Attack On The Council

~*****~


It was seriously adorable to see Natsu getting along so well with the giants. "We owe you little people big time!" One giant exclaimed.

"We're just happy that we could help out!" I call back.

"Little people?" Wendy asked.

"I guess that would put you in an even smaller category, Wendy," Carla teased.

I held up the giant berry I'd been munching on. "Anyone kinda feel like this is way too big to eat?" I ask.

Lucy sighed. "We'll have plenty of leftovers, that's for sure."

I snorted in response. "Excuse me, but what exactly happened to you?" Erza asked the giants.

They all went silent as they stared down at her. "Honestly, I can't really remember much of anything." The giant Natsu was sitting on said.

"We were told that an Ice Demon Slayer raided the village," I mention through a mouthful of berry.

"Yeah! I remember grabbing my weapon to help fend him off." A bald giant hum.

"Everything's a blur after that," The scarred one mentions. Another giant hums in response.

"According to Atlus Flame, the Ice wizard confused him for a raging fire demon, and came to take him out," Lucy stated.

"So the whole village suffered because of a case of mistaken identity? That's far from uplifting." Erza mentioned.

"No doubt. And I got a feeling we've only scratched the surface of this thing." Gray comments. "The Succubus Eye creep told me somethin'. He said a netherworld gate had been opened because of me."

"A netherworld gate?" Erza echoed. "That's Tartaros!"

"Doesn't surprise me they'd make a move," I sigh lightly. "Succubus Eye works under them. They were obviously sent to keep the Eternal Flame frozen."

"So freezing the whole village wasn't about extinguishing Atlus Flame?" Wendy asked.

"It's possible, but it's all just speculation at this point." Carla shrugged.

"Who cares?! We finished the job, so let's party!" Natsu cheered.

"Party hardy!" Happy cheered in agreement.

"Has anyone seen Flare?" Lucy asked. I pick at my teeth and lean back, yawning lightly. "What's with the hide and seek? Hello~ Earthland to Flare~"

"DID SOMEONE SAY FLARE?!" The giants bellow, causing me to shriek as I leap out of the way of their feet. "Did she really come back?!"

Lucy tugged at Flare gently. "Hey, come on. They're waitin' on ya." Lucy hummed. "You're finally home, you should be happy!"

"Listen. I abandoned the village. I ran and never looked back. They hate me." Flare murmured delicately.

I pick at my teeth again. "Listen, no one can truly hate someone they cared about for so long. Why don't you just look at 'em?" I ask loudly.

Flare meekly steps out to greet them. "It's been a long time," One giant hums. "I hardly recognize you."

"You might still be tiny, but it's obvious you've grown." Another states.

"So, what was it like in the outside world?" A giant with curly hair asks.

Flare began playing with her fingers, staring at the ground. "I-It was a lot of fun... But it was also full of hardships." Flare admitted. After a moment, every single giant began to grin.

"You'll find that's the same wherever you go," The curly headed giant comments fondly as he leans down to her. "It's one thing we have in common. You can come and go as you please. Just remember, that wherever you end up... you'll always have a home here."

"That's right," Another giant nods.

"Now then, there's one thing left." The curly headed giant hums. "Something we've all been waiting to say to you." Tears sprung to my own eyes as they all knelt down and beamed at her. "Daughter, you've finally come home!"

Flare bowed deeply, shaking from her own tears. "I--" She stammered. "I'm home."

I hear Lucy sigh. "I've got this one," She comments dryly. I begin bawling loudly at the scene. Laughter erupts from the village, including Flare, who looked absolutely stunning with a smile gracing her face.


~*****~


The next morning, I'm violently shaken awake by Erza, who wants to leave as soon as possible to report a mission success. Not that I blamed her, we were all walking on air after a night like last night. "Getting to the village was a total breeze," Happy sighed as we stopped on a mountain top. "Getting home is totally different story."

"Warrod's Magic was much better than walking," Wendy chuckled. "I didn't think anything could move that quickly."

"Consider this training," Erza mentioned. "Besides, we get to enjoy the scenery."

"We should hurry, though. I can't wait to see Warrod's face when he hears we saved the village." Lucy smiles.

"He might make a corny joke," I mention impishly.

Gray snorted. "Yeah, but I'm more interested the huge reward instead." Gray mentioned.

Natsu ruffles the top of my head roughly. "She ain't got no use for any jewel! You shoulda seen the haul she brought back before we left!" Natsu exclaims.

I swat at his arm with a laugh. "I think we should get going, regardless."

