apple before walking off. Y/N had been out for a wonder around the hideaway before he came and entered Cid's solar. Cid was seen on his desk, writing on paper.

Cid: (looks up from his writing) Just working on a pet project of mine. Though she's not above biting the hand that feeds her. (offers Y/N a seat)

Y/N looks at the seat before he looks back at Cid, refusing to sit.

Cid: (sighs) Alright. I was hoping we might try and solve the mystery of poor Y/N Rosfield... A "Bearer" of the Sanbrequois Imperial Army sent behind enemy lines... with orders to wait until it turned into a brawl, then slit the Dominant's throat in the chaos.

Y/N: I didn't know it was her. (clenched his fist) How could it be?

Cid: And so to save her neck, you slit your sergeant's, then set your sights on the hills. Conveniently forgetting how the empire deals with deserters. 'Cause with that on your chop, my friend... we both know you won't be getting far. You've fallen a long way, Lord Rosfield.

Cid stood up his seat and grabs a goblet, he offers one to Y/N which he accepts. Cid poured some wine into his own goblet before offering some to Y/N.

Cid: I'll not have it said that I'm a poor host.

Y/N: (walks over) What do you mean to do with her?

Cid: (pours wine into Y/N's goblet) Do with her? Why, nothing. Her life is her own now. If I wanted to use her, do you think I'd be talking to you? All I want to do is help. Dominants like her. Branded like you. Of course, the realm doesn't approve, which is why we live in a cave. (drinks his wine) And it's also why we need help. From Branded who know one end of a sword from the other. What's say you, Y/N? Will you join us?

Y/N looks at his drinks before he responses.

Y/N: Cid, was it? I trust that you'll do right with Jill.

Cid pulls out a cigar and lights it off before he blows smoke.

Y/N: But until my brothers and my sister are avanged, I must walk my own path.

Cid: Avenged?

Y/N: My siblings were murdered... by a second Dominant of Fire.

Cid: The Phoenix's evil twin... Well, bugger me. Another rumor proven true.

Y/N: (looks at his hand) I only stand here today because of Joshua, Laphicet, and Velvet. (balls it into a fist) Thirteen years I've waited for this chance. I've slept in filth, drunk from a gutter, killed more men than I can count. You're right. The empire will not suffer a deserter. This will be my best opportunity. My last.

Cid: Which is why you should join us.

Y/N: I told you, I'm not—

Cid: Interested, I know. (takes another sip of his wine) One of my scouts sent word there's a group of Branded fugitives north of here, in the imperial village of Lostwing. Among them is one he believes to be a Dominant of Fire.

Y/N: (surprised) Is he certain?

Cid snuffs his cigar before turning to Y/N with a knowing smirk.

Cid: What say we go and ask him?

Y/N: (pasue for a moment) This doesn't mean I'm joining you. (drinks his wine and offers his goblet to Cid)

Cid: (puts the goblet away) Best make ready then. You'll find everything you need down in the main hall. As well as a few things you don't. Have fun!

Y/N nodded as he left Cid's solar. The first person he approached was Goetz.

Goetz: H-he's— Oh no...

Y/N: Goetz, was it? Perhaps you can help. Cid asked me to make ready for our mission. How does one go about that here?

Goetz: Er, well...er... There's Old Nan's place. (sees that Charon is busy) Ah, er! On second thoughts, you maybe want to see Blackthorne first.

Y/N: A blacksmith. To the forge it is then.

Goetz: W-wait— No— Hold up! You'll be needing this.

Goetz passed Y/N a cask of continental rum.

Goetz: Blackthorne won't take no notice of you otherwise... might not anyway...

Y/N: Alright then.

Y/N then makes his way to the forge as he head toward the blacksmith.

Y/N: Are you Blackthorne?

Blackthorne: (gruff) What if I am? I've no time for idle chatter.

Y/N: I'm not here to talk. I'll be accompanying Cid to Lostwing and I need you to see to my... equipment.

Blackthorne: (scoffs) You could be accompanying the goddess Greagor to Her holy bedchamber for all I care. I'm not lifting a finger for you.

