Seven Lions

by Lightningpanda

In the year 1220, science is overpowering magic with its technology. Magic guilds are nearly no more and the Unseen Gates are ever moving. The age of magic will rise once again when a new threat comes from no other than the Gods themselves. A new cycle of reign. SYOC!CLOSED (13/13)

4. Surprise! Surprise! Sky Pirates!

So... I've been having this idea of four guilds. Two of them are villain guilds that I've already have plans for and will be introduced at their own pace. The other is this. Seven Lions. While the other... I realized I just can't do it but perhaps one of you CAN do it.

It is another legal guild that is part of the same timeline as Seven Lions (and same nation) that will one day encounter Seven Lions guild and form an alliance in the future. I have no name planned for the guild, but I do have the Master and ranking system planned for it. This guild will have their own separate adventures and will encounter more with Omni than Vita then what I have planned for this.

If you're interested in taking up the torch, do PM me so I can give you the details. :)

OC Introduction:

Farren Shuya by reven228

Leon Magnus by Piece of Sheet

---

III. Surprise! Surprise! Sky Pirates!

It is common knowledge that Seven Lions is one of the few guilds that accept job requests related to science. No matter how simple or terrible it may sound, Seven Lions takes the job to build good relationships with the MSC, DSR and Research Department of Magicals. MSC is the one that keep an eye on magic guilds activities and the number of members while RDM (Research Department of Magicals for short) is meant to grab information from magical beings, magic-borns, notorious and rogue mages, dark guilds activities, and the Masters of their respectful guilds. The separation of powers are is a vital key in Alakitasia to not let a president obtain full power in his post. As said president must also respect the decisions of the guild Masters; as long as these guilds are following the codes written SAAC. (The Sorcery Art of Article Code).

Team Misfits... At least that is how Cali wants to call themselves momentarily. Not wanting to voice this opinion out of the fear she'll receive glares from Zion or be looked down by Roxanne. Sure, Alistair is there to help her out in her time of need. But right now he has his hands are full in dealing with an angry boy and a stuck up woman. And she really does not want to become a burden to him. When he first found her, she decided to be useful in aiding and combat to the best of her abilities. Because Alistair deserves a strong partner and not a weak one.

To her he was the strongest mage in the world.

And as the strongest, she has to be the most powerful sidekick he's ever had.

"That's a stupid plan." Roxanne stated matter-of-factly as she eyed the chicken scratch of strategy made by Alistair. A drawing on the ground he made using a stick he found lying in the wilderness.

After team Misfits went to the RSC building and talked to the team leader that was in charge of the investigation his team were trying to solve, Cali noticed how tense Roxanne was around the scientist. At one point, Cali wondered if Roxanne had a grudge on science but quickly caught on that, that wasn't the case.

Because not soon after the briefing of the mission and personal objectives that the scientist wanted them to achieve, the last two remaining members were incredibly tense.

If Alistair was tense, it would mean this man was not trust-able. So, she began to doubt the information they were given; even though Roxanne, Zion, and Alistair were going along with it. It made her want to question why? But as she thought about it she began to realize they were going to go through it not because it was a mission. But because they were going to lure the threat they suspect towards them.

It was a dangerous and tricky task they were trying to hatch.

If they can hatch it in the first place.

Because apparently, Zion, Roxanne, and Alistair has different opinions on how to approach their target. Leave to Zion pointing out all negative qualities when a plan is hatched and Roxanne critiquing the plan as obvious and stupid and her idea is much better compared to a military plan.

"Then what do you propose? I'm not seeing any of you helping." Alistair snapped, having enough of their shitty attitudes.

"I've already gave my honest opinion on chicken scratch." Zion scoffed, folding his arms in front of him to further prove his righteousness. "And I agree with Roxanne. Your plan sucks."

"We're dealing with sky pirates not military-based scientists. It is obvious they'll reign in the sky and not on the ground."

"It is meant to lure them to the ground." He stressed with a hiss.

"Yeah? Like shooting them down below and up into the sky?" Zion mocked, rolling his eyes at the plan. "News flash, they have canons, hand canons, and lots of scientific weapons with them. Do you know what that means?"

"What? That you're scared?" Alistair mocked with the same tone Zion threw at him.

"No, you asshole!" Zion barked as Roxanne sighed for the umpteenth time, rubbing her temples and unable to handle this petty drama. "It means they have mana cancellers and mana eaters! Like Roxanne said, these are sky pirates and this," he gestured around him "is their fucking territory! They sure as fuck know these lands better than we do."

Alistair exhaled slowly and loudly to calm his growing temper on wanting to lash onto the kid.

But as much as he hated to admit it, he was right.

"We need to find the leader."

"Leader is going to be in the heart of his empire. How on earthland are we going to do that?" Alistair eyed Roxanne who gave him an are-you-stupid look.

"We find his weakness, exploit it and he'll come running towards us."

"Or he'll just send his army of friends and totally ignore the threat." Zion spoke up with fake cheerfulness.

Roxanne rounded on him, "What is it with you being so negative? Must you pick a fight with everyone?"

"Hm? Did I offend you?"

If Zion wasn't a youngster she would have socked him in the face a long time ago.

"Whatever it is that is making you be like this, stop it." Crossing his personal space and looking at him dead in the eye. "You're only hurting yourself and those around you."

Zion didn't bite back with a snarky remark but maintained the stare with his own defiant one. After a while, he turned away with a 'tch' that left Alistair impressed at how Roxanne handled Zion's attitude single handedly.

At that moment, he was starting to see there was a shred of light in this crappy team. Perhaps they can all work together if they set their minds to it.

"What the fuck are you looking at?" Zion growled at Cali who squeaked with a small little scream, running behind Alistair in an effort to use him as a shield.

He takes it back. There is no way they can get along.

"Don't talk to her like that!"

"Shut up! Both of you!" Roxanne snapped, rubbing her ever growing headache of those two. The cat does not count. "We need to immediately find a weak point-"

"That will take too long. It's better we try to-"

"That's a stupid plan. What you want is to get us killed!"

And another fight ensues in team Misfits.

Cali has seen this fight over and over again. An endless cycle really. It's like the universe is making sure none of them to co-exist together. Well... That may not be entirely true. Roxanne and Zion seem to have just a tad bit of chemistry if you squint hard enough. Besides, she is the only person she knows that can control Zion. So maybe those two together can do wonders as a team.

Again keyword maybe.

"Hey," Three pair of eyes turned to Zion. "Not to interrupt your lively talk, we should set camp."

At this, all eyes went to the sky and saw it was starting to get dark.

"Right," Alistair sighed, rubbing his hands on his pants as he got up from his sitting position. "We should-"

"I'll find some branches." Roxanne immediately took her leave, interrupting whatever Alistair was going to say as she disappeared into the woods.

"Food." Zion going to the opposite direction as he too disappeared into the woods.

Leaving Cali and Alistair by themselves as she stared at her partner and best friend. "Let's set up the tent! We can fill it with pillows and blankets to make it homey!" Cali was trying to cheer up Alistair as he had a sour look caused by two temporary team members. Alistair's sour mood did vanish as he gave a small sigh at her quirkiness.

"Sure."

Hopefully, they can come to an agreement by tomorrow.

---

"Comfortable?" Jiselle settled a bowl of hot meat stew with a rice bowl to the side, carefully setting down a warm ale as she took Farren's empty beer bottle.

Farren Shuya is a man with a troubled past and damaged reputation. Jiselle honestly does not know the details, but she doesn't care. He is a mage of Seven Lions and that is all that matters. It wouldn't be the first time they accepted characters like him or those that once had an attachment to a dark guild. The only things that Seven Lions cares is one of the three virtues it seeks. The background of a person is irrelevant.

His appearance was the resemblance of a drunkard. Slouchy shoulders, slight lanky look and the lazy stance he always carries. The typical qualities that stands out from every drunk. His purple eyes glowed in that tired look that gave him a eerily vibe of not wanting to be bothered by no one and his aura illuminating a sense of loneliness. Though this loneliness wasn't the pleasant kind but the roguish one that drew people away from the source. With the scar running down his eye and his long messy dirty blonde hair unkempt with an untidy five o'clock shadow did not help.

Another negative appearance that sent people going the opposite direction and most of the time throwing sour looks is the state of his clothes.

If Jiselle was to summon it into a single word, it would be homeless or hobo as others would like to call it.

Farren wore cheap forest green button-up shirt, the sleeves folded above his elbows, and a pair of loose grey pants tucked in his black boots. There wasn't no elaborate details on his clothes as it looked plain and, well, ugly. But Farren seem to not let it bother him or how it made him look to presence of others.

He shrugged, picking up the wooden spoon to began eating his dinner. Jiselle's cooking is remarkable as always and he wasn't about to complain because of their limited resources. And even if everything was in order he still wouldn't complain.

