"Your strength is not exaggerated, Salamander… That hurts." Ordo softly rubbed the burned spot on his cheek, looking at the trio who kept their guard up.
Kagura narrowed her eyes at the man displaying a relaxed demeanor. "What's your purpose, thief? Leisurely starting a conversation like this simply made us more wary of you." Her Archenemy hummed with power.
Ordo raised his hands in surrender. "I indeed have a purpose. Negotiating with you in hopes we could work together." There wasn't any point in lying when the opportunity is right in front of him, being completely transparent with them was his best bet.
"Uh, did my punch rattle his brain or somethin'? Telling us to work together when you're the one who started this whole mess is not making any sense, pal." Even Natsu glanced at the thief with a bewildered expression.
Happy observed the situation with amusement. "Maybe it really did fry his brain… You don't see this type of person everyday. The world really is a big place."
The dragon slayer cracked his knuckles as he laughed deviously. "Another hit should fix him---! Ow!" He was stopped by a bonk from Kagura's sword, who could only shake her head at their antics.
"Let him talk, Natsu-san. Perhaps this matter is deeper than we realized." She crossed her arms as she eyed the man in front of them with a warning. "But, if I feel a single hint of deception coming from you, words will no longer be needed."
"Alright, alright. You'd better not waste our time, thief." Natsu grumbled. Although he liked fighting, he knew when to take a step back. Considering that he'd like to solve things directly.
"Aye! Don't worry about it, Natsu We could just pick another quest if we finish this quickly." Happy remarked.
Ordo sweatdropped as he listened to their conversation. "Quickly? I'm not so sure about that. I'll fill you guys in with the details, since this issue is bigger than what was shown to the public." He said seriously.
"Go on. We're waiting." Kagura observed him coldly, her sharp presence applying pressure. She was ready to respond immediately in case he inhibits suspicious movement.
The man draped in a black coat nodded, understanding her stance on him. He explained his role, the grand ambition of the subordinate guild, and Tartaros' influence on the whole situation.
Everything went back to tranquility afterwards. The atmosphere became a bit tense at the mention of the only major dark guild left in the Baram Alliance. Natsu in particular, clenched his fists from hearing that familiar title.
That battle against Oracion Seis was etched into his mind. He would've lost against Cobra if he didn't roar so loud it overstimulated his hearing. And although he didn't want to admit it, Zero was beyond his strength during that time.
Without Jellal's assistance in giving the Flame of Rebuke, or mentally forming an image of Igneel when he was banished to that ugly realm… He would've been dead then and there.
Grimoire Heart also made him ponder. He also found out about the invasion during his voyage with the search party. There were so many thoughts flowing through his head, making his hidden emotions slowly spiral out of control.
If only they didn't invade… They would have---! No, I'm just stopping there.
Natsu's unnatural silence worried the other two. Kagura also felt pure rage when she heard that a cult of Zeref was involved in this seemingly normal criminal case. But due to her practice of the mind throughout the years, she composed herself instantly.
She stared at Natsu's ever-changing features. Her expression softened as she gently held his hand. The contact sobered the dragon slayer back into reality, still in a slight daze.
"Natsu-san. Those who remained chose to move forward alongside you. Do not forget that you are not alone. The guild will always be by your side." Kagura tried her best to soothe the young man's internal worries.
It's the least she could do after he helped her willingly. Maybe the only option was to repay this debt for a lifetime… Ah, what kind of nonsensical conclusion did she come up with!?
Natsu's visage lightened up as he heard her words. He wryly smiled, a rare contrast that he displayed compared to his loud and brash personality. "Heh, you're right about that, Kagura. Sorry if I worried you for acting weird on my own."
"I'm also here, Natsu!" Happy understood his best friend very well. "Acting gloomy is a big no-no. Cause we'll make the guild stronger in our own way!" The blue cat loudly proclaimed.
Natsu chuckled at his partner's enthusiastic demeanor. "Hell yeah! We'll definitely achieve that!" He rubbed his Exceed's head in an energetic manner as he returned to his usual self.
Kagura had a small smile as she watched the duo. There wasn't a dull day around when they were in the guild. Bringing such a positive and warm atmosphere isn't that easy.
"Err… Kagura do you want to keep holding hands?" His words made the stoic woman pause. Embarrassment filled her being as she swiftly let go, continuing to stand beside him while coughing.
"Ahem! Excuse my behavior. I just wanted to… cheer you up." She reasoned on the spot, forgetting that the dragon slayer was unbelievably dense when it comes to other emotional patterns.
Natsu tilted his head in confusion, shrugging off her reaction as normal woman things. "I understand! Thanks a lot, Kagura!" He brightly grinned, not aware of mental offensive he did again. The proud and cold woman simply stuttered quietly, making random noises.
Happy narrowed his eyes at the two, attempting to tease them again. "Natsu and Kagura sitting on a tree, K-I---!"
"I will cut off your tongue, Happy."
"I apologize for my transgressions, Ma'am!"
"What type of song is that, Happy? It sounds nice."
"You are forbidden from ever understanding it, Natsu. I will get punished by her if I push my luck." Happy exercised his right to remain silent, returning his attention to the man who awkwardly watched them.
Kagura regained her composure as they went back to the matter at hand. "Your situation is complex, thief. Reporting it to the council would have made things easier, since such information would give them something to work by." She retorted by sharing a better approach towards the issue.
"You're not wrong about that, miss. I could definitely remain undetected after doing that. But… Pointless deaths would have weighed on my conscience, so I thought of an alternative like this." Ordo sighed and agreed with her point.
Dark Sky: Considered as one who currently showcased upper-tier strength among Tartaros' subordinate guilds. Similar to Oracion Seis, they have even fewer wizards who can obliterate whole platoons on their own. Although inferior, underestimating them will cost one their life.
That's why he didn't hesitate anymore to go with this plan of finding the right people for the job. Salamander, a name that shook all dark guilds due to his numerous feats. And the one that stood out the most was him participating in the downfall of Oracion Seis.
Only true talented elites could defeat those three… along with Dark Sky's Guild Master.
"Please help me. I could already tell that you both harbor such strength to stop them for good. I promise after all of this, I'll turn myself in." He never begged so desperately before, hitting his head on the ground to display his sincerity.
The trio looked at each other, their eyes indicating their answer. Natsu stepped forward as he offered a hand. "No need to beg like that, pal. Even without your request, I was ready to smash some skulls in. It would have been you if you didn't tell us all of that." A typical response from the dragon slayer that made both of his companions gaze at him with speechless expressions.
The Sound Wizard slowly raised his head as he softly chuckled, accepting the helping hand. "I've already tasted that fist, so that checks out, Salamander."
A temporary team-up was formed, its sole purpose is to dismantle the guild that started this whole mess.
"Finally, we're about to see some action! I'm all fired up!"