Chapter 17

Chapter 17. The Phantom Menace.

-I feel anxiety in the Force.

Little green man.

But day after day went by and ... nothing. No attacks, no threats - everything was quiet and peaceful, like in a swamp. Paranoia assured that this was just the calm before the storm, but it was also impossible to constantly be on the platoon - you could burn out and miss the real threat. Ur's soul was also slowly flowing into the basement - to the ice and cold, which had long become part of the essence of the sorceress, well, the high concentration of magic was also doing its job, however, it was still very, very far away from the end of the process, perhaps a couple of months - that's still an optimistic forecast, unless, of course, it is possible to somehow increase the speed of 'gravity'.

Joint trainings with the guilds continued, where Lucy also joined - as I promised, a personal hell came for her - an increase in the magic reserve is a procedure, to put it mildly, unpleasant, and if you combine it with the development of physical data ... the first couple of times I had to carry her in her arms to the house, then Elsa took over this function (to my deep chagrin). The girl has not yet concluded a contract with Sagittarius - it was worthwhile to prepare better, and at the same time, to learn more about this Spirit and its capabilities - the first incarnation is a very important moment for the Caster - you screw him up and for a very long time, instead of a normal combat unit, you will have her shadow at your disposal , or even some kind of misunderstanding, the example with Taurus was very illustrative, but what Sagittarius turned into in the anime, I don't want to remember - it's disgusting. In addition to practice, the girl was forced to sit down to the theory - descriptions and legends about Spirits, examples of use and methods of opposition. From practice, the first thing they mastered was closing the Gate unilaterally, the summoner who almost beat the girl was a good motivating factor. Unfortunately, there was nothing I could help, but I knew someone who could, but ...

-No, no, no and no again! She'll kill me, and she'll wash off half of the city to boot! - my idea clearly did not suit the girl's taste.

-Lucy, well think, who can tell about working with spirits better than the Spirit itself? And Aquarius, at the moment, is the strongest of your contactors ... and the only sane one, if we face it. Although, you can still ask Virgo ... - I dreamily roll my eyes and put on a somewhat dreamy smile.

-What doesn't suit you with Taurus or Cancer? - a slight flash of jealousy was my reward for pantomime.

-Well, first of all, they are melee fighters, not magicians, and secondly, I doubt that in their current state it will be possible to achieve something more indistinct humming in love and an offer to get a haircut from them, - the girl was embarrassed and turned a little pink, - so there is no one except Aquarius.

-Okay, - Heartfilia surrendered, - but then don't say that I didn't warn you ...

And so, on the shore of a small forest lake, the Aquarius Gate opened and a blue-haired girl appeared to our eyes, a very beautiful blue-haired girl, if not for a fish tail ... a flash of jealousy from Lucy told me that I needed to better control my face

Aquarius gave the blonde a contemptuous look and drew attention to me. Then she glanced at Lucy again, not so contemptuous, and finally began a conversation.

-Hmm, have you finally found yourself a boyfriend? Perhaps you are not hopeless. What did you call?

Lucy hesitated a little - Aquarius has been in the world for more than ten seconds and is still not trying to drown her.

-Well, I ... wanted to ask you to teach me how to better interact with spirits and close the gates unilaterally.

- Why would I help you? In the end, I didn't see anything but unnecessary irritation from you - I was always ripping me off dates, "Spirit grimaced. Heartfilia was at a loss, what can be offered to the Spirit, which, in principle, needs nothing from the material world? But I already had an answer to this question.

- Judge for yourself, Aquarius, the better Lucy is prepared, the better she will be able to cope with problems with the help of other spirits and the less she will jerk you.

The fish girl was clearly thinking. But then Lucy decided to connect.

-And you can set the training time yourself so that we do not accidentally interrupt your date, and in general, an acceptable call time.

-Okay, - Aquarius was merciful, - acceptable. Let's go tomorrow at two in the afternoon. I have one more question. Whose idea was it.

-Let's admit, my, is something wrong? I raise an eyebrow in a questioning gesture.

- No, - the mermaid grinned, - you could make a good contractor ... cute ..., - ahem, is it that, as a punishment, she decided to try to take the 'guy' away from Lucy?

- Sorry, lady, but I prefer girls with legs - better to make it a joke.

-Yes? I'll take into account, until tomorrow, - and this bastard changed its tail for a pair of slender legs ... and closed the Gate from its side.

-M-yes, she left me, - I admitted my defeat. So, what's going on in Lucy's emotions? Brrr, well, porridge, not to distinguish.

"Sephiroth," the girl called.

-Mmm?

- No, nothing, - the blonde was embarrassed.

-And all the same? - I became curious.

-When Aquarius called you my boyfriend ... why didn't you object?

- What for? - lips stretch themselves into a smile, - I would really not mind being your boyfriend, or did it offend you? Then sorry...

-No, what are you ... I, uh ... - do not let the girl get completely confused. Now is just the perfect opportunity to get close to Lucy ... but in that case it will be much harder for me to get close to Elsa and Mira, so ...

-This is good, but I think it is a little premature to have such conversations. Let's go to? And then Elsa and the guys are probably already starting to get nervous - at the mention of the name of a competitor, the girl became somewhat sad, but the general mood was still positive.

