The Justice Guild
CHP21: Zeyo
Celebrations continued in the small town past the mountains. It was located somewhere between the Capital Crocus and Magnolia. Photographers managed to capture live zoomed footage of the battle from afar. Indestructible as the dark guild seemed their incursion was over; defeated by a single warrior that seemingly came out of nowhere. It was the first the public set eyes on the lone individual putting on display strength of something even more powerful than an S class mage. With that in mind lots thought it strange was the first they'd seen him, wondering if he belonged to a guild. The caped fighter's lone defeat of Elztepiax suggested might be alone however.
The routed mages were surrounded by officers and city officials of different firms from all directions. Persons closely associated with the magic council were also on scene, connecting large equipment around the necks, wrists and ankles of the unconscious mages. The captain of the group led the way having his men gather the mages into the surrounding vehicles. Heiv Homerun Hitter was the only one to regain consciousness as he was thrown into the back of a nearby vehicle. The first thing he realized were the constraints around his ankles and wrists, and just as quickly grasped couldn't feel a speck of magic energy flowing through his body.
It was almost a given the constraints attached to his body were the reason for it. No matter how much he struggled was no loosening or breaking free of them. For the first few moments didn't allow the thought to enter his mind, but was undeniably a huge possibility. He again attempted breaking out of the restraints but no luck. Upon taking a closer look Heiv confirmed the two additional persons in the back beside him were Elementaz and Timeza.
"No way, this can't be…how's this happening?!"
Other than the three of them he had no clue the whereabouts of the others but had a really bad feeling. Much as he didn't want to believe it somehow deep down knew the one in red boots and cape overpowered all of Elztepiax! Just as him, Timeza and Elementaz had the same constraints around their wrists and neck. Medics were present helping those in need, reporters, police and nonresidents alike lurked around town as well.
The fight was over but didn't stop many from wanting to look over the battlefield. Numerous observed the entire fallout, others arriving at the conclusion. It was a great feeling shared amongst the community, similar to waking up from a nightmare.
"Come Meredy," Jellal stood upright, "There's no reason for us to be here any longer."
He faced the opposite way walking almost immediately. Meredy stood following after him and for nearly three minutes didn't speak.
"Ok I know you must be thinking the same thing. I mean if that Superman was here in Earthland this whole time he must have heard about Elztepiax much sooner than today. If so why didn't he confront them sooner?" Meredy emphasized.
"If you think back will remember his first words to them clarified initially he had no intention of getting in their way. What changed his mind I have no idea. Still more so than that, who is he really and where did he come from? Someone like that doesn't appear out of nowhere. I doubt he's been in Fiore for long." Jellal replied.
"Probably from another kingdom, there's no way someone of his power could go undetected for so long. More importantly you and I know everyone will be greatly appreciative of his efforts; Elztepiax caused a lot of damage since coming onto the scene and not just physical. So do we go after and try and find him?" Meredy asked.
"Unnecessary, dark guilds are our only objective and he's anything but. He did us and the entire kingdom a favor by taking Elztepiax out. We will lay low for the next couple days and rest. We will get back to work after those couple days."
Soon they were out of sight disappearing over the mountain side, no reason to stay any longer. The vehicles powered by magic holding the nine guild members took off in route to the largest prison facility within the entire kingdom. Much of the police officials stayed around questioning residents and bystanders on the events that unfolded, hearing much of the same no matter who they asked. Those suffering more than minor injuries were rushed to the nearest hospitals.
The next hours went by swiftly the word of what happened spreading quickly. Before long the moon's light blazed in the sky with just a dozen clouds here and there. For him was one of the longer days he experienced since arrival in Earthland. Clark sat quietly on the train ride from Clover town back to Magnolia. Following the fight with the dark guild returned to the newspaper company from what was supposed to be just a fifteen minute break. Luckily head management believed his story of a robbery in which police needed him for questioning. It worked perfectly for a cover up.
With his abilities could get anywhere in the blink of an eye, transportation highly unnecessary. Even so it was one of the few ways he felt at ease fitting in with the rest of society. The train soon came to a stop at Magnolia's train station, Clark and a portion of passengers exiting off. If not for his splendid healing factor would still have been feeling the effects of the earlier battle. Up the street and around a corner walked a couple blocks before standing in front of his apartment building. Once news of his actions reached Magnolia, his teammates would no doubt come down on him. His decision broke the promise they made as a group to stay hidden.
Slowly making his way up the steps he held his briefcase close by his side. Uncovering a key from his left pocket made his way to the second floor unlocking the door to his room. Just as his finger went for the light switch froze. The stacks of paper he'd left on the desktop in a corner of the room were scattered over the floor and a window that had been left shut was open.
"Rough day?" A voice spoke from a far corner of the room.
The dark figure stepped forward revealing itself, six foot plus, glowing white eyes and pointy ears.
