//------------------------------// // Spike's Decree // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Spike wakes up to a new day in Magnolia. It's 8:30 in the morning. On his left, Wendy and Carla are still sleeping. To his right, Erza and Lucy are sharing a bed. It's been five days since Tartaros came and caused damage in Magnolia. Spike gets out of bed and goes to the bathroom. He freshens up for the day and sheds a tear. Fairy Rage would be talking to him about the possibilities of the day, going on jobs, or hanging with friends. Spike sighs heavily. "Man, I miss you, Rage. I hope to see you again someday." Spike leaves the bathroom. He sees the girls waking up. "Morning, Spike," Wendy smiles. "Morning, Master," Carla said. Spike slightly chuckles. "You know, I don't think I'll get used to hearing that." "Morning, Spike," Erza gets up. "Is today the day you'll address to the guild about our next motives going forward?" "I think so. I think by now, everyone is well-rested and relaxed from the war that nearly ended all magic power." "I'll make us some breakfast, Spike," Lucy offers. "I'll help," Erza volunteers. "We'll be freshening up for the day," Wendy and Carla go to the bathroom. Spike goes to the fridge and grabs the juices. He sets up the table while everyone else does their business. Spike has thought long and hard about his motives as Guild Master. He saved the guild from being disbanded and now has to attend to everybody. Everyone hears a loud bang at the door. "I'll get it," Spike answers the door. He sees Gray without his shirt. "Hey, Gray." "I need to know cause I think I got hit on the head way too many times. Are you the new Master of the Guild?" "Yes. Makarov wanted to disband the guild, and I talked to him about the promise he made to Celestia the night she and the others head back to Equestria." "Wow. Here I thought Makarov would have given the role to Erza or Laxus or someone else capable," Gray unamusingly says. "You have a problem with that?" Erza turns and points a kitchen knife at Gray. It made Gray quiver a bit. "No, Ma'am," Gray shakes his hands. "Gray, is everything alright?" Juvia steps inside the apartment. "Nice to see you two," Wendy comes out of the bathroom with Carla after freshening up for the day. "How have you two been?" Carla asks. "Things are great with me and my beloved," Juvia smiles. She turns to Gray. "Everything is settled after I took some time to grieve," Gray's belly growls. "Want to join us for breakfast?" Lucy asks, bringing a stack of pancakes to the table. "Sure, I haven't eaten since yesterday," Gray sits by the table. "Pancakes do sound good right now," Juvia sits next to Gray. "So, is this the new guildhall, Spike?" Gray jokes a bit. "No. I thought about what Fairy Tail needs to do next." "Mind telling us what you have planned then?" Juvia asks. "I would prefer if I announced it to everyone. At noon, everyone except for Natsu and Happy will arrive at the front of the guildhall remains." "Speaking of those two, where are they?" Gray asks everyone. "Natsu and Happy went off training for a whole year. To become stronger when Acnologia or Zeref or someone more power comes to bring ruin," Lucy said. "What?!" Gray gets up. "I'm not letting that fireball get a head start without me!" Gray is about to leave. "You will sit down and eat breakfast with us," Spike commands. "What?! You can't be serious?" Gray turns the doorknob, and Erza is behind him. He feels a cold stare breathing on his neck. "Don't be rude to the Master. Show some respect and decency, Gray." Gray sweats and walks back to his seat. "Teacher's pet." Lucy gives Gray his plate of pancakes and sausages. "Thanks." "Eat up before you storm off," Lucy said. "Thanks for doing that, Sis," Spike receives his plate. "No problem, Spike. I do show respect for the Master of the Guild," Erza sits next to Spike at the table. The memory of Midnight Sparkle impaling her chest comes to mind again. Her left hand shakes as like she's reliving that moment. "Erza, are you okay?" Juvia asks. She notices Erza's arm trembling a bit. "It's happening again, isn't it?" Spike asks Erza. "What happened to Erza that is making her feel like that, Spike?" Gray asks with a level of concern. "Midnight Sparkle. She killed Erza in battle." "What?" Gray and Juvia are stunned beyond belief. "How was that possible?" Gray asks Spike. "Midnight Sparkle was hiding throughout the war. She waited for her time to strike. When she did, Erza had already exhausted her magic power fighting Kyôka after losing her senses. Midnight Sparkle wanted to kill every Fairy Tail Wizard before forcing me to go with her to Equestria. She bested Panther Lily, Minerva, Wendy, Carla.., I.., I..," Spike chokes up a bit. "All I did was watch. I got my ass handed by Acnologia a second time. I got whipped and lashed by Kyôka's curses. My body was damaged and tired. She was close to killing Wendy as well." "That's horrible," Juvia images the battleground of that scenario. "So, how is it that Erza is still alive?" Gray sees Spike lowering his head. "We lost a comrade during that confrontation. Fairy Rage sacrificed his life to resurrect me. He gave me the power to defeat Midnight Sparkle. I wish we destroyed