- Come on, - smiled Heartfilia.

On the personal front, the fighting was going on in full, it seems that Mira felt that she was starting to be left behind and rushed to rectify the situation. I must admit, in a very insidious way, but damn it, very pleasant for me, at the same time, I managed to carry out an old idea about Lissana. But let's take a closer look, it all started with an innocent request from a blond angel ...

- Sephiroth, could you help me with the reports? And then I got a little twisted and lost a lot of time. You are welcome! - and this look, together with a charming smile, how can you refuse such a girl in a mere little?

-Of course, beauty, I am completely at your disposal, - honestly, I didn't on purpose, just a little distracted. But the phrase turned out to be so double-digit that Mira blushed, and the Master began to violently choke on beer, hmm, could he advise him to use a straw? Something lately he wastes this drink too often ...

Helping Mira consisted in sorting the reports and stuffing them into the necessary racks in the guild's libraries, the beauty's insidious plan was ... hidden seduction, that's what I didn't expect from this quiet, modest girl, is this, or, the old devils finally stirred in this sweet pool? But, damn it, I don't believe that you can bend down, arranging books in exactly this way, or, having climbed the stairs, lean back a little and ask me to hand over some volume, along the way almost forcing her to devour it with my eyes ... ... Damn, that's a devil, but how good she is! Lucy came to the light and also offered to help. The honored waitress of the fairies was clearly not delighted, but she accepted help, then, it is not known how, Elsa learned that only Sephiroth and two girls remained in the secluded library. So there were four of us, and the intensity of the atmosphere became comparable to the situation at a high-voltage station in a thunderstorm - all that was missing was slipping discharges and thunderclaps. Fortunately, I just came across an old photo album of the guild. Yes, yes, the one where there are pictures (well, or drawings, it was there and this) of little Mirazhana in a very interesting suit. I tried to remember them as best as possible - then I will try to recreate with the help of Simba from memory, or I will ask the fat artist to make a copy. Petty Mira with Elsa is downright the embodiment of kawaii. Lucy became interested, Elsa and Mira decided to enlighten her and began to educate her, hu is hu in that photo.

-Here is Elsa, Kana, Elfman, and this ... - the warrior hesitated for a while, and I - took the moment.

-Lisanna, hmm, and here she is still very small, - three incomprehensible glances were my answer.

-When did you see her? - Mira was on the alert, but in her emotions something is going on with something.

-Hmmm, about a year ago, maybe a little less (the funny thing is that I again did not lie in a single word. I really saw her when I watched this anime and it was about a year ago, given the six months that I have spent in Fiore).

-This can't be, - the girl became sad, - my sister died two years ago ... because of me, - then Mira told me and Lucy the story I already knew about the Beast, the Absorption and what came out of it all.

- Strange, I can swear. That it was Lissana, - firstly, they called her like that and she responded, and secondly, she looks very much like you, - I turned to Mirazhan.

-Where did you see her? Elsa interjected.

- Somehow I got lost in the forest and went through some strange veil, there I just involuntarily overheard this shout and saw a girl, I wanted to follow her and ask for directions, but again ran into this mysterious veil, and when the fog cleared away, then no one was there, - yes, I had to lie, but I couldn't really tell that I know all the guilds very well for the simple reason that I watched their lives through Japanese animation?

I don't know what was going on in Mira's head, but I discerned the growing hope in her emotions, and judging by how decisively she went to Makarych, they would get off him only in two cases - when he gave out information about Edolas and the possibilities of transition from peace into the world, or when it stops showing signs of life. Okay, I think Mystogan shared his story with the Master ... otherwise the old man really got into trouble, hehe.

Well, four days later, the canon recalled its existence - returning from another training in the evening, we found the guild building piled with hefty steel beams and the World that was barely holding back tears. A lust for blood began to stir in my soul ... the blood of the Phantom Lords.

Moreover, if I could still control myself, then Natsu ... remained Natsu. And now he clearly showed why ordinary magicians have always ... feared Dragon Slayers. No, he did not 'blaze' and did not thunder and lightning, but ... when looking at the guy who suddenly became very serious, it was clear that there would be corpses, a lot of corpses. And the rest of my companions, too, were not distinguished by tolerance and forgiveness. Be that as it may, but it was impossible to immediately go to the showdown - without the direct permission of the Master, such a trick can entail very serious sanctions, alas, the official status of the Fey still imposes certain limits (not that they would be very vilified, but some things I still had to observe, so as not to fly in full). I had to go down to the basement and find out the situation there.

Below us were the gloomy guilds, headed by drunken Makarov in sausage. The old man drank, drank black, the grandfather was so distraught that he did not even bother to maintain his emotional block, or maybe the excessive amount of alcohol was to blame, in any case, I could feel the emotions of the Master - restrained anger, almost a childish resentment and a kind of longing. The set is, to put it mildly, uncharacteristic for a usually positive pensioner. Something was wrong here. Makarych only laughed it off when asked Natsu, but said that, they say - well, they destroyed the building, in broad daylight, so no one was hurt and nothing terrible, and then he just slapped Lucy lower back and ran away (in whatever state he was, but craving I did not leave him for the beautiful ... I respect, although later I will tell him about this ... someday), or rather, 'retired on urgent matters.' Natsu continued to be indignant, Mira tried to somehow reason with him, in which Elsa and Lucy helped her, in general, everyone was a little busy, so no one would notice my absence. I needed to talk to the head of the Fey. Trying not to attract too much attention, I followed the old man. I didn't have to go far.