Silently, Jiselle also set her own food down across from him but instead of a warm ale she drank ginger and pear tea with a touch of lemon.

"Where's your son?" As far as Farren knew, Zion came back from his mission and should be here eating with them.

"On a mission," She smiled after swallowing a spoonful of beef stew and rice. "Him, Roxanne, Alistair and Cali went on a mission that I've picked. Hopefully after showing the ropes to them, they'll stay and help out."

"Wouldn't cling on to it." Both of them were adults and knew they must keep the negatives for the aftermath.

He chose to stay after getting the bigger picture.

Others that came before him left; not wanting to deal with a great responsibility.

Honestly, Farren found them disgraceful for thinking like that after Seven Lions open their doors for them. Sure they needed to take a test. But as soon as they found out about issues in Abaddon, they left. Because the guild master is incredibly busy it was always Jiselle removing the guild mark from those newcomers that possibly only lasted a day or three.

"Of course," She gave him an obvious look. "It will be nice for a change of pace, no?"

"And the others?" Farren changed the subject. Drinking from his warm ale in one go before serving himself more. Thanks to the flask of alcohol placed on top of a heating lacrima that was shaped into an octagon in a soft red hue that glowed gently. Never humming a sound like those heating pads that RSC invented for the public. Surprisingly enough, heating lacrima are more popular than heating pads. But it is scarce and hard to obtain. Mainly reigning in magical territorial or... quarantine zones.

One can imagine when someone obtains a lacrima with its designed purpose and function in their possession.

"Camellia, Aeron, and Dagger are on a retrieval mission."

"Think he's going to be trying to rip off the client?"

She smiled, knowing full well who he means by he. "Wouldn't be the first."

"This guild should change its policy."

"It's perfect the way it is."

It was silent again. A nice silence as both ate calmly their meal until a knock sounded on the main door.

Jiselle paused at the sound to hear two knocks again. A tad bit louder than the previous.

"They're probably back." He hummed, chewing on a chunk of beef before shoving a spoonful of rice in his mouth.

No. I don't think so. Jiselle calculated the maximum time Dagger's team will finish and that will be till tomorrow morning or afternoon at most due to the distance of the town located. And if they didn't took the Capsule Airship it will take them five days to get here on foot. Which she doubts they'll end up going on foot because Dagger always happens to have spare money due to his illegal practices.

No matter how illegal it may look, it is done for a good cause.

So, she can't really complain there. Only worry.

As for the other team it will take them maybe a week at most to complete the job.

And Nero... Nero will return when he finishes the job. The mission he took has no time limit whatsoever. And knowing him, he'll probably go searching for her before coming back home after the mission.

"Maybe its somebody that needs help." Getting up from her chair before gently pushing it back in, she walked to the main doors and opened the small window latch to see who was outside.

She saw no one.

Closing the little window and locking it, she just about to turn around when another knock came. This time was urgent with five precise knocks.

Staring at the door for a couple of seconds, she turned and opened the doors with a hard wrench. There stood a very tall and muscular tanned man with his hand slightly raise high, ready to knock again on the door.

He was frozen on the spot staring at her with surprise eyes while Jiselle blinked at him before taking a good study at the giant.

His features consisted of chocolate brown eyes full of wonder and surprise, very short ear-length dark brown hair that looked wet either from sweat or he got wet in the process. Considering how muscular he is and how much his muscles budge underneath his armor, he possibly got wet.

Which will be very bad for him.

"Come in, quickly!" She hissed, opening the door wide open as the man got the hint. Quickly he went inside as Jiselle closed the door and locked it again. Rushing to the back of the reception desk and opening a cabinet door where she had lacrima embedded blankets to keep one warm or cool. In this case, it was to keep him warm.

The man caught the blanket with ease when she threw the neatly folded blanket to him.

"Which do you prefer? Tea? Or warm ale?" Already ready to run inside the kitchen to prepare him a drink.

"Uh, um," He was a little flustered at the sudden attention she washing onto him and especially seeing how beautiful she looked to him. She is a beautiful woman, just isn't interested in relationships at the moment. The man kind of stared a bit too long that Jiselle was starting to become impatient and uncomfortable. He took careful note of her oval-shaped face, thin cupid lips, long dark hair flowing down to her back with a single long braid thrown over her tanned shoulder, few colorful headpieces and strong yet vibrant star-like eyes that exploded of a hidden fire.

Very beautiful, yes. Her figure was not what a woman her age should have. She was fit and perfect. Not an inch of wrinkles or scars.

Suddenly, he snapped back to reality and smiled into ear-splitting grin that kind of made Jiselle look at him as if he was sane or was dealing with a lunatic.

"My name is Leon Magnus, my lady!" He bowed down to her as Jiselle finally noticed the red cape flowing down to his ankles. It was in that moment she decided to analyze his attire. "Also known as Leon the Magnificent! The Great Hero! Leon Monsterslayer! You must've been charmed by super hero good looks! I must say, I am really handsome! My magic allows me to use awesome hero moves! Although, I didn't use my Hero's Irresistible Sweetly Romantic Personal Charm, but you seem very dazzled in my presence." Leon actually looked very smug, unaware his words went over Jiselle's head as she was slowly wearing a contempt expression.

If Jiselle could put into one word what he appear to her... It would be an idiot.

Leon wore a black muscle shirt under a golden chest plate armor, black cargo pants tucked in wide knee-high leather brown shoes, and that one eyesore of a red cape flowing elegantly down from his shoulders. Truth be told, he looked like a poser to her.

But she shouldn't be quick to judge. It is not like her to jump into conclusions.

Realizing that he was talking for quite of a long time, she felt a tad bit guilty for ignoring him. Hopefully, it wasn't anything important.

"I'm guessing you are here for the guild?" Interrupting Leon's blabber that was really completely rubbish at some point. At that, he nodded quickly like a child would when he/she becomes excited after receiving a candy as an award. (That's what he reminded her of.)

She sighed, glancing towards the common doors where her food was still waiting for her. It was late at night and she already closed the guild with the plan to eat, clean the dishes, then go home and sleep. Apparently, that wasn't happening. With another sigh, she gestured to follow her.

In which he did.

Going around the reception desk to pull out the items to test his virtues, she pulled out the items to only find Leon right behind her rather than the opposite of her.

He was damn lucky she tunes herself down otherwise his face would have met the floor. Not to mention some broken bones in the process. Her instincts was still hectic which was a good sign in her opinion. It just means her battle instincts hasn't left her since her retirement.

"What are you doing?"

"You told me to follow you." He grinned as Jiselle pushed him away to add distance between them. He was standing awfully close for her liking.

"Over there," She pointed to the other side of the reception desk. "You will stand." Her gaze was firm that only made Leon smile gleefully as he bobbed his head, twirling ever so elegantly as his cape flapped behind him. Good thing it didn't slap her in the face when he did his amazing twirl of justice hero.

Loving the feeling of his cape flowing behind him as he felt almighty.

When he did station himself to the position she pointed, he popped his elbows on the desk and leaned in. Way too close for comfort that Jiselle had to take a couple of steps back.

"Before I test you,"

"Test me?"

"Yes," she nodded. "It is an evaluation test meant to see if you possess one of the three virtues we go by."

"Oh, don't worry! I have a lot of good virtues! They're all positive!" His voice was very booming. It was like someone stuck an amplifier down his throat so that every time he talks it may sound like he's yelling to the heavens in high glory.

She hummed at his response, laying out the items on the desk. These virtues can go both ways. It does not necessarily mean it is good just a way of how one would look and interpret it. "We are incredibly low on members and if we don't have more than ten members, according to MSC we will have to officially disband. If we don't get the enough required members before the deadline we are to disband. Knowing this, do you still wish to join Seven Lions?"

"Yep! After joining, I'll go and recruit lots of members! I swear it on my honor!"

"That's if you pass the test," she blurted with a straight face.

"I'll pass it. Just you watch." His smile grew. "After this, you and I can go on an adventure together."

"Ah, that's not going to happen." His smile dropped a little but his eyes didn't stop twinkling. "I'm a retired mage, you see. Maybe you can go with Farren later after the others come back from their missions."

"You're retired?" He gave her a look over. "But you look young and healthy."

"Well, that's very kind of you." She smiled before returning back to her serious mode. "Ready?"

Leon squared his shoulders and rolled his neck, preparing himself for the test. Who knows? It might just be a surprise attack that he must prove to them he is ready for anything. Completely forgetting it is about seeing if he possesses any of the three virtues that the guild wants.

"Look at the paper carefully," Jiselle gently pressed the paper towards him that had an mathematical x and y axis with three spheres overlapping one another in different set of colors at the very middle yet expanding to the x and y axis.