Y/N: Is that so? (places down the contienental rum) Do you want that or not? I can take it back.

Blackthorne: (eyes widen in surprise) Oh... Damn you, Goetz. (sigh) Alright, alright. No need to be hasty.

Blackthorne took a good look at Y/N's equipment, and shook his head in exasperation at what he saw.

Blackthorne: Ooh... I doubt that lot could stay a moogle's fart. Bloody imperials. They'd rather see their Bearers dead than kitted out properly. I'll do what I can... as a favor to Goetz, mind.

A few mintues later...

Blackthorne: And the belt sees us square. You want anything else, you bring your own materials.

Y/N: I'll bear that in mind. Thank you.

Blackthorne: Hm. A word of advice. Don't let Cid decide what's best for you.

Y/N then makes his way back to Goetz.

Y/N: The gift worked. You have my thanks.

Goetz: I, uh...er...

Just then, a gruff voice sounded out.

???: Come on! Nearly there! 

Y/N and Goetz turned to the entrance and saw a man with a beard along with two soldiers and two slaves with one of them carrying one of the slaves. 

Bearded man: (gestures to one of the Hideaway residents) You, blankets, quick as you like!

The resident nodded and quickly went to fetch some blankets as the soldier carrying the wounded slave gently set the slave down.

Bearded man: Alright, we make him comfortable while a bed's made up. (calls out) Well!? Are you just going to stand there? Someone fetch some water!

Goetz: I-I'll get the bucket! (to Y/N) Y-you go and see if Otto needs owt, eh? (runs off)

Y/N: (flummoxed) Wha— Wait— Me? (sigh) What the hell have I got myself into...?

Y/N walked towards Otto and the slave on the ground as he bends down.

Y/N: Who are they?

Otto: Eh? They're freed imperial Bearers. Who the hell are you?

Before Y/N could answer however, the wounded bearer let out a pained scream.

Otto: (clicked his tongue with a grimace) Shit. At this rate, he won't make it through the night. Think you can find your way up them stairs to the infirmary? We need Tarja. Well, go on! Shift your arse!

Y/N nodded in response before moving to fetch Tarja.

Y/N: Was Tarja the one looking after Jill...?

He heads to the infirmary and sees Tarja.

Tarja: Your friend needs her rest. There'll be time for tearful reunions once she's recovered.

Y/N: I'm not here for Jill. You're wanted downstairs. There are injured Bearers in need of attention.

Tarja: Well why didn't you say so?

Y/N: (sigh) I did say so.

Tarja went downstairs as she treated the wounded slave.

Tarja: He's going to be alright. But I'll need to examine them both in the infirmary. My work's just begun. (heads back to the infirmary)

Later, Y/N could be seen talking to Otto.

Otto: Another fine day at the hideaway.

Y/N: Do many of the Bearers who come here arrive in this state?

Otto: It's no easy thing, casting off your chains. By the time most pluck up the courage, they're already too far gone. These two here are the lucky ones. The name's Otto. You need anything, you ask me.

Y/N: Well, Otto...l do need some supplies.

Otto: Do you now? Then Lady Charon over there will be more than happy to help you.

Y/N: Right...

Otto: Oh, and thanks. Be seeing you.

Y/N: Not likely. I won't be staying.

Otto: Is that right? Well, for as long as you are here, consider yourself welcome. You helped us today. And we won't forget it.

With his piece said, Otto leaves to handle his business.

Y/N: Who are these people...?

Y/N walks over to Charon.

Y/N: I need supplies for my joureny to Lostwing. Otto said you could provide them.

Charon: What's that? Does the newcomer think it proper to make demands of a poor old matron before even introducing himself?

Y/N: Sorry. It's Y/N.

Charon: Well, Y/N, I hear that dog is yours. Since he followed Cid home one night, I've seen to it that his chin's rubbed and his belly fed. Though I suppose that's your job now. Unless you lose him again.

Y/N: I won't. Not again. ...Thank you for watching him.