"Yes, I agree," Erza nods. "Let's go, everyone!"

The others groan loudly as we leap off of the cliff side. "Hold on, the hair's on my tail are standin' up," Ballad hummed as she popped out of my overcoat.

"What's up?" I ask curiously.

She flew into the air. "Does anyone know what we're getting paid for this job?!"

Everyone peered up in thought. "That's weird. I can't remember," Natsu hummed.

Gray just smiled. "Don't worry. Warrod's a Wizard Saint, he must be rollin' in jewel, and I'd be happy to lighten the load."

"I don't care about the money. The sense of pride in our accomplishment is reward enough for me." Erza mentioned.

"Someone's feelin' self-righteous." Natsu commented.

"Holier than thou, much?" Happy added.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" Erza asked.

"IT WAS LUCY!" Happy cried.

"Don't drag me into this!" Lucy cried. I begin to laugh.


~*****~


Warrod's downright gleeful when we return with our report. "There wasn't a doubt in my bark that you kids would be up to the task!" Warrod cheered. "Well done, everyone! Well done, indeed!"

"We hardly broke a sweat," Natsu beamed.

"It was our privilege to help the villagers and to serve you, Sir Warrod. You honor all of us." Erza smiled.

"Oh, yeah, what happened to the treasure hunting creeps?" Gray asked.

"I sent them off in grand style!" Lucy beamed.

"We also found out Tartaros may have frozen the village," Wendy added.

"Is that so? Well, we can let the Council worry about investigating that sorry lot. For now, there are more important matters. Like your reward." Warrod comments as he turns his back to us.

"We are getting paid!" Happy cheers.

"Well, we did complete the task, why wouldn't we?" Carla asked.

Warrod holds out a small potato with a smile. "Enjoy."

"Thank you?" Lucy stammered.

"Remember, small potatoes are better than none!" Warrod chirps. He begins to laugh cheerfully. "Don't worry, I wouldn't do that to you!"

"I hope not..." Natsu chuckles.

"Before I forget. The potato set me back a few jewel, so I took it out of your pay." Warrod comments.

"You think you're funny, old man?!" Natsu suddenly roared.

"I've got a joke for ya!" Gray exclaims.


~*****~


"This feels amazing~" Lucy coos when we stop for the night at the hidden hot spring Warrod told us about.

"And what a view, too," Erza hums.

"What a reward," Wendy giggles.

I snort. "No kidding, I totally needed this. And this hot spring is top notch."

"I'll say." Carla sighed. "By the time we're done here, we should be all glowy!"

"Whoa, no way! Are we really gonna glow?" Ballad chirped as I pin her fur from her eyes.

I laugh as I pat her head. "Not exactly. But it's hard to beat a good soak after a long journey, that's for sure."

"I would have to agree. Whole-heartedly." Erza nods. "It's the perfect way to soothe our bodies and focus our minds."

"I'm getting hungry," Lucy comments.

"Should we go?" Wendy asked.

"Yes, and soon," Carla hummed. "Before the tomcat and the meathead eat everythin in sight."

I yawn. "I don't know if I can stay awake if I eat," I complain. Lucy giggled and patted my head.

"Come on, otherwise you'll never eat." Lucy mentioned.

I nod a stand up with a stretch. We dress quickly and approach the bon fire with sleepy smiles. "Sorry to keep you waiting," Erza hummed.

"I knew you were eating without us!" Lucy beamed.

"Now that I smell the food, I don't blame them." Wendy comments. My stomach decides now is the best time to scream loudly. "And it seems Aria doesn't either." I chuckle in embarrassment as I rub at my belly.

"It smells delicious," I comment politely.

"No kidding! It smells like a job well done!" Ballad chirps.

Erza chuckles at her and pats her head. "I'm happy you could join us!" Warrod beams as he approaches with cups full of steaming tea. The smell makes my nose crinkle in disgust. "I have some drinks here, if you're thirsty.

"My apologies, Sir! I'm so embarrassed. I should have done that for you." Erza stammered.

"Nonsense! You're my guests! I'm happy to do it myself!" Warrod smiles. "Please, have as much as you can drink!"

"Thank you," Lucy beamed. I, on the other hand, held it away from my nose. "Aria," She warned me.

"S-Sorry, my nose is sensitive and it's makin' my eyes water." I groan.

"It smells like a forest," Erza smiles.

"These little trees are actually growing out of it!" Gray comments.

"So, question, why am I the only one with a mushroom coming out of their cup?" Happy asks.

