"Did you hear what happened to that dark guild in Arkala? I think it was called Poison Ivy?"

"Yeah I did! I heard it burned down to the ground and all the guild members vanished. Some say the flames were so hot that they all burned to ashes!"

"Oi did you hear about Black Dawn? People in the town say they heard an explosion and screaming! When they went to check on the guild the next morning, it was totally trashed and half of the guild members were missing! The others found dead on the ground!

"Half Moon was destroyed last night!"

"I heard that! I also heard the town is happy about it and can finally get a proper guild."

"I heard the members of Thunder Strike vanished, even their guild. All there is left is a hole in the ground."

"I can't believe the amount of dark guilds that are suddenly disappearing! This is great, now the legal guilds won't have much trouble with them."

Passing through the town to Emelle, that was the gossip of the day. That's all Cobra could pick up on. The gossips about how all of a sudden, dark guilds were disappearing nearly every week. Groaning, the Poison Dragon Slayer pulled his hood down more as he walked to catch up with the rest of Crime Sorcière.

"I'm starting to get sick of hearing about all these dark guilds vanishing." The slayer growled. "Why does it matter to them if a dark guild is gone or not?"

"Dark guilds do nothing but cause trouble, Cobra." Meredy started. "The townspeople are relieved that they don't have to worry about the guild planning to do something to their town at night."

"That's also less dark guilds we have to deal with." Angel added as she put her hands on her hips.

"Says the one who's too scared to break a nail." Racer commented as him and Cobra snickered.

"I heard that!" The mage hissed.

"Ah the criminals have realized that their actions were sin and now have accepted love." Hoteye added with a twinkle in his eye.

"I doubt that's the truth." Midnight replied.

"Well good morning sunshine, about time you woke up." Racer greeted as the sleepy mage glared at the blond. Listening to their guild mates bicker only made Meredy shake her head as she looked up to the only one who's been silent this whole time. Jellal.

"Just a normal day, hmm?" The pink haired mage asked but never received a response. Looking at his face, the sense mage looked at the guild leader to see a serious expression written on his face. Jellal was known for having a serious expression but this one was…different. As if he was concentrating on something. Meredy blinked and tried to wave her hand in his face.

"Jellal?"

"Huh? Well looks like Jelly is out of it. Hope he doesn't run into a-" Cobra started.

"Something is wrong." Jellal stated as he came to a stop. "This isn't right."

"What isn't right?"

"These coats aren't right." Angel complained.

"Will you get over the coat?" Meredy questioned as she glared over to the complaining woman who looked away.

"The sudden decrease in dark guilds. Something isn't right." Jellal answered. "Why all of a sudden would they be vanishing?"

"Because they suck?"

"Because they're weak?"

"Because they're all slow?"

"Because they're tired?"

"Because they have found love!"

"You're all hopeless." Meredy sighed as her guild mates gave their answers and she knew they were all serious.

"No…it's as if someone is doing it on purpose."

"So someone's doing our job for us huh? Ha we could use a vacation." Cobra smirked.

"This could be a serious matter." Midnight commented. "Some of the names of the dark guilds I happened to catch were strong."

"Maybe someone wanted to show them the feeling of love." Hoteye commented.

"No, something's telling me it's for a whole a different reason."

"Oh yeah? Like what?" Racer questioned.

"I'm not sure but for some reason, I feel as if it's a single person's doing." The bluenette informed them.

"Just one person? That's crazy talk. Someone that foolish would be killed if they did something like that." Angel answered. It was true, just a single person would be foolish enough to take on a whole dark guild on their own. That was asking for death.

"We need to keep moving." Jellal added as he started to walk again. "We don't need to be seen. You never know who is walking."

"Yeah yeah yeah we know. You never know if someone from the Magic Council is going to turn that corner." Cobra groaned as the others followed the bluenette. "You only told us about a thousand times."

"I'm surprised you remember it seeing you don't listen to me."

