Lucifer: "Oh the poor boy~. Just started enjoying his free time and now he's already back in school~."
Hana: "Sucks to be him…although a little bit of education doesn't harm him really…"
'G': 'Says you…' "That's how modern society works."
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!? *Looks outside his classroom's window and sees all 3 entities outside on a branch*
Hana: *Whisper-shouts* "Don't worry, we're just watching you for entertainment! Think like we aren't really here!"
'G': "I'm technically here to ensure that you two don't pull off any stunts."
Lucifer: *Glances at 'G'* "Oh lighten up, Garrison~. At least you're not stuck in that horrendous office of yours."
Teacher: "Fire! Are you listening to the lesson or are you slacking off again!?"
I-I'm listening ma'am! I swear!
Teacher: "Then can you tell me answer to the equation on the board?"
Right, the answer is….the….answer is…
Lucifer: *Holds up a signboard where the 'answer' is written on*
'G': *Grumbles, then takes the signboard out of Lucifer's hands as he overwrites it with the correct answer*
Lucifer: *Glares* "Do you have to be such a killjoy, Garrison?"
'G': *Holds the signboard up to Fire again* "Just doing my job."
*Looks to the side* Uhm…the answer is 3.65?
Teacher: "…Correct. For the sake of your other classmates, would you please refrain yourself from raising your own volume in the future?"
Yes ma'am…
Hana: "Aww, no fun! Guess we'll have to do everything again whilst Fire's stuck there, right?"
'G': "Yes, but this time you're going to help us out, Lucifer."
Lucifer: *Raises eyebrow* "Why should I bother myself with such mundane and repetitive tasks?"
'G': "Because we're not bothering you anywhere else while you're probably planning something sinister again like last time, right?"
Lucifer: *Deadpans* "…Just give me the letter already and let's get this over with." *Holds out his hand*
Hana: "This time it's not a review, so 'Review's corner' seems a little out of place. Eh, what counts, counts. For you information, it's a PM." *Gives Lucifer a black envelope with a deep-red cross printed on the back whilst 'kaizero6' was written on the front*
Lucifer: "Hmm…an intriguing design…" *Opens the letter and reads out in his sweet voice* "Hello, fantastic story. I'm talking about you daylight ends story." "I'm quite sure that Fire would appreciate such nice words…although they make my mouth reek…no offense."
Hana: *Stares ahead* "That is if he ever gets time to read this…"
'G': "True…well, because he's sitting there for a while, I'll just jump to the disclaimer for now." *Coughs, then looks to the audience* "The rights for 'Daylight's End', its OC's and any OST's (or songs) are reserved by their rightful owners, so that they don't have to sue half the world."
Lucifer: "Now, with all...unrequired objectives out of the way-"
Teacher: "Fire, why did you just write that on the blackboard?"
*Glances at the blackboard where 'Roll the next Chapter!' was written on and shrugs* I just felt like it.
Hana: *Deadpans* "He'll never get over himself, will he?"
'G' & Lucifer: *Deadpan* "No, he won't."
...
CHAPTER 21 – SETTING AN ULTIMATUM
The blond streaks of Matsuri were following us around like a lost puppy, glancing everywhere and looking interested at the different stalls.
"Up there you have to walk left. By the way, why do he have to go to the town hall again, Duvac?"
"Your friend requested that we bring the chief with us and since it's almost time, we need to find her right now."
After our delicious lunch from Ulm and Marko, all of us decided to pretty much split up and explore Loeyur a bit. Well, I did walk around here for a bit already…but since I had Luna with me now I thought that some sightseeing wouldn't do any bad for her.
Of course we didn't just stare at everything and even got a little productive during those hours. We visited the weapons store close to the village-watchers' base. Mentioned store was pretty much in charge for the entire armory and weaponry around here, giving Sietta, Yorc and their soldiers the required gear as it was funded by Lindheim.
The store in itself wasn't impressive based on size. There was just a small sign on the outside, displaying a battle-axe crossing a sword behind a shield, all of it burned carefully onto a plank of wood. It gave of the vibe of one of these old shops over a century ago.
However, what it lacked in impressiveness from the outside was easily replaced with awe. Almost every wall was completely littered with combat weapons, armor pieces and utility gear. Even Luna gave a small mental whistle as she commented: 'For such a laid-back village, their craftsmen surely possess a lot of skill. Even in the terms of forging.'
My gaze was so focused up ahead that I failed to spot that bulky guy coming up behind me as a chuckle made me jump. That just caused him to chuckle even louder as I started to pout a little.
