Strange Magic
A/N: I honestly have no words to express how bad I feel for leaving you guys hanging for months but I've been busy with college, had a trip to the hospital (don't worry nothing bad has happened, I just been really sick!), life happened, and lack of inspiration and motivation in writing out this chapter. However, I have been able to write this chapter little by little on days that I was motivated and the drive to do so which took months. I also had to take more time to think about and plan ahead. But, I'm back with a new chapter for Strange Magic. Hope you guys enjoy it. But before you read this please read the recap below since it has been a while since I updated. Enjoy!
Special Thanks: randomlotisshipper1, kurahieritr JIO, Summer Nickels, the real narnia, and ThePinkJirachi for your lovely reviews. I want to also thank everyone who has read, favorited, and followed Strange Magic from the bottom of my heart. I hope I didn't disappoint any of you.
Recap: Fairy Tail and Sabertooth team up along with Rufus's uncle, Sir Daiko Ashida, and Ashida's butler, Michael, to storm Rufus's father's mansion. Lucy recalls the emergency meeting and resolves to fight to the death to get Rufus back and receives warming words from Erza. Sting Eucliffe declares that not only they will save Rufus but Minerva as well. Rufus wakes up in a cell attached to a strange machine and is paid a visit from his father. Lore accuses Rufus of killing his own mother, but before a baffled Rufus could ask questions, he falls unconscious with Aina's sleep spell. Operation Save Rufus is initiated by the rescue team (with Natsu's destructive fire punch, of course) but they don't get far when a group of servants and guards attack them. Thanks to the intervention of both Michael and Wendy, the operation was able to continue but how far will they get before the X Council unleashes a plan of their own?
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail! I wish I did, but I don't!
Chapter Eleven: Long Dead Lessa
Lord Kurai Lore sat in his armchair in his study-turned observational room. In front of the blonde-haired man, were numerous lacrimas that allowed him to view his mansion inside and outside in all directions; however, his attention wasn't on the surveillance lacrimas, but rather a special lacrima that held a higher level of importance than the surveillance lacrimas. His eyes roamed over the numbers and bar levels telling him key information about his machine, his greatest accomplishment that he had slaved over since the day his beloved Leia died.
Lore placed the master lacrima on the ornate desk in front of him and picked up a cube with a crystal no bigger than a tennis ball inside of it. He carefully turned the cube over in his hand, eyes roaming carefully over every edge and face. This was his permanent solution to everything and it was worth it; despite the illegal activities he underwent to obtain it all. Lore no longer cared about the consequences that were sure to come to him in the form of the Crown and the Magic Council, but all he could see in front of him was his goal and that was all that mattered.
For the past several days, he had instructed his servants to set up the numerous lacrima cubes that he had linked together to his machine and to his master lacrima all over the mansion; all done under his supervision, of course. Lore refused to allow any error to obstruct him from his path. He let out a sigh that seemingly echoed in the quiet room, but then grasped his chest in pain as he began to hack up. Covering his mouth with one hand as he continued to cough, Lore reached into his breast pocket for his handkerchief which he used to cover his mouth. Lore wiped his mouth once his coughing fit had ended, studiously ignoring the red on his handkerchief.
Lore sat back in his armchair and eyed the lacrimas in front of him, enjoying the quiet that permeated his being that didn't have the no-nonsense bustle of his butler or have the ever-watchful eyes of Selas who would often sit on his desk and watch him work. However, there were times that he wished it wasn't so quiet and if he closed his eyes and allowed himself to remember he could almost hear the sound of a child's and his mother's laughter ringing through the open window in his office. Lore would immediately stamp down those emotions; emotions that he had decided he was better off without them. There was nothing left of him anymore but just mere memories of times that had come and gone like ripples upon the water of a lake.
Lore picked up the cup of tea Adam had set out for him before the butler had retreated to go check on the other servants and make sure that they were doing their jobs. Lore took a sip and grimaced. Cold. Lore set the teacup back down knowing that Adam would return with warm tea and his medicine as well.
