Note: Starting on this chapter, there will be deviation from the cannon story. Of course, there will be some things that are different due to the butterfly effect of Kael being in this story. So, if there are some things that are not making sense, hold on to it for a while as it will be explained in later chapters.
Enjoy reading!
A week had passed since the Fantasia Parade, and the guild hall buzzed with life as though the "Battle of Fairy Tail" had never scarred its walls. But in the master's office above, the mood was far from festive.
Makarov sat heavily in his chair, rubbing his temple. Across from him, Kael also sat, facing the aging guild master.
"We decided in the conference," he said with a grave tone. "Fairy Tail will form an alliance with Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter. Together, we'll strike at Oracion Seis."
Kael gave a slow nod, his eyes narrowing at the name. "I expected as much..."
"That's why I want you to lead the Fairy Tail team," Makarov continued as he looked at Kael expectantly.
Kael paused for a moment before speaking. "Sure... But I'll get to decide who'll come with me."
Makarov immediately frowned, leaning forward. "I believe I'm better off with-"
Kael raised a hand before interrupting. "Master, listen. With all due respect, If you were to decide who comes with me, I'm quite sure that you'll pick Natsu, Gray, and maybe even Lucy..."
Hearing this, Makarov froze. Kael hit a bullseye as he predicted the old man's thoughts.
Then, Kael continued speaking. "As you might have already considered, the team we send represents Fairy Tail. I've been catching up on what I missed while I was gone, and one thing is clear. Ever since Phantom Lord was disbanded, Fairy Tail has been seen as the strongest guild in Fiore."
His gaze sharpened then sharpened as he continued. "However, there will always be those that doubt. Thus, strength alone isn't enough. We need to show more than just raw power. We need to prove that Fairy Tail isn't only the strongest… but also the best. That means bringing mages who will deliver results, not chaos and destruction."
"Sure, Natsu and Gray can be considered strong... and destruction in these kind of jobs are to be expected... However, this could be quite an opportunity to solidify Fairy tail's reputation as the strongest, while... hmmm... helping out some off its members..."
The office fell quiet as Kael finished.
In response, Makarov just stared at him as he seem to digest Kael's words.
"You speak as though you were already Master," Makarov said at last, his voice quiet. Then, with a faint smile, he asked, "Why not be Fairy Tail's 4th master? These old bones might not last long..."
Hearing this, Kael didn't hesitate. "No." He shook his head. "Try to pitch it again in 5 years or so."
Makarov blinked, then chuckled under his breath, though it was tinged with a sigh. "Sure... Five years it is..."
Leaning back in his chair, he finally nodded. "Very well. I'll trust you on this. You can decide who Fairy Tail will send to fight alongside you. But Kael, please try to include those that need experience."
At this words, Kael just nods. Neither agreeing, nor declining.
Scene Break.
The atmosphere inside the elegant Blue Pegasus guild hall was as flamboyant as ever. Velvet curtains framed the walls, incense filled the air with a sweet perfume, and several guild members posed dramatically even though no one was watching.
Master Bob, dressed in his usual outfit of glitter and feathers, leaned forward on his chair with both hands clasped under his chin. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of seriousness and showmanship.
"Darlings," Bob said, his voice lilting with theatrical flair, "the Magic Council has asked us to join forces with Fairy Tail, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter. Can you imagine? All the attention, all the praise."
A ripple of amused chuckles ran through the guild. The trio of Trimens, ever ready to strike a pose, puffed up with excitement.
Bob clapped his hands together. "But we can't afford to be left in the shadows! Even Fairy Tail is stepping forward with their Sorcerer Supreme. We must contribute in style." He leaned closer, lowering his voice dramatically. "So, Christina will also be dispatched. Yes, our beloved Christina will join this battle. With her shining armor and grace, we'll dazzle them all."
The Trimens immediately struck synchronized poses. "Leave it to us, Master! Blue Pegasus will be the star of this alliance!"
Bob wagged a finger, still smiling but with a rare edge of seriousness beneath the glitter. "No, no, my beautiful boys. This isn't just about glamour. We're here to prove Blue Pegasus can stand shoulder to shoulder with Fiore's finest. And we'll shine so brightly that even Fairy Tail's spotlight will have to share."