Charon: So, were you going to buy something? What? You didn't think I'd shower your lordship with my hard-won wares while you swagger about with a pocket full of gil? Life doesn't work that way, lad. Now, let's see some coin.

Y/N: (shows her his remaining gil) That's all...

Charon: Why, you've barely a gil to your name.

Torgal then walks up to Charon.

Charon: (strokes Torgal) You're taking his side now? And after all I've done for you? (turns to Y/N) Alright. Alright, I can make an exception. But just this once, mind! (gestures to the monolith) My stores are getting cluttered and I need to make room for the next shipment.

Y/N: Thank you.

Charon: Thank me? Thank your dog.

With that, Charon goes back to patting Torgal, which prompts a chuckle from Y/N.

Y/N walks over to the monolith and picks up the bags full of gil. After that, he went over to the bar and met Kenneth, the chef. Kenneth asked him to do some order to three hungry customers who were Bearers, which he happily accepts if it meant helping them. 

From there he met with each of the customers, and listened to their words. Overall, they were satisfied with their life at the Hideaway, happy to be free from slavery, to be free to be themselves. Seeing the Bearers happy and free, it brought to mind the Rosaria of his youth.

Y/N: (thoughts) Velvet. Celica. Joshua. Laphicet. Father. If you are here to see this now.

Shaking his head of his thoughts, he carried on.

Along the way, he helped the head carpenter fetch some wooden planks for Hideaway maintenance, and even met with the kindly old Loresman by the name of Harpocrates II Hyperboreos, or Tomes, as he was simply referred by.

And then there was the Orchestrion. Strange device, but the fact that it played music made it quite pleasant, particularly to the ears.

After Y/N finished off some jobs around the hideaway, he went to the mainhall where he met up with Cid.

Cid: You all done?

Y/N: I am now.

Charon: Hm... Leaving already, are you?

Cid: It's you I'll miss the most, Lady Charon. It always is.

Charon: Doesn't stop you going, does it?

Cid: This should be fun.

Y/N: Right.

Cid heads to the entrance as Torgal walks up to Y/N. Y/N merely shrugs, unable to make heads or tails of Cid.

Meanwhile...

Lucy: (slowly regains consciousness) Ugh....

Lucy slowly wakes as she looks at her surroundings and sees she's at a forest.

Lucy: Where...?

Natsu: (spits out dirt and leaps to his feet) WHERE THE HECK ARE WE!?!?!?!?

Happy: (dazed) Aye....

Lucy: Natsu! Happy!

Natsu: Lucy!

Happy: We're alive!

Lucy: Well, yeah, but where are we?

Natsu: No idea!

Happy: Aye!

Lucy: (deadpanded) I thought so...

Happy: ....So what now? 

Natsu: Well, our best bet is to found out where we've ended up.

Lucy: Good idea, except that I have no idea where the nearest settlement is, or if the people there will be friendly. 

Natsu: Well it's better than staying here, right?

Lucy: ....True.

Happy: Aye!

Natsu: (smile) So, let's getting go.

Lucy: (smile) Right!

Happy: (smile) Aye sir! 

Chapter 2 ended. 

That was a good chapter. Okay, allow to clairfy things that I've learned from my partner. 

First off: Lucy can use the Celestial Spirit Realm as a gateway to connect the two continents. As far as I know, the Celestial Spirit Realm is a place that's removed from time and space, making it a place that exists everywhere and anywhere.

Second: After Lamia Scale, then return to Valisthea, from Kingsfall to after Rosaria, then back to Ishgar for Avatar. 

Third: After Avatar is dealt with, they stick around for Fairy Tail's return, which is when Cid reveals that the crystals curse weakens in environment of Ishgar, as evidenced by the petrification of his left arm receding, which prompts him to discuss moving the Hideaway to Ishgar with the newly-anointed Guildmaster of Fairy Tail, Erza Scarlet.

And finally: Y/N, Cid, and Torgal will be traveling with Natsu's team on Ishgar during Lamia Scale while Jill joins in at the start of the Avatar Arc. 

Let me know what you guys think at the comments below, peace out and enjoy!