"OI!"

"But I need you to do something for me Erik." Jellal added.

"Depends."

"I need you to keep your ears open. Listen for any other dark guilds that have vanished and especially if their name comes up more than once. That could be a key to figuring out who's doing this." He explained as the Poison Dragon Slayer rolled his eye.

"Seeing that I don't have a choice, I might as well just for you Master Jello Berry." Cobra smirked as Jellal glared at him.

"What have I said about calling me that?"

"Hmmm…I'm not sure actually. Don't seem to remember."

"How do I put up with you?" Jellal asked as Meredy chuckled and shook her head.

'I agree. How do we put up with these…clowns?' She asked herself as she looked back at the group of former dark mages. As they walked, the group exited the town and went on with their journey. Cobra keeping his ears opened, catching a few more dark guilds' names but none repeating.

It wasn't until they were resting, almost to the town of Woodcliff, when something caught his attention.

"Did you hear what happened to the Black Mamba guild?"

"No what happened? What'd they do?"

"Not only did they get beat, but their guild master was murdered AND the guild that attacked them took OVER their guild!"

"What? Are you serious? Whoa that's some strong guild."

"You're telling me. This guild could be serious trouble."

"All dark guilds are trouble, but this one could be more troublesome…let's go get some ice cream!"

"Sounds good!"

'Well that's something you don't hear everyday.' "Oi Jelly."

"Erik, for the hundredth time I am not-"

"I just heard something that you might be interested in so stop bitching about a stupid name. Something to do with a dark guild." Cobra interrupted the guild leader who closed his mouth.

"What did you hear?"

"Apparently a dark guild by the name of Black Mamba was forced out of their guild and the dark guild that did that made themselves at home." The Poison Dragon Slayer explained. "Think this is the guild that your gut is telling you about?"

"Possibly. Did they say the guild's name?" He asked as the slayer shook his head.

"No they didn't. For all we know, they might not even have a name." Cobra answered back as he stood up.

"We aren't far from Woodcliff, should we start heading that way now?" Meredy asked as Jellal gave a nod.

"We might find a clue while walking through the town." With that said, the guild walked toward the town.

They arrived to Woodcliff not long after that. The town was busy; people crowded the streets as the guild made their way through. Cobra's ears were open, more than usual. From what he heard earlier, this new guild could be…a lot of fun to take down. They continued to walk through the street until someone with red hair caught Jellal's eyes.

Looking into the direction of where he saw the person, a familiar scarlet red color stood out from the crowd. The leader widens his eyes in surprise to see the women. "Erza…" He whispered.

"What did you say, Jellal?" Meredy asked as she heard the man whisper something, but couldn't make out what he said. Snapping out of his daze, Jellal looked down to the shorter mage.

". . .Nothing, Meredy. We need to keep-"

"We know you saw that Fairy Tail mage." Angel cut in as she waved her hand.

"EH? Um no I didn't. I just…" All of Crime Sorcière gave the man unimpressed looks; except Hoteye who was in awe. Sighing, he knew that lying to them wouldn't work.

"Go talk to her, Jellal. She might know something about what's going on with the dark guilds." Meredy encouraged him.

"Yeah because I ain't pickin' nothing up. Haven't heard any new information about the guilds. If anything, she might know somethin'." Cobra informed him as he looked around. "All I heard is gossip and something about forest animals stealing random shit."

"Besides, you haven't seen your girlfriend in a long time, hmm?" Racer added as him and Cobra snickered. "Go make up with her."

"O-Oi! I-I have a-"

"A fiancée? Yeah-"

"A what a beautiful wedding it would be. Full of love." Hoteye cut both Jellal and Angel off.

"If you're talking about a fiancée, then you must be talking about Erik." Midnight finished Angel's comment.

"OI! I AIN'T HIS FUCKING FIANCEE!"

"You read my mind, Macbeth." Angel smirked as Cobra growled at them.

