The Justice Guild
CHP10: Back Together
A portal took shape over the ceiling of a fortress, Kayley, Neisa and the remainder of the squad touching down over a blue carpet. They had returned inside their hideout having little time to reflect on the failed mission. Before any made a move were surrounded by others from the organization. Straightaway Neisa was informed the master requested her presence. A quick shiver stormed up her back questioning if he somehow became aware of the hush-hush mission. Thinking it over couldn't figure how he could have found out so quickly unless someone snitched. She followed two guards to his quarters, Kayley accompanying them as well.
"He awaits you inside madam." One of the two guards directed.
Kayley in particular wasn't called upon but felt the meet would concern the mission. Both guards waited outside while both women entered the dark space. Together they approached the mid-section of the room taking a knee. His chair was faced the opposite way.
"Care to explain what you were doing off base with a squad of B class mages? I don't recall giving the ok for you or anyone to step off the premises. Don't tell me it was to get fresh air. I will ask once and only once and want the truth…why did you leave Float Hyait?"
Neisa stayed quiet, her head bowed for longer than necessary. If she spoke the truth was sure to be punished, but if she lied and later found out would only put her in an even more trouble.
"It was all my idea," Kayley broke the silence raising her head, "I suggested to Neisa we put together a small team and go after the Ovatrector. It was a bad move not to first gain your permission my lord yet at the same time realize how busy you've been and didn't want to come off as a bother. We were only trying to help further the progress of your plans."
"I see…"
"So if you plan to punish someone for this, punish me."
Another moment of silence followed both Neisa and Kayley patiently waiting for what he'd say and or do. Neither was nervous opened to whatever discipline might be handed down. It was the first either had gone behind his back without authorization.
"So part of this Prime Earth group has come across Fairy Tail. Whether they unite with Fairy Tail or any other guild won't put much of a damp in our plans."
Neisa and Kayley's eyes widened at his mention of Fairy Tail and his obvious knowledge of what took place.
"To clear any confusion have seen all what went on in Magnolia. I take it that Batman and Starfire are inhabitants of this Prime Earth correct?" He asked not turning.
With that confirmed he already knew and likely observed their encounter with Fairy Tail and the heroes carrying the prized object. Neisa was the one to nod confirming his question. She didn't know how he knew so much. Throughout the organization was the most powerful and everyone around had yet to witness his full power.
"You're both free to go, but see to it nothing like this ever happens again. The Ovatrector will be ours in due time. We will go after it by my order alone, as I stressed to you before Neisa I want to study the abilities and strengths of these Prime Earth beings."
"With all due respect why study them and prolong retrieving the rock when we've got the power to take what is ours. I'm not arguing against your decision it's just…"
"Don't worry about a thing my dear everything will turn out fine. For speaking the truth will spare you both punishment but shall it happen again won't be so lucky. For the remainder of the day the two of you are to remain in your separate quarters and leave for no reason unless otherwise given an order."
"Yes sir." Both answered at the same time.
One after another exited through the way they came. On their way out neither said a word going their separate ways.
XXX
Back against a tree Wonder Girl looked to the sky perceiving a loud noise. She thought for a second might even be a rocket. That assumption was put to rest as a familiar face tore through the clouds.
"Where's Diana?" He asked touching down in front of her at near light speed. She pushed off the tree noticing the familiar object in his left hand.
"Wait isn't that the rock that woman was after? Where the heck did you get it?!" She couldn't believe her eyes.
"Took it from Batman. He and Starfire are both fine and are in a town nearly seventy miles from here. According to what I heard from them this is the home world of the woman that appeared inside the watchtower. Batman also confirmed Zatanna and Superboy are somewhere on this earth."
"Starfire and Batman…how did you find them?" She jumped up happy to receive good news.
"First point me in Diana's direction and will take you both to them."
"She went down that way I'll take you to her."
Wonder Girl led him down a hill passed a cluster of trees. Not long after the princess of Themyscira came into view standing in front of a waterfall. She launched small rocks across the lake's surface watching them skip.
"Superman is back and has found Starfire and Batman." Wonder Girl told.
Diana shifted her gaze to both teammates.
"What did you say?" She asked.
"There's no mistake Diana. Follow me and I'll take us to them, after that Zatanna and Superboy will be atop the list of things to do."
Wonder Woman also spotted the sacred object that sparked the whole problem. Superman held it close blasting into the air. Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl followed close behind letting him lead the way. They ascended to heights past the clouds helping keep them hidden from those down below.