-Aaaa, Sephiroth, also need to dump ballast, hic? By the way, how is your relationship with the girls, huh? Have you thought of confessing yet? - the grandfather winked conspiratorially, but now his mask was unable to deceive me.

-Master, what's going on? - Makarov was trying to start his song again, about 'everything is all right', but came across my demanding look.

- You guessed it, then? - Now the old man was no longer smiling. Fatigue showed on my face and the same longing that I felt in his emotions - well, to be expected, you have always been pretty smart.

-Master?! - I did not let him move away from an unpleasant topic. Dreyar sighed heavily.

-Okay, listen, just don't tell our people, the problem lies in the Council. Now the Phantoms are provoking us, it's as clear as day. We do not have direct evidence that it was the Ghosts who attacked the guild, and taking into account the Council's 'love', as soon as we pay them a return visit, they will declare us to be extreme . These assholes have long been asleep and see how Fairy Tail will be dispersed, and here such a gift is an attack on the legal light guild. I'm afraid in that case even my connections won't be enough to hush up the case, '' Makarov sighed sadly.

-And what, sit and wait until they get so impudent that they attack one of ours? - I distinctly heard Makarov's teeth gritted, oh, I risk it, if the old man kicks up, it will be very fun for me. But Dreyar did not just become the master of the Tail, he knew how to think.

-What do you suggest? I already told the guys to stay closer together! Understand, now I can't do anything. NOTHING!

- Hmm, I have a couple of ideas. You listen? - The old man looked at me thoughtfully.

-M-yes, and you are not simple, guy, not simple at all ... however, I don't care much about the past ... I listen, and give it to you, otherwise I start to feel so old ...

- To begin with, if the attack happens, then in the evening or at night, so that there are no bystanders, it means that night walks for all members of the guild below A rank are better to be minimized, and it is better to stop altogether.

-It will not work, the Fey credo was formulated by the founder - everyone decides for himself, so I cannot forbid them. But I will inform you, - Dreyar nodded (hmm, and where did all his intoxication go? Hmmm, well, grandfather's body).

-Then, Warren. Will he be able to maintain communication between the guilds? At least when they just hang around the city at night? - here Makarych seriously thought.

- I don't know, maybe ... well, let's sleep it off during the day. Anything else?

- I also have a couple of useful things that should be given to ours - in case they do get in trouble, - my lips involuntarily stretched out in a 'demonic' grin.

-Hmm, perhaps I don't want to know what exactly you have prepared, I hope, at least not like with Erigor? - Although the master said it in a joking tone, his look was quite serious.

- No, this time everything is somewhat ... more humane.

-Well, that's nice.

Returning to the meeting, we went about our business - Makarych went to harness Warren, our telepath, and I began to distribute to everyone (and those who did not want to, too) my grenades under the code name 'so that I die'. Well, then ... then we went home. Lucy decided to take a moment and asked to see her off, citing the danger of the environment. Heh, as if I was against it?

Canon did not disappoint my expectations - in the house the blondes were already waiting for us. Elsa and the sweet couple from Gray with Natsu settled down at ease in the living room. The girls met eyes and looked a little.

-Elsa, guys, what are you doing here? - Lucy's sweet smile, if not for a small storm of annoyance and irritation in emotional terms, I would even believe.

-The master asked to stick together, so we decided that it would be best to get a job with you, - Elsa smiled in return (oh, how much gloating, enough for the average-sized 'chapters of a reptile' from some book), - you are already an adult girl and be left alone, alone with the guy ... what the people around might think ... and it would be somehow uncomfortable for me to stay only with Natsu and Gray, - at the same time, they threw a quick glance at me, hmm, checks, not jealous is it? Nooo, dear, I'm sure of the guys - one only has fights on his mind now, and the second won't be able to look at the girls normally for a long time. The atmosphere was defused by Happy, who managed to slip into Lucy's laundry. What was he looking for there, fish? But it doesn't matter, while the girl was taking her panties away from the cat, while Elsa was asking her where she got such a style (it seems, she caught my interested look, and what am I, I'm nothing), some unpleasant moment somehow smoothed out by itself. Then the warrior drove everyone into the shower and to the side ... the sadist. Watching the girls from the bathroom, steamed, covered only with a towel ... argh, hormone release! Again! Yet! Fuh, it seems to be relieved ... and how do Natsu and Gray stay calm? No, I don't understand ...

Around the same time. Gajeel. Iron Dragon Slayer.

