Everyone should have expected it. Those along the border had seen feared it. The tensions had been near an all time high between the kingdoms of Fiore and Seven. However, it was still a surprising shock when Seven launched a surprise magical attack. They completely took over the local garrison and pushed into Fiore. The army was not prepared to face so many magic users. Thus the guilds were called up. Every available wizard was recruited and assigned to different battalions and groups to fight the invasion. Trex volunteered to serve with his brother and ended up separated from the rest of his team. 

Though it was a bit brutal and some of the battles fierce, the war itself didn’t last that long. The devastation in the first early months caused the other nations to rise up and demand a cease-fire. Anything large scale fighting with magic brought a lot of concern. There hadn't been a large scale magical war since Zerif and the ramifications of that had been nearly devastating. It was said that only due to the Dragons and fairies, had the world been saved. And considering both species were now gone, one extent and the other who knows where, there wouldn't be anyone to save them. Thus the other nations forced a cease-fire. It didn’t solve the issues but it ended the war.
 
Making his way back to Magnolia, Trex was grateful for the peace though he didn’t know how long it would last. The relations between Seven and Fiore hadn’t been good for a long time now and had only kept deteriorating. And even though the war was over, Fiore was bottled up tight. Per the agreement, wizards on both sides had to go back to their guilds but no one commented about those that did ‘quests’ near the border to keep an eye out – on both sides. As it was, no one was allowed in or out of the country and all foreigners were continued to be looked down as spies. That brought a slight concern as Trex wondered how Skye faired. Though, she had done well to hide it, she was foreign born. Though he doubted the team would have given her away, there was still an option that she could have been discovered. He pushed the worry aside. Flynn would have said something. She had been with him and Lucy and if something had happened, Flynn would have contacted him and Zelia.

Zelia. Just the thought of her made him pick up his pace. He hoped she was doing well. They both had been so busy that he didn’t know where she was at the moment or what she had been doing during the war. He had to believe she was safe. He had monitored the list of the dead carefully and frequently keeping an eye on his guild mates and his teammates. Though the guild had lost several wizards, none of the team had been mentioned. So that meant she had to have been safe. Reaching the street and seeing the guild hall made him move a bit quicker. Entering he glanced around. His eyes lit up briefly as he spotted Flynn, Skye and Lucy in the corner. Good. Flynn had mentioned in message that they were headed back. He headed over to them.

“Hey.” He smiled wearily. He laughed and slapped Flynn on the back. “Glad you managed to stay out of trouble.” He nodded to Skye. “Skye.”
Skye watched the former teammates exchange greeting. She gave a slight nod to Trex when he acknowledged her. “Trex. Glad to see you made it.” 

There was no hint of accent in her tone – as usual. But what was surprising – at least to Trex – was there was a bit of emotion behind the words, indicating she was actually glad. That was different. Trex was going to have to talk to Flynn later and see what was going on. Skye was usually very closed. Tucking it away for later, he turned to Lucy. “Hi Lucy. Glad you’re doing well. I heard the rest of your team managed to make it through safely. Though Natsu did cause a major ruckus in Tontin.” He said referring to a border town. It was disputed that the dragon slayer might have caused more harm than good when he drove off the invaders. But that was Natsu.

It was good to be back. He sat down and glanced around, hoping to see Zelia just walk up. But no. He looked at the others. “So, anyone hear from Zelia?” He tried to keep his tone nonchalant. 

---
Ryzo walked along the tunnel looking for a way out. How he got here was still undetermined. But what he did know was none of his magic worked. The collar around his neck ensured that. His fist tightened. Again, he vowed that he’d find those responsible. Not that he was completely helpless. Unlike most wizards he didn’t fully rely on his magic abilities – especially considering they were a bit…peculiar. Combine that with the fact he grew up in Caelum – the wild, danger infested islands off the cost of Fiore, he had no concern about his survival. Though, he did wish he knew where he was and how he got here.

Walking, he slowed as he saw a room ahead. There was a shadow – someone was in there. This was the first individual he had seen since arriving. He wondered if they would be a threat. Reaching into his cloak, his hand tightened on his knife – which surprisingly had been left. Everything had remained left alone – only his magic and the collar was different.

Stepping into the room, he stopped surprised. He hadn’t expected to see her here. He let go of the knife and slipped his hand back out of his cloak. However, he was still weary. Last they met they had been enemies. “Zelia. Pleasure.” His accent was obvious and he stayed by the door watching to see how she would react.