"That side of the wall is filled with the standard gear of our own village-watchers. If you're looking for something more unique, just follow me!" He was pretty much your stereotypical blacksmith, sporting short, grey hair, one brown eye as the other one was covered with an eyepatch and had the manliest beard imaginable. His clothes only consisted of a tank top and a pair of ripped yellow shorts. Lastly…he was barefoot, no socks, no footwear, nothing. 'Huh, doesn't that hurt on sharp stone?'
We walked to the other side of the store where only raw materials rested atop of lazily piled stacks. A well-used workbench stood at the left corner where a half-finished harness rested upon, which looked pretty similar to Sietta's old one.
"So then, little miss. What would you like to have?" 'Wait a minute, didn't he say that the good ware would lie here?'
"Uhm, sorry to asking this, erm…"
"Ah, where are my manners? The name's Wallace, but everyone calls me 'Wall' because of my profession!" 'No kidding, the guy looks like he was ripped out of an action movie!'
"Ok 'Wall', but…where is the gear that you told me about?" Another booming laugh was the only thing that I received as a response. 'Well, laughing is good for your heart and soul.'
"Well, this corner is specifically here for custom requests! I create every piece in this store myself, so it isn't a wonder that there are some weirder variations." Walking up to his own workbench, he grabbed the fine-crafter leather armor. Wall held it before my curious eyes, turning it around at every angle. "For example, this piece here was requested by the chief herself! You're already acquainted, no?"
"THEN REMEMBER THIS: I'M WILLING TO GET HURT FOR MY FRIENDS!"
"You could say that we're more than…acquaintances." I barely managed to suppress a shudder at the bruised and bloody image of the red-head during our fight. If it weren't for her heroic entrance and sheer will, I'd probably be in the gutter for the second time.
"So already on her good side, huh? Well, good for you! Anyway, Sietta wanted me to create something similar to the armor that she always wore. So I used the same leather like last time, but took a bit of it away at the sides to make it lighter. Don't worry, these spots are technically unnecessary!"
True to his word, there were a few parts on the arm holes and neck hole that seemed shorter than last time, as if he had just taken a pair of scissors and cut off any unrequired piece.
The huge guy put his own work away again whilst grabbing a measuring tape as he held me in place with a firm grip on my arm. "Now then, let's get to your equipment!" 'EH!?'
"What do you mean with that!? I never ordered anything!" I was kind of shaking in my boots, given that the tall guy in front of my face not only towered over me (like everyone else), but he also had this excited gleam on his face. You know…for example, when you're very young and receive some presents on Christmas, that was exactly him.
"Oh, no need to be afraid! You see, when the chief gave her order to me, she also requested that I'd craft you something for your own weapon as well!" 'Something specifically crafted for myself…This sounds rather interesting.'
"Wait, she ordered something for me?"
"Yes, it was a short request, but it was meant honest."
"So, you want me to create what exactly?"
Wall had just finished to plan out the brand new harness inside of his mind for the chief. It would have been made by the same type of hide, yet it would also be lighter than the first result.
"Oh, Wall. One more thing before you start working." His gaze shifted to the exhausted chief of the village-watchers. She had bandaged peeking out of her clothes everywhere, yet she seemed to just shrug off any pain or sign of tiredness.
"The squirt that fought with us…"
"Oh, do you mean the young mage?" He heard of the girl before when they started their journey to 'Colossus Mountain'. She seemed to have worn some…different clothes than them and was less than experienced in fighting (according to Yorc), yet she possessed some knowledge about single-target combat and swordplay. Also there was supposed to be a strong will with her, but that wasn't confirmed yet.
"Yeah. See, her weapon is rather…unique, so to say. Problem is, she always carries the damn sword around in her hand." Sietta gave him a knowing look, understanding what he was thinking inside of his own mind.
"So you…want me to craft a scabbard for it?"
"Yeah, use something that will last for a while when creating that thing, and also give her a way to carry it herself on the back or side."
"Will do. But who's going to pay for that?"
"Don't care. Just give the bill to Lindheim or so, he'll understand it."
"Alright."
"I had originally planned to ask for your presence within the next days, but seeing as you're already here I thought that we could get your measurements first before I get to work." There wasn't even a response from my side before Wall started walking around me, using his measuring tape everywhere on my body… 'I feel kind of violated right now!' 'Trust me, it could be way worse.' '…Why did have to say that!?'
Trying his best to get him off of me I pushed him away numerous time, only to fail when I pushed myself away. The guy just laughed at my silly reactions, writing down numbers and other things down in the meanwhile.
"Can't we do this at a later date!?"