-Tts, and why such a shitty job got to me? There would be no Zemul or Aria to send - those do not care, even kick the trash, at least with someone normal to fight, - the guy hung with piercings spat annoyedly on the roof of the house, - well, where can I look for 'fly to convey our invitation'? Gajeel said, clearly quoting someone. The guy had been rushing around the city for an hour, but the representatives of the Fey, as if in agreement - there was no one on the street at all. But now, after another forty minutes of empty wanderings, luck finally smiled at the dragonller - he saw a suitable victim. A girl with a disheveled shock of blue hair, accompanied by two guys, walked slowly along the dark street. The Phantom mage grinned carnally and jumped off the roof. First, he decided to get rid of the guys, and then already 'play' with the girl, but ... at first everything went according to plan - a fist hit one of the accompanying persons, knocking him out, but then ... the girl threw something to him under your feet, flash! Thunder hit my ears, but it wasn't the worst. Then the Smell came. That's right, with a capital letter. A wild stench hit my nose, forcing me to bend in a spasm, throwing dinner on the road (a couple of gears and one steel bar, if anyone is interested), everything floated before my eyes, some voices could be heard.

-Levi ... Sephiroth is cruel ... he knocked out ... we leave ... they will soon be, - then followed a blow to the head and darkness.

The dragonseer came to his senses pretty quickly, his head ached wildly, and the state itself could be briefly and succinctly described in one word 'shitty'. Of course, there was no one around, and looking for a new victim ... to fight any serious enemy in such a state would be pure suicide, so, despite the burning desire to take revenge on the bastards who use such dastardly techniques, I had to retreat ... and it would not hurt to wash it off, it seemed that this monstrous stench had eaten almost into the skin.

Somehow, having come to his senses, Gajeel hastened to retire away from the place of his shameful defeat.

Sephiroth.

We were about to go to bed (by a strange coincidence, I got a seat between Elsa and Lucy, I have nothing to do with it ... almost) when Warren relayed the message about the attack. Levi was unlucky, but this time, everything turned out to be a slight fright - one of her gentlemen got a heavy hand on the skull and left for the land of dreams, but nothing happened to the girl, moreover, she was able to give Gajeel my modest gift, as a result which was already saddened by Iron.

Arriving at the place, we did not find anyone (although it would be strange if Gajeel began to wait for us), we also failed to take a trail - the stinky bomb has its drawbacks. It smelled very well there until now. The smelly trail ended at the river - apparently, the enemy immediately rushed to wash himself as much as possible. Having spat on this matter, we returned home and nevertheless lay down.

The awakening was very pleasant (I also decided to take some pokemon in order to relieve the brain), apparently, at night the girls became cold and they instinctively moved to the warmth, in this case, to me. Hmm, something tells me that if they wake up in this position, then I will be the last one, and I didn't want to shovel from two beautiful persons at once. But ... you can joke a little, and if it works out, then bring the girls closer together. Gently wriggle out of the double embrace. The girls begin to move in displeasure, so now gently (with the help of Simba) move them closer to each other ... like this. Lucy buries herself in Elsa's chest, and she throws her leg over the blonde and buries herself in her hair. Damn, the camera is missing ...

The morning began cheerfully. The girls woke up almost at the same time and the first thing they saw was the dumbfounded face of a competitor, then there came a realization of exactly how they were lying and now the beautiful fakes were blushing. Mmm, what a picture, how pleasing to the eye ... But, all good things come to an end sometime, so I was not allowed to enjoy this picture for a long time. In addition, the male part of the team also soon wore eyes. Lucy, as the hostess, went to think about breakfast, Elsa volunteered to help her, while Natsu and Gray, I, were collecting bedding and bringing the house back to its original form. The koshak left (or rather, flew away) to reconnoiter the kitchen and never returned. Soon we were called for breakfast. What can I say - the girls did their best - a few salads, sandwiches and hot tea - it was delicious. Sincerely thanking the lovely ladies after a snack, we headed to the guild. As it turned out - just in time. The master was not going to forgive the attacks on his ward, even if everything did not go as in the canon, but the attack itself was. The spirit of the guild clashed with the laws of the kingdom and common sense, needless to say, what exactly won? Makarych was just finishing the formation of the group, for a return visit to the Phantoms, he was very angry, but still not up to the state that was described in the canon. Elsa and the guys immediately enrolled in the assault squad, but Lucy ... Lucy clearly understood that she had nothing to do there, the Celestial Spirits mage was very vulnerable at close distances - it was not a good idea to distract her comrades to defend herself. As a result, the blonde remained in the guild, and my refusal caused some questions. We did not find references to a bad feeling and a reasonable remark that it would be nice to leave someone to cover the rear of the response in the ranks of crazy fairies, but ... everyone decides for himself what to do? They looked at me, of course, askance, but they did not express any complaints. However, the only one whose opinion was interesting to me in the crowd of those leaving, did not show much displeasure, except that she periodically cast a jealous glance at Mira and Lucy, who remained in the guild. I didn't understand, did she think that I was staying because of them? Although ... in a sense it is.

So, the main part of the guild safely headed to Duby - the hometown of the 'Ghosts', Lucy became a volunteer nurse for our injured friend - Levi and a member of her team who remained on their feet went with the rest - to take revenge on our gloomy friends. I ... trying not to attract attention, followed the girl with a shadow, and then one fine moment, the sky above the blonde's head was covered with clouds, and a strange-looking type with green hair and a monocle in his eye emerged from the ground in front of her. The capture has begun.

