Chapter 148

Dawn broke over Magnolia with clear skies and a cool breeze—perfect flying weather.

The entire guild had gathered outside the hall to see the team off. It wasn't often that Fairy Tail sent representatives on a joint mission, and despite Aiden's confidence, everyone wanted to show their support.

Erza stood with her team, checking equipment one final time. Her Lucario remained at her side, calm and focused. Gray and his Snorunt looked ready, though the ice mage kept shooting competitive glances at Natsu. The fire mage and his Charmeleon were practically vibrating with excitement. Lucy clutched her keys nervously, her Clefairy offering quiet comfort. And Ultear stood slightly apart, her Kirlia floating beside her, expression unreadable as always.

"Alright, listen up one more time," Aiden called out. "You've got your equipment, your communication crystals, and enough supplies to last a week. Avalon will get you to the meeting coordinates in about three hours."

"Airship?" Lucy asked, looking around. "What—"

A shadow fell over the crowd.

Lucy's jaw dropped as a massive vessel descended from the sky. It was elegant and imposing in equal measure—sleek white hull with gold trim, the Fairy Tail emblem emblazoned proudly on its side. 

"Is that... is that an AIRSHIP?!" Lucy's voice went up an octave.

"That's Avalon," Erza said with a hint of pride. "Master Aiden donated it to the guild about three years ago."

"Donated?! He just GAVE the guild an airship?!"

"Yep," Gray said casually, clearly enjoying Lucy's shock. "Said we needed better long-range transportation. Just showed up one day with it."

"It's how we got to some of the farther mission sites," Natsu added. "And the best part—I don't get motion sick on it!"

"Master Aiden installed stabilization magic," Ultear explained. "Something about gyroscopic dampeners and inertial nullification."

Lucy stared at the airship, then at Aiden, then back at the airship.

Avalon settled onto the ground with barely a whisper of sound. A ramp extended from its side, and NIMO's voice echoed from speakers embedded in the hull.

"Avalon online and ready for departure. Estimated flight time to designated coordinates: two hours, forty-seven minutes. Weather conditions optimal. Refreshments available in the main cabin."

"There are REFRESHMENTS?" Lucy's eyes were wide.

"Full galley, sleeping quarters, training room, and an observation deck," Gray listed off. "Master Aiden went all out when he built it."

"Because if I'm building something, it should actually be useful," Aiden called out. "What's the point of an airship if it's not comfortable?"

"Most people would be happy with just having an airship at all," Makarov muttered, though he was smiling.

"And don't break the airship!" someone called from the crowd.

"That's mainly directed at Natsu," Aiden added.

"Hey! I haven't broken it yet!" Natsu protested.

"Yet being the operative word," Gray said.

"You set the training room on fire twice!"

"The training room is DESIGNED to handle fire! Master Aiden said so!"

"Boys," Erza's voice cut through the argument. "We have a mission."

Both Gray and Natsu immediately quieted, though they continued glaring at each other.

Mirajane approached with a large basket. "I packed extra food. You know how Natsu gets when he's hungry."

"You're the best, Mira!" Natsu grabbed the basket eagerly.

Ur stepped up to her students, Gray and Ultear. Her expression was stern, but her eyes were warm. "Don't do anything stupid. Work together. And Gray—"

"I know, I know. Don't lose my clothes."

"I was going to say watch Ultear's back, but yes, that too." Ur's gaze shifted to her daughter. "You've come far, Ultear. This mission is your chance to prove it to yourself, not to anyone else."

Ultear nodded, something softening in her usually guarded expression. "I will, Mother."

Makarov raised his hand, and the crowd quieted. "You five represent more than just Fairy Tail today. You represent the bonds between guilds, the strength of cooperation, and our commitment to protecting Fiore. Make us proud."

"We will!" they chorused.

Aiden walked down the steps, approaching each team member individually.

To Erza: "You're in charge. Trust your instincts, but don't be afraid to delegate. Leadership isn't about doing everything yourself."

To Gray: "Keep your cool. Literally and figuratively. Your ice magic will be crucial for control and defense."

To Natsu: "Channel that enthusiasm. You're stronger than you realize, but strength without strategy is just noise."

To Lucy: "Your Celestial Spirits are more powerful than most people understand. Use them creatively. You've got this."

To Ultear: "You've worked hard to get here. To earn your place. Now prove to yourself that you deserve it."

