"Damn it! How did the council even locate this place!?"
"Let go of me, you lawful dogs! Those monsters fighting inside might come out at any moment!"
"The Black Wizard will punish all of you!"
"Ordo!? Why are you not being cuffed!?
Another series of conflicts were happening just outside the hideout. A group of Rune Knights locked down the area with efficiency, capturing the dark wizards who attempted to escape the moment the Soundless Domain popped.
A blue cat and an injured sound wizard could only look on with worry, hearing and feeling the trembles of the intense clash inside. While waiting for the conclusion for everything, a serious looking man with glasses approached them.
"My men used a lacrima device invented by Archive Magic to detect the powerful and chaotic yet intertwining magical energies from within, three signatures as the both of you have explained." The man looked like a captain, displaying the usual demeanor of carrying out justice and order.
"Aye! We have no reason to lie to you, glasses. Make sure to tell your men to not go, or else all of you will get beaten up badly." Happy replied with his usual bright personality, believing that Natsu and Kagura could win in the end.
"That's really not something you should say to a Rune Knight Captain, little blue friend…" Ordo speechlessly remarked, sweat dropping at the casual attitude that the feline showed.
"Eh, I don't really like them anyway." Happy shrugged.
"... Me and this cat only met today, sir." Ordo coughed in embarrassment, discreetly checking if the captain was pissed. Fortunately, there wasn't too much of a strong reaction.
The captain sighed and shook his head. "No offense taken. And don't call me glasses, my name is Lahar for crying out loud." Lahar sternly gazed at the Exceed, who stuck out a tongue in response.
Ordo helplessly chuckled at Happy's antics. I'm actually surprised that a Rune Knight Captain even knows of him.
When they left the hideout, the first thing they did was to go to the Florentine Estate. Obviously, the blights weren't the only ones in Dark Sky, so they needed more manpower to take care of the weaker ones.
Marquis Florentine was hostile during their meeting, which was normal since his family heirloom was stolen. But Happy managed to calm him down, giving Ordo the chance to fully share a detailed explanation.
After absorbing such information, the Marquis truly understood how complex the situation really was, and offered support to leverage his status to get in contact with the council.
Which brought a welcome coincidence to say the least. Lahar and a portion of his unit was one of the parties who genuinely wanted to solve this issue, so they were staying in temporary housings within the town.
Once communications were established, Lahar quickly recognized the cat in no time. Therefore, it was a smooth discussion from there, and his group was instantly deployed without fail.
But Ordo's criminal status as a thief and affiliation with the dark guild won't go away that easily. Lahar had decided to pause his case for a while, focusing on the bigger problem.
Rumble!
Everybody felt the tremor of what appeared to be a contest of power. But this time, the atmosphere around them raised up in temperature. Although it was just a small change and nobody attributed it to magic. They probably thought it was the weather of the afternoon sun.
Rumble!
The next one came along, and all became tranquil afterwards. Lahar was tense, wondering if they will truly succeed in defeating the mastermind. From Ordo's descriptions alone, he already knew that they would be wiped out with no effort.
"Captain! One of the signatures vanished. Only two remain within there." A Rune Knight arrived before the trio and updated the current situation.
"They did it!" Happy didn't hesitate to celebrate, which surprised the rest. The concept of trust varies between each individual. It was something that you can't give out on a whim.
The Exceed was genuine through and through.
"Well, it's better to be optimistic, right? I'm pretty sure you've already heard of Salamander's exploits, sir. His strength is the real deal." Ordo just laughed as he was influenced by the blue cat's joy.
Lahar adjusted his glasses and hummed. "I'm aware. Let's just hope the outcome was what you two expected." He left a few of his men at each of the three entrances, covering either for the fairies, or blocking escape routes. It will be transmitted to him immediately the moment anything happens.
Happy deflated a little after hearing that. Although he still believed in Natsu and Kagura to win in an overwhelming fashion. The wait continued on for at least a few more minutes, the atmosphere getting more and more on edge.
Then, as if their patience were rewarded, Lahar's communication lacrima suddenly rang, prompting him to answer swiftly.
"What's your status?"
"Affirmative, Captain. Salamander and Miss Kagura have exited the premises. They are both gravely wounded, but can walk just fine by supporting each other." The voice said with relief in their tone.
Everything paused for a moment, before those who wished for their victory celebrated.
"Aye! I told you so! Both of them are strong on their own, and together, they become unstoppable!" Happy's tail swayed in response to his emotions.
Ordo felt surreal as he still tried to absorb the good news. He clenched his fists in excitement, finally exacting his revenge for his hometown. The sound wizard closed his eyes, going through memory lane.