Rains Wodin. She's Juvia. One of 4 elements.

The girl walked along the street, accompanied by the rain. Everything was as usual - drops hit the cobblestones of the road, gray gloom instead of the sky, faded colors of the world and rain ... always, as long as she remembered herself, only he was always with her, but even he was afraid to touch her - the drops went around the fragile figure. ... Juvia remained completely dry even in the worst rainstorm. The deeply self-absorbed girl would probably have missed the goal of her assignment - a pretty blonde magician from the Fey, if not for a partner, apparently, given just in order to send Wodin in time.

-No-no-no, no-no-no, ... - Juvia habitually ignored the strange saying of Monsieur Zemula - another of the 4 elements, the Earth magician, - do not forget about the task, Lady Rains, if my lens not mistaken, this madam is our precious goal.

-So this is it? - Juvia once again walked a melancholy glance at the girl.

-Yes, but let me introduce myself ... - the partner abruptly fell silent. The girl felt a breath of air, as if something big flew past her. Turning around, she saw Zemul ... imprinted on the wall of a nearby building. Above him stood a young lad with silver hair, dressed in a black leather cloak ... handsome, a somewhat untimely thought occurred to him.

-Sephiroth! - joyfully exclaimed ... it seems her name is Lucy Heartfilia.

-Hi, Lucy, and I was passing by, I look, interesting personalities are spinning next to you, I think I'll look at the light, I hope I didn't interfere?

-No, you, as always, on time, - the blonde smiled happily, - something pricked my heart, the water sorceress would like to have someone who can smile like that ... or just smile.

- But it looks like we're not done yet. Can you tell me, beauty, what did the Ghosts want from my fighting friend? - the guy smiled benevolently.

Juvia a little confused, beautiful? Where? She even quickly looked around, but there was no one else on the street. Is that what he called ... me? The blood rushed to my cheeks.

-Well ... dear Jose ordered us to bring Lucy Heartfilia to him and ... I have to follow the order, sorry, - an effort of thought and the guy ends up in the Water Prison - the spell is irrefutable, but ... he can suffer, you need something- then do! But the order - thoughts rushed feverishly in the pretty head of the girl. But nothing had to be done. The guy inside the water ball, Sephiroth, did not seem to show any signs of lack of air, and he did not even show that the new position was uncomfortable for him! And the next moment ... The Water Prison just disappeared.

-What a sneaky reception, I like, - and he smiled, smiled at her ... the girl's heart skipped a beat ... - I really do not like to fight with women (especially cute ones) and children, but I will not take Lucy away let me, - and turning to the slightly confused blonde, - Lucy, it will be a little hot here now, move a little further ...

-I'll fight too! - the girl began, but stopped short under the guy's unexpectedly hard gaze.

-Go! - Heartfilia nodded and hurried to move away, but still remained in line of sight. Juvia once again felt the strange prick of this ... jealousy? Yes! She likes this guy, he is different from the rest and they are destined to be together! And Heartfilia ... a competitor! The water sorceress began to boil ... in the truest sense of the word. Jets of boiling water flew into the guy, but, much to the girl's relief, he managed to dodge every time.

-It's useless, while it's raining, you can't do anything to me, - the throwing knife called by the guy flew through the sorceress, surrender and let me take Heartfilia, then I'll ask the Master for you, you can join us ...

"No, I'm somehow used to my Fakes," Sephiroth responded, dodging another stream of boiling water, and as for rain ... in general, I like rain, and I generally adore a rain shower. I can watch the riot of the elements outside the window for hours or go for a walk in a thunderstorm, taking advantage of the wind and streams of water across my face, - Juvia froze ... really ... did she finally find a person who would not just recoil from her because of her curses, but also ... will enjoy it? - but, you are right, - the guy continued, - in the rain it is unrealistic to cope with you - too much water.

-So you give up? the sorceress asked hopefully.

-No, - on Sephiroth's face some suspicious grin appeared, - I will just stop the rain, - streams of fire hit the guy, covering the street, closing with a dome over his head. The water from heaven could no longer break through this protection, the puddles on the road dried up almost instantly, it became light and warm. The Fire Mage, - concluded the girl, - probably this is Fate itself, because opposites attract, don't they? But Sephiroth did not stop there. A scarlet Rune Circle lit up in his hands and, behold, a bag appeared in them, the guy threw it into the air and cut it with a throwing knife - the whole street was covered with white powder (no, not coke). Reason prompted that this was not easy, just in case, the girl tried to go into the water form. Exactly what I tried - there was clearly not enough moisture in the air, and her own water ... was drawn into this powder, absorbed by it. The troubles did not end there. While the sorceress was recovering from an unsuccessful transition, Sephiroth was surprisingly close. The girl felt his breath on her skin, the guy smiled at her and ... hugged her ?! Juvia did not have time to be surprised - her consciousness smoothly plunged into darkness.

Lucy Heartfilia.