her, but," Erza sighs. "I wasn't sure how long Fairy Rage Armor would last." "So, where is Midnight Sparkle?" Juvia asks Spike and Erza. "In Equestria," Spike goes to the drawers and takes out his trump card. "This is a gift Discord gave me while he said his goodbye. It's a portal for me to hop to Equestria and back. I used it on Midnight Sparkle, and Erza pushed her in. We got rid of her." "Do you think she'll ever come back?" Gray asks Spike. Spike sighs heavily. "I don't know. She could come back, or she could do something that I'm not aware of." "Spike has been receiving unfortunate nightmares as of late. Most of them are about Midnight Sparkle plotting vengeance," Wendy said. "I can't tell if these are warnings of what's happening, what's yet to come, or as it is. These dreams of mine are getting worse." Everyone starts eating their breakfast and telling tales about the war with Tartaros. Gray tells his friends that his father gave him Ice Demon Slaying Magic. He plans on using it on E.N.D; Juvia tells her tale about defeating Keyes and freeing many spirits he possessed. Lucy tells Gray and Juvia about opening the Celestial King's Gate by sacrificing her Aquarius Key. She also received a powerup from Aquarius. Wendy and Carla speak about fighting Ezel and destroying Face. They were about to die when Doranbolt came and rescued them in the nick of time. Erza spoke about getting through to Minerva and helping her see the light. After an hour, everyone leaves the apartment. Spike informs the Landlady that paying rent will take much time due to the destruction that Tartaros left behind. She understood with the insurances she has. Lucy and Spike won't be paying rent for a whole year, she says. Spike, Lucy, Gray, Erza, Juvia, Wendy, and Carla are heading to the guildhall. They meet up with everyone else, hoping to see the direction where they're going. Spike has a lot on his mind and addresses the next course of action. Spike flies in front of everyone, sweating a bit as this'll be his third command to all of Fairy Tail. "So, I wonder what Spike has to say," Macao said, looking at the new Master of Fairy Tail. "Probably something crucial. A stepping stone, heading forward," Wakaba said. "I wonder if today's the day we'll rebuild our Guildhall," Romeo said, standing next to his father. "Shush. Fairy Dragon is about to speak," Gajeel said, looking at his brother. "Fairy Dragon! What are we going to do?" Asuka asks. She's holding onto Bisca's hand. "Let him speak, Sweetie," Alzack said to Asuka. Spike takes a deep breath. He sees his friends and family talking to each other about the possibilities of the guild. He smiles. "Thank you for coming-" "Hey, Master? What are we going to do next?" Max Alors calls out Spike. "Yea? Are we building our guildhall?" Nab Lasaro asks. "Are we doing something manly?" Elfman flexes. "Keep it down, will you?" Cana drinks her bottle of liquor. "No," Spike shakes his head. "We're not going to rebuild the guildhall yet. What we're going to do is train. We're going to get faster, stronger, wiser, and powerful throughout the training." "Training?" Everyone says in unison. "Figures from the letter Natsu wrote," Lucy said to Erza. "Training to get stronger. Sounds intriguing to me," Erza said. "How long are we going to be training, Fairy Dragon?" Gajeel asks. "A year," Spike replies. "We were hit hard by a powerful dark guild; Demons created by Zeref. There could be possible threats stronger than Tartaros out there, and we should be prepared for their encounters. I will be talking with a few Guild Masters; to allow us to work with them on certain jobs for any of you to make some Jewels to survive. Choose where you want to go in terms of training. Improve and hone your magic to higher levels. One year from today, return to the guildhall so we can rebuild it." Everyone starts smiling and gets excited. To become stronger than ever. To take on any foe in the future. "I'm going to show how manly I'll be in a year!" Elfman proclaims. He does a fist pump. "Hey, that means we'll be training with Fairy Dragon. Us dragons gotta stick together," Gajeel smirks. "The Thunder Legion will prove to be the strongest team in Fairy Tail when the year comes," Freed said. "My babies and I will kill it!" Bickslow says. "Go Team! Go Team!" Bickslow's Tikis chant. "A chance to show Erza that I'm the strongest Fairy among the ranks," Evergreen smirks. She'll improve more of her magic techniques. "Fairy Youth Squad will be training together," Romeo said. He runs to Wendy and Carla. "Hey, after six months with them, I want you to train with your ole man for the final six." "Sure thing, Dad," Romeo throws the thumbs up. "I know who I'm training with," Juvia turns to Gray. Gray sighs. "Fine. Just don't be too clingy when we're training. Also, don't try any funny business when we sleep. Those are my only conditions, Juvia." "Perfect," Juvia smiles. "Team Shadow Gear will get stronger, right boys?" Levy turns to Droy and Jet. "You know it, Levy!" Droy and Jet say in unison. They're excited about training with Levy. "Hey, Warren. You coming with us?" Max Alors asks. He, Nab, Reedus, and Vjeeter are standing by. "You know it," Warren nods. "Warren, I need to speak with you in