"Do you have something against mushrooms, Happy?" Carla asked.

"What's in this stuff?" I ask as I pinch my nose shut. "No offense."

"It's a special blend of medicinal herb tea. It's great for relieving stress and even helps you stay regular!" Warrod explains. "It took me a long time to perfect, and it's my great pleasure to share it with you."

"Down the hatch~" Erza cooed.

I grimace and take a deep swig. "You kids'll believe anything, won't you?" Warrod chuckled. "But the part about relieving stress was true, at least."

My mouth opens and all of the tea in my mouth just pours down my front. I don't think I'll ever recover from that. "Gross. I've tasted better brew from a sewer," Natsu groans.

"That's quite some tea." Erza groans. "It's delicious. Thanks." She gives a frightened squeal as I tip my cup into hers and politely set my cup on the grass.

"You've been real stressed out lately, you can take the rest of mine! Drink up!" Natsu growls as he shoves his cup into Gray's face.

"What are you talkin' about?" Gray exclaim as he shoves his own cup into Natsu's face. "You're the one that needs to chill, dude! Don't be shy, drink it all!"

"Knock it off!" Erza ordered. "You're being impolite."

"Then you drink it," I mention lightly.

Erza flinches and gazes down at her own overfilled cup. Warrod just chuckles lightly. We all turn our attention to him. "Spending time with guild mates can be such a wonderful experience. I must admit, I'm feeling nostalgic."

"Uh, that's sweet, but since when are we guild mates?" Lucy asks.

I yawn lightly. "Warrod Sequen was in the guild when the First Master was there," I retort plainly. "Surprised you guys don't know, it's not like the history of Fairy Tail is a secret."

Everyone just gapes at me before slinging their gazes onto Warrod. He just barks a laugh. "You're well informed, young lady!" He lifted his sleeve, bearing his mark proudly. "I was a part of Fairy Tail from the very beginning! Right along side Mavis, and the other founding members! You can even say I'm your senior's senior!"

"That makes you as old as First Master Mavis?!" Ballad yelped.

"That is what he just said," Carla sighed.

"Is see... So that's why. I was wondering why gramps was so uptight when he's a Wizard Saint, too. Now it makes sense!" Lucy chirps.

"I was just--" Warrod starts.

"No, don't say it!" Gray barks.

"Telling you the truth," Warrod smiles.

"So that's why you asked for Gray and Natsu by name?" I ask curiously.

Warrod nods fondly. "You have the smell of the guild's old trees on you. As soon as you walked into my home, I knew you were my companions." Warrod explains. I tilt my head and smile. "Actually, that one was a joke."

"I was waitin' for it," I comment with a laugh.

"Meeting a new generation of Fairies has been inspiring. You truly embody the spirit of harmony. The kind of harmony Mavis talked about. She dreamed of a wizard guild bound not by blood, but by the souls of its members. That is Fairy Tail. The foundation she laid for our guild is so strong, her spirit lives on in your hearts. I'm not saying this because you completed the job. I could feel it the moment you walked into my home. Mavis told me something once. A comrade is much more than just a word. A comrade is in your heart. Someone you can trust unconditionally." Warrod smiled again.

"I never thought I'd hear Fairy Tail's founding words," Lucy hums. "Mavis was truly incredible."

"So let me get one thing straight. You're more gramps than gramps, aren't ya?" Natsu asked.

I snatched his scarf and tugged him downwards. "Just for one day, all I ask is that you be polite to the elderly." I mention irritably.

I let out a strangled bark as my coat is seized. "And you both need to be polite for more than two seconds!" Erza snaps.

"Look, I'm not tryin' to be rude here," Natsu exclaims as we're all released. "I was just thinkin' that, since you're really old, you might know something about this demon. It's called E.N.D."

"E.N.D.? Tell me more," Warrod hums.

"He's from the Book of Zeref. Apparently, my old man, Igneel, tried to take him down way back when." Natsu explained.

"Zeref, you say?" Warrod asked as he approached us. "I haven't heard that name in a tree's age."

"I've been trying to find Igneel ever since he disappeared," Natsu continues. "I thought if I found out more about E.N.D., it might lead me to him."

"Altus Flame told us there was history between Igneel and the demon," Wendy added.

Warrod hums thoughtfully. "Sorry, but I don't know anything. However, there might be a connection between this E.N.D. character and Tartaros."