Lore placed the lacrima cube back on the table next to his master lacrima still flickering with numbers and quick data summaries on the screen. Tapping the Master Lacrima, Lore cleared his throat, "Master Lacrima, update of the regulator and monitor." (1) Like magic, Lore watched as a long summary of the monitor and regulator performance came up. Quickly scanning the summaries, Lore breathed out slowly. Good, the monitor indicated the machine was functioning properly and the regulator had the same steady slow rate of draining his son's magic. By the end of the day, Rufus will no longer possess the cursed Memory Make Magic and Ashida and his team of wizards will be either lying dead on the cold, stone floors of his mansion or so miserably defeated they will have no other choice but to leave.
It was fortunate that he found the X Council when he did, shortly after Rufus ran away to the Sabertooth guild seven years ago (although at the time, Lore had no idea where his son went). The assassin group have certainly proven to be quite the distraction at times and were very useful, in their own, odd ways. He then spent the next two years picking up and following leads (rather the X Council were following leads for him) on his son's whereabouts until he had finally gained the information he wanted: his own son was practicing that cursed magic as a mage of Sabertooth.
Initially, he had planned on retrieving his son right away but decided that angering Jiemma Orland, a monster of a man and a mage, would earn him the unwanted scrutiny of the Magic Council and other interested parties. Although, Lore had the power and prestige, he didn't care to flaunt it unnecessarily at a ruthless Guild Master. He had better tact than that. Lore decided to continue working on his machine and buy time until he was ready to make his move. After all, all things do come to those who wait. When Lore was ready over two years ago to make his move, Selas had returned from her latest mission informing him that Sabertooth is looking for a bartender. It had been quite fortuitous. Lore decided that Selas would infiltrate Sabertooth as a bartender, although he had considered sending Aina or Gifre since they were more mentally stable compared to Selas. However, Lore changed his mind considering Aina was only ten at the time and much too young and Gifre was lazy despite his prowess as a fighter. Out of the three, Selas was a more perfect candidate in many different ways compared to the others. Sadistic, manipulative, and seductive, Selas was perfect.
When the time was ready, he sent Selas to pose as a bartender for Sabertooth to obtain information about the members and Sabertooth for him; although the woman fought him every since she got. He had to listen to the psychotic woman rant at him until he promised to pay rent and other necessities for her. He had not been too surprised when the leader of the X Council had calmed down and reverted to her calm, nice self again when he had promised the raving woman that all of her wishes would be granted.
Before sending the female assassin off, Lore managed to pull a promise from Selas that she will send him letters detailing anything regarding Rufus. He had been stunned to hear Rufus had befriended Orga and Minerva, the abused daughter of Jiemma. Furthermore, he had been surprised at the level of magic his son had developed and decided that he might one day surpass his own mother who had at one time been considered to become a Wizard Saint but Leia had declined (2).
Lore also knew that there was only so much time before Ashida and the King's Council would become suspicious enough to investigate him for his illegal purchases and harboring an assassin guild would guarantee his death at the hands of the Garou Knights. However, Lore knew exactly how he wanted to die and only he could give himself that months ago, Lore decided to put his plan into motion. He attended a few parties and hearing some nobles talk about their dislike of mages, Lore exploited it by expressing his opinions and thoughts knowing the nobles would feed off it, like the fools they were, and complain about it. It was only a matter of time for complaints to no doubt reach the ears of the King and his advisors. The X Council then decided to terrorize a few magic guilds that they considered as meaningless and worthless which aided him splendidly, although, he never gave them the greenlight. While his assassin guild was terrorizing and the King had his hands full with disgruntled nobles, Lore continued to put finishing touches on his plan but before he could enact it, the Grand Magic Games and the Dragon Invasion had captured everyone's attention and Lore was forced to hold off and observe the chaos.
After alarm of the Dragon Invasion had died down, the X Council continued with their jobs. Selas now had to deal with Sting Eucliffe as the new Guild Master of Sabertooth much to Lore's amusement. On one of her vacations that Sting gave her, Selas encountered Jiemma and Minerva and decided to make a deal with him. Pleased that Selas planned to destroy Sabertooth, Jiemma was more than willing to give up his daughter's life and proceeded to go on his merry little way to destruction.