XXX
Natsu, Lucy and the others traveled up the main road with only a little distance between them and the guildhall. Both Zatanna and Superboy had a great view of it and much different than what they imagined but in a good way. Before long entered Fairy Tail's base of operation. Macao had since returned after the quick battle down the block, Erza and Mirajane not yet present. No additional members to the guild had yet arrived since the morning.
"Hello everyone!" Lucy called out situating herself in the middle of the room. Instantaneously she peeked over her shoulder pointing to both guests.
"This is Superboy and Zatanna. Natsu, Happy and I came across them during a mission and proved quite helpful. We got off on a shaky start but turned out just fine in the end." Lucy grinned.
Those in the room couldn't believe for a second time had guests. Just a little while ago was Erza that returned with unknown persons. Macao was the only one with wide eyes readjusting the collar over his jacket.
"Did you just say Superb…" Macao stopped in mid-sentence perceiving the massive S over the chest of his black armor. It was nearly identical to the other barring the red cape and boots. The person before him was undoubtedly one of the individuals Superman mentioned.
Natsu walked beside Macao playfully punching him over the shoulder.
"What's wrong, you look like you've seen a ghost or something? You're starting to freak me out, everything alright?"
Before Macao had the chance to reply the front door flew open with a tall muscular individual stepping through. He wore a green jacket but his chest left uncovered and had spiky white hair. Superboy and Zatanna focused their attention on the individual as he stopped inches of them.
"New recruits ah that's good. We haven't had any of those in a while. There's no one better than myself to test if they're man enough to represent Fairy Tail."
"You misunderstand Elfman they aren't recruits…that's not what I planned anyway." Lucy whispered the last part.
She didn't know if Elfman chose to ignore her, watching as he cracked both knuckles with his gaze on Superboy. Elfman tightened his right fist throwing a single punch which Superboy dodged, extending one leg and causing Elfman to stumble forward. Unable to stop his momentum crashed through one of the nearby tables splitting it in half and colliding with the ground face first. Present members throughout the room laughed but none louder than Natsu.
"Superboy, he wasn't going to hit you, Elfman was likely just trying to give the two of you a scare." Lucy told.
Superboy quickly walked around extending a hand and helping Elfman to his feet.
"Sorry about that."
After dusting himself off, Elfman roughly patted Superboy over the shoulder.
"No need to apologize, from one real man to another it's not necessary."
"Oh ok." Superboy scratched at the side of his head doing the best he could not to chuckle. This Elfman person was certainly different to your average everyday guy.
Macao cleared his throat moving past Natsu. Since returning to the guildhall following the battle with Neisa, didn't speak a word of it to Max, Nab or Laki.
"Are either of you familiar with the names Superman, Batman and Starfire?" Macao asked already knowing the answer. The instant change in expression from Zatanna and Superboy further confirmed it.
"I don't know where they went but should still be somewhere in town."
"What are you talking about?" Lucy questioned before Superboy or Zatanna had the chance to speak up.
The front doors again opened and entering was both Erza and Mirajane. Superboy and Zatanna stepped aside clearing a path. Right away they looked to the non-guild members and soon dialed into the kryptonian. Superboy couldn't figure why he seemed to be getting all the attention and in ways nervous, something he didn't feel often. Erza extended an arm running one armored finger over the S symbol.
"Who are you?" She asked.
Lucy immediately placed herself in front Zatanna and Superboy forcing Erza and Mirajane back.
"First Macao, now you two. You're all acting strange, have you met them before on a mission?" Lucy asked.
Superboy placed a hand over her shoulder from behind.
"It's ok Lucy…" Conner looked to Macao, "You said something about Superman, Batman and Starfire right? Yes they're colleagues of ours, and if you could point us in their direction would be very appreciative." Superboy had no clue how they came across Supes and the others and able to make a connection between them.
He didn't know if it was luck but whatever, was thankful. Lucy, Natsu, Happy and the remaining guild members not named Macao, Mirajane or Erza were entirely confused. Happy thought of the one called Batman, visualizing a ten foot beast with large wings fifteen feet both ways, sharp fangs, claws and long ears.
"Oh no I don't want my blood sucked dry!" The Exceed panicked flying around in circles.
No one in the room had a clue as to what he talked about, choosing to ignore him. Mirajane and Erza weren't surprised Zatanna and Superboy were associates to the Prime Earth beings. Even without the S symbol Conner had a slight resemblance to the man of steel.
"I'm Erza Scarlet and if you don't mind me asking who led you here?" She asked trying to figure what they were doing inside the guildhall in the first place.