I hum lightly. "Oh, yeah, you're right!" I chirp. The others look at me in surprise. "What? I told you they've got hits on me. Anyway, they're an eerie group of wizards, shrouded in secrecy. I'm not sure how many members they have-- and I don't know if anyone else does, either-- and the guild's location is still a mystery at this point. But every rumor I've heard about them-- well, they all end the same way. The Tartaros rituals are for worshipping demons."

Warrod nods sullenly. "That is correct. We don't know for certain, but the Four Emperors of Ishgar have a grim suspicion. We believe Tartaros may be in possession of a demon from the Book of Zeref."

"You're kidding! A guild with a demon?!" Lucy cried. "Creepy!"

"If that's true, it could be the one we're lookin' for!" Happy exclaims.

Natsu growled irritably. "This sucks!" Natsu complained before shouting into the air. He begins punching Erza in rapid succession. We all just stared in shock. "We can't do anything about it! We don't even know where they are! If I ever get my hands on one of those freaks, I'll thrash 'em around till they tell me everything! Like this! And this! Tartaros won't know what hit 'em!

"Natsu," I hiss urgently. "Look down!"

"Huh?" Natsu grunted before he does look down and it's at Erza's rageful face-- along with the knots on her head. She immediately destroys him.


~*****~


By the time we get back to Magnolia, Makarov is already summoning me with a job request by name. "I'm sorry, but I must decline," I comment sheepishly.

Makarov sipped his ale casually. "No can do. When the council hires us, we must accept, no questions asked. It's nothing big, you're just acting as a guard." Makarov explained.

"M-Master, there must be someone else. Laxus, perhaps? He ain't doing nothing." I stammer. Makarov just stares at me, then at his grandson at the bar, who's leaned back like he's all that. "I get your point," I retort blandly. "So it's just me? I can't take my team?"

Makarov shake his head. "I'm afraid not, my dear. Although, you might be able to slip Ballad in." Makarov gestures to the pink cat floating just within earshot as if she wasn't eavesdropping. She squeaked as she gets caught and starts flapping her arms.

"I wasn't listening in, sir! I promise!" She cries.

We just laugh. "I'll set off immediately, then. Who made the request?" I ask with a sigh.

"A guard. Apparently alot have quit recently and needed a fill in until they have others lined up." Makarov shrugged and chugged at his ale. "Have a good time suckin' up to those pencil pushers!"

I grimace irritably and grab my bag that I hadn't put away yet and strode towards the doors.

"Where ya goin', Aria?" Natsu immediately asked, running towards me, his bag on his shoulders, an eager look on his face. "Another job?!"

I hum lightly. "I'm sorry, but this is a request by the magic council." I explain sheepishly. "It requested that I be the only one to go."

"That's crap!" Natsu complains.

I just shrug. "Sorry, but I'll be back pretty soon! It's just a day job. Make sure dinner's ready by the time I get home, got it?"

Natsu smiles after a moment and nods. "Yeah, just be careful." I kiss his cheek softly before running out of the guild hall.


~*****~


My lips felt as if they were going to remain sucked into my mouth in boredom. I could hear those old farts talk and talk about the dark guilds. Ballad was somewhere in the city, looking at the shops, so at least she was having fun. "So... how you been, Dorkbolt?" I ask.

Doranbolt sighed irritably. "It's Doranbolt."

"Whatever you say, Dorkbolt." I retort plainly.

"It would seem that you made plenty of friends on Tenrou, Doranbolt." Lahar mentioned with a smirk. Doranbolt just grimaced and turned his nose up to hide the flush crawling across his face.

The three of us flinch as a door inside of the chamber bursts open. "There's an intruder!" Is all we hear before the entire building it caught in an explosion.

My head rings violently as I lay on the ground, my legs feel like they've been blown to smithereens. "Wake up--" I hear Doranbolt bark. "Come on-- you got it!"

I groan loudly as I peer through my shaky vision and wince at the strange sight. It's like my depth perception had been cut in half. I cup my face and wince again at the hot blood burning my palm. "How bad is it?" I murmur.

"I don't think there's anything that can be done," Doranbolt explains as he helps me stand.

"Doranbolt--" I hear an old man groan.

"Master Org!" Doranbolt gasps.

"We're not out of danger!" Org barks.

My brows twitch violently as a man slams Org's face down into the ground, a wide grin on his face. "You can't be alive--" The man sneers. "Killing all of you was the whole point. Your pals played along, but I guess you need some convincing." His arm lights up. "Explosion."

"Let him go!" I bellow.

"Doranbolt! Aria! Run away!" Org orders.