Lore didn't know about Minerva until Selas introduced the dark-haired mage when he came across the X Council lounging around again. Although he was quite peeved, he decided to give into Selas request to keep her. Lore also had no intention of reacquainting himself with the darker, more violent side of Selas. He knew that having Minerva here would bring Sabertooth over especially those who knew the girl best. Lore could certainly say that he never predicted the other use Selas had in mind for Minerva. Once he knew Rufus was in his grasp, he ordered Selas to capture him in any means necessary. Lore had not expected the elaborate plan and setup the X Council had executed perfectly. They knocked out more than two birds in one night and it was extraordinary. Sabertooth, Akane Resort, and they had successfully captured Rufus.
Lore knew that Ashida and Sabertooth would be all over this when they regroup, but he had to admit he really hadn't counted on Fairy Tail to join the fray. In fact, he didn't know that Fairy Tail cared that much after the sheer animosity the two guilds radiated towards each other during the Grand Magic Games. He wondered about the connection and got his answer after hearing Aina's cheerful report about a busty blonde woman named Lucy who was a Celestial Spirit mage. Lore recalled a Lucy Heartfilia and figured out that she was with Fairy Tail. Lore's lower lip curled. He hated variables and Fairy Tail was a huge variable and obstruction that was in his way. However, it would be very interesting to see how events unfold.
He watched the lacrimas interestedly as the several guards and servants in his employment charged the intruders and were subsequently beaten to the ground by the little blue-haired girl and dear old Michael. Who knew an old man could move like that? Amused, Lore knew that the servants and guards didn't stand a chance against the pair. Lore's attention shifted to the girl as the girl blew out a fierce tunnel of air sweeping more servants and guards off their feet and into walls, each other, and the furniture. Wendy Marvell, Sky Dragon Slayer. How cute.
Lore's head turned slightly to the side when he heard someone knock on the door.
"Come in!" he called over his shoulder. The door swung open and Adam, bustled in carrying a tray with the china tea set that Lore favored along with a small cup containing his medicine. Lore's lip curled in distaste.
"I'm very sorry for the long wait, sir. I had to avoid walking my usual way up here to avoid the intruders," Adam explained as he placed the tray onto his desk and went about his way to prepare Lore's tea.
"I understand Adam. Thank you," Kurai (3) replied as Adam deftly poured the tea in his cup.
"You're very welcome, sir. I also prepared your medicine, sir."
Kurai gently blew on the steaming liquid as he cast a dark look at the medicine sitting innocently on his desk. "I see. I will take it later."
Kurai ignored the irritated look his butler had shot at him. If it had been any other butler who gave him a displeased look, the butler would have been sent home packing. However, Adam wasn't an ordinary or typical butler. Adam had been Kurai's confidante ever since they were young.
Kurai took a sip as Adam stood next to Lore's armchair. Lore idly watched as Adam's keen eyes scanned the multiple activities on the lacrimas. 'Like father, like son', Lore mused. Adam's family had always served the Lore family for many generations. Adam's father had served Lore's father until his death and Adam took up the reins. Lore was only twenty years old and Adam was only twelve. Kurai had always thought of Adam as not only a friend but perhaps a younger sibling.
"Adam."
Adam looked away from the lacrimas to Kurai expectantly. "Yes?"
"Is everything prepared to go?"
"Yes, my lord. While I had one of the servants prepare the tea, I had taken some time to make sure all of your wishes have been prepared."
"Ah. And Leia's garden? Is it protected?" Kurai inquired swirling the tea with a spoon.
"I placed runes around Lady Leia's garden and it won't be taken down until all of the conditions have been met."
"Good work. Thank you for your help, old friend."
Adam studied his friend's profile as Kurai continued to slowly sip his tea. Is he still going ahead with this? I need to stop this but I haven't been able to dissuade him from this for nine years, he thought. Adam quietly asked, "Are you sure that this is what you want, Kurai? Are you willing to lose everything?"
Kurai chuckled, wryly. "I may lose everything but at least there will be something to be gained from this."
"And what is that?"
"Peace."
"Even at the cost of your own son's love?" Adam questioned.
"My son?" Kurai murmured. "He was always his mother's son."
"And yours as well, Kurai," Adam pleaded.
Kurai blinked at Adam and murmured, "My son."
