The days following the guild's destruction had been a test of resilience for Fairy Tail. Their once vibrant hall now lay in ruins, forcing the members to seek refuge in the guild's underground quarters a stark contrast to the warmth they once knew. Yet, amidst the rubble and uncertainty, their spirits remained unbroken, each member finding solace in the camaraderie that defined them.
Yukari awoke to the dim light filtering through the cracks above, the scent of damp earth a constant reminder of their current predicament. She stretched, muscles still aching from the relentless training sessions they'd undertaken, determined to rebuild both their home and their strength.
As she made her way to the common area, familiar faces greeted her, each bearing the same determined expression. Mirajane offered a gentle smile, her presence a calming balm amidst the chaos.
"Morning, Yukari," Mira greeted, her voice soft yet unwavering.
"Morning," Yukari replied, attempting a smile in return. "Any news?"
Before Mirajane could respond, the heavy wooden door creaked open, drawing everyone's attention. Macao and Wakaba entered, their faces pale, eyes wide with a mixture of shock and fury.
"What's wrong?" Makarov's voice boomed, the guild master's usual jovial demeanor replaced with grave concern.
Macao swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he spoke. "It's Shadow Gear... Levy, Jet, and Droy... They've been attacked."
A collective gasp echoed through the chamber. Yukari's heart clenched, memories of laughter and shared missions with the trio flooding her mind.
"Where are they?" Mirajane's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Wakaba took a deep breath, steadying himself. "At the southern entrance park... They're... They're pinned to a tree, beaten badly."
Without a second thought, the guild members surged forward, a wave of urgency propelling them through the underground passages and out into the open air. The morning sun cast long shadows as they raced towards the park, fear and anger intertwining with each step.
As they approached, the sight before them was nothing short of horrifying. Levy, Jet, and Droy hung limply from a massive tree, their bodies battered and bruised, iron rods piercing their limbs, pinning them in a grotesque display. The emblem of Phantom Lord was crudely painted above them, a blatant declaration of war.
Yukari felt a cold fury ignite within her chest, sharp and unyielding, boiling through her veins like liquid fire. Beside her, Mirajane stood frozen, her usual serene expression twisted with disbelief and anger. Silence gripped the guild members momentarily, each gaze locked upon the brutal display.
A pained groan escaped Levy's lips, breaking the horrified quiet, prompting Yukari and Mirajane to rush forward immediately. Natsu reached them first, his body trembling with barely-contained rage as flames flickered dangerously along his fists.
"Levy!" Lucy cried out, eyes wide with fear as she hurried to help Yukari gently lower her friend to the ground. "Hang in there…we've got you."
Lucy's fingers shook as she tried desperately to comfort Levy, tears forming in her eyes at the cruel sight before them. Gray moved swiftly, carefully removing the iron rods embedded in Jet's and Droy's limbs, his expression grim, silent fury simmering beneath the surface.
"Damn it…" Gray growled quietly, his voice taut with anger. "How could they do something like this?"
Erza's gaze darkened dangerously as she stepped forward, her usually composed demeanor replaced with cold, burning determination. Her hand tightened upon the hilt of her sword, knuckles turning white.
"Phantom Lord has gone too far," Erza declared, her voice sharp and commanding, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation. "They will answer for this."
Makarov, eyes blazing with a terrifying calm, stepped closer, his presence radiating an overwhelming power that sent chills through those gathered. The guild master's face was set in a grim mask of fury, fists clenched tightly at his sides.
"This…this atrocity will not go unanswered," he proclaimed, his voice shaking slightly with the intensity of his rage. "Phantom Lord has declared war upon Fairy Tail, and by God, they will pay."
A fierce shout erupted from Natsu, flames flaring wildly around him, his anger palpable. "We're not just gonna make them pay we're gonna burn their entire guild to the ground!"
Happy hovered beside him, his typically playful expression replaced with one of utter seriousness. "Aye! Nobody hurts our friends and gets away with it!"
The rest of the guild members roared in agreement, their voices echoing with a raw, passionate intensity born from loyalty and fury. Yukari stood slowly, fists trembling at her sides, eyes blazing with an inferno that matched Natsu's own.
Mirajane gently placed a hand upon Yukari's shoulder, her touch steady yet charged with emotion. "We won't let this go unanswered, Yukari. We'll make them regret ever laying a hand on our guild."
Yukari nodded sharply, her teeth clenched tightly together, her voice low and dangerous. "They crossed the line. It's time we crossed it right back."
Lucy carefully cradled Levy's head in her lap, eyes filled with sorrow and worry. "I'll stay behind and take care of Levy, Jet, and Droy. Go…make them pay."
Yukari met Lucy's determined gaze and gave a solemn nod. "We will."
With the wounded safely in Lucy's care, Makarov turned sharply, eyes burning with resolve. "Fairy Tail! Phantom Lord has challenged our very honor, attacked our family, and defiled our guild. Today, we answer their cowardice with strength, their cruelty with justice. Let us show them the price of attacking Fairy Tail!"
The guild erupted once again, cries of vengeance and justice resonating through the morning air. Yukari felt her anger solidify into purpose, the fire within her blazing into an unstoppable determination.
As the guild marched forward together, Magnolia's morning streets quickly emptied, townsfolk sensing the gravity of Fairy Tail's fury. The once lively city now watched silently, knowing something historic was about to unfold.
Beside Yukari, Mirajane's magic surged, a dark intensity dancing in her usually gentle eyes. "We'll make sure they never forget this."
Ahead, Natsu's flames burned bright, his expression fierce with uncontainable anger, Gray's icy magic crackling alongside him, and Erza's armor gleaming menacingly in the morning sun. Together, they marched as a united force, fueled by the bonds that made them a family.
Phantom Lord's guildhall loomed before them, its imposing silhouette an arrogant challenge. Makarov stepped forward boldly, his voice thunderous and unyielding.
"Jose Porla! Come out and face me, coward!"
Silence met his challenge briefly, but then a sinister laughter echoed from within, the voice of Phantom Lord's master taunting them mockingly.
"Oh, Makarov. You and your weak guild truly believe you can defy Phantom Lord?"
Makarov's eyes narrowed dangerously, the air around him crackling with immense magical energy. "You attacked our children, Jose. You've gone too far. Now, suffer the consequences!"