Lucy was returning from the store - the groceries were coming to an end, and it was necessary to replenish the set of bandages - the stocks of bandages also showed the bottom. A leisurely walk did not bother at all, even taking into account the heavy bags on hand - after the hell that Sephiroth arranged in the classroom, endurance increased greatly, and this was just a few weeks of training. Yeah, the guy could be that sadist when it was required. The girl shrugged her shoulders chilly and plunged into memories ...

-So, I give the last opportunity to retreat, there will be no more chances - as a last resort, I will drag you to training by the hair and drive with kicks, despite the fact that you are a girl, and, moreover, a very beautiful girl, - the silver-haired one seemed to be joking, but here the eyes remained serious.

-No, I firmly decided and will not turn back!

-Well, I warned, - now the guy smiled, but how! So, probably, some demon could smile when meeting a 'new replenishment' in his domain - for starters, let's assess your physical condition ...

Twenty minutes later.

-M-yes ... however, it could be worse, - Sephiroth gloomily looked at Lucy lying on the grass, - the magician must first of all be able to run - fast and, preferably, for a long time, and even the Celestial Spirits magician - even more so. If your opponents manage to get to you, there is little you can oppose to them. Okay, everything is clear here, now let's check your reserve.

Another ten minutes later.

The guy looked grim. He silently paced a clearing with a small lake, occasionally muttering something under his breath, Lucy suspected that this 'something' was definitely not a set of spells.

-If my calculations are correct, then now you will not have enough strength to fully use any of the Great Spirits, damn it, but one of their attacks in full force 'costs' more than you have mana, moreover, three times! And this is without taking into account the costs of maintaining their stay in our world.

-And what to do? the girl asked timidly.

-What to do? To increase your reserve, of course, by all available means ... although no, not by all, - the magician corrected himself.

-Why is it, not all? - Lucy was surprised.

"Hmm, you see," Sephiroth grinned, "I read in one book that some female magicians could use the reserve of their child while they were carrying it during pregnancy, the increase was not that very large. But nonetheless...

-Yes, I definitely don't need such a method - the sorceress blushed.

-That's what I mean. Well, let's try, for a start, just to keep it - call ... mmm, Taurus and all the younger spirits and hold them as long as you have enough strength. And yes, no one canceled the run, come on, come on, left-right, left-right, - Heartfilia sighed heavily and ran, surrounded by her spirits.

Some time later.

- Here, drink, - the magician handed the girl an oily shining liquid of dark green color with a strong mint smell.

-What is it? - Lucy sniffed suspiciously, not that there was no mana left, the impression was that she even 'went into a minus', and she only had enough physical strength to move her tongue.

-A harmless set of vitamins, strengthening herbs and something else. My development, have a drink - it should feel better, we still have to go to Aquarius, if you haven't forgotten.

The girl only groaned something unintelligible, but drank the extended water bottle. The throat burned with cold, and the stomach seemed to have turned into one continuous snowdrift, but ... fatigue began to recede, and the reserve began to fill up slowly, slowly, of course, but at least it stopped feeling like a half-corpse.

Aquarius turned out to be a teacher (more precisely, a tormentor), equal in severity (and sadism) to Sephiroth. No, she gave the theory perfectly, but here's a way to master it in practice ...

-So it takes two things to close the gate on one side. Will and Desire. If one of these components is missing, or it is not strong enough, then nothing will work, which can lead to sad consequences, like a couple of years ago ... however, those events do not concern you, - the blue-haired girl effectively threw her legs over her legs, quite catching the thoughtful look of the silver-haired magician, directed at her legs and what they were attached to. Lucy gritted her teeth, which caused only a satisfied smile of the Spirit - just wish to push me out of this world, put all your will, your feelings into your desire. The main thing is to understand the process, having carried it out once, next time it will be much easier to repeat ... if the Spirit does not try to resist, of course. But more on that later, and it's unlikely that it will threaten you.

Lucy honestly tried to do as Aquarius advised, but nothing worked, she passionately wanted her to return to her world, made incredible volitional efforts, but nothing until ... she heard part of the conversation between her Spirit and Sephiroth.

-My boyfriend got me, I have no strength! I suspect he goes to Aries, woo, trade me for this sheep!

- Indeed, it is very stupid, how can one voluntarily refuse such a clever and beautiful woman? Tell me, what are you doing tonight, maybe we can have dinner together?

Heartfilia did not listen further, all feelings were flooded with just wild Jealousy. How, well, how is it, no, she will not give up, and the first thing to do is get rid of the competitor. Get out! The summoning gate slammed shut, pulling Aquarius out of the world, the exhausted girl sat down right where she stood. After such an impulse, my soul was somehow empty and a little sad. Very soon a smiling Sephiroth approached her.

-Congratulations on the successful closing of the Gate unilaterally. By the way, thanks, now Aquarius has bet me a couple of souvenirs from the world of Spirits.

- Have you asked? - did not immediately understand what Lucy was talking about.

-Yeah, I argued that if you got really angry, then everything will work out, and she said that we were just messing around in vain, so they argued.

-So, that conversation with a date ... - the girl began to guess.

-It was a good production, but it turned out right? By the way, you have an interesting reaction ... - began the magician.