"Natsu and I brought them here after helping complete a mission. They said something about exploring the world and had not yet been to Magnolia so said what the heck. We brought them back with us and here we are now." Lucy smiled.
Erza was shocked how similar the events were to her own. She'd pulled the job request off the board regarding the Gold Five Loxes, during which met with Starfire and Batman. They aided her in defeating the criminal mages. Without warning Superboy exited through the front door. Zatanna, Lucy, Erza and Mirajane followed him.
"Where are you going?" Lucy called out.
"They said my friends are in town and if that's the case intend to find them." Conner spoke focusing his vision and peeking through the buildings and homes all around. Not even thirty seconds later a grin crept onto the side of his face.
"Found them. Lucy thanks for everything and tell Happy and Natsu we said goodbye. This may very well be the last we meet."
Superboy threw one arm around Zatanna's waist taking off with her held closely.
"Wait hold on you can't just leave!" Lucy tried running after them on foot but Erza grabbed her from behind.
"There's a lot you don't know about their situation. It is best you let them go for now, come back inside and I'll explain to you and everyone. I get the feeling we might see them again...depending."
"Who're Batman, Starfire and Superman please tell me something?!" Lucy grew agitated.
Mirajane and Erza did not reply instead returned inside. She hadn't been so anxious to receive information about something in quite some time.
"What happened to the other two?" Natsu asked
"Listen up and listen carefully I don't plan on repeating myself more than once, unless you'd rather give the explanation." Erza looked Macao's way.
A shake of his head gave her the cue to go on.
"There are seven of them total, and crazy as it might sound are from another dimension." The reveal received mixed reactions, the majority having a hard time believing it. Erza started from the point Neisa engaging the JL inside the watchtower doing her best to explain what she heard directly from Starfire. Even Erza had a hard time grasping what she'd been told. The part that interested them most was the Ovatrector. If a group was out planning to conquer their world by way of a rock object was just as much their problem if not more than the Justice League.
"How do we know for sure this story of theirs is accurate? You faced off against Neisa and a group of mages that are supposedly the reason they're here in earth land, but that alone doesn't confirm they're telling the truth." Natsu crossed his arms.
"You're right but to this point haven't given us a reason not to believe them," Erza implied mainly referring to Batman and Starfire seeing as they were the two spent most her time with. She knew little to nothing about Zatanna and Superboy.
"Ok say this story of theirs is true, shouldn't we be hanging onto this Ovat…whatever it is. We're the most powerful guild in Fiore and say one hundred to one if we had that thing in our possession this dark organization wouldn't think for second to try and take it away from us." Natsu said proudly.
"That's what I suggested but seemed certain would be plenty safe in their hands. I say there's no need to panic as of the moment. We can't say how much power this rock might give this group, and if it would be enough to bring about real problems to earth land. If at all possible should keep a close eye on Superboy and his group from afar." Macao added.
Natsu walked toward the exit stretching his arms.
"If you'd like I can go after them right now, I've got the scent of Superboy and his uhm a friend." He spoke not remembering Zatanna's name.
"Leave them be, they aren't the ones under suspicion and clearly aren't enemies to Fairy Tail. At some point will catch back up with them, but that time isn't now."
Natsu heard Erza clearly yet intended to do things his way. Forcing the front entrance open with a single hand took only one step.
"Natsu!" Erza grimaced marching toward him.
Her overall tone and death glare caused his throat to go dry and gulp. He immediately moved away from the door positioning behind Mirajane.
"I wasn't gonna go anywhere I swear." Natsu pleaded.
Though were teammates and close friends no one scared him more than Erza. As a whole didn't know whether or not they'd inform the rest of the guild about the new development in town. Not unless necessary.
A little over a mile down the road Starfire and Batman remained atop the rooftops. They'd since stopped finding the perfect spot knowing Superman would soon return with Cassandra and Diana.
"Small world," Starfire and Batman looked up and to their surprise Superboy hovered over the top of them with Zatanna in his arms. They landed off to the side.
"Guess you could say we got lucky. Just as you two came across members of Fairy Tail. It didn't take long for them to make the connection between Superman and myself. After that had no problem pointing us in your direction. Where is Supes by the way?" Superboy asked.
Just as Starfire spoke three persons appeared from out of the clouds.
"Well well isn't this a happy reunion. For a while thought Zatanna and I were the only ones that ended up in this globe." Superboy said.
At almost the same time Wonder Girl, Superman and Wonder Woman disembarked on the rooftop.
"What's happened since my departure, I didn't expect to see either of you." Superman smirked, eyes on Superboy and Zatanna.
To Be Continued