"How did you get in h…that's a stupid question, why are you suited up?"
"Could ask the same." The Dark Knight took another couple steps.
"What's that supposed to mean?" He replied.
The caped crusader extended an arm revealing a folder in his left hand tossing it atop the bed.
"Phil Trower, Sierara Izumi, Avce Ryuke, Chie Miho, Heiv West, Tori Unzell, and Charalel Sunshine. Those are the names of seven members to Elztepiax. Control King and the other Elayela the goddess did a great job covering their tracks. I was unable to dig up anything further regarding their pasts. You're probably wondering how I know about the group, truth is encountered them days ago. And for the record am aware of Superman's victory over the guild, or should I say your victory…"
Clark found himself at lost for words needing to think things through. First one of his closes allies was in full suit which had tons of possibilities. And then there was the reveal his knowledge of Elztepiax. Far as he knew Bruce was employed at MDA and didn't send its people out of town. With the thought in mind wondered just how the caped crusader encountered Elztepiax when they had not reached Magnolia. Not only that but apparently knew so much about them, more than even he had knowledge of.
"In short I've been active as not only a detective to the agency in town but as Batman. I never intended for things to play out this way, believe me. During a homicide investigation assigned, my partner and I were quickly taken off the case. However I made a promise to a young girl we'd bring the killer of her parents to justice."
"For how long?" Clark asked.
"About a week. Once dismissed from the case there was nothing more I could do so took matters into my own hands. During my extended examination of the crime scene a couple felons showed up aiming to destroy all remaining evidence. I managed to get information out of a single of them, the name Phil Trower, which later discovered was also Clackerblaze." Batman informed.
"Clackerblaze of Elztepiax I take it?"
"Correct. I tracked him to his main residence but was instead met by Sierara Izumi A.K.A Blurra Gold. I get the vibe the two of them had more going on than just members to the same guild, possibly even lovers."
Clark listened carefully as the Dark Knight explained the events during which grouped with four members of Fairy Tail. They first barely survived the encounter with Blurra Gold and Phil's men, only to later stand against all of Elztepiax the following night. Much like the first encounter the team of five was taken out by Blurra Gold alone.
"From there went our separate ways and for the past several days I've been digging up whatever I could from identities to magical abilities and whatever else I could find. Your latest heroics have put all this to rest, seeing they're no longer an immediate threat. By morning news of your actions will reach town and at that time will be responsible for explaining your decision to the others."
Clark re adjusted the glasses over his nose pushing them upward. It came as no surprise others from their group were unaware of the day's events.
"So would I be correct in assuming I'm the first hearing about all this? You're lucky to be alive, Elztepiax was no joke. Still with all the data you've collected could only mean you planned on…"
"Yes I did plan on facing them again, but not until suffice information concerning their weaknesses and strengths were deduced. Our world or not they were a menace to society and had to be stopped. I have copies of the information in that folder for you to keep. Now that Phil is behind bars I will connect him to the murders and that will be the end of it."
"And the end of Batman?" Clark questioned.
"You might not have thought about it but as word spreads around eventually if not already Neisa's organization will know about your appearance. They will surely come looking for us. They however have no way of tracking us other than the Ovatrector, but Zatanna took care of that. From here on out anything we do must be kept to a minimum and out of the public eye." Batman said turning away.
"What are you getting at, if Phil was the reason you turned to Batman then with him locked up things can go back to the way they were. You're better going about your business as a detective to the Magnolia detective agency. There's no need to play vigilante on the side. Besides your promise to that girl is c…"
Clark stopped in mid-sentence watching Batman leap through the window disappearing into the darkness. Of all the Justice League members or any ally none were more difficult to figure than the Dark Knight.
"What are you up to?" Kal murmured.
There was no real way of telling what went on inside the caped crusader's head and was up in the air what he might do next. Clark had ideas but nothing was set in stone and more so than Batman had himself to worry about.
XXX
The sun rose peeking through the couple scattered clouds within the sky. A couple members to Fairy Tail arrived in the guildhall much earlier than usual. By the time eight o'clock rolled around, most members that weren't out on missions were present inside the main building. For many the tension was high and couldn't understand why the dark guild had not yet arrived. According to reports they should have reached town the day before in the stretch of sometime during the evening.
No one was more impatient than Natsu, back against the wall tapping a finger over his crossed arms. If he had things his way they'd be out clashing with Elztepiax, not waiting around town. Anxiety was shared amongst numerous members; Natsu however could hardly contain his excitement and thrill for getting back at the one that single handedly brought down Happy, Lucy, Romeo and himself.
"Blurra Gold." He clutched his fists.
"Natsu…" Happy whispered hovering just above Natsu's left shoulder.
In the passing minutes things changed outside. Some of the townspeople that evacuated the area a day previous appeared to be returning and were loud. If Natsu had to guess sounded as if they were celebrating! Laxus peeked out the nearest windows, Levy doing the same a couple inches behind.