Kurai closed his eyes and sighed. He longed for the days when he had been happy, but now those days have long since gone.
Saudade. (4)
But, this painful longing was too much to hope for. He turned his gaze back towards the innocent cube that laid on his desk. He could feel Adam's eyes burning into him, asking him questions he couldn't answer. But this cube was his solution and that was the only thing that mattered. While it was impossible for him to return to those joyful days, it was possible for him to end everything. Kurai could feel excitement stirring in his blood. He was so close to fulfilling his goals that no one, not his son, Fairy Tail, Sabertooth, or Daiko Ashida could stop him now. He smiled knowing it was near a close and the curtain will finally fall.
Adam watched as his dear friend and master turned back to the cube sitting innocently on his desk. Adam opened his mouth to continue but realized anything else he says would be ignored when Kurai looked away from him back to the cube that sat innocently on his desk. For something so small, it held the rapt attention of the proud man. Kurai was too fixated on the cube he held in his hands that everything else around him no longer mattered and that scared Adam. This kind of talk from Kurai alarmed him and for the first time in his whole entire service to Kurai, he had no idea what to do. Adam knew that there was nothing else he could do but wait for his orders not matter how asinine the orders might be.
Adam shook his head. He would never fully understand what goes on his master's head and he has been trying for years ever since he was a young man since his father had passed away over a decade ago and he had become the new butler of the Lore family. Adam looked over to the lacrima that showed Rufus still lying unconscious. It bothered him to know that this was the solution his master had come up with. Master was out of his mind since the day Lady Leia died. Grief can do strange and destructive things to a person's state of mind.
The butler was pulled away from his depressing thoughts, when Kurai called his name. "Adam? Please check upon the servants and guards the little girl and dear old Michael have swept the floor with and remove them from the premises. When you are done with that assignment, I leave Leia's garden in your capable hands."
Adam bowed his head. Lord Lore was back and Kurai had taken the backseat now. To be honest, Adam had no idea whether to be dismayed or delighted. No matter how many times he might appreciate Lore's efficiency, he longed for the Kurai he once knew.
Adam retrieved the cold tea cup from before and placed it on the tray. He refilled Lore's cup with more hot tea. He pushed the medicine cup closer to his lord's hands and murmured. "Please drink your medicine, sir."
Lore waved a hand dismissively. Seeing the hand wave as a sign to leave and continue with his duties, Adam picked up the tray and walked to the door. He opened the door and was relatively surprised to see Selas in front of it her hand raised to knock.
Adam moved to the side. "Sir, Selas is here waiting to talk to you."
"Send her in," Lore responded curtly.
Adam slightly bowed his head towards Selas, who walked past him not sparing him another glance which Adam was more than happy to oblige. The first time Selas arrived in the Lore mansion along with her assassins, she had flirted with him much to Lore's amusement. He didn't think it was that funny. After all, he was probably old enough to be her father.
It wasn't that she flirted with him. Her mood swings or personality switches unnerved him to no end, as well. How did Kurai managed to deal with her was a secret to him and he was glad that Kurai dealt with her. Adam shook his head as he walked out the door and quietly closed the door behind him leaving Selas and Kurai alone.
Selas sauntered over to where her master was sitting in his armchair in front of the impressive display of surveillance lacrimas. Selas settled herself onto the arm of the chair on Lord Lore's left side, who continued to not pay her any mind. Placing a finger on her chin, she tilted her head and studied the blonde-haired man. No matter how many times she looked at him, the brat she captured for this lord bore no resemblance to him.
It was odd. But what did that matter to her. Selas inwardly smirked as she continued watching her master's every move. It had been fortuitous that she and her group had found and met Lore Kurai Lore when she did. She had never felt her blood boil in such a long time when this man had dismissed and ignored her threats. She even drew her blade on him, yet he didn't even flinch away from the cold touch of metal on his neck. He just watched her with cold blue eyes. And for the first time in her life, Selas hesitated.
And that's when he invited her and her Council to join him. She had never thought it would be something like this and she had never expected him to be so against the Magic Council. She had never met anyone who hated the Magic Council more than she. Although everyone had to be more cautious not to leave tracks back towards the mansion so they had to be even more on guard, they had a place to stay. The X Council was always on the move, moving from one place to another, but now they didn't have to move around. They had a place to stay.