He stepped back, looking at all five of them. "I'm not worried. I'm confident. There's a difference. Now get going before I change my mind and come along just to make sure Natsu doesn't set the forest on fire."

"One time!" Natsu complained. "I set one forest on fire!"

"It was three forests," Gray corrected.

"Details!"

The team boarded Avalon, their Pokemon partners following. Lucy was still staring around in amazement as they climbed the ramp, taking in every detail of the airship's exterior.

"I can't believe the guild has owned this for three years and I never knew," she muttered.

"You've mostly done local missions," Erza pointed out. "We only use Avalon for long-distance travel."

The ramp retracted, and the magical engines hummed louder. The airship rose smoothly into the air, accelerating with impressive speed.

The guild watched until it disappeared into the clouds.

"They'll be fine," Makarov said quietly, standing beside Aiden.

"Of course they will." Aiden's confidence hadn't wavered. "They're Fairy Tail."

=====

The main cabin of Avalon was even more impressive than the exterior suggested.

Comfortable seating arranged around large windows that offered spectacular views. A galley stocked with food and drinks. Navigation displays showing their route and speed. Everything was clean, efficient, and designed with clear thought behind every detail.

Lucy pressed her face against a window, watching the landscape blur past below. "We're flying! Actually flying! This is amazing!"

"Master Aiden really outdid himself with this," she added, running her hand along the polished wood paneling.

Lucy finally tore herself away from the window and settled into a seat. "Okay, so we're flying in an airship to meet other guilds and fight a dark guild searching for an ancient weapon. This is really happening."

"Welcome to S-Class missions," Gray said with a slight smirk. "They tend to be dramatic."

"We should review the mission parameters," Erza said, pulling out briefing documents. "We have almost three hours before arrival. Time to prepare properly."

"We know the basics already," Ultear pointed out, though she was pulling out her own notes. "Six dark mages, searching for Nirvana, need to be stopped."

"Knowing basics isn't the same as being prepared," Erza countered. "We're meeting with Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter. We need to understand how to work with other guilds effectively."

"Blue Pegasus is sending their Trimens, right?" Lucy asked, checking her own documents. "Hibiki, Eve, and Ren?"

"Reconnaissance specialists," Erza confirmed. "Known for information gathering and Archive magic. They'll be valuable for tracking the Oración Seis."

"Also known as the pretty boys of Blue Pegasus," Ultear added with amusement.

"Lamia Scale is sending Jura Neekis," Erza continued, her tone becoming more serious. "One of the Ten Wizard Saints. His presence indicates how seriously the Council is taking this threat."

"A Wizard Saint," Lucy breathed. "That's... that's incredible."

"And intimidating," Gray admitted. "Those guys are supposed to be on a completely different level."

"And Cait Shelter?" Lucy asked.

"Smaller guild," Erza frowned at her limited information. "They're sending at least one member. Details are scarce."

The flight continued smoothly. Lucy kept getting distracted by the incredible views from the windows. Natsu discovered that NIMO had stocked the galley with all his favorite foods. Ultear reviewed her magical focuses, preparing mentally for the mission ahead.

Eventually, NIMO's voice announced, "Approaching destination. Estimated arrival in fifteen minutes. Prepare for landing."

Erza stood immediately. "Everyone, check your equipment. Make sure your Pokemon partners are ready. First impressions matter in inter-guild cooperation."

"Got it," Gray said, making sure his gear was secure.

Lucy double-checked her Celestial Spirit keys nervously. Natsu made sure his Charmeleon was ready, though the Fire Pokemon seemed more excited than anything. Ultear's Kirlia took position at her shoulder, emanating calm energy. Erza's Lucario stood at attention beside her, ready for whatever came next.

The airship descended through clouds, revealing the meeting coordinates below. A clearing in a forested area with several tents set up. Two groups were already visible—one in elaborate blue and white uniforms, the other in more practical earth-toned clothing.

Avalon touched down with barely a sound, the ramp extending smoothly.

"Here we go," Erza said, leading the way.

They emerged to find the other groups watching with obvious interest. The Blue Pegasus members looked particularly impressed by the airship.

Three young men approached from the blue-and-white group. They were exceptionally handsome—perfectly styled hair, immaculate uniforms, practiced movements that seemed almost choreographed.

"Welcome, Fairy Tail!" the lead one called out, his smile bright and professional. "I'm Hibiki Lates of Blue Pegasus. These are my teammates, Eve Tearm and Ren Akatsuki."