The people he knew.
The sights he admired.
The life he wanted to continue until the very end…
Tears spilled out like a dam, not caring he was in public or not. He thought there would be no hope during his endless search from his escapades. Watching the ambitions of Argonia unfold with no type of resistance.
Happy and Lahar wordlessly gave the man space to organize his emotions that spiraled out of control. They understood that this was a huge deal for him, witnessing his unbreakable will to ensure that the dark guild falls.
He took the risk, and he picked right.
When he was a kid, he had always dreamed of miracles, one where good triumphed over evil. Dark Sky was a insurmountable obstacle that he faced alone, hovering between life and death by simply interacting with them.
However, it was all worth it in the end. This patch of darkness was exterminated by a fiery young man and determined swordswoman.
Even if they were just one of the subordinate guilds of Tartaros.
Ordo will fully bask in this victory, no matter how small it was in the grand scheme of things.
…
Florentine Estate.
The morning rays signaled the start of a new day, shining down on the trio who rested inside their accommodations.
Kagura was currently sitting up, wearing a new batch of clothes that she brought along. It was a sleeveless pink collared buttoned shirt, alongside clean black pants that accentuated her alluring curves.
Bandages were seen here and there, showcasing her smooth recovery. She was reading a book that caught her interest, and used it to pass the time. Although a certain noise made her smile softly.
"... Take that! I'm now the strongest in the world, peasants. Hehe~!" The pink-haired young man beside her mumbled some nonsense that probably came from his daydreams. Natsu was sleeping without a care in the world.
He wore his scarf alongside a green shirt with golden stripes, combined with light brown pants that were all stored into his huge backpack that he left in the estate. Natsu had even more bandages due to going overboard with his new and improved flames.
Kagura sighed as she looked at him with slight worry. "That reckless fighting style of his needs to be tweaked. Believing himself to be durable as a dragon is a dangerous thought process." She put down the book on her lap.
"Aye!" Happy could be seen sitting on one of the desks, eating fish like usual. "You can't really blame him. Igneel is someone he respects and admires, so he's bound to imitate in his footsteps." After finishing the fish, he magically ate another one out of nowhere.
"I understand that, Happy…" The woman suddenly switched her mood on the spot, her face darkening. "But was my advice really that useless? Our frequent spars should have amounted to something." Releasing a scary aura that froze the cat on the spot.
Granted that there were some results during their tag-team against Argonia, since he knew when to take a step back and opted for strategic approaches. They worked so well together because of those spars, knowing each others moves and all.
Especially when I was the one initiating most of the plans, following up with his actions if I felt doubt or hesitation. He completely trusted me in our first job as a team… No, no, no! I must show my anger and scold him for pushing himself because of his straightforward attacks! I need to be s-s-s-s-stern!
Kagura's stoic expression morphed from anger to confusion, then concern, happiness and love struck all at once.
Happy sweat dropped and observed this... female in her natural habitat. It was simply impossible to comprehend this otherworldly phenomenon that was displayed before him.
Therefore, the Exceed asked a genuine question, not aware that it will gracefully send him six-feet under.
"Kagura, is it that time of the month? You're acting weird."
WHACK!
A flying book knocked out the poor cat instantly, flopping powerlessly to the ground with his fish stuck on his mouth.
Kagura had tick marks as she took deep breaths. "I swear, Happy… You truly know how to push someone's buttons even when it's not intentional." Such actions must be punished with maximum pettiness. She'll make sure to deny him fish for a month at the very least.
"Hm?" She heard ceaseless soft creaking as she glanced at where the dragon slayer rested.
Natsu's closed eyes trembled for some reason, as if he was mentally sweating in his dreams. Or… was he even still asleep?
"Natsu-san." Kagura raised an eyebrow as she called out to him. The young man suddenly stopped all movement, but showed no signs of waking up.
"If you won't wake up in the next few seconds…"
"I'm awake! I'm awake!" Natsu sat up energetically, although he felt lingering pain from his injuries. "Happy didn't get those weird words from me, Kagura! I don't even know what he was trying to say! That's all him, all on his own!" He immediately threw his partner under the bus, not wanting to be caught as a collateral casualty.
Kagura rolled her eyes and giggled softly. "I'm also recuperating, you know? I don't have the energy for such things right now."
Natsu gulped and looked at his unconscious partner. "Really? That doesn't seem to be the case…" Muttering quietly.
"What was that?"
"Nothing! The weather sure is nice today." He whistled randomly, expressing himself a bit too much. Hiding his emotions wasn't really his strong suit.