private," Spike flies away from the crowd. "Coming, Spike," Warren follows Spike. "Fairy Youth Squad," Gajeel approaches Wendy, Carla, and Romeo. "Panther Lily and I are coming with you. Fairy Dragon is our brother, and Dragon Slayers sparring with a dragon will help us even better." "I'm coming as well," Lucy said. "The same goes for me," Erza said. She doesn't want to leave Spike alone after what transpired during the fight with Midnight Sparkle. "Sure. I don't mind," Romeo is chill about it. "I have a feeling where we're going, so it won't be too bad," Wendy remembers the camping spot near the river in the East Forest. Spike and Warren are alone while everyone talks to each other about training together. "I need a calling card from you." "Oh, here you go, Spike," Warren gives Spike his calling card. "Thanks. There's something that has been bothering me as of late but, I'm not ready to address my problem with the rest of the guild just yet. Erza, Lucy, Wendy, Carla, Gray, and Juvia know about it. If I call you about that thing, I want you to tell the other to keep training or find work on my behalf. As I mentioned, I will be speaking with some Guild Masters later today. If I can't return due to an inconvenience, rebuild the guildhall without me. There's a note in my room about Makarov's whereabouts. Find it and search for him. He'll have 50% as being the Guild Master once more." "Wait, what? That's a lot to take in, Spike," Warren said. He's eager to know what can cause Spike to miss the deadline. "I understand. That is why I'm telling you this now. In case something were to happen on my end. I will be training hard and studying as well. However, I have a feeling that something will come to me, and I'll have to answer it." "I understand," Warren takes a deep breath. He somewhat figures out it's related to Midnight Sparkle. He hopes it's something else entirely. "Thank you for understanding, Warren." "Anything for you, Master," Warren chuckles. He knows Spike prefers to be addressed by his name or Fairy Dragon. Spike chuckles. "Now get to work. Your magic power won't increase if you are lollygagging." "Yes, Sir!" Warren goes to his friends. They begin plotting their next phase before training. Spike flies to his friends. He sees Gajeel, Panther Lily, Erza, and Lucy talking with the Fairy Youth Squad. He approaches them. "I'll meet you guys at the East Forest near the river. The same place we trained before." "Sounds good, Fairy Dragon." "We'll be there for a while. My tent and equipment are at the apartment." "I'll grab it, Spike!" Wendy volunteers to help Spike with his belongings. "I'll head home to pack up my things," Romeo said. He runs off to his home. "We'll meet you in an hour, Spike. See you there," Erza said. Spike uses his fire breath to teleport to the Blue Pegasus bar. That's where the Masters are meeting. During the week, Spike sent letters to Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, Sabertooth, Quatro Cerberus, and Mermaid Heel. Spike arrives at the moment the other Guild Masters take their seats. He asks them to allow some Fairy Tail Wizards to do some jobs for them since the Fairy Tail Guildhall is still destroyed by Tartaros' attack. "Hmm, I will allow your friends to come and work for the guild. I'm sure there's plenty of work when they need it. The men here normally binge and mingle with our patrons within the guildhall," Ichiya says, speaking on behalf of Bob. "Well, as long as they don't do damage and give me reasons to spin them, I'll allow them to come and work when they need it," Ooba Babasaama says while spinning Hibiki. "Cut it, you old Hag. Why are you spinning me?" Hibiki is getting woozy from the spinning. "My drink came out cold. I said I wanted tea, not ice tea." "Sorry! Please stop spinning me!" Hibiki pleas for mercy. He's about to vomit. "The men are forbidden of coming to work for Mermaid Heel, Spike," Kagura said, speaking on behalf of Mermaid Heel. "I'll allow the women of Fairy Tail and you to work. That is it." "The men are welcome to work whenever they need. Those guys help put Tartaros out of commission," Goldmine said. "Sure thing, Spike. We made a pact when we fought dragons right after the Grand Magic Games. That Sabertooth and Fairy Tail are allies. We'll love to have you guys around and team up on different jobs." "Thanks, Sting. Thank you for allowing my friends to come work for you when they need some Jewels." "Anytime, Fairy Dragon. We dragons gotta stick together," Sting bumps fist with Spike. "I'll see you around," Spike flaps his wings. "Mind sending us back to our guilds?" Ooba Babasaama asks. "Sure," Spike uses his fire breath to teleport Sting, Ooba, and Kagura to their guildhalls. Goldmine is confused. "Why haven't you teleported me to my guildhall?" Goldmine asks Spike. "During the Wizard Exchange Program, I stood at Mermaid Heel and cooked for them since my friends destroyed Mermaid Heel's relations with the public. So, I didn't get to travel with them to the Cerberus guildhall. Since I've never been there, that means I didn't place a flare marking." "Not wild," Goldmine says. He has to walk back to his guildhall. Spike uses his fire breath to teleport to the East Forest where his friends will be.