"No. You're already here and I started my work, so just sit still!"
"…Then let me at least sit down somewhere first."
It took us over 3 hours. 3. FULL. HOURS. My legs were so tired out that I fell on my face when he was actually done with taking my measurements, only to receive a chuckle from Wallace and a somewhat pitying expression from Luna.
But alas, the wait was worth it since I was now walking with the twins and Duvac to the 'Loeyur Mountain Tavern', sporting a brand-new scabbard on my back that was held there by a strap of solid cloth. Everything became pretty heavy as I holstered Luna inside of it (and not to forget that I still had my shoulder bag with me, thus pretty much doubling the weight on my poor back), yet I could still walk around properly.
Now, I could have also taken the cheap route and maybe thought of asking Duvac about his 'Requip', but (believe it or not) just having the scabbard had lots of advantages. I was actually clueless myself about this, but thankfully I got reminded about the following things by my guiding moonlight.
First off, I already use two types of magic in my arsenal, those being 'Shifter Magic' (a.k.a. my boots, which still exist as I dubbed my magic after waking up) and 'Aurora Arcade Magic' (thanks to Luna). Having two magic arts is already tiring enough for me, given that this also meant that I'd never fully exceed in any of the two arts without proper training. So I'd just give myself a disadvantage when getting a third type of magic…
Also, I am required to have Luna close to me when she mentally talks to me. If she were to get stored away in the pocket dimension of 'Requip' I'd lose the possibility of communication with her!
Lastly, Duvac pretty much uses his magic in a similar fashion like Bisca Connell, or otherwise known as 'Requip: The Gunner' but unlike her he only had that one rifle in store (from what I have seen so far). Asking him for advice about this type of magic would NOT be beneficial at all, seeing as I use a sword and he uses a gun. This would be like me asking for money and receiving it as a different currency.
All of her points just convinced me even more that having this piece of equipment was worth it. Actually, I just wanted it because it looked cool to me with its black leather and silver accents! Wallace used my boots' design as an inspiration, so yeah…don't judge me.
"Jessica? Jessica!"
"Huh!? W-What?"
"Welcome back, you were daydreaming the entire time again."
Duvac has finally dragged me back to the current time where we talked to the tavern. He had a scolding look on his face, but it quickly disappeared when we saw a speck of red in the distance.
"Seems like we finally found her. Let's get her and then meet that friend of yours."
"SIETTA~!"
"What the!? Don't scream around this place like that, blondie!"
Matsuri was the first of us to walk forward…hobble forward in a speed that shouldn't be possible with a bandaged leg and crutches. Yet…she somehow did it. 'Anime-logic?' 'Anime-logic.'
The chief was readying herself to scream at the happy blonde for her recklessness, but that frown turned upside-down when she saw the brand-new piece of gear on me. "Hmm…you have to hand it to Wallace, the guy makes some damn-fine stuff for such a short time span."
I couldn't help but smile when she said that, feeling a little bit glad that she liked it as much as the others did. When I showed up with that thing when meeting the others, Matsuri pretty much turned into a fangirl while Fujimaru held her back. Duvac didn't say much like always, yet he acknowledged it with a small nod from himself after saying that it fits my character.
"True. Also Sietta, next time warn me when I walk in there to get some free-time!"
"So he took all of your measurements as well? Heh, he did the same thing with me, but stopped when I hit him square in the jaw as he started calling me 'Miss' and all of that. Since then it was only 'chief' or my first name."
What's up with that obsession of hers with that!? Sure, Yorc told me her semi-sad backstory once already, but that seems just…so unhealthy!
"Could we skip this chit-chat for now? We wanted your attention for a reason." 'Duvac…'
"Well, aren't you grumpy!? Alright, what do you desperately need me for?" That scowl on the tactician's face could have frozen hell over. And if anyone was asking, those glasses did start to reflect the sunlight like they do in every anime. Honestly, it was as creepy as everyone says!
"You…" He looked pretty close to snapping at her, but when Matsuri threw him a knowing look he calmed down as he spoke in a more forced voice. "A friend of Jessica wanted to meet up with her as she also requested your presence. Hence why we're here at the moment."
Sietta started to mentally think about her decision. Of course she would be glad to not only meet an acquaintance of the small girl, she would also have an excuse to ditch her paperwork! But then there'd also be the fact that Duvac was there as well.
Honestly, she couldn't stand that guy since the first minute. His strict nature was nothing new to the chief, yet she disliked his untrusting opinion in general. When they walked back, he always criticized her own man for doing things that she ordered them to do. It got on her nerves, even if she inwardly knew that the ex-advisor of 'Full Blood' just did his job.