Leon... Sort of panicked.

He wasn't really good at math.

"Now look at this one," she handled him another sheet that had a diagram of a sphere split into four parts colored in, in green, yellow, blue, and red. "Pick the color that you believe best suits you."

Oh yeah. Leon had to really think about this.

He was going to pick blue because it is a color that means happy, right? But then he thought about it more and believed it might just mean gloomy. Completely the opposite of who he is. So he looked at the green and couldn't think of anything that could mean green other than nature. Does he care about nature? Yes, if he thinks about the innocent animals and the beauty of the forest being polluted thanks to Omni. But he didn't think he was described as one word nature-y because he was more than that.

He was the great Leon Magnus! King of all Heroes! The mightiest and mightiest of them all!

Red was totally him. He knows red stands for passionate, bold, assertive, and positive; traits that he knows he possesses. Then he looks at yellow that automatically made him think of sunshine and rainbows. If he was talking about the sunshine then he'll describe yellow as warm, uplifting, cheerful and flamboyant... At least that's what he believes in.

"Can I pick two colors?" He wanted to sound brave and confident, but a tad bit of squeak was heard at the idea of failing the test. After his long travels, he just couldn't bare the thought of letting it end here.

Jiselle shook her head.

He let out a long sigh as he stared at either red or yellow.

"I choose... THE GOLDEN LIGHT OF DIVINITY!" Jiselle flinched at the sudden boom of his voice, yelling out his answer with such confidence that radiated of his being. Literally.

Jiselle stared at him stunned at seeing he was glittering like a disco ball.

Shaking her head, she continued. "You chose duty. You are optimistic, inspiring, open, creative and energetic. Is this true?"

"I am honored you know me so well! Do you want my autograph? I can sign it very pretty and lovingly for you."

She pursed her lips at that, I'm dealing with an idiot and an incredibly self-centered man who acts like a child. Great... We're going to have a weirdo in the guild. "Good." She grab the other sheet just as when Leon asked if he passed the test. "Are you north, east, west or south?" She pointed to each axis as Leon blinked.

"Huh?"

"Just answer the question."

He stared at the points she pointed. To the north was the sphere colored green overlapping another two set of colors that were cyan and yellow. To the east was the red colored sphere overlapping the colors yellow and magnetic pink. To the west was the blue colored sphere overlapping the colors cyan and magnetic pink. And south was the combination of both red and blue spheres with its additional magnetic pink and white colors.

Since he chose yellow, he decided to focus on that small additional yellow as it was being shared by both the red and green spheres. Meaning he has the option to choose either north or east. Leon did not know what east lies besides the horizon but he knows north is like sitting on top of the world.

And heroes are always recognized as the top legendary and powerful human being in the world.

So obviously he picked north.

"You chose the leadership of focusing to change the future and the universal."

"You're really good at this." He was appalled at just how spot on was Jiselle with her predictions of him. "Are you a clairvoyant?"

"No. It's simply one of the most basic forms of analyzing personalities."

It sounds way too complex to be basic! Leon blinked.

"Are you strategic," she pointed to the green sphere "interpersonal," pointing to the red "or operational?" then to the blue.

"Operational." He didn't even need to think twice.

"You like to deliver results." He nodded at the thought, sticking his chest out in pride. "In this category you are either someone who plans and organize, works splendid in team work or is a great leader. Choose one."

Yep. He did not need to think long about this. "A great leader!"

"Being a leader has certain qualities. Which is false? Honesty, commitment, delegate, communication, confidence, truth, creativity, intuition, inspire, approachable, or positive attitude?"

Okay.

Everything that Jiselle just mentioned are all good qualities that a leader needs. And one of them happens to be false.

Were all test like this? He found them confusing and pressurizing. So much his hands were actually sweating and his heart was pounding in his ears. Despite all this, he couldn't help but grin as he takes this challenging test head on. Much to the surprise of Jiselle as she purposely chose this type of test to see what can throw him off guard and just how well can he handle the mental pressure.

He thought about this long and hard as Jiselle waited very patiently for his response. Thinking she's going to have to heat her food when she's done testing him. Though she saw a figure in her peripheral vision in which she glanced quickly to see Farren leaning against the edge of the doors, watching the scene with a sense of amusement dancing in his eyes.

How long was he standing there? She does not know. The only thing she knows she has personally selected him for the trials.

If the trials ever take place, that is.

"Truth." He finally said with a triumphant smirk as he crossed his arms in front of him.

"Why?"

"Because it is like a double-edge blade. A leader would lie to his people and friends if it means he can protect them that way."

"I knew the answer already. But I still needed to test you." She sighed, collecting the two papers and placing them back into a vanilla folder she pulled it from before grabbing the guild mark stamper. "You're of Honor. Before I stamp your guild mark, please think of the color you desire clearly."

"Does that mean I passed?" He leaned forward, invading Jiselle's personal space as she once again took a couple of steps back to add some distance.

"Yes."

"Oh, yeah!" He cheered before suddenly straightening up. Like if he suddenly remembered he's suppose to be manly and mature. "For my guild mark... Right here in color red!" He pointed to his heart.

Jiselle studied at his armor in which Leon misinterpreted she was 'checking him out' that actually set a large ego on him. Especially on the next set of words.

"You need to take your clothes off."

"For you, my lady," Leon bowed elegantly in which Farren had to stifle a laugh due to Jiselle's reaction. "It would be a pleasure." Beginning to buckle off his chest plate and setting gently his cape to the side, revealing a massive giant sword strapped to his back.

Farren had to bit back a whistle in order not to reveal his presence to the giant. While Jiselle was simply thinking that all those muscles Leon has seems it wasn't just for show. Because that sword takes a good number of strength to lift.

Somehow... She got a weird sense of deja-vu that she quickly perish and focused on the task.

Once Leon was naked from the upper half, Jiselle took a couple of steps forward and place the stamper on the location he pointed. And some part of her wanted to wipe that grin off his face.

But that will be just plain mean.

As soon as she was done, without even looking she ordered Farren. "Show him the ropes why don't you?"

Farren sighed, causing Leon's head to snap at his direction as if he just noticed there was another presence in the room. With that, Jiselle disappeared in the grand hall to heat her food that has probably gone cold.

Farren simply stared at Leon the longest time with a sense of annoyance and laziness. Finally, he spoke after Leon finished putting on his clothes... And his humongous sword. "Which one you want: dorms, apartment, or claiming?"

---

[9 HOURS EARLIER]

There was nothing complicated inside the mines. No monsters, no crazy mazes, no booby traps, nothing. The path was very linear that this mayor could've just send someone to go fetch his treasure for him. No scratch that. He could have done it by himself.

Aeron slowly walked with his companions as he listened to music. Though his thoughts were filled with Dagger's warning of Mr. Crookstone.

Could he do such a thing? Would he do it for pride and wealth?

As far as he knows, being a mayor means your willing to do all your part to give to your people. And not... Not rip them off. He wanted to believe Ted Crookstone is more than that. But Dagger is right on the state of Amaria looking more like slums except the high class area. In that area it was more cleaner, fresher, appealing, and larger.

Much larger.

Everything glowed with wealth in that area.

But the town that were below the high class? It was such in a horrible state he couldn't even begin to explain the state the homes and shops were in. And the people were dressed in the most terrible rags. Always looking dirty with an envy look that some threw to them.

The chest that Camellia was holding was the wealth that the client wanted.

Aeron really wanted to believe that treasure was meant to save the townsfolk from the depression they're in. But Dagger denies it as he knows Mr. Crookstone's kind. As he put it into his own words, he is the kind of man who rather save his own flesh and leave others to suffer the damages he's done. Picking up the pieces that he's left to the Amarians (citizens of Amaria in short) and the mayor will sit back and watch them fight for the most pettiest things. Like a game show of his own fascinating entertainment.

The way Dagger described this was full of spite and disgust.

It was around that time that Aeron discovered why Jiselle was so worried about Dagger brewing something.

He was planning to steal from the client.

That was the only purpose why he accepted this mission.

And when Camellia and Aeron put the pieces together, both of them teamed up in keeping an eye on Dagger. Making sure he doesn't try anything.

Which pissed Dagger off and was now walking way too ahead of them with a sour look. Obviously his plan fell to pieces at miscalculating that maybe Aeron could understand his noble deeds. Seeing that he was sorted into Truth and just thought he'll have his back.

Guess not.

As soon as they arrived to Crookstone's grand manor that was five stories tall with such ridiculous details of gold around the edges - making it stand out more than the other mansions located in this area - the trio was escorted inside the mayor's office which was equally detailed with elegance as it was outside. Though the inside had less gold and more silk of wine colors, durable and elegant furniture's that glossed at just how smooth the surface was when the light gleamed gently.