It was a mutual benefit for both Lord Kurai Lore and the X Council. And they both had the common goal: bring the Magic Council to their knees by first killing the two strongest guilds in Fiore. It was both of their obsession. Obsession with revenge and hatred. It was more than perfect. It was absolutely divine.
Selas looked away from Lore to his desk and saw the cup of medicine. Selas tsked. "You know if you keep on refusing to drink your medicine you are going to break your dog's heart."
"Adam is not a dog, Selas. He is my butler."
Selas flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Whatever. But, in any case, why aren't you drinking your medicine?"
Lore smiled thinly. "It's pointless."
"It's pointless to drink medicine that's supposed to make you feel better?"
"Of course not. Pour it into the fire, Selas."
Selas cast a disbelieving look as she slid off the armchair and snatched the cup up. Selas marched over to the fireplace and tossed the cup's contents into the flames which burned even brighter.
"The fire was about to die out," Lore provided as explanation.
Bullshit. Selas walked back over to his desk and placed the cup back onto the desk. Folding her arms over her bust, Selas drew herself to her full height. "What's next?"
"I want you and the others to kill them all but leave Rufus out of it."
Selas nodded her head. "How many are there."
Lore gestured to the lacrimas, "Quite a few."
Selas looked over at the lacrimas and raised an eyebrow. Flying cats, that's a first for me. Red hair caught Selas's eyes and she peered closer at the lacrima she was viewing the red-haired intruder and beamed. "Ah, the Titania is here as well. I must inform the others that she is my claim."
Lore raised an eyebrow. "I thought the girl from Sabertooth was yours."
"Oh, she is mine; however, I have placed her under Akuma's hand to keep an eye on her. Don't want her acting out, not that she would ever be able to," Selas hummed. She turned her dark gaze on Lore. "I must say, we were starting to get fidgety waiting around like that for so many years despite the money you have been lending us to do what we please."
"I apologize that I have bored you."
Selas cackled. "Bored?! This is the most fun I have had in a long time. Of course, I'm referring to the past year or so I have been at Sabertooth. But I'm pleased I can finally wreak havoc."
"Hn."
She continued, "That's a lot of members for a rescue mission. I wonder, why would they bring so many mages only for them to die?"
"Perhaps because my dear brother-in-law thinks they have a chance."
Selas sneered at the lacrimas. Not a single one of them will make it out alive. And she would make sure every single one of them will know what despair feels like. The same despair she felt when she knew no one was coming to help her and her village. Red lips curved upwards in a satisfied smile.
"Do I have your permission to use any method necessary?"
Lore glanced over at her and gave her a rare smile. "Of course."
"Very well. I will go now," Selas purred as she bowed to her master. She turned around to leave but was stopped by Lord Lore's voice.
"Oh, Selas?"
"Leave Michael and the little Sky Dragon Slayer to Adam."
Selas sighed wistfully. "Shame. I could have had so much fun while waiting for my prey."
"I'm sure you will be able to find other ways to amuse yourself, hm?"
"Of course."
Selas walked towards the door and tossed back over her shoulder. "I will let my Council in on the happy news."
Lore closed his eyes and leaned back on his chair. "Do not fail me. I will be watching you."
Selas smirked. "When have I ever failed to deliver on my promises, my Lord?"
Without waiting for a response that she knew she would never get, Selas walked out of the study room. Body racking with tremors and shivers, Selas could feel excitement stirring in her blood. This rush of adrenaline before a fight always had thrilled her ever since that day her life changed completely. She stopped and raised a shaking hand up to her face and smiled. It had been a long time since she had felt this kind of thrill. She was grateful to Lord Kurai Lore for giving something that she had thought been lost back to her. Smiling, she sauntered her way down to the room where her precious council were waiting for orders. (5) She walked into the room and watched as her council materialized in front of her.
"What are your orders?" Makoto asked her, his burly arms folded against his chest.
"Our dear lord has given us permission to unleash our judgement upon the intruders," Selas hummed.