"Pleasure to meet you," Eve said with a practiced bow, his blonde hair catching the sunlight perfectly.

"Looking forward to working together," Ren added, adjusting his sunglasses with deliberate style.

Then his gaze landed on Lucy, and his entire demeanor shifted to something more theatrical. "And who might this lovely lady be?"

"Lucy Heartfilia," Lucy said, instinctively taking a small step back.

"Lucy," Hibiki moved closer, charm radiating from every pore. "What a beautiful name for a beautiful—"

"We're here for a mission," Erza interrupted firmly, stepping between them with the efficiency of someone who'd dealt with this before. "Erza Scarlet, leading Fairy Tail's team. Gray Fullbuster, Natsu Dragneel, Lucy Heartfilia, and Ultear Milkovich."

"Of course, business first," Hibiki said smoothly, though his attention lingered on Lucy.

Before Erza could respond, a deep voice spoke from behind them.

"Remarkable doesn't begin to cover it."

Everyone turned to see a massive man approaching. He was built like a mountain, with a weathered but kind face, dressed in simple earth-toned robes. His presence was immediately commanding—not through aggression, but through sheer power barely contained beneath a calm exterior.

"Master Jura!" Hibiki straightened immediately, all traces of flirtation vanishing into genuine respect.

Jura Neekis, one of the Ten Wizard Saints, stopped before the Fairy Tail group. His eyes studied them carefully, and Lucy felt like he was seeing not just their surface but measuring the depth of their magical power.

"Fairy Tail's representatives," Jura's voice was measured, thoughtful. "Younger than I expected, but I can sense the quality of your training. Substantial magical reserves, disciplined energy control, confident stances." His gaze settled on Erza. "Particularly you. Your magical presence is notably refined."

"Master Jura," Erza bowed respectfully, and the others quickly followed. "It's an honor to work with you, sir."

"The honor is mutual." Jura's expression warmed slightly. "Any mages trained by Aiden deserve respect. How is he, by the way? It's been some time since we last spoke."

"You know Master Aiden?" Lucy asked, surprised.

"We go back quite a ways," Jura said, something nostalgic entering his voice. "To when we were both considerably younger and perhaps more foolish than we'd care to admit."

"That's partly why I accepted this mission personally," Jura admitted. "The Oración Seis threat is serious, yes. But I was also curious about what kind of mages Aiden would train as guild master. What his students would be like."

His gaze swept over them again.

"Looking at you five," Jura said slowly, "I see his influence immediately.”

"So you're not worried about working with us?" Gray asked.

"Worried?" Jura actually smiled. "Quite the opposite. I'm confident. Any mages trained by Aiden will be more than competent—they'll be exceptional. If anything, the Oración Seis should be worried."

Before anyone could respond, a young voice called out hesitantly from the tree line.

"Um, excuse me? Is this the right place?"

Everyone turned to see two figures approaching. One was a young girl, perhaps twelve or thirteen, with long blue hair and a simple white dress. Beside her floated a small white cat with wings—an Exceed, similar to Happy.

"This is the meeting point for the joint task force?" the girl asked nervously.

"It is," Erza confirmed warmly. "Are you from Cait Shelter?"

"Yes!" The girl bowed quickly, her nervousness obvious. "I'm Wendy Marvell, and this is Carla. Master Roubaul sent us to represent our guild."

"Just you two?" Eve asked, surprise evident.

"Master Roubaul is very old," Wendy explained quickly. "He said his magic would be better used maintaining our guild's defenses rather than traveling. And I'm..." She hesitated. "I'm our guild's Sky Dragon Slayer."

"Dragon Slayer?!" Natsu's head snapped toward her so fast his Charmeleon startled. "You're a Dragon Slayer too?!"

"Y-yes," Wendy stammered, clearly overwhelmed by his sudden intensity. "Sky Dragon Slayer magic. I specialize in healing and support mostly."

"That's amazing!" Natsu's grin was huge. "I'm a Dragon Slayer too! Fire Dragon! I've never met another Dragon Slayer.

"Really?" Wendy's nervousness faded slightly, replaced by cautious excitement. "I... I've only met one other Dragon Slayer. I think. It was a long time ago..."

She trailed off, looking uncertain.

Carla, the white Exceed, spoke up with a crisp British accent. "If we're all here, perhaps we should begin the actual briefing? We do have a mission to complete."