The stoic woman just sighed and continued to rest, bringing back peace and quiet to the room. Natsu did the same as he glanced at the simple yet beautiful scenery outside. He was acting a bit out of character, getting lost in his own thoughts.
They didn't expect their first quest together to be more than just a case of thievery. It was supposed to be a simple outing, since jobs like these were easy to complete for wizards like them, and were commonly posted on the quest board.
However, it was also a good thing in the end. The fact that they trusted and supported each other in a dire situation with decisiveness was something that a fairy tail wizard embodies.
Their improving bond gave them endless strength.
Kagura looked down for a moment, before gazing at the dragon slayer again. "Natsu-san, I apologize for showing weakness when we got caught in that cultists' spell." She remembered the darkness engulfing her, its essence influencing her like a charming whisper.
Rarely did she ever lose her composure in such a fashion, and the last time she did was when Milliana told her about her brother's killer. She clenched her hands as she vowed to never let that happen---!
"Like I said before, It's fine, Kagura. Talking down on yourself is not the usual you I know." Natsu looked at her with a surprisingly serious expression.
"Showin' weakness is also a form of strength… Cause it's a part of who we are." His memories from the Tower of Heaven were etched into his mind, alongside the heart-shattering news of Tenrou Island's destruction.
"It makes you realize the motivations you have for the present. And it will help you overcome them no problem!" Natsu slowly returned to his loud and lovable personality.
"Don't forget, Fairy Tail is your home now. We'll always be there for you!" He displayed a smile so bright it dazed the stoic woman.
Kagura opened and closed her mouth, not knowing what to say. But the fog within her mind cleared due to how the dragon slayer's response resonated with her, and it made her relax immensely.
"You're right, Natsu-san." She lightly smiled. "I'm grateful to be a part of this wonderful guild."
"That's the spirit! We also make a great team, by the way!"
"Indeed. Do you… want to keep this up?"
"Hell yeah! I like being with you!"
"I-I see. I also feel the same."
Happy regained consciousness during those last two statements, slyly narrowing his eyes as he quietly floated again.
"Oh? You're fine now, Happy." Natsu noticed the blue cat's moving figure first, glancing at him with amusement.
Kagura had a bad premonition while she observed the Exceed who had a teasing expression.
"There's another meaning in her words, Natsu." Happy covered his mouth as he laughed. But before he could carry out his revenge, a series of knocks interrupted the trio.
Knock! Knock!
"Sir Salamander, Sir Happy, Miss Kagura, Lord Marquis has requested of your presence regarding Ordo's situation. Captain Lahar is also waiting with them in the living room." Chris informed the trio from behind the door.
They look at each other as Kagura replied. "We understand, Chris. We'll go there right now."
After exiting the room, Chris was naturally on standby, for it was his role as the personal butler to escort them. The group made idle conversation while walking towards their destination.
"To think this issue involved a dark guild… Lord Marquis' reward seems inadequate after you three went through such an ordeal." Chris said with guilt.
Natsu had his both his arms resting on his head as he assured the old butler. "You don't need to feel bad, butler pops! This is quite normal for us wizards, but it's nothing we can't handle."
"Still…"
"Natsu-san is not wrong, Chris. Fairy Tail receives dark guild extermination requests from time to time. It is our duty to deal with these criminals." Kagura added.
"Aye! This was only a welcome surprise at most."
"You youngsters really are something else." Chris wryly smiled, arriving in front of the living room as he opened its doors.
Inside, Ordo can be seen standing on one end with cuffs, supervised by two Rune Knights. Lahar and Florentine were seated on the couch, their expressions looking complicated and serious.
Natsu looked at the calm and disciplined Rune Knight Captain. Remembering the short scuffle after destroying Nirvana. They had an intense stare-off for a few moment, before he spoke first.
"Yo, glasses."
"Glasses!"
"My name is Lahar, damn it!"
The so-called tension broke in an instant, which made Kagura facepalm at the duo's antics. Florentine just laughed heartily while the captain in question was flaring with annoyance. Ordo sweat dropped like always, looking at the mischievous young man and his partner who didn't care about formalities.
"Alright, alright. We need to be professional in this discussion." The Marquis clapped his hand to get their attention. "Captain Lahar, you may catch up with your acquaintances later."
"Hah!? We ain't buddy-buddy with this rigid weirdo!"
"Yeah, what Natsu said! This guy is too bland to have friends. Maybe he stares into his mirror at night to admire the stony-face he has 24/7!"
"What audacious insults! I will not tolerate such disrespect from the both of you!"
They continued to bicker for a few minutes, making the atmosphere awkward. Even the Rune Knights under Lahar was surprised at this side of his. One wouldn't believe that the strict and disciplined leader of their unit could act childishly.