"Sephiiiirrrrot," the girl growled, jumping to her feet, and where did the strength come from? - Pray! - and rushed in pursuit of the running away, having fun.

A cold shower tore the girl out of her memories - the rain came so suddenly ... but further, further, there was something unimaginable. Two magicians of the 'Ghosts' came for her, and they purposefully searched for her, which means they knew who she really was. Poorly. Very bad. Against two magicians, clearly of a high rank, she has little chance, it seems that soon she will have to find out how much her running skills have managed to grow, fortunately, she did not have to find out. Quite 'by chance' Sephiroth was nearby. The guy appeared spectacularly - Lucy managed to notice only a swift figure diving from the neighboring roof, her opponents, it seems, could not see this, for which they paid - the man was simply smeared on the wall, and knowing Sephiroth, most likely they also 'treated' what - some unpleasant line-up, but with a girl ... But what's going on? Is this really Sephiroth? - Lucy could not understand in any way, the magician, that a couple of days ago he told her that the enemy should be beaten silently and as efficiently as possible so as not to waste time on the second blow, and you can only talk if you need time for some reason. .. almost did not attack his opponent, but only dodged her attacks and ... weighed out compliments? Jealousy began to rise in her soul again, the girl had already reached for the keys, when the dragonsleer's behavior changed somewhat.

-Lucy, it will be a little hot in here now, step away ...

-I'll fight too! - Heartfilia began, but stopped short under the guy's unexpectedly hard gaze. Elsa had such a look when she knocked the crap out of Natsu and Gray who were too addicted, but ... it was much heavier, as if its owner was used to giving orders on the battlefield and was used to being executed, but then he faced opposition in the face of some private.

-Go! - repeated Sephiroth and Lucy did not find the strength to disobey, now she began to understand the whole abyss separating them - in experience, character, strength, but this understanding did not repel, but only ignited the desire to approach this magician, who clearly keeps some that's an unusual secret. The girl nodded and hurried back to the top of the street. The serious Sephiroth inspired, if not fear, then awe, like ... Master Makarov, suddenly an insight came.

Having reached a new position, the girl understood exactly what the magician meant when he said that it would be a little hot - the place where she had recently stood was filled with flames, a roaring pillar of fire rose between the houses. After another ten seconds he fell out, leaving a silver-haired magician with a sleeping girl in his arms on a dry street. The rain ended as suddenly as it began. Lucy came back.

-Now everything fell into place, and I was wondering why the 'Ghosts' would so openly provoke 'Fey', and why now, and not, say, a year earlier. It turns out they need you.

-Sorry, I put the guild in danger ... but I didn't want to, I just wanted to be Lucy's magician, not ...

-Heiress of one of the richest families of Fiore?

- How long did you guess?

-Approximately a couple of days after our meeting, - smiled the magician, - too many things in your behavior are striking ... if you know what to look for, and the Keys of the Great Spirits are not the most common thing, it is not difficult to find out to whom they once belonged ... In general, you are still a conspirator. But, frankly speaking, I somehow do not care who is in your family and what is doing, I only know the pretty girl Lucy, the magician of Fairy Tail, who ate with me from the same cauldron and got into trouble along with everyone. And I'm ready to eat my own cloak, if any of ours thinks differently. And with the 'Ghosts', we would have encountered sooner or later, not now, then later, so do not become limp. Joyful and cheerful, I like you much more than depressed and sad.

-Uh ... like me? - the girl fell out of reality a little.

-Yes, - the magician easily agreed, - as I said before, I would not mind at all to become your boyfriend, although there are some circumstances, but we again chose a somewhat inappropriate moment, don't you think? - Sephiroth nodded at the blue-haired girl, still sleeping in his arms, and pointed with a glance at the man still passed out by the wall.

-What are we going to do?

-Well, since the 'Ghosts' so want to get a souvenir from Fairy Tail, they will get it, - this scary smile again came out on the guy's face, he carried the sleeping woman to the wall and put it next to the man.

-What are you up to? - the blonde was interested, sometimes Sephiroth's train of thought was so wild and unusual that it really seemed demonic - alien to this world, and even the cunning of some plans ... the girl was glad once again that at one time she had chosen 'Fey' as a guild , not 'Ghosts'.

- Potions, - the magician answered shortly, - few people can understand their power, appreciate the beauty of a slowly boiling cauldron, exuding the finest odors, or the soft power of liquids that make their way through the veins of a person, bewitching his mind, enslaving his senses ... I can spill fame in bottles, to brew triumph, seal death, (slightly altered speech of Severus Snape, one of the greatest Potions Master, several surrounding realities * author's note) - Sephiroth's voice became mesmerizing, a slight chill ran through the words from the words - and now, just a good opportunity to try one of my designs.

Dragonseer opened the unconscious man's mouth and poured in a vial of anthracite black infusion.

-Now he will carry out my commands for a while, and then he will forget about everything that happened since the moment of taking the potion. Well, or will not forget, the sample has not yet been tested ... in humans. - Sephiroth held an open bottle under the nose of the still unconscious magician. He woke up and stared at the magician with a dull look.