Of course, they had to wait again. Though this time the butler won't be the one attending them. It will be the mayor himself in person.

Dagger stationed himself on a elegant armchair colored red wine with ivory wood, plopping down and sprawling his sides like a drunkard.

"Huh, it's quite comfy." He then flipped himself to the side, his legs dangling over an arm rest and adjusted the small pillow on his shoulders to provide comfort. "A little crowded though. Come, you should try it." Jerking his head to the armchair that was next to his.

"No thanks." Aeron mumbled, observing the mayor's paintings that contained mostly portraits of a large man and very beautiful women. He did not know if those portraits were of his daughters or escorts. Maybe women he deemed beautiful and had them painted for his private collection.

He shivered at the thought.

Camellia busied herself with small figurines of golden animals. Somehow rearranging their positions to a position she imagined the figurines were conversing with one another. Kind of how like a child would play with dolls.

This caught the attention of Dagger.

"Hey, Smiley," Camellia turned to him at the call of her nickname. "how old are you?"

Camellia was silent for a while, staring at Dagger for a while. Her bob-cut bangs obscuring the emotions that could be reflecting in her eyes. She thought over it as she saw no harm in telling her age and him just being mere curious. He does have a habit to ask a lot and then jump into the next phase that interest him. So why not give him that joy after restricting his movements with Aeron?

"Sixteen."

Her answer made Dagger blink and gave her a look over before breaking out into a wide smile. "Aw, aren't you adorable?" He cooed that threw Camellia off-guard. She was not expecting that reaction. But then again, what was she expecting in the first place? "Aeron and I are the same age."

"Huh?"

"Yeah. We're both older than you." He laughed. "You're like a little kid." He paused, his good mood disappearing as his head cocked to the side. Like if he heard a whisper that told him something displeasing. "Finally took his merry fat ass self here."

Aeron's eyes snapped to the door a few seconds before Dagger finished that made Camellia become tense. Her hand reaching for her precious chain as her eyes were hard on the door.

An ambush? An enemy?

The door finally opened that made Camellia's breath hitch.

There entered a tall, round man dressed in the most sophisticated tuxedo with a single wine glass filled in red liquid on his white gloved hand. His beefy cheeks puffed and flushed, spreading out his mustache in small twirls at the ends, his large button nose giving him a jolly appearance especially the way his eyes twinkled when it settled on the box behind Camellia.

Closing the door behind him, he gave the mages the most fakest smile in the bloody world. Dagger didn't bother to hide his smugness when Ted Crookstone eyed Dagger's sprawled form on his armchair, facing his desk office. "Sup?"

Aeron stepped in before the mayor could say a few selective words to Dagger, "we retrieved this chest as promised. Hopefully it'll come with great use."

"Oh! Yes!" Gently placing his wine glass on the desk before moving straight towards the chest that now Camellia had in her hands. "Thank you so much! As promise, I'll have your five thousand jewels ready!"

Camellia frowned at that, her lips pursed and Dagger sat all the way up. Trying to process what the this man just said.

"I'm sorry. The flier is marked as two hundred thirty thousand and one hundred fifty jewels. Not five thousand." Aeron calmly said, his eyes searching into the man as he began to see everything. Everything of what Dagger said was starting to put a very clear picture of who he really is.

"Ah. Yes, silly me." He laughed, walking behind his desk as none of the mages were laughing. "Too much booze you see." He gave a knowing look to his glass of wine.

"Maybe you should-" Dagger never got to finish what he was going to say when Aeron kicked his leg that made him yelp.

"If it is not too much to ask," ignoring the glare sent his way, courtesy of Dagger dearest. "What will you do with the chest?"

The mayor paused in his counting, turning to Aeron who held a concerned expression.

"This chest?" He pointed to chest that was retrieved for him. "This chest contains my ancestors fortune. Collection of the most rarest and exquisite jewelry. Having this back into the household is were it belongs! The family of Crookstone is finally restored. There is a special artifact in here that whomever wields it is the rightful owner of it." He opened the chest as he spoke, Dagger moving in closer by dragging the chair with him as stealthy as possible. Ted revealed a small little marble that glowed a white hue with odd markings on it that made Dagger's mouth smack open. "Yes. This precious little thing is for only the most worthiest. And I am the most worthiest."

"With that mindset, you won't be able to use it." Dagger mumbled that made Ted's eye twitch.

"Does your family carry a flower symbol?"

All eyes turned to Camellia who spoke. Ted scrunched up his nose. "Of course not! Our family symbol is a lovely diamond with two spears crossing behind it. Why would you ask that silly question?"

"The chest is marked with a flower symbol. It's an insignia to represent a family clan."

All eyes landed on the chest that, it really did, carried a flower symbol at the very far corner. Easily miss able, but not completely concealed.

"That's not your chest." Dagger pointed to Ted in a most laziest manner with a smug look. Clearly that smugness was directed to his two team mates that he was right. And they were wrong.

"You're stealing it from someone else." Aeron agreed.

"You did the job, didn't you? This chest is on my lands. Clearly it belongs to me! It belongs to my family!" Ted scowled at them. "The cheek you mages have! I guess that is the defect of hiring the cheapest mercenaries."

"Mercenaries? We're not mercenaries. We are mages."

"You get paid to do the job, don't you? It is all the same! Vita are too expensive for hire, but mages are the cheapest. This world no longer needs magic. It is a world that is moving towards evolution of science! Your lot will become outdated and unusable." He sneered at them, ignoring the way the males were looking deadly at him for insulting their kind. "Now, do you wish to be paid? Or do you want to leave with no pay?"

"If that's the case," Aeron spoke up. "We'll be taking the chest with us and put it back were we found it."

Ted laughed at him as if he said one heck of a joke.

"This guy clearly lost his marbles." Dagger whispered to Aeron who nodded.

"Two fifty thousand, yes?" Ted asked them, chuckling a bit. Resuming his counting.

Dagger shot a look to Aeron and Camellia to not correct him. The man is going to give them extra money, after all.

The silence returned, a tense silence that is. The silence only lasted for a few seconds when Aeron spoke again. Making Ted exhale a gush of air, clearly annoyed at the thought of conversing with the mages.

"What will happen to the citizens?"

"What about them?"

"Are you going to help them?" Camellia stepped in. Equally curious to what will happen to the people of Amaria.

"Help them?" He genuinely sounded confused on that subject. "What do you mean? They work and get paid. They seem perfectly fine in my eyes. Why would you care in the beginning? They are not magic-borns nor are they worthy of attention. Low class is not worth the time for us, the superior. The one that dwells at the top of the food chain. Scurrying around like rats, disgusting really." A lovely purple velvet bag was handed to Aeron. "Here is your money. Now if you excuse me, my noble guests are in need of my presence."

With that, he left the mages to themselves.

Camellia did not like the mayor. She began to wonder if he gave them the exact payment that was needed that she took the velvet bag from Aeron's still form - just like how Dagger was too - and began counting the money.

By the time she reached two hundred thousand, all the money she held in her hands flopped out at what Aeron just said.

"Let's steal from that fucker."

"Fuck yes," doing a fist bump with Aeron as both of her companions eyes gleamed at the chest that they retrieved for the mayor. "Let's get the chest. It's not his anyways and that chest has enough wealth for the people."

"There is also some things here that he does not need." Aeron eyed the golden figurine animals. "It will make nice toys for children, wouldn't it?"

"Ooh! You're sooo on my wavelength!"

"Wait... Wait!" Camellia nervously yelled at them, both of them turned to her surprised as if they forgot she was there with them. "That's not a good idea. I mean," she tried calming herself to sound more reasonable to both of them. "Yes, he is not the greatest of people... But this is his home. Wouldn't... Wouldn't it be a bad image for the guild?"

Aeron seem to have forgotten about the guild's reputation. He faltered, he wanted to do it to teach this man a lesson and to give the starving people hope. But if he did so, it would damage the reputation of the guild. Not to mention, wouldn't the MSC be breathing down their necks? And classify them as a dark guild? He did not want that but he sure did not want to leave the people of Amaria in horrid conditions brought by their own ambitious and greedy mayor.

Camellia seemed relieved she got Aeron to focus more thoroughly on the situation as she did not really want to steal from their own client. However, the next set of words from Dagger made Aeron reset his mind back to the original goal.

"Oh, the guild doesn't care. That's one of the reasons why I like this guild and haven't left it. Besides," he ruffled Camellia's hair as he smiled. "It will only be damaged if we get caught. My plan is to not get caught. As long as you're not found out, the MSC won't know for shit what happened." His smile widen when Camellia fixed back her hair as her lips pursed into a line, in which he thinks she was glaring at him. (Which really, he was right.) "Everything has a flaw in the system."

"So, what's the plan?"