Still, she was used to take the reins of any operation when her troops' safety was at stake. But his constant ranting and critical view of life frustrated her to no end.
"Uhm, Sietta? Are you alright?"
"Hmm?" 'Oh right, I completely forgot about her.' Jessica was currently staring at her, concern filling her eyes. 'Seriously, that kid is too innocent for this world…'
When she first introduced herself to the red-head and her partner, she gave the expression of a child and not of a mage who'd be able to fight on their side. Actually, both Sietta and Yorc wanted to throw Jessica off her reckless path by showing her what a real fight would look like.
They didn't meant any harm with it. The opposite was the case, both her and the adult wanted to keep her away from any major threat, yet she still proved them wrong by besting Yorc's trial by a landslide.
Since then the kid has grown a bit to her. At first she was at denial with the whole situation, but after a while she couldn't help but look out for her. As if they were siblings…even similar to the blondes.
Well, only that the raven-haired teen was pretty much oblivious to the whole thing. They had actually chatted for a bit on their way to 'Colossus Mountain' and during their few minutes of peaceful silence, she'd always try to talk about her combat experiences, secretly sharing pieces of advice to Jessica about fighting. Luna quickly figured out her own intentions, even giving her support and guaranteed to keep Sietta's view on her to herself.
'That's unfair…how am I even supposed to say no to her when she's looking out for everyone!?' 'Not too forget your own opinion about her and Jessica's young age…' A tick mark appeared on the chief's forehead at that exclamation.
'Don't become a hypocrite, you also view her different than you're supposed to!' '…Touché, but I never denied that.'
'You're in the same spot as I am! You haven't even told her that you use the term 'child' not just because of her age!'
'…I-I…Uhm…'
"Sietta? You're…getting angry…for some reason." 'Oh sweet child, thank you for your timing!'
Whatever was visible on the chief's face must have created even more worry on Jessica's expression, even smuggling in a hint of fear. 'Dang it…you're not out of this one, Luna.'
"Nah, its fine…just thought a bit about the last days. Sure, I'll come with you. Might as well use my time to get a break."
"But wait, don't you have to fill in the report for this battle?" 'Grr…stupid glass-wearing smartass.'
"That's exactly why I want to take a break now! O-Otherwise I'd be stuck in that stupid office until midnight."
"Okay! Let's go~!"
Our group of 5 was walking ahead with the twins at the front, me behind them Sietta keeping up to my right. Duvac was a bit behind us, yet he made no attempt to walk further. People all around us shared curious glances whilst most of them even ran up to us, thanking us for our actions or asking about the 3 new comrades.
Getting crowded like that made me feel a bit cornered…which the chief must have seen since her expression turned from neutral to something more…annoying.
"Hey! Make some space for us!" I couldn't completely see through the crowd of people but when they finally parted I could not only spot Sietta who had pushed a few of the villagers away holding her hands to the side as she pushed them away; Duvac had also adapted a glare of his own which caused everyone to back up.
"Sorry everyone, we'd just like to meet somebody who's waiting for us."
"Yeah~! I'd love to talk with you all but could we do that tomorrow~?"
'Hmm…I think that my guess was actually correct.' Even the twins who walked in front of us had stopped to create a small pathway. They had smiles on their faces, looking more amused than annoyed by the whole situation…though there was a hint of worry there.
'What do you mean?'
'You managed to weave yourself into their hearts…and as corny as it sounds, you've grown to me as well.'
"Come on Jessica! Let's keep moving!" My vision shifted to the front where…all 4 of them stood, Duvac and Sietta silently arguing while Matsuri was happily waving at me as Fujimaru just smiled beside her. While I caught up to them I couldn't help but snicker to myself.
'Who would've guessed that I made so many friends already?'
'A lot of people out there…and we'll have to work on that attention deficit of yours.'
'It's not that bad…is it?'
'Hehe…'
'WHAT'S SO FUNNY!?'
"Mayor Lindheim…I can understand that they're the controlling side in this argument, yet couldn't you at least try to argue with them!?"
The secretary of Loeyur's town hall and close assistant of Lindheim was looking outraged. Not only did their heroes just arrive this very day but they also received a letter by someone who they'd happily ignore: None other than the Magic Council. None of them knew how they heard about their situation so fast…but their plans were something that they couldn't agree on.
"To have such nerves…writing us about the arrest of all members from 'Full Blood' would be understandable…but without any exceptions!?"