"Awww how cute. Erik Fernandes, nice ring to it." Racer added to the flames.

"I hate every single one of you." Cobra growled as they snickered, not noticing Jellal walking away.

"So what kind of dress will you wear?" Meredy added to the fun.

"WHY YOU LITTLE SHRIMP!"

'I do not know any of them. We just happened to shop at the same store for our coats. Yes that'll work.' The bluenette thought to himself as he walked up to Erza.

"Thank you for your information." Erza thanked an elderly couple who gave a nod.

"We hope our information will help you, dearie." The women said as the two walked away as Jellal walked up. The requip mage's eyes widen when she turned to see Jellal.

"Jellal..."

"Erza, I need to talk to you about something important."

"So how has it been traveling with Oración Seis?" Erza asked as the two walked into an alleyway.

"Don't get me started on them. I don't think I've had so many headaches in my life." He answered as the man rubbed his temples. The redhead just shook her head. "But there is something I need to ask you."

"What is it?"

"There has been a suddenly decrease in dark guilds lately and I wanted to ask you if you knew anything about them." He asked as he lifted his head up and stared at her. "Something is telling me that it's someone's doing."

"There's been a sudden decrease in dark guilds? No I didn't know." She answered but gave a sigh as she looked to the ground, crossing her arms. "Fairy Tail hasn't been able to focus on any of that for the past few months."

"Has something happened?" Jellal asked as he blinked. Erza gave a nod.

"Sadly and we aren't the only one's that have been affected by this. The Sabertooth guild has also been affected. Two of our very own have both been kidnapped." Erza explained. "Freed Justine from our guild and Rufus Lore from Sabertooth. We've been searching for them for the past two months. They were kidnapped by a dark guild."

"It should be easy to find them now with all the dark guilds vanishing now." Jellal commented as the women shook her head.

"It hasn't been easy. But we have a name and what the leader's name is. That's all. Nothing else." She explained while turning to face him. "Have you heard of a guild by the name of Viper Bite?"

"Viper Bite?" The mage questioned as the redhead gave a nod. Jellal thought about the name for few minutes. Trying to remember if Cobra had brought up anything about a Viper Bite.

"I must say I haven't. Why do you ask?"

"Viper Bite is responsible for their kidnappings. Their guild master is Sabertooth's former master, Jiemma."

"Have you found his reasoning?" He asked.

"To destroy our guilds most likely. He's using them against us." She added as he blinked.

"What do you mean?"

"They're fighting on his side. Controlling them. When we saw them for the first time in a long time, I knew those weren't the real ones."

"Well obviously if he has them fighting for him. Did he imply-"

"They're eyes weren't the same. They're dark...literally. Their eyes are red and the white part of their eyes are pitch black." Jellal's eyes widen in surprise.

'Their eyes changed color? What kind of spell could do that sort of thing?' He wondered as Erza sighed, making him look up.

"We just fought them yesterday. They retreated because Freed was seriously injured because of Natsu."

"I'm not surprised there." He commented.

"We'll be fighting them again in a week."

"That's a little specific isn't it?" He asked as she nodded.

"Yes it is. But that's what Rufus said. We'll be fighting again in a week."

"Have you found their location?" Erza shook her head.

"No. That's why I'm out today. I was hoping I could find some information about Viper Bite."

"Have you found any?" Jellal asked.

"No but an elderly couple gave me a recipe for a strawberry pie." Erza answered as she held up the piece of paper. Jellal shook his head. "They just gave it to me. That a problem?"

"Uh no there isn't." He replied. "I hope you both are able to bring your guild mates back soon."

"We hope so too. We've been working none stop since this happened."

"I will keep my eyes out for anything that might help you all." Jellal commented as Erza gave a nod.

"Anything will help us, Jella. We appreciate it."

"Did you hear what happened to the Black Mamba guild?"

"No what happened? What'd they do?"

"Not only did they get beat, but their guild master was murdered AND the guild that attacked them took OVER their guild!"