"First, let's empty this shit," he smacked the chest. "Get what we can in our pockets and bags. We'll distribute this at sun rise."

"Why not now?"

"Because," Dagger huffed, giving Aeron a look that was meant to seem the most obvious thing in the world. "Ted and his goons would know immediately who the fuck took his shit and distributed in town. Besides, Ted ain't about to be looking for his money in the slums. Considering the fact he is too preoccupied in his castle. He'll start noticing something is wrong in three days at most." He shrugged. "Got it?"

"Like a magical hope. Is that what it is?"

"We really need to go on more missions." Dagger grinned at him. "So, Smiley, you in?"

Now that the attention was directed to her, she looked between Aeron and Dagger. Both of them are dead set in stealing from their client. Even though what they're doing has some good intentions, she still couldn't help feeling uneasy. Even if she were to voice this out, she will be outnumbered in vote.

With all the gods in the universe, if any are willing to listen, she hoped she wasn't making a terrible decision.

"Figurines can go inside this bag," she told them that made Dagger's grin grow wider. Matching her creepy smile - as dubbed by Dagger - that she always carry with her.

Morning has come and the people of Amaria no longer worked.

Ted Crookstone would not have noticed if it weren't for his butler informing him none of the servants of his household came to work. He found this incredibly peculiar and began asking around his area that gave him the same response.

None of the low class were out working.

None of them went to the fields or in the mines.

None of them have even graced their presence in the high class area.

What he did found was the missing contents of his chest the mages retrieved.

And that's when he feared the worst.

Ted Crookstone never worked out, but he was running like a mad man straight to the slums. His thoughts racing on reporting the mages to the MSC and have their pathetic little guild be shut down for good. Those mages that he generously paid for their hard work stole from him. Those barbaric creatures deserved punishment and by the way they asked about the people, he was damn sure they gave it to the unworthy.

When he finally reached the heart of the Amaria, he was greeted by something he did not see. He envisioned his wealth being shared by thugs and the likes. But he did not expect hundreds of beautiful golden coins raining from the sky, littering in the grounds, tossed around like confetti as the people danced and laughed. There was even hundreds of jewelry of rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and any other beautiful gems one can think of, being worn by women and children. Men pocketing the jewelry as they discussed lively with their fellow mates the future they will built when they sell the jewelry.

Sell his jewelry.

Ted Crookstone was about to march in their and snatch his rightful possessions until he noticed his beautiful golden figurines being used as toys to the children. And the last one that made his eyes wide open and become deadly pale... A river of never ending silk that the people played and shared with one another.

One of the townsfolk noticed the major who immediately rushed to his side and dragged him into the crowd.

Ted was too stun he did not process he was now standing on make-shift stage of wood and crates, facing a massive mob of gleeful Amarians.

"Let us thank our wonderful mayor for blessing us with these gifts!" That seemed to snap him out of his trance that his neck snapped to the direction of the speaker, a young man with brown rags and such grime sticking to his skin that Ted couldn't help make a disgusted face at the sight. He was going to correct the young man that his possessions were stolen from him and he was here to take it back, but the man hushed him. "Please don't bother! We know what you did."

Did? What did I do? He frowned in confusion as the young man continued, facing the cheerful crowd.

"You sent a job request to three powerful mages." The mayor blanched at what he just heard. "The job was to retrieve a treasure chest so that the fortune inside the treasure can help improve our lives. All the wealth was delivered, but it is too much. So we decided, as a whole, to use the extra as a bank. Like how they do it in the kingdoms to manage our financial money. We have still enough money to renovate all of Amaria into a welcoming environment.

"On the behalf of everyone, Ted Crookstone," the young man bowed at him as many followed him with a cheer. "We thank you so much for what you've done for us. We will never forget this generosity."

Ted Crookstone was at loss of words.

The mages did something.

Something that will determine his image and not just the grave crime they committed.

If he were to deny and come forth with the truth, he will lose respect from his people. And his image will be known world wide. It will be destroyed. Thanks to technology, news fly faster than a lacrima can ever do and the traveling is also much more faster than the old fashion trains and carriages. His wealth will deplete as the years go by and he will become outvoted by the citizens of Amaria.

But if he were to accept all this fabrication, he will be viewed as a hero and highly respected individual to Amaria. Not just Amaria of course, even to neighboring cities and towns - not to mention, the kingdoms! The kingdoms will see him as an important figure and worthy of inviting in their sanction. And forget the fact the mages stole from him.

It was his pride or his reputation on the line.

So, he chose the latter.

He plastered the best smile he could muster, "Thank you! Thank you! After receiving a rumor of a chest hidden around here in Amaria, I just knew this will be the turning point of our grand town! We shall display today and the following years forward to make a celebration of the heroes," Ted nearly spit the word out, but maintained his composure. "and perhaps invite Seven Lions here next year! Tonight we shall celebrate! Let it be the grandest party we've thrown that will make all our neighboring towns and cities jealous! Come let us celebrate!"

With that grand speech, he's left all of Amaria in a euphoria as he smugly watched. Bathed in light and praises. While they celebrate, he planned for next year when he invites Seven Lions to the anniversary of a fraud.

He will destroy those shitty mages as revenge.

---

On the second day, team Misfits were becoming restless.

They decided to stick with Alistair's plan of waiting for the sky pirates to pop out at some point. Most of everyone's heads looking upwards as they walked around the wilderness in search for flying ships.

Of course, the first one to snap was Zion.

"This is fucking retarded! Send your fucking cat to scout the area!" Beating the words out of Roxanne who was about to suggest to Alistair to send Cali and scout the area for any possible clues of the slight presence of a sky pirate. That way they won't have to be wondering around the forest like complete idiots.

"And risk her getting captured? I don't think so."

"Well, you better start thinking of another plan or it is going to be my way." Roxanne butted in, losing complete patience of this plan. Not to mention the sky was starting to become dark and there is no way she is about to wait another day playing with this team.

She was starting to seriously regret joining Seven Lions.

"Does patience have any significance to you?" Alistair eyed the woman who glared at him distastefully.

"Does this patience mean we're going to have to wait for five fucking days? I'm sorry, I planned to go back home in two days max. I'm not about to make this a week."

"You know, I don't think I ever heard of a plan coming from you. Mind explaining that for me?" He growled at the young teen.

"I just fucking did," Zion gave him a look. "Throw your stupid cat as a scout! She'll be damn fucking useful than always hiding behind you."

That... Seemed the breaking point.

Alistair's arm suddenly broke into a glowing yellowish-red with chunks of black meat separating itself to allow blazing fire liquid drop onto the ground with a hiss. His eyes glowing in anger as he took a step forward.

"You best take that back," He growled with each step he took. "And apologize to her. Or I will show you discipline that your mother must've forgot to show you."

Zion blinked in surprise, though his eyes were directed to his arms as he took a step back. His hand wounding behind his lower back were he kept his grimoire; Cali cheering at the sight inwardly that she was right about that book having to do something with his magic.

Instead of showing the desire effect that Alistair was aiming for, Zion looked dazed with his body slightly hunched forward in a battle position. His body relaxed as he blinked. "Oh. That's interesting." He eyed his arms as he hummed. "Incomplete... I would love to see the full form of it."

"You have ten seconds to start apologizing kid or you are going to get it."

"You have ten seconds to calm down or you are going to get it." Alistair gave a side glance at Roxanne as she thrust the tip of her spear deeper into his neck to get the warning across. Instead of seeing those green orbs, she had yellow eyes that glowed out of her sockets.

Cali was too focused on Zion and Alistair that she did not notice when Roxanne used her magic. Where did she get that weapon? Did she summoned it? And her eyes... Why are they yellow? Why are they glowing? Does it have to do with her magic? Though Cali quickly shook her head as she saw the heat that blazed among the trio's eyes.

This wasn't looking too good.

"Stop it! We're not suppose to fighting among ourselves!" All three pairs of eyes turned to her, but their positions stayed the same. "We need to save all of our energy to the enemy! What if they ambush us-" Suddenly she blinked. "That's it! I know what we can do! Let's go all over the area and make some noise. The sky pirates will be curious and investigate it! We can sneak into its ship and find the leader like that!" She finished with a cheerful smile, looking up at Alistair as she gently placed her paw on his leg. Avoiding the lava dripping from his arms and burning the grass into a black stain.

"That's..." Cali eyes snapped nervously to Zion. "the best idea I've ever heard." Cali's eyes sparkled to life as she broke into a gleeful cheer at being praised by the angry kid. She turned to look at Roxanne who held an approving nod to her that made Cali swell in pride. "Who has more magical reserves? No wait, don't answer that." Suddenly his eyes took on the same glowing yellow eyes like Roxanne that left her startled at the sight. Dropping her weapon to the side as it vanished in silver particles.

