Chapter 8: Sinful Past
All previous questions about the S-Class Quest will be answered in this chapter. And definitely, Vannessa MUST join Fairy Tail but not at the moment. She just needs to get stronger first. I can't wait to include Natsu and the gang inside my chapters. XD
Vannessa studied the scroll in her hands while the others were lounging around her, playing cards (she opted out). The three guys had their ears almost blown away by Bob after he heard that they decided to join Vannessa with the quest. He had repeatedly lectured them about never leaving her side and not to lay one hand on her when they were at it.
The nineteen-year-old wondered if those were the same vampiric mages she fought with, a few years ago.
I almost died too…
And he didn't do anything about it…dear Delphinea did…
She smirked and instinctively her grip on the delicate parchment paper, tightened significantly. There were countless of times that she had asked Delphinea, why she didn't choose her as the Earth Dragon Slayer…
Delphinea only smiled forlornly at me…
"Vannessa-chan…?"
Startled, she looked up at the mention of her name.
"Are you alright?" Eve asked her gently as he went to sit beside her. He handed her, a handkerchief. It was then she realised that she was crying. Vannessa swallowed and managed a small smile as she took the handkerchief from him and wiped the tears away.
"I-I'm fine, don't worry about it."
Both Hibiki and Ren went over and sat across from her, both looking at her with concerned expressions. The girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath to compose herself before she smiled reassuringly at them. "I'm fine," she repeated firmly, this time. They nodded in response, albeit unconvincingly. Despite that, the three mages chose not to pursue the subject.
Before she knew, the train came to a halt at their destination. Tabletop Scotch Village.
"I welcome you to our humble village, mages of the Blue Pegasus Guild," the town's head spoke up, bowing slightly. "My name is Elijah." He was a tall man with a heavy built. His face was gaunt with apparent signs of aging and weariness. It was clear to Vannessa that something was definitely upsetting him.
The four of them bowed respectfully in return.
"This has long since started a few months ago; mages of considerable skill have gone missing for a few days when they ventured deep into the heart of the forest, returning in a lethal state. They are convalescing but…it appears that they lost their memories," the chief continued.
"Their memories?" Hibiki echoed.
Elijah nodded gravely. "Yes, their energy source is wiped out…it seems they have lost their magic."
Vannessa's eyes widened as a chill ran down her spine. She knew exactly who it was. There was only one mage who was capable of that.
Lewis…!
Just his name was enough to send strong waves of anger that threatened to overwhelm her. Her magic had nearly almost been stolen by that dodgy leech idiot if it had not been for Delphinea…
"And they're vampires?" Ren inquired.
The older man nodded and dabbed his damp forehead with a handkerchief. "Exactly, those unknown perpetrators work just like a vampire does."
"I see," Hibiki replied, choosing his words carefully as he glanced at Vannessa. He had noticed her behavioral changes even if they were made discreet. He could sense her fury.
"Oh that reminds me," Elijah said. "There is another mage who made his services available to us. Perhaps you could work with him, no?"
"Him?" Eve repeated.
Before the village's chief could answer, the door to the meeting room burst open.
All four pairs of eyes widened when they saw who it was.
"Laxus?" Vannessa exclaimed, looking shocked.
The blond-haired mage smirked when he saw them, gaping at him. "Ah, it's the Three men and the Brat."
Elijah looked at the four of them and then at Laxus. "So you do know each other. Well then, this would make it so much more easier," he smiled in relief.
The nineteen-year-old girl groaned inwardly when she caught sight of the tactful death glares being thrown in every direction.
No, I think you only made it all the more difficult…
"You better not get in my way, thunderpants," Hibiki snapped, looking annoyed.
"I believe the same goes for you as well, lover boy" Laxus shot back, turning his head slightly just to glare at the younger guy.
"Remind me again, why are we working with Fairy Tail?" Eve complained. "I just can't believe that this is happening to me!"
Laxus glowered at him. "Me neither."
"Hey now, let's all calm down, alright?" Ren suggested, trying to mediate between the three of them. "You're all frightening the princess here."
The Fairy Tail mage turned to look at Vannessa. "She, a princess? You gotta be joking. If she's the princess, then I might as well be a Sun God or somethin'."
Now it was Vannessa's turn to glare at him. "I don't see any reason why you should be provoking me when I didn't do anything wrong in the first place!"
The other mage made a rude noise and turned back round. "Stupid brat," he muttered under his breath.
"I heard that," Vannessa spoke up loudly.
The Trimens tried to contain their laughter. However, Vannessa shot them a filthy look. "I would appreciate it if you three just kept quiet without the provocations, please."
Hibiki's eyes widened as he looked at her with a wounded expression. "Princess, why are you taking his side for?" he asked her, leaning in. "Aren't you with me?"
Vannessa marched past him. "I'm not on anyone's side on this one," she answered coldly. She had no time for all this ludicrous arguments. It was trivial and moreover, she needed to focus on the task at hand. That had happened to be Lewis the Leech (Vannessa chose that nickname for him).
Vannessa knew that the moment they had stepped into the forest, someone was watching their every move. She knew that the rest of them were well aware of it as well but continued pretending that they were not. Something was not right in this place. There were no sounds at all. She could hear the fallen leaves underneath her shoes crack with her weight. The loud thumping of her heart was also another sound she heard but it was not reassuring. Laxus was in front of her with Ren close behind him. Both Hibiki and Eve were behind her.
"Don't stop Vannessa," Hibiki whispered. "Just keep going. We have your back, don't worry."
Vannessa knew that but she did not like the fact that they were in danger.
I know…but who'll guard yours…?
She took small and light steps forward, trying not to make redundant noises. It was a substantial amount of effort coupled with trying to make certain that both Hibiki and Eve were still behind her. Beads of perspiration coated her forehead as she concentrated on the surroundings. She knew that Lewis did not like to work alone. He had minions with him and right now, she could sense their presences.
"They have us surrounded," Ren muttered, stopping. The four of them halted in their tracks as well.
"Get behind us, Vanessa," Hibiki commanded in a tone that was so much different from his playful one. The nineteen-year-old obeyed him, although unwillingly. The Trimens formed a tight circle around Vannessa.
"It's no use hiding, you know," Laxus declared condescendingly. A yellow magic circle exploded underneath his feet as a lightning spear formed in his hand.
Lewis's minions revealed themselves in the open.
"Man, this is enough to form a Dark Guild," Eve remarked before he took on a fighting stance.
Before she knew it, everyone was locked in combat, leaving her exposed. Vannessa smirked. This was the opening that she wanted.
Lewis…I'm coming for your head…!
After all, you're a part of my sinful past…