"Wait." Erza, who was starting to leave, stopped and turned her head. "I think I might have some information that will help you. I don't know how useful it will be, but it might help."

"What is it?"

"Right before we entered this town, Erik heard something." Jellal started. "A dark guild by the name of Black Mamba was thrown out of their guild. The guild that attacked them then took over their guild. Does that sound like something this Jiemma would do?"

"I'm not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if Sabertooth said yes. I'll pass that information on to them." Erza said as Jellal gave a nod. "Thank you for that information Jellal. This might be able to help us."

"Ah. Anything I can do to help out. If we find anything else or if Erik hears anything, I will pass on the information to you as soon as I can."

"Thank you again Jellal. Please be safe on your journey." She thanked him as he nodded.

"My pleasure. You as well stay safe. Our paths will cross again one day." Turning his back, the two mages walked away. Erza looking over her shoulder as Jellal walked away.

'Viper Bite…it's not confirmed just yet but I have this gut feeling that this Jiemma is behind the whole thing. If he's responsible for all the dark guilds, then who knows how strong he is.' Jellal thought as he walked to find his guild. Which didn't take long as they were still fighting. He sighed.

"WILL YOU IDIOTS SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

"YOU WOULD LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL IN A DRESS!"

"Idiots." Jellal groaned as he walked over. "Let's get moving. Erik keep your ears open for a guild by the name of Viper Bite."

"Huh? Why? What's so special about them?" The slayer asked as the guild started walking.

"Erza said that a guild by the name of Viper Bite has kidnapped a member from Fairy Tail and Sabertooth." He informed. "They were kidnapped by the former Sabertooth guild master, Jiemma."

"This has to do with us why?" Racer asked as Angel narrowed her eyes at the blond.

"Something is telling me that this Jiemma has something to do with the dark guilds. Keep your ears open."

"Yeah yeah yeah sure. I will." Cobra agreed. They walked out of Woodcliff and passed a few more towns before entering open fields. They walked as the sun started to set. They hadn't met anyone on throughout the day, but they saw someone in a black cloak was passing by. When the two crossed paths, he was very tall. Almost, if not, tall as Hoteye. But when Jellal passed him, his eyes widen and Cobra looked back.

'Huh? Numbers growing for…Viper Bite?' Cobra thought to himself as the name Viper Bite caught his attention.

'This man has a strong scene of dark magic. Also…poison?' Jellal thought as he watched the man walk pass him and Cobra walked to him.

"I heard that man say something about Viper Bite." The slayer informed the leader who's eyes widen more than they already were.

"And he has a strong scene of dark magic and poison. Could that be…" Jella turned around. "Master Jiemma of Viper Bite!"

He stopped and looked over his shoulder. "So you are Jiemma. The former master of Sabertooth and now the master of Viper Bite."

"Huh? So we're becoming known now?" Jiemma spoke as he turned around.

"Are you the one behind all the dark guilds vanishing?" Midnight asked the man.

"And what if I am? What are you going to do about it?" He asked as the demon narrowed his eyes.

"Well you're making our job a lot easier because you've been taking all the guilds out for us." Angel thanked as she flipped her hair. "Less we have to do."

"You remind me of someone, a weak someone that I know." Jiemma informed. She narrowed her eyes.

"Oh do I?"

"You never answered my questioned." Midnight cut in. "Are you behind-"

WHAM

"MIDNIGHT!" Jellal called out as Jiemma smacked the illusion mage so hard, he flew across the field.

"Oh no!" Hoteye and Meredy rushed over to their fallen guild member.

"Weak." Jiemma hissed as he turned around. "I have no time for weaklings."

"I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S WEAK!" Cobra shouted as he ran toward the demon, balls of poison surrounded his hand.

Jiemma stopped again and looked over his shoulder to see the dragon slayer running toward him. Along with the other the rest of the guild.

Anger filled their eyes.