Alistair seemed to have calm down enough to revert his arms back to normal though it faintly glow of red.

"Why don't you do the honors, dragon boy." Zion's eyes reverted back to cerulean-green as he jerked his head to Alistair. Who narrowed his eyes.

"How did you know?"

"Perks of my magic." He shrugged. "You are a Magma Dragon Slayer and have more higher magical reserves than all of us combined. Not to mention a lot of collateral damage."

"Which makes him a perfect candidate." Roxanne hummed, staring at Alistair than at Zion warily. "Zion..." Said boy turned to her at the call of his name while Alistair had a frown of confusion. Trying to process how did Zion figure it out when Cali began explaining to him of her theory on Zion's magic. "Your eyes... Was that..." She did not know how to finish the sentence.

On one point she was scared of finding out, but she was also curious to know.

"Ah," Zion getting the idea simply gave her a smile that put a stop to all thoughts and talks among Alistair and Cali. "I copied your magic. Must I say, it's really useful."

At confirming it to her, she began to respect Zion and look at him in a new light. But at the same time, it made her feel uncomfortable if she were to reveal other spells of her magic, he would copy it. Not just hers, but of any mage really. He was even able to nail down on the spot what's Alistair's magic was.

Zion wasn't spacing out when Alistair revealed his magic and was going to use it on him. He was reading his weaknesses and strengths.

That was a terrifying power, but one that is very useful to have in a team.

Team? She thought with a frown. Does she want to form a team with Zion in the future? Giving a look to the teenager she found herself appalled to the fact she did not mind the thought. Which was ridiculous considering on the fact she was more of a loner than a tag player. But somehow, looking at him, she couldn't help but feel like a watching a mirror. Like the universe decided to bite her ass and remind her of a once-upon-a-time-ago that she'll never forget no matter how hard she tries to perish it.

The sense became annoyance, growling under her breath and huffing away; adding sufficient distance that seemed to Cali she was distancing herself and closing whatever emotion that appeared in her eyes. Though her thoughts in the matter didn't last long when her bright blue eyes turned to Alistair strangled sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"All I'm saying is to get started now. It'll be more catchy."

"It's starting to get late." The dragon slayer calmly stated to the best of his abilities. "Besides we need rest."

"You have shit load of mana stored inside you. How the fuck you need rest?"

"I'm sorry. Did the human body ever entered your brain?" Alistair snapped at Zion. No longer containing the growing anger wanting to burst out of him.

"Oh boy," Cali sighed, face-palming that another argument was about to happen.

"Our bodies are more resilient built than any normal person." Zion gave him a pointed look. "Not as durable as the Vita, but natural enough to withstand long periods of time when it comes to physical stress. Exhaustion? Please." He rolled his eyes. "We've been taking fucking breaks every thirty minutes. My guess is you're too much of a fucking pussy to get actual shit done."

"Your guess is far off to the actual reason."

"Oh? Really? Do amuse me."

"Maybe I am seen weak for caring about my team mates welfare and need to replenish our strength when the enemy actually ambushes at any given moment."

"That's very kind of you," Roxanne spoke up, catching both males attention. Her body language said the complete opposite to the tone of generosity she displayed. Though the tone immediately changed on the next follow up words, "You don't need to worry about us. We have enough energy to keep going and get this done." Alistair threw his hands up at being dumped with two stubborn mages that won't listen to reason, exhaling from his nose firmly and slightly turning his body away from the woman. "If you can't keep up, you can make camp. But I will be doing what you can't do."

"You'll have me to back you up." Zion agreed. "Take care of your cat. Since you seem to care more about it than the actual mission."

"What did you call her?" A peculiar word that disturbed the dragon slayer made his eyes turn into slits and narrow at the young teenager.

"My point, exactly!" Said youngster pointed to the dragon slayer as Roxanne whispered something underneath her breath and began walking away from the group.

"You called Cali an it?" His breathing became a tad bit heavier. "I told you," he took a step towards Zion "to apologize to Cali," another step "repeatedly. And you," and another "ignored and invaded every chance I've given you." Now he stood directly towards Zion's bored and annoyed facial features. "I think it is nigh time to start apologizing or you will receive your punishment."

"Like?"

"I'm serious kid." He growled as Zion rolled his eyes.

"So am I."

Whether it was stupidity or Zion was actually fearless to his fiery anger threaten to spill, Cali was trembling in her paws as she did not want to neither the two to fight each other. Especially by the way Alistair's magic was oozing off of him in heavy heat that made Cali take a couple of steps back otherwise she'll have a stroke. At seeing Zion being completely unaffected by it made her find a sense of respect for him.

Even if he bullied her.

Though she can't help but feel his bullying came with a purpose. Since the day she met till they took the mission, he was always avoiding them with those annoying stares and pissed off facial features that he'll always give. Quiet and avoiding everyone's space and not wanting to have to do anything and just most of the time giving grunts here and there. Always having that flippant attitude. But then suddenly, all his attention suddenly seemed to focus on her ever since they came from the research building. But then again, it can be the heat getting into her head.

"Last chance."

"Is my punishment going to be about you kneeling me over your knee and smacking my bottom? I honestly don't plan on experiencing that." He cringed his nose as he glanced to Alistair's arms glowing bright red. "Especially from a hot iron pan. Would leave marks..."

"Kid..."

"You haven't even done it." Zion yawned then stared at him in boredom. "If you're damn fucking serious of doing something," He took a step toward Alistair and met him on eye level. "Then do it. Don't be spewing shit and not do it." All of a sudden, Zion began to blink and took a step back. "Are you afraid of backhanding me? Scared you're going to get thrown out of the guild?"

It honestly would make perfect sense why Alistair hasn't beaten him to a pulp. He is the son of Jiselle who is also the personal assistant of the guild master. Touching him would mean signing your sentence to be kicked out of the guild.

"You really are just all fucking talk." He laughed then glanced at Cali then back to the dragon slayer. "At least you're willing to do something than the cat." He took notice the way how Alistair's eyes deepened even more and how his body began to quiver even more. "Just like that word isn't?" He smiled mischievously. "They're all fucking pussies?"

"That's it!" Alistair was about to lunge at Zion who was smug rather than running for his life as soon as Alistair becoming a human torch.

"Wait! Don't!" Cali flew in front of her partner to try and calm him down before he pulverized Zion.

Roxanne grabbed a handful of Zion's shirt and dragged him to the side forcefully. "Mind explaining what was that?" She was having enough of this pathetic bullshit and ridiculous taunting and wanted to get to the bottom of it. Whether Zion was a complete douche or there was a reason to why he does things.

"I'm doing us a favor." He shrugged, not really looking at her.

"Oh? Really? How exactly is that going to help?"

"You know you can drop me. It's not like I'm going to magically disappear." His eyes narrowed, glancing momentarily below him were his feet dangled just a few inches above ground. "It's quite uncomfortable. Do you mind?"

She held onto her tense gaze on him before dropping him. He landed on his feet swiftly than on his bottom as Roxanne crossed her arms in front of her. Staring down at Zion. "Start talking."

Zion simply glared momentarily at her then huffed. "And here I thought you were smart. Do you recognize what time it is?" Her silence greeted him as he let out a dry laugh, scratching the back of his neck. "If Alistair doesn't want to cause havoc because it is too late," clearly implying the night sky "then I might as well make him be a bright human torch. Influencing his anger to start attacking should attract the attention of the sky pirates. Right?" He stretched the last word with a wicked grin, tilting his head to the side to add a sense of menace and craziness.

"You're nuts."

"I simply want to get this over with."

Roxanne was silent for a bit, but this time studying Alistair who seemed more calmer now. The older teen somehow gets under her nerves. Maybe its because his need to take control of the situation and station himself as a leader. Not to mention, giving the sense of leadership that deeply annoys the hell out of her. She just pray her lucky stars that he doesn't dare to command her otherwise he's going to get fistful of teeth for dinner. No one commands her. She is independent and strong enough to do this mission on her own.

Her plan was much better. Yes, it takes time, but it gets results. Glancing back at Zion and once again the sense of annoyance resurfaces, this time showing to her features. The mirror becomes brighter as she tch under her breath, wanting to leave this group and do it her way. However, she had to agree with Zion for two things. One, she also wants to get this over with and get herself stationed and begin her life in the guild. Hoping for the dear gods to not be like this otherwise her life with be a constant riot. The second - and dare she says it - they need to get Alistair to do something and take advantage of the hour.

Honestly, the teen was much more smarter than her that slightly frighten her. Not on the boundary to send her running or trembling at the sight. It was the feeling of seeing another ghost that she went through in life.

But this ghost seem to have taken a different path to her own. With that said, she couldn't help but be comfortable yet repulsed.

"Have it your way." She finally said, flickering her chin to the dragon slayer.