"No way!" I shout as I stumble away from Doranbolt.

"There's no reason for you to die with the rest of us." Org snaps.

"Hate to burst your bubble, but there's no running from my explosions!" The man exclaims.

"Leave! Do it, now!" Org exclaims.

I snap my gaze back on Doranbolt. "Warn everyone! Get word everywhere! I'll hold him off!" I shout.

"Oh, are you, gorgeous?" The man sneers. "The name's Jackal, by the way. One of the Nine Demon Gates of Tartaros! Tell that to your friends in hell! They should know the name of the man who slaughtered them. Tell them I enjoyed it!"

"GO, NOW!" I bellow at Doranbolt. I slam my palms onto the ground, shielding myself from Jackal's explosion. I slam back against the floor, staring at the spot where Doranbolt sat, glad he's gone at least. "Jackal, you said?" I snap angrily as I stand upward on shaky legs. "Why the hell did you target the council?!"

"That's on a need to know basis, sweetheart," Jackal giggled. Ice crawled along the floor. Jackal wagged his finger at me. "Nuh-uh, Gorgeous, I got orders to take you in, you've been quite the thorn in our side~" He hums.

"Miss!" I hear the squeal of Ballad.

I turn my gaze up and scream. "GET BACK TO THE GUILD!" I shout as loud as I can. "DON'T BOTHER TRYING TO SAVE ME!"

I give out a strangled grunt as Jackal presses his palm against my belly, grinning maniacally. "Don't worry, I won't kill ya just yet, just gonna make you hurt for a long time."

"NO! LEAVE HER ALONE!" Ballad shrieks. Jackal thrusts his other palm up, hand ready to catch her tight. I slam my arm downwards, slinging Jackal's body downwards and swinging my fist upwards, cracking it against his chin.

"I SAID LEAVE! DON'T THREATEN YOUR SAFETY! GO! BEFORE YOU CAN WARN THE OTHERS! THEY'RE AFTER THE COUNCIL MEMBERS! IF I'M TO DIE TODAY, MAKE IT MEAN SOMETHING!" I bellow again. Bright sigils appear on my body before igniting.

The resulting explosion sends me flying against another wall, slumping downwards as I wrap my arms around my stomach, gagging on my own blood. Jackal bears a wide grin as his hand wraps into my hair and I start feeling my body drag along the ground. My eye lid flutters shut.


~*****~


When I come to, my arms are shackled above my head, blood dripping onto the ground below me. I can barely utter a whimper as I try to lift my head. "Well, well, looks like the little dragon is wide awake." A man hums. I can't snap my head up as easily as I usually could. I slowly lift my only working eye and peer at the man in front of me. The words Absolute Zero are etched onto his chest plate.

"You look familiar..." I murmur through what feels like a severely swollen tongue. I groan as my head lolls back forward. "Magic, too... did you freeze the sun village?"

The man hums impishly. "Sure did. I eat the souls of demons, it was my duty to take out that fire demon."

I groan again. "Fire Dragon... he was a fire dragon." I murmur. "Why're you here? To kill me?"

The man snorts. "Nah, just got curious as to why Zeref wanted you captured."

I can't even snort. "Does it matter?" I murmur. "Tartaros has wanted me dead for years... Just do it. I've got no strength left."

The man grunts and ice crawls along the ground, slipping up my dangling legs and surrounding my body. "Have something to eat." The man retorts lowly. "I don't know about you, but I know Zeref will be pissed if you were to die."

My body reacts unwillingly, absorbing the ice and healing some of the minor sounds. Although, the pain in my gut and head won't go away. "Your name..." I whimper. "What's your name?" He gestures to his chest plate, and I can't even shake my head properly. "I know your face... I've seen it many times since I joined Fairy Tail... I know your son... He's a dear friend..."

The man's eyes widen a fraction as he stares at me. "My son is--"

"Is alive and well... thriving as an Ice Wizard." I explain softly. "You two smell alike... and your magic... it's nearly the same... What's your name?"

"Silver. Silver Fullbuster." The man hums softly.

I manage to snort lowly. "And I thought your son's name was dumb. Guess the apple didn't fall too far from the tree." My head sags again as I let out a series of hacks. I spit out the blood in my throat and grimace. "Hey, if ya let me go, I got a mountain of jewel you could have," I murmur before chuckling. "Don't think you have any use for jewel anyway... Just didn't want my friends to worry too much..." I spit again before I notice that Silver is gone, the door closed tightly behind him.

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