"YES!" A collective shout was heard as countless members of the guild posed.
Scene Break.
The mood in Lamia Scale could not have been more different. The wide hall was built of heavy stone, sturdy and plain, but filled with the unmistakable roar of their guild master.
Ooba Babasaama's booming voice rattled the very walls. The l small woman, dressed in her flowing robes, stood before her gathered mages with fire in her eyes.
"Listen up, you brats!" she shouted, spinning her fingers repeatedly. "The Council wants us to form an alliance, eh? Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, Cait Shelter-bah! Do you think I'll let those fancy guilds steal the glory? Not while Lamia Scale still breathes!"
The guild members cheered at her words, though some looked a little nervous at the sheer volume.
Ooba pointed towards Jura, who stood calm and composed at her side. "Jura! You're one of the Ten Wizard Saints. Show them what Lamia Scale is capable of!"
Jura inclined his head respectfully. "Of course, Master. I'll see this mission through."
Then Ooba swung her finger toward Lyon, who stiffened as her gaze locked on him. "And you, Lyon! You've spent enough time chasing your rival, even going to that kids parade. This is your chance to prove that Lamia Scale isn't second to Fairy Tail or anyone else. You'll join the team, and you'll show those brats how it's done!"
Lyon gave a small smirk, folding his arms. "Heh. If Gray's there, I'll make sure he doesn't outshine me."
Satisfied, Ooba span her fingers again, her face red with passion. "Good! We'll crush this Oración Seis and remind everyone in Fiore who the real strongest guild is! Lamia Scale!"
The guild roared with her words, the hall shaking with their united cheer.
Scene Break.
The Cait Shelter guild hall was small and humble, tucked away deep in the forest. Unlike the loud and bustling halls of the larger guilds, this place was peaceful, filled with warmth and the sound of soft chatter.
Master Roubaul, the elderly guild master with his calm and kind demeanor, gathered his guild members in the center of the hall. He leaned heavily, hands behind his back, his wrinkled face gentle but solemn.
"Wendy, Carla," Roubaul said softly, his voice carrying the weight of his years, "it seems fate is calling upon us. The Oración Seis has risen, and Cait Shelter will stand alongside Fairy Tail, Lamia Scale, and Blue Pegasus."
Wendy's eyes widened, her small hands clutching at her dress nervously. "B-but Master… Oración Seis is one of the most dangerous dark guilds. Are… are we really strong enough to face them?"
Carla, perched on her shoulder, flicked her tail with a stern expression. "Whether we are or not, it is our duty, Wendy. This is not something we can shy away from."
Several Cait Shelter mages gathered around Wendy, their smiles gentle and encouraging. One of the older girls knelt down beside her and patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Wendy. You're stronger than you think."
Another added with a laugh, "And besides, you won't be alone. With Fairy Tail and the others fighting by your side, you'll have allies to protect you."
Wendy bit her lip but nodded, trying to be brave. "Okay. I'll do my best. For Cait Shelter."
Roubaul smiled warmly at her, though his eyes carried a hidden sadness. He looked at the gathered guild before letting out a long drawn out sigh.
'If this battle truly brings peace… then perhaps… my soul may finally rest.'
Scene Break
In Magnolia, Fairy tail was louder than usual, though the atmosphere was different from the usual brawls and laughter. A crowd of mages had gathered in front of a glowing projection conjured by Reedus, who stood nearby with a proud but serious expression.
The projection displayed the Balam alliance
Levy adjusted her glasses. "This is it… the Balam Alliance. The group of dark guilds that dominate the underworld."
Jet crossed his arms, his brows furrowed. "Grimoire Heart, Tartaros, and… Oración Seis."
Droy let out a low whistle. "I heard Oración Seis only has six members, but people say they're as dangerous as an army."
"Six people?" Natsu scoffed, leaning forward with fire in his eyes. "How strong can they be?"
Gray shot him a look. "Don't underestimate them, idiot. You don't make it into the Balam Alliance unless you're monsters."
With that, murmurs spread through the guild. Some intrigued, some worried, and some openly anxious.