-It was not possible to capture the target, during the operation your partner was captured, go and report this to Jose, using your style of speech, then behave as usual, when the battle between the 'Fairies' and the 'Ghosts' begins, incapacitate as much as possible more 'Ghosts'. Do it.

The man, whose name no one ever recognized, walked along the street with a wooden gait, with each step his movements became more smooth and natural. After watching the retreating mage with his eyes, Sephiroth turned to the girl.

- Let's go home, Lucy? She just nodded. The Ghosts were in very big trouble.

Natsu Dragneel. Fire Dragon Slayer. A few days later.

On the horizon appeared Oaks - the city where the main branch of the 'Ghosts' settled, soon, very soon it will be possible to kick a couple of insolent asses. Natsu bared his teeth in anticipation. The Master himself led them into the attack, Elsa helped him in this, both magicians looked evil enough and were clearly eager to get even with the offenders no less than the fireman himself. But there was someone missing. It's strange why Sephiroth decided to stay in the guild, got cold feet? Natsu snorted - the thought was delusional. Sephiroth is a dragonsler, he enjoys every battle, it is easy to feel if you meet with him in sparring, since he himself is the same. But then why? - The fire magician shook his head - now is not the time to think about such things. Perhaps he had reasons, now ... it's time to check what he could learn from those books from which his skull ached so much!

A fist soaked in flames carried the entrance doors to the enemy's guild. The fun began.

-Knock-knock, didn't you wait? - greeted the dumbfounded magicians of the 'Ghosts' Makarov, - kids, urine!

Natsu did not wait for a second invitation and went with aces.

-Rear of the Fire Dragon! - a stream of fire, reinforced by the flaring rage of the magician, walked through the enemy's ranks, inflicting monstrous damage to the 'manpower' - ordinary ghosts were simply swept away - no more threat would have to be expected from them, well, if they survive at all. Dragonseer remembered a phrase he had once heard from Sephiroth when he argued with Elsa - 'You need to beat twice: once - on the forehead, the second - on the lid of the coffin!' Well, there really was something in these words, but ... Natsu did not want to kill the Phantams, yes, they took the Fey for a long time, but, nevertheless, they did not do anything that deserved death, and therefore the flame did not burn in full force. Out of the corner of his eye, the dragonseer noticed Elfman - the white-haired giant just walked through the crowd of opponents, scattering them with stingy precise movements, the magicians who met the guy did not get up on their feet, remaining unconscious, or squeezing limbs twisted at strange angles.

The battle continued, here are several Phantom magicians kindly fed the dragonller with the flame of their staffs, and Levi stamped a couple of types with a kind word that were trying to quietly sneak up on Bisca, who was busy shooting the most arrogant. The master safely made his way through the crowd and rushed upward - to where Jose was supposed to wait. And here is Elsa, nipping someone with the hilt of her sword, and ... uh? Who is this? Natsu rubbed his eyes, but no, everything was as it is - a strange guy with green hair and a monocle in his eye rushed around the guild, knocking out the 'Ghosts' in batches. He braided them and squeezed them with his body, immersed them in the ground, threw them with stone slabs torn from the floor. However, he did not have to contemplate this picture for a long time - the gloomy type, hung with various iron, literally drove the green-haired man into the ground, landing exactly on his head.

-And with you, the Master will talk separately, traitor, - came the fiery dragonsleer. Then the 'metalhead' turned to Dragneel and wanted to say something when ... with his boldly 'weighty word' Levi.

-You! This is for Roy! - the girl tried to finish off the enemy with a new word, but he dodged and, turning his hand into an iron beam, launched it into a fake. She did not have time to evade ...

Natsu felt the world sinking into a kind of scarlet veil. The hands were covered with flames. He remembered the name of this guy ... Iron Dragon Slayer.

- Gajeel! the fire mage hissed.

-Oh, the little fake was upset that her friend's wings were broken? - the aforementioned Gajeel giggled vilely, - nothing, now I will break off my wings and you! - and rushed to the attack.

Dragneel performed a technique that he once experienced on his own skin - weaving a hand out of fire, he jerked the Iron's leg, forcing him to stumble and fly headfirst ... right on the accelerated flaming fist of Dragneel. Hit! And the Phantom Lord dragonsler now flies in the opposite direction, and Natsu jerked the index and middle fingers on his right hand sharply - he managed to knock out the joints on this cast-iron forehead. But, the enemy rose from the heap of debris, which until recently was the bar where he flew.

- And they didn't lie about you ... strong, - Gajeel grinned, - shall we continue? - Natsu silently rushed to the attack, but ... he liked this fight - a worthy opponent, but, nevertheless, of his level, you can relax with him, and not convulsively think that once again the silver-haired magician was planning with a rich, but clearly unhealthy imagination.

The fun was interrupted by the Master who appeared, he looked extremely lousy, but he stood firm on his feet.

-Let's go! - the order came. The dying 'Phantoms' 'Fairies' shrugged their shoulders and obediently walked away. Some, however, were very upset (we will not show the finger who, here everything is clear), but they did not dispute the direct order of the Master.

-Well, let's continue next time, - with great regret, Natsu retreated along with everyone - for Levi he managed to pile on Gajeela well, but he himself would not have refused to continue the swing.