Gifre laughed tossing his purple braid back over his shoulder. "Is that so? It was about time."
Sera nodded her head, her long, light blue-white hair falling over her shoulders. "I agree," she murmured. "It's been a while since I was able to make someone sleep in an eternal icy slumber."
Akuma chuckled. "I have been waiting to acquire more souls."
Gifre snorted. "Don't you already got one, old man?"
Akuma waved a finger mockingly at the purple-haired man. "Ah, ah. You can never have enough."
Gifre scowled. "Insatiable."
Makoto sighed. "Enough both of you. Should we continue with the plan?"
Selas nodded her head. "Yes. Erika and Aina, why don't you two give them a warm welcome courtesy of the X Council."
Aina jumped up happily, her long blonde pigtails bouncing along with her.
"We continue with our plans. Separate the fools, Erika," she commanded the darkly clad woman.
Erika nodded her head. "Of course, Lady Selas." Grabbing one of Aina's pigtails much to the younger girl's agitation and horror, Erika disappeared in a large orb along with Aina. Selas turned her gaze back to the others. "The rest of you will eliminate the intruders. Without fail. If you don't—" Selas slowly withdrew her sword and gazed at her sword with faux attentiveness, "I will kill you myself."
The rest of her Council members nodded their heads.
"Are we going to our locations to wait for them?" Gifre asked.
"Yes. Erika will bring them to us. Separating them is key to our victory," Selas explained. "Everyone go to your designated spots except for Makoto and Akuma. "
The others nodded their heads and left except for Akuma and Makoto.
"Do you have other orders for us?" Akuma asked curiously.
Selas turned a smile onto her two strongest warriors. "Yes, I want you to take care of some of the insects. They seem…problematic."
Akuma raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Selas turned to Makoto. "The Guild Master and his partner are tagging along. I do recall a conversation with Jiemma. Apparently, he hated those two brats. Not as much as he hated his own daughter, but apparently, they were nuisances. I'm giving you both of them to play with."
Makoto nodded his head. "Good. I didn't finish my fight with the White Dragon Slayer back at the Akane Resort."
"There," Selas beamed. "It's settled then."
She turned an amused look over to Akuma. "How hungry are you for souls, Akuma?"
Akuma laughed deeply. "Pretty hungry, if I'm being honest."
"Ah, Minerva's soul wasn't enough for you, Akuma?" Selas asked cordially. Makoto and Akuma tensed when they both notice malice glittering in her eyes.
"I gave you my toy and it wasn't good enough for you?" Selas questioned gently, her voice dropping into a soft murmur. Akuma shot an anxious look at Makoto who gave him the same look back.
"And you still want more souls?" Selas inquired, eyes glittering like volcanic rock. Cold and hard.
"I'm satisfied with Minerva's soul which I'm grateful that you gave me. I just wish to acquire—"
His words were cut off, as his back slammed into the wall with such ferocity he hacked up blood. Sliding down the wall, Akuma grunted as he took a sharp breath but instantly regretted it. Sharp pain raced up and down his sides and chest. Fuck. That damn woman broke his ribs. This is going to cost him a few souls to heal him which would make him even hungrier.
Through hazy pain, Akuma watched as Selas stalked towards him and wondered if she was actually going to make him kick the bucket. He had hoped not. Like Selas, he had been itching for a fight and would have the opportunity to collect more than ten souls and they looked absolutely tasty. It was an opportunity he couldn't miss out on. He glanced over at Makoto who looked stunned. He sent a silent prayer over to his friend hoping the younger man got the hint. Before Selas could approach him, Makoto materialized right next to her.
"Milady," Makoto said quietly slowly kneeling in front of him. "Our dear friend Akuma has expressed his gratitude towards your generosity in gifting him with your toy, Miss Minerva. Just like the rest of us, he is itching for a fight and longs to collect the souls of the mages of the two most powerful magic guilds in all Fiore as trophies. He didn't mean to offend you, milady."
Feeling Selas's eyes on him, Akuma bowed his head. "I apologize if it came off as if I didn't appreciate your generosity, milady. That was not my intention."
Selas sneered. "Fine, then! I will forgive you just once. Akuma, your task is to take out Salamander. Dragon Slayers I hear have delicious souls. And clean yourself up. How dare you present yourself to me in that manner."