At that moment, the heavy sound of footsteps made the chatter die down. Makarov and Kael stepped out of the office came into view. Makarov cleared his throat, his voice carrying over the guild.
"Listen up, everyone. I have news."
The guild grew quiet. All eyes turned to him.
Makarov's expression hardened. "Legal guilds will no longer sit idle while dark guilds rampage across Fiore."
He took a deep breath before continuing. "An alliance has been formed between Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter. Together, we will move to strike down Oración Seis."
Gasps and shouts erupted immediately.
"Are you serious?!"
"Won't the other two guilds get revenge?!"
Makarov raised his hand, silencing the panic. "I understand your fears. But during the guild conference, we believe this is necessary. If we allow things to stay the way they are, it will only grow worse. This is our chance to cut off the threat at its source."
He let the weight of his words settle before finally pointing toward Kael.
"And for this mission… Fairy Tail will be represented by a team. Kael will lead it, and he will decide who among you will join him."
All heads turned toward Kael at once.
"Count me in!" Natsu was the first to shout, fists blazing as he practically jumped over the table. "I'll crush those guys into dust!"
"Oi, flame brain, you don't even know what we're up against," Gray muttered, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. "Oración Seis isn't some random dark guild…"
Lucy wrung her hands together nervously. "I-I'm not sure if I even want to be a part of this..."
"Then don't go!" someone else shouted from the back. "It's better if Fairy Tail stays out of this mess!"
"But if we back down, won't that make us look weak?" countered another, frowning.
Voices clashed, arguments flying in every direction. Some were filled with eagerness, others with fear, and others still torn between the two.
Then, as if the crowd had found a target, they all began pressing toward Kael.
"Who are you taking with you, Kael"
"Take me! I'll show those punks how a true man acts!"
"You can't leave me behind, Kael!"
A small group even crowded around him, tugging at his sleeves, speaking over one another.
Natsu, not wanting to be passed on, shoved through, jabbing a finger at Kael's chest.
"You're definitely taking me, right? There's no way I'm sitting this one out!"
Macao frowned from the bar. "Don't be reckless, Natsu. This isn't some training mission."
And so, chaos unfolded.
But through it all, Kael didn't show any reaction as if he was in deep thought.
"Enough," Kael finally spoke, his voice cutting clear through the chaos.
"I'll let you know when I'm ready. This mission isn't just about fights and fun. It's about Fairy Tail's reputation. We're representing this guild in front of the entire country. That means results, not more destruction."
Then, Kael moved, moving to the stairs to the second floor before taking a seat.
However, the guild's noisy energy didn't fade as they talk about who is making it in the team.
"Well, it's obvious he'll take Erza," one mage whispered.
"Of course! If anyone's suited for a mission, it's Erza."
Erza, who had been silent until then, crossed her arms. She didn't deny it, but her sharp gaze swept the guild, daring anyone to make light of the situation.
"I wouldn't be so sure," another chimed in. "There's also Natsu."
"Natsu?!" someone scoffed. "Didn't you hear Kael? He just said he didn't want destruction."
At the bar, Cana tilted her mug lazily as she scoffed. "Of couse he gets to decide..."
Then another voice, quieter, cut through: "What about… Mystogan?"
The guild fell silent for a moment.
"Pfft. Mystogan? He barely even shows up!" someone blurted out, nervous laughter following.
"Exactly. Kael might have even forgotten that he's even part of the guild."
This chatter continued as everyone occasionally glances to the 2nd floor, looking at the man sitting in one of the chairs.
Scene Break
Beneath the cover of dense trees, the forest lay silent save for the rustle of leaves. Six figures stood in the shadows.
At the center, the one holding a staff shifted forward, his voice steady and commanding.
"We are running out of time. I can feel it… the legal guilds are stirring. Their strike will come soon."
The others exchanged glances, some tense, others almost amused. But none spoke. The staff tapped once against the earth, echoing with finality.
"Our plans will change. We might not have enough time." His gaze swept across the group, settling on one of the silhouettes. "Retrieve the coffin."
A slow, cruel smile spread across the face of the one chosen. "Sure." He said before dissapearing.
Then, the one with the staff continued speaking.
"This is our moment. Our best chance at Nirvana. Once it is ours… nothing will stand in our way."