"Kind of late, don't you think?" He stared at Alistair.

"What do you suggest then? Bully on Cali to further anger him?"

"I'm not that much of a fucking asshole to do pull that shit." He snapped, deciding to sit down on the grass and stretch his legs. "Wouldn't it be great to send multiple flares into the sky? It'll be the same as waving a red flag towards us."

As soon as he said that, Roxanne marched to Alistair and told him to sent multiple flares into the sky to draw them to where they are. She did not include the fact Zion was the one who came up with it. Alistair was going to protest on that but Cali further encouraged him to try it.

"Fine." He gave a pointed look to Roxanne as she shrugged, ignoring the hesitation fluttering in his eyes.

"Make sure it's all over the place." Zion pointed, his back on the grass as he stared at the twinkling dots called stars stuck in the pitch night sky. "I miss Abaddon..." A small whisper, but to the sensitive hearing of Alistair made him look at him for the first time: he was only a kid missing home. He probably grew up in those ruins that seeing civilization must set him on edge.

Who wouldn't? It was a great difference compared to a lively town; a city that showed signs of life to a city that is quite devoid of life and civilization. Abaddon has a mystic beauty of the apocalypse. He has seen children playing in a lagoon that used to be a church; sunken deep into the ground with the roof missing and lots of moss growing around the building.

"Hurry up! We don't have all the fucking time to wait for you!"

Oh gods... Please grant me patience with this kid! Alistair dragged his hand to his face as the ever growing temper inside him was trying to resurface again. He may have successfully suppressed his temper, but he decided to channel his temper into his magic as he shot one blazing ball of magma fire into the sky. Warning his companions before hand to clear out of his way when using his magic.

Of course they didn't obey him.

So as soon as he used his magic, the massive heat made Zion to quickly run to the other side of the forest (with Roxanne in tow) as the area around Alistair seem to have caught on fire and the grass instantly blackened.

All he did was shot one ball of magma and he managed to set the forest on fire.

"What the fuck man?" Zion, for the first time since he met the brat, sounded flabbergasted at the scene before his very eyes. Roxanne wasn't that far from him as she seemed in shock at the trees quickly catching on fire and a large circular yet jagged radius of the dragon slayer stepping on dead grass or even non existent green patches.

"This," he gestured around him "isn't why I didn't want to use my magic." Mostly the knowing look was thrown to Roxanne whom merely narrowed just an millimeter of her eyes at the gesture. "Now is one enough? Or must I continue?"

"Throw another one," Zion huffed, crossing his arms in front of him. "We need to grab the sky pirates attention. So, go on," he ushered him by waving his hands forward as if trying to shoo him away; much like how a mother would scold their child. "Do your thing oh mighty dragon."

"Okay! Stop with the bullying!" Cali suddenly shouted, flying towards Zion with her paws on her hips. Though her bravado only lasted for a second for as soon as her blue round eyes met Zion's cerulean-green ones, she instantly became a flustered mess. "A-ah! I-I mean, it's n-not n-nice to... Talk to Alistair l-like that... W-what were we talking about again?" She giggled nervously at the end when Zion's eyes narrowed at the exceed in front of him.

"Let's put a pause there."

"Oh! Now you want to take a break?" The dragon slayer rolled his eyes at Roxanne.

"No. We move forward and throw it in random locations. Just like Zion said." She shrugged.

"And why would we do that?"

"Because," Cali began, unknown to her she cut the next set of words that Roxanne was going to say. "Sending a flare in one single spot would only make the sky pirates come into conclusion it is only a fellow camper seeking help. But if we throw it everywhere and cause a bit of more damage than necessary, the sky pirates will surely come and check it out. I know I would." She finished with a bright smile as Zion snorted.

"Maybe we should make Cali the leader."

Cali's eyes zoomed in on Zion wide eyes, Alistair had a similar look but was mixed with confusion as he couldn't believe what he just heard. "Did you just called me by my name?" She squeaked, though it was in excitement as she began to take as a sign that Zion must recognize her for something.

Zion frowned at the small feline, "I did? Hmm..." He made a thinking position by tucking his hand under his chin and squinting his eyes forward. "Well, if I did," he dropped his hand back to its original position. "You won't be hearing that again. So, are we going?"

At his response, Cali slumped her shoulders forward in disappointment.

To avoid any future arguments, everyone silently agreed and continued on their trek. Roxanne enjoying immensely ordering around Alistair which areas should he burn down and what direction should he shoot. This caused some sarcastic remarks from Zion of burning nature down and being great citizens in a native land. Both grown adults ignored Zion as it was best not to bite the remarks and continue their plan otherwise they're not going to get anywhere.

It took about two days when Roxanne was the next one to snap.

"Screw this," She hissed, gathering all her things and ready to march out of the forest and find the darn slums to ask information on the leader of the sky pirates.

"Bye!" Zion waved to her lazily as he continued to stare at the stars.

Alistair seemed to have given up on his dysfunctional team and didn't bother stopping her as he poked the fire from their campsite. Cali however flew to her with the intention to stop her by first calming her temper and to think rationally.

Suddenly Alistair's ears twitched at an unknown sound humming in the distance above the sky. The argument that was going on was tuned completely out as his gold eyes narrowed to the empty dark sky. His ears straining themselves to pinpoint the direction and his mind raced trying to figure out what was that noise. It sounded like a steady and smooth purr with another blending in the background that sounded like a whirl of a fan but much louder and sharper. It slowly became louder and more clearer that sent a panic jolt through him.

His sudden jump to his feet alarmed Zion and ceased any argument that was occurring between Cali and Roxanne. Both females stared curiously at him as Zion slowly got to his feet and began turning his head towards the sky. His hand on his grimore as he was suddenly dazed yet aware. His slanted eyes began to widen and Roxanne's breath hitched as she saw the faint flicker of a large machine slowly flying towards them. Her green eyes replaced by the luminescence of soft pink.

"What's going on?" Cali's voice, not even above a whisper, was enough to break Alistair into action and snap out of Roxanne's and Zion's awe.

"Head for the trees!" He barked at them, stomping the fire away and dumping dirt as quickly as he can. "We can not let them see us! Otherwise our hard work would be nothing!"

"Them?" Cali was confused of everyone suddenly moving like the forest has suddenly caught on fire. Not even reacting when Zion grabbed her tail forcefully and dragged her when it suddenly hit her.

The sky pirates are coming.

Once everyone was safely hidden under the thick vegetation, they slowly saw their dark sky becoming engulfed by a red and grey aircraft that hovered slightly using very advance technology that pulsed out hot energy to keep the aircraft afloat. It was clear the aircraft had antique parts mixed with heighten technology that belongs to districts 8 and 13. It could only mean these pirates have been stealing the Kingdoms technology for their own usage and been experimenting much to have created an unbelievable advance weapon that have left Jupiter in shame.

The smoke of their campsite drew their attention that they parked their enormous ship right above it.

And then men started free falling down to the ground without any protection on them.

"Great. We have suicide pirates." Zion grumbled.

No one commented as they observed the pirates threw an object that hit the ground with a medium-sized force field made of blue and white sparks. The pirates landed right on it as Alistair eyes narrowed, taking note how the sky pirates stayed levitated for a few seconds before their feet touched the ground. It must be some kind of gravity manipulation to protect and not damage themselves with the force. And the shield, his gold eyes flickering to the soft hum of the sparks suddenly disappearing in a flash, only the object of a small, metallic oval shape left behind. It could act like a shield to protect the user from any surprise attacks. Or it is only meant for that gravity space to be manipulated and secure their host inside its cage. His eyes then glanced to the hovering ship softly humming above them as he hid himself deeper into the tall grass.

"Whatever you're thinking, don't think about it." Alistair turned to Zion who's eyes were colored yellow, scanning the ship for any flaws. "There are mana sensors with heavy surveillance around its body."

"He's right." His eyes now glanced at Roxanne's who's eyes were sporting the same colored eyes, never breaking her gaze from the ship above them. "There seems to be some kind of vital scanner that traces to the five pirates that dropped down. We won't be getting on it without bypassing those vitals."

"Then we kidnap one of them." Alistair said determinedly, resisting the urge to groan when Zion spoke.

"Didn't you hear me? There is mana sensors. Yeah, we can snag ourselves one of those pirates, but it ain't going to mask us from that mana sensor. That machine is made to sense magical borns. If we're going to go invisible under that thing," His eyes snapped to Alistair, his yellow eyes loosing its glow and replacing itself with his usual cerulean-green color. "We're going to need some special machine that can make us invisible and null our abilities."

"What does your eyes tell you?" He glanced at Roxanne after taking into consideration Zion's words.