Selas stalked off as Akuma and Makoto watched their leader stalk off to do who the fucks knows. When it was clear, the dark-haired woman was out of earshot, Akuma spat out blood and snarled, "Makoto, hand me my fucking staff will you?"
Makoto picked up his staff gingerly and gave it to the Soul wizard (6) still propped up against the wall.
"I guess I owe you one," Akuma grunted as he placed his hand on the silver ball at the top of his staff began to glow. Makoto watched slightly disturbed as silver magic surrounded him and began to heal the older man of his injuries. No matter how many times Makoto has seen him do this, Akuma's magic had always disturbed and disgusted him. Using others to do what he wanted. What a despicable way to live. But, who was he to talk? He had been living this life for a long time.
Akuma stood up and rubbed his chest. "Damn, three souls gone and I'm even hungrier than usual."
Makoto raised an eyebrow, folding his arms over his muscled chest. "Wouldn't it be easier to sate your hunger by spending…time with Minerva?" (7) he muttered, inwardly cringing at the disgusting scene playing in his mind. Poor girl.
Akuma shook his head. "Normally, I would but I don't want to drain her too soon. She is a special soul after all," he said conversationally, as if Makoto asked him about the weather. "But, I should probably check on sweet Minerva, just in case."
"Lady Selas almost killed you over Minerva and you are going to check-up on her?" Makoto asked incredulously. "Not good timing, Akuma."
Akuma grunted. He hated it when the younger man was right. Wanting to take the conversation away from his poor sense of timing, he decided to turn the conversation to their esteemed and violent leader. "Speaking of milady, does she seem to be acting…oddly? Constantly flipping.(8) Like a coin," the Soul Wizard grumbled as he stretched out the kinks in his back. Damn, it sucks to be old.
Makoto shrugged and walked towards the door. "Who knows," he muttered.
Akuma followed after the orange-haired assassin. "I suppose if you don't know, then we probably don't want to know."
Oh, you don't. Unless you don't mind dying. Dying horrifically.
End Notes: BWAHAHAHAHA! If you guys thought I was gonna dish out on what happened to Rufus's mother this chapter, sorry! Not this chapter. I spent last chapter on Rufus and the Rescue Team and decided that I wanted to spend some quality time with the X Council and Kurai Lore. This is one of the reasons why I haven't updated in such a long time because I was trying to decide on what I wanted to reveal and what I want to build up for suspense.
(1) I spent countless hours designing the machine. And yes, it does have a name but I'm still in the middle of creating and deciding on the name.
(2) This is a huge side story I created and there is a reason for that. And before you guys ask, there is a huge backstory to Kurai and Leia's love story which will be revealed next chapter. I'm still deciding whether it's going to be a "filler" chapter if you will. So please, if you do leave a review tell me what you think. If you guys want a filler chapter please let me know!
(3) There is a reason why I'm doing this. It's not for kicks.
(4) Saudade is an extremely beautiful word that is not found in the English language. It's Portuguese for the melancholic longing or yearning but knowing that's impossible for you to have it.
(5) All of the X Council members have backstories that I had sketched out a while back but didn't fully make them detailed until recently (which is also another reason why it took so long to update) and you guys will definitely learn more about our precious X Council.
(6) Akuma's Soul Magic is nothing like Bickslow's. It's very different but all will be revealed in due time.
(7) If you are thinking along the lines of ew, gross or what the fuck it's exactly what you are thinking. Don't worry, it will be explained.
(8) This should be a big hint for some of you guys who like to guess what's going to happen next with the story. Particularly, this is a very big hint regarding Selas.
Next Chapter: We will visit Rufus in his memories, find out what James, Lore's faithful butler, has in store for Wendy and Michael, and get the battles between the rescue team and the X Council started.
I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me and to those who checked up on me to see if I was okay. That really meant a lot to me. I really appreciate it! Please be dears and don't forget to review, follow, and/or favorite Strange Magic.
Please also don't forget to support me and my other stories!
If you guys wanna talk to me, feel free to PM me but all mean PMs will be deleted and ignored :)
God bless!
~Lady Serai