Although a certain swordswoman wasn't having any of it. She stabbed Archenemy onto the ground, slightly rocking the place. Everyone paused as they glanced at her.
"Begin. We're wasting time here."
"___"
"Ahem! I apologize for my behavior." Lahar coughed in embarrassment.
Natsu and Happy quickly slid to Kagura's side, as if they were soldiers in a formation. The mood of the room returned to normal after her little stunt. Although there was a slight piece of fear within everyone's eyes…
"Thank you for that, Miss Kagura." Florentine nodded in gratitude as he continued. "Now for the matter in question… Even with my status, it's impossible to interfere with the decision of members from the council." He looked at Lahar.
"You can't just spin the narrative just like that. Getting affiliated with a dark guild is considered an offense by default, and genuine noble reasons won't cut it." The Marquis explained.
"What the hell!? His town was slaughtered and was forced to do their bidding! Can't there be any consideration for that? That ain't fair at all!" Natsu was in disbelief while listening to such crap.
Kagura gently tapped Natsu on the shoulder. "Calm down, Natsu-san. From my understanding, it's standard protocol to appease the public."
"Ah?" Natsu tilted his head in thought, attempting to use the limited space of brain power he had. "Is it like Erza's trial? That thing where they need to show their authority?" He fondly recalled the memory as he tried to comically impersonate her.
It was a good plan on his part.
"You're surpisingly sharp, Natsu Dragneel." Lahar nodded as he adjusted his glasses. "This was a two-week long case that has caught the attention of many prominent figures. There were too many financial losses that crippled their flow of businesses, so going for a softer approach is a bad idea."
Natsu grumbled and said nothing anymore. Ordo smiled as he looked at him. "You don't need to worry too much, Salamander. I've already made peace with it… At the very least, I should accept the sentence that will be given to me."
"Ordo…" The dragon slayer sighed as he scratched his hair. "Fine! If you say it like that, there's no point in trying then." He crossed his arms while looking towards the side, clicking his tongue in the process.
The rest chuckled as Lahar rolled his eyes. However, Kagura wanted to inquire about something related to Ordo's sentence.
"May we know the length of his punishment? His contribution for the raid played a huge part in our victory. That should shorten his sentence, yes?" She looked at Lahar for clarification.
Lahar naturally responded. "Correct, Kagura Mikazuchi. Ordo's participation dialed it down by a lot." He paused for moment, wondering if he should share official procedures. But they definitely deserve to know it.
"Two years. It was decided before the trial."
The fairy trio sighed in relief after hearing that. That was shorter than what they expected, which was good news.
"Well, this calls for a small celebration, right?" Natsu's stomach rumbled, which startled the others.
"Haha! It seems our young heroes are in need for a reward other than Jewels. I shall prepare a feast in your honor, if that's okay with the three of you?" Florentine smiled as he looked at the group.
"Free food! Count me in!"
"Aye! I want loads of fish!"
"We accept the offer, Marquis Florentine." Kagura stoic expression softened while glancing at the duo. Their bright and loud personalities always livened even the gloomiest of places.
The Marquis requested his chefs to make the most delicious of meals they could muster, it was the best he could do to show his appreciation. After a while, the long table in the diner was filled with different styles of food.
Ordo's cuffs were temporarily removed as he also joined in the modest celebration. The table was definitely a mix of… unique individuals. Natsu and Happy were annoying Lahar for the most part, earning them a few bonks from Kagura's scabbard.
The celebration lasted until lunch, and everybody other than the owner of the residence prepared to leave.
Natsu, Kagura and Happy were currently with Ordo who had handcuffs again, standing in front of the estate's exit. Lahar and his Rune Knights were patiently waiting in the distance.
The tranquil and clear blue sky reflected everyone's current state. Finishing this ordeal was a roller coaster of emotions indeed.
"This is farewell, you three." Ordo said.
"What are you gonna do after your released?" Natsu asked curiously.
The sound wizard glanced upwards to admire the scenery for a moment. "I'll… retire from the world of magic, searching for a quiet countryside to spend the rest of my days." He looked back at them as he smiled.
They were surprised, but respected his decision. Even Kagura was aware that each person has their own way to express their grief moving forward. She can't just give her input as someone who experienced a similar incident.
"I hope it works out for ya."
"Let's meet again when possible!"
"May you experience a peaceful life."
The trio gave their goodbyes as Ordo went towards Lahar and his Rune Knights. He had a bright expression, no longer swarmed by the nightmares that plagued him.
There was no more weighted silence, only a joyful frequency for the future.