"Even if we disguise ourselves we won't be able to bypass that sensor. And that sensor isn't just any type. It's a sensor that is used and stationed around Vernsing and Ange that not just picks up magical borns but can also detect the vital standings. Meaning, it can also accurately pin point how strong a mage is and how much mana does he/she emit." She sighed, closing her eyes for a brief moment then reopening them. Her eyes back to its natural color. "I must admit, I see no other way around it."

"Unless..." Zion gave a side glance to Cali who squeaked at the sudden attention from both mages. That squeak however was slightly muffled thanks to Roxanne's quick reflexes. But it didn't bypass the ears of someone nearby. "Shit!" Flattening his body more into the ground in hopes not to be seen as the other two mages slowly backed away.

"We're not sending Cali," Alistair hissed at Zion under his breath after the lone sky pirate saw there was nothing in the tall grass and left.

"She can remove the sensors." Roxanne hissed back. "She has very little mana and the sensors may pick it up but confuse her as a magical beast."

"Which means, she'll bypass nothing more than a mere bug." Zion ended for her while Cali shoulders slumped forward at being compared to a bug.

"What if they shoot her down?"

"They won't shoot her down!" Zion resisted the urge to growl otherwise he'll risk his position. "If they do, it will be to eat her. But I'm sure they have plenty of good meats than to want to chow down on a flying cat."

"You're saying this and not care about her safety?"

"What about our safety?" He countered. "We're all stuck in this mess! Now, do you have any other plans?"

Alistair was ready to counter back, but Cali interrupted both males with a worry note.

"What are they doing?"

All four watched as one of the pirates was talking in what appeared to be a wrist com. A communication device embedded inside the wrist like a chip that is mostly used by the military to keep direct contact with his/her comrades and plan stealth attacks in groups. The fact that the sky pirates managed to snag themselves one of these means their resources on technology makes them deadly enough to take over a kingdom if they so wished it.

"We checked the area sir. They must've fled into the forest as soon as they saw us... Yes, the campfire is still warm and smoking. I'll give it a ten minute... No... Positive sir." The sky pirate then looked to his companions as they exchanged awkward glances. "If that's the case, what do we do? Should we send a mana tracker?"

Alistair's eyes flipped wide open as panicked somewhat settled within him.

"Wouldn't that mean - Yes, sir. I apologize... Of course. We'll meet you in the Kingdom of Ange. Over and out!" He signaled his companions as they got the message, all activating something in their wrists as the discarded gravity manipulator suddenly sprung to life and glowed an orange hue.

"What's going on?" Roxanne asked Alistair who was too quiet.

"They're leaving..."

"What!?" Zion's head snapped to him as Roxanne watched how the sky pirates entered the force field and were suddenly flung upwards due to the gravity change. The machine following them behind.

"What do we do?" Cali asked to someone as she panicked. Biting her lower lip before spreading out her wings and having full determination in taking down those sensors.

Though she was stopped when Alistair saw this.

"You're not going anywhere!"

Cali was going to open her mouth till she saw Zion's panicked expression. Something that was completely foreign to her.

"They're leaving! Let her do it or I will launch your ass to that ship!" Roxanne hissed as the ship above them groaned and slowly swiveled to the left.

She had no idea with that small insult just sparkled an idea in Alistair's head.

"Fucking do something!" Zion barked at the dragon slayer who had no time in thinking carefully the idea that sparkled to life. So he did the first thing that came into mind.

He blasted the butt of the ship into fire. His companions ducked and rolled out of the way as he successfully burned part of the forest down... Again.

"What did you do?"

"You fucking asshole!"

"Oh my god!"

All eyes turned to Alistair as he watched the ship dipping down and landing not-so-gracefully to the side of the forest. A small avalanche of dirt kicked around the air with loud blaring noises that must've meant emergency for those on passage.

"Oh yes! Your first thought was to blast the fucking ship out of the sky!" Zion growled, throwing his hands up. "That was our ride by the way!"

"What the hell," Roxanne pinched the bridge of her nose, gritting her teeth and resisting the temptation of punching Alistair in the face for doing such a stupid move. "where you thinking? You could have said a warning and not try to fry us to death!"

"... I wasn't really thinking," Alistair admitted.

"Clearly," both mages angrily snapped.

"W-well, on the bright side! We got their attention!" Cali awkwardly laughed, her legs shaking at the intense glares of Zion and Roxanne. "W-we can look for the ship's navigation system and track the leader right back! A-and interfere w-with the communicationdevicesthattheskypiratesusewhencommunicatingwitheachother!" The last bit came out in a rush of a sentence at how much her nerves decided to win over her brave heart. Although, in her defense, she managed to calm both mages down before they could release their fury on something or someone - seeing how deadly they eyed Alistair from the damage he caused.

"I said it before and I'll say it again," Zion pointed to Cali after exhaling loudly and slowly. "We should make her the leader."

"Are you saying you want to work - all four of us - as a team in a near future?" Roxanne rose an eyebrow at him, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"No," He frowned. "What makes you think that?"

"You made it sound like it." Alistair piped up.

"I was referring to the present." He hissed, his anger returning back.

"It's okay. You can be honest with your feelings."

"Go fuck yourself!"

"Umm, guys... I think they want to fight us?"

All three mages looked to where Cali was looking. All the sky pirates that seemed were on board on the crashed ship stood with hand-canons on them. Looking very pissed off.

Zion's eyes widen and began taking a couple of steps back, his left hand on his grimore as he surveyed their canons. "Fucking hell..."

"They're just canons. Nothing to be afraid of," Alistair adopted a fighting stance. "I'll take the left. Roxanne, you can take the right. I do recommend to stay away from me so that my attacks won't hurt you."

Roxanne would have snapped at him for the ordering, but right now she was too focused on how odd the canons glowed yet she can't really pin point what it actually does. It was as if the canon was defying her magical abilities.

"What is that?" She asked in awe to no one in particular.

"Those are mana cancellers." Zion answered with a whisper, his body half tense into a fighting stance while the other half was ready to take flight.

"Let's do this team!" Cali cheerfully yelled, one paw pumping the sky as she hovered in between Alistair and Roxanne.

"We're surrounded." Alistair spoke, sniffing the air as he glanced behind him to see more sky pirates emerging from behind them. Using the vegetation as camouflage. Though his confusion wasn't directed to the pirates rather the lack of member. "Where is Zion?"

At that, Roxanne's head snapped to where Zion was just moments ago. Did that brat just left us!?

"He was just here! I saw him!" Cali panicked, flying higher to try and find Zion only to spot five other ships flying towards them with the flag of the sky pirates. The ships were taking their time and would only take them just a couple of minutes to reach where she is and ambush them with more members. Her worry intensified but was confident of Team Misfits defeating their opponents. That was until she remembered Zion has the ability to teleport.

So, did he actually abandoned his team mates because he was scared of the canons? What were they called again? Mana Canons? No! Mana Cancellers! She had an inking feeling that she's heard of that before and couldn't help but worry more when ringing bells went off. She rubbed her paws together before swooping back down and relay the information to her two team mates of the incoming pirate ships.

"They must've made contact after the crash." Roxanne summoned two swords as her eyes adopted flickered to yellow, glaring down at the poor souls that she is about to make funeral bags of, of them. Making also a mental note to beat the living crap out of Zion for abandoning them just because he is too chicken to those canons. What was so special about those anyway? Huffing and taking a fighting stance.

Some sky pirates aimed their canons on them while the others ran towards them, pulling out their swords with a mighty battle cry.

---

I decided to cut the chapter in half seeing I'll take an eternity to get the action scenes right. So, I'll present the other half when it is done. For now, enjoy this part. :) You won't miss much and it won't affect the story to what I have planned. In fact, I think this way is better. Plus, you've all waited long enough to have an update. (FINALLY!)

What do you think of Zion abandoning them? Ted Crookstone's revenge plan? The newcomer? I hope I wrote him right... And let's not forget Dagger's vigilance?

Let me know your thoughts! :D

I also found a cover for Seven Lions as you can see! Next chapter will be the fight scene and a grand surprise - that was supposed to be on this chapter - will be revealed as well! Also, chapter three won't be deleted and will be used as news feed. I have wrote about new openings quite a while ago on it. So if I say to check the newsfeed of any news concerning this story, check chapter three! It will be written there!

As for the news that I wrote above, of the other legal guild centering on this same timeline, I am serious. I can not do it, but one of you can. No the characters will not meet IMMEDIATELY but much later on. Maybe when this story has reached seven arcs and for the other guild after major events. The alliance is for when this story finally reveals the true villain and the NEED to form an alliance to take down this new menace.

If you're interested and REALLY SERIOUS THAT YOU WON'T ABANDON NOR GIVE UP THE FIC please PM me. I will give you all the details. You will have control of your world so I won't be interfere AT ALL.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this story.^^

Thanks for reading, reviewing, following, etc., etc.!^^