"Quite right," Jura agreed, standing from his boulder. "Everyone, gather. Let's coordinate our approach."

The groups converged, forming a loose circle. Hibiki pulled out a magical device that projected a three-dimensional map hovering in the air between them.

"Based on intelligence from the Magic Council and our reconnaissance," Hibiki began professionally, "the Oración Seis has been operating in this region for approximately two weeks."

He manipulated the projection, highlighting several locations. "These are confirmed attack sites. Research facilities, ancient ruins, libraries containing historical texts. The pattern strongly suggests they're searching for something specific."

"Nirvana," Jura said gravely. "An ancient weapon with the power to invert light and darkness. To transform good people into evil ones, and vice versa."

"That's terrifying," Lucy breathed.

"It is," Jura agreed. "Which is precisely why we cannot allow the Oración Seis to acquire it."

"Do we know where Nirvana is located?" Gray asked practically.

"Three possible sites," Hibiki manipulated the map, highlighting three areas. "All within a fifty-kilometer radius. Based on the Oración Seis's elimination pattern, they should reach the most likely site within forty-eight hours."

"Then we get there first," Erza said decisively. "Secure the location, establish defenses, intercept them on arrival."

"Sound strategy," Jura nodded approvingly.

"There's a complication," Eve spoke up. "The Oración Seis isn't just six random dark mages. They're highly organized with complementary abilities. Each member is S-Class level minimum. Engaging them separately is dangerous. Together could be..."

"Extremely dangerous," Ren finished.

"But not impossible," Natsu said confidently. "We've got a Wizard Saint, two Dragon Slayers, and we're all pretty strong!"

"Confidence is valuable," Jura said, though his tone carried caution. "But don't confuse it with invincibility. The Oración Seis has destroyed multiple guilds. Underestimating them would be fatal."

He looked around the group seriously.

"We approach this with proper planning. I'll serve as heavy combat support—my earth magic can control battlefields. Hibiki, Eve, Ren—handle reconnaissance and analysis. Erza, coordinate Fairy Tail's forces and help with tactical decisions. Natsu, your Fire Dragon Slayer magic provides offensive power. Wendy, your Sky Dragon Slayer healing will be crucial. Gray, ice magic for control. Lucy, Celestial Spirits for versatility. Ultear, time magic for support and interference."

"Everyone has a role," Jura continued. "Everyone is essential. This isn't about individual glory or guild superiority. This is about working together to stop a genuine threat."

"When do we move?" Erza asked.

"Now," Jura said without hesitation. "Every hour we delay brings the Oración Seis closer to Nirvana. We move immediately."

"The site is thirty kilometers northeast," Hibiki added. "Mountainous terrain with ruins."

"Avalon can transport us," Erza offered. "Faster than ground travel and handles rough terrain well."

"Then that's our approach," Jura decided. "We travel as one unit, maintain communication, stay coordinated. Personal ambition and guild rivalry get set aside. Right now, we're one team with one objective."

"Understood," everyone chorused.

As they prepared to board, Wendy approached Natsu hesitantly.

"Um, Natsu? Can I ask something?"

"Sure!"

"Your guild master... Aiden. Is he really as powerful as Master Jura made him sound?"

Natsu's grin was immediate. "Way more powerful than that! He could probably handle this whole thing by himself before lunch."

"Then why isn't he here?"

"Because he wants us to get stronger," Natsu said simply. "Master Aiden doesn't solve every problem for us. He teaches us to solve them ourselves."

"That sounds like a good guild master," Wendy said softly.

"He's the best."

The group boarded Avalon, the newcomers looking around in amazement at the comfortable interior. NIMO's voice echoed through speakers.

"Destination coordinates received. Estimated travel time: forty-two minutes. Initiating departure."

The airship rose smoothly, banking northeast. Through the windows, endless forest stretched below, broken by rocky outcroppings and ancient ruins.

Somewhere out there, the Oración Seis searched for a weapon that could reshape morality itself.

But now they had opposition. Twelve mages representing three guilds, led by a Wizard Saint, united in purpose.

Erza stood by a window, hand on her sword.

Master Aiden, we won't disappoint you. We'll prove your confidence wasn't misplaced.

The airship continued northeast, carrying twelve mages toward a confrontation that would test everything they'd learned.

The hunt for the Oración Seis had begun.