Her reason for being so frustrated was the content of this paper, which stated that they'd sent a huge unit of their own men to 'Colossus Mountain' for detaining all enemies. But what actually infuriated them was the fact that they planned on capturing all people that also teamed up with Loeyur's forces before the battle occurred…including the ones that incited them.
That meant that they'd also plan to put Jessica in a jail cell.
This course of action would defiantly result in a riot of monumental size. Villagers would question their actions, the village-watchers will offer resistance and others like Sietta and Yorc…Lindheim didn't even want to think about the possible outcomes.
"As much we all detest the council's strictness in general, we're basically left at their mercy. They clearly stated that disbanding all Dark Guilds was their policy…with no space to negotiate. If we were to defend them right now, verbally or physically, the council could try to detain us all for helping them."
The mayor of their home stood up, frustration hidden in a semi-serious expression pointed at the window of his office. The sun was currently setting down, streaks of orange filling the air as the calm air around them would soon dissipate.
The Rune Knights would arrive in approximately 18 hours after the letter would have been received (according to them at least), so he still had time to set things right. Even if it meant…
"I…might have a solution to this dilemma. Miss, if you would?"
"Uhm, certainly!"
His secretary fumbled a bit through the drawers of Lindheim's desk, fishing out a piece of paper and a quill with ink. She gazed at the still distraught mayor, signalizing him to start.
"In the name of Loeyur's citizens, I, Mayor Lindheim von Gruell…"
"…Continue."
Only silence was her answer.
"…Sir?"
"…demand that the 4 resident mages who were involved in the battle against 'Full Blood'…leave our village before the next sunrise and don't return back for…an unmeasured amount of time, otherwise they'll be charged to their fullest extent by the law."
"…A-Are…you sure t-that-!?"
"Do you question my authority as your mayor?"
"N-NO SIR, I-IT'S JUST…so…"
"Inhumane to do to such nice souls, I know…" His gaze shifted a bit to the left where the old inn was stationed at. He'd probably have to tell the inn's owner of his decision…even then there'd be no agreement for his actions. Nowhere…
"Hmm…a nice building. It doesn't beat the guild hall but it's surely nice in its own right."
The mage sent by 'Fairy Tail' had decided to follow the friend bartender's advice. Actually (if he remembered correctly) he was supposed to meet up with the mayor of Loeyur regardless. But what caused him to really move out there was the polite request of his current inn's owner.
The visitor actually wanted to take a nice, long sleep in his bed. Though (after beating himself up over it) he personally decided to just get it over with so that he could move on with his journey.
As he walked into the well-polished room at the front, the mage spotted no one at the reception when stepping into the lobby. Looking around for a solid minute he just shrugged afterwards and decided to explore the building for himself.
"Hello? Anyone here?"
Sometime during his small walk, he heard a bit of commotion from the door to his far left. Deciding to ask whoever was in there for directions he silently moved ahead.
"…You're aware of the possible…consequences of such an act, right?"
'Voices?'
"…Even if all of Earth Land was to hate me…if it means that these 4 will escape this cruel form of justice…"
'What are they…?' His curiosity instantly spiked as he heard the discussion from the other side. Deciding to get answers for himself, the S-Class member of 'Fairy Tail' silently walked to the door that was labeled with 'Mayor Lindheim von Gruell' and raised his hand to its knob in the process.
"…Then so be it."
The doorknob twists from his movement, any chance of turning back fleeting when he opens the door to (presumably) the mayor's office…without him knowing what dramatic situation he just stumbled into…
…
(To be continued…)
(Fire Me): And so the plot thickens…and no, I haven't completely deleted all errors inside of my story yet (which includes presumably 5-10% of the entire story. You'll sadly have to deal with them until I either find time to actually correct them or somebody goes haywire and makes me a list of them (or otherwise known as a beta-reader, but I won't pressure a person through so much stuff simply because I demand them to. If you want to do it voluntarily, feel free to do so, but otherwise I won't force them to do it).
Also ladies and gentlemen, we finally did it. It's been quite a while already, but now we actually reached 100k for 'Daylight's End'! I just quickly want to express my gratitude towards everyone that decided to stick with this until today! It's understandable that my updates are rarely uploaded, yet it's nice to see that some of you out there still comment me positively for it.
Lastly, if you've been wondering what the actual **** I've been doing all this time, I actually started another project! The story I began with over a week ago has been for 'Assassination Classroom' and is labeled 'Survival 101 with Korosensei'! As with 'Daylight's End' there'll be no pressure from my side or other persuasion to read it. Your experience, your decisions.
Well, I'm going to place my ass back into my chair and write the next Chapters for both stories! Until next…whatever day the next update gets posted.
The Sir's out!