"Just what is going on out there…" He said aloud.
The expressions on their faces were of joy and overly relaxed, not the way he'd expect a town of people to act with a destructive force on its way. Natsu couldn't endure another moment standing around without knowing what was going on. Makarov yelled out to him as he darted toward the main exit, no one getting in his way! He stormed through the front entrance and was followed by Laxus, Happy, Juvia, Levy and Nab. Erza looked to the guild leader.
"What should we do?"
"Nothing…long as they don't go far it shouldn't be an issue. If Elztepiax is indeed on its way here the last thing we need are members separating."
Lucy stopped herself from following but curiosity took over and couldn't hold back. Like everyone else wanted to know what was behind all the commotion outside. As she raced through the front entrance catching up with Natsu and the others two additional members to Fairy Tail approached from down the street and were coming fast. Lucy immediately recognized them as Reedus and Bickslow.
"Where have you two been we've been worried about you all morning? With Elztepiax headed here you were to report to guildhall immediately! Don't tell me they're already in town?!" Levy asked.
Both individuals were bowled over trying to catch their breaths. Once they were able to stand upright Reedus couldn't stop smiling.
"Then you haven't heard yet."
"Heard what…what are you talking about?" Lucy jumped in.
"Elztepiax was knocked off its block by some dude, a man described as having godlike abilities including flight and speed unseen by the naked eye. Of course this is all just speculation but according to rumors they were taken out early yesterday and that would explain why they never showed up here in the time we anticipated." Reedus informed.
Everyone's heart jumped at the news, Happy even biting down on his tongue. Natsu walked forward with clinched fists.
"No way in hell that's true! One person couldn't pull it off they already got the better of Lucy, Romeo and myself! And that was just a single of them!"
Laxus glimpsed at Natsu sharing similar feelings.
"A name, did this person have a name?" Laxus inquired.
"Early reports referred to him as Superman." Bickslow informed.
Elsewhere a woman walked down a hall with her head held high. Being summoned was a norm and was the 4th in command behind just a small select few. She wondered what the reason was for the sudden meet, and before long stepped into the meeting room. Everyone of top level appeared to be present including her closes associate Kayley.
"Take a seat Neisa so we can get started."
"Yes sir."
The tall individual at 6'4 was more visible than usual, brown spiky hair and goatee wearing silver and black armor, and dark colored eyes. He stood before a group of over thirty.
"Some of you may or may not be aware of why this meeting has been called. To clear any uncertainties this is to discuss those in possession of the Ovatrector namely Superman! Obviously you're all familiar with the powerhouse Elztepiax that recently came onto the scene days ago, devastating guilds and anyone that got in their way. Well that stood true until yesterday when they were confronted and beaten by Superman!"
Silence fell over the room only a few side conversations here and there.
"Much as I hate to admit it Elztepiax as a whole with just nine members is on a much higher level of magic power than what we have here. I observed their many battles including yesterday's defeat to Superman. A very dominating and convincing victory might I add. Not only that, it's unknown how much strength he and the rest of the Justice League possess if together. Because of that our lack of knowledge would put us at a great disadvantage."
"So what are you suggesting we do?" Someone in the audience asked.
"Originally when Neisa returned back from their base with news she failed to obtain the Ovatrector my initial point of emphasis was to monitor them from a distance. Normally I would never go to such measures but after how highly Neisa spoke of them took her word for it, and turns out was a good choice. Unfortunately they've been in hiding up until yesterday. Nothing has changed in fact I'd say observation is key even more so than before, however I'm almost certain they will continue to stay hidden in an attempt to keep the Ovatrector from us."
"Spying on them or whatever sounds like a good idea but how do you propose we find them; unless you have some way of luring them out in the open and then tailing them from then."
The one that stood before the group paced back and forth devising a plan. For a long period didn't say a thing but eventually faced his people.
"Yes it's crucial we find out as much about this Justice League as possible," He looked to Neisa, "You first encountered them in a headquarters orbiting their planet's atmosphere. That planet is no doubt also their home world. Yes you will be the one to lead this next task, your objective to find whatever you can on these super beings. Return to their stronghold if you must and if you're unable to find anything there, scouring the planet itself. Individuals of talents and abilities as they possess doesn't go unnoticed, someone will know something. Where there are beings of great strength not far away are…enemies."
"What are you suggesting?" Neisa finally spoke up.
"For now your objective will be to gather as much on the seven as you can in a timeframe of a month. I will keep constant communication throughout and will request changes if need be. Blendaz I leave this task in the hands of you and Neisa don't disappoint. Eight additional lower ranks will accompany the two of you on your journey." He looked to another present member in the room.
"When will we head out?" Blendaz questioned standing.
"Soon as I handpick your support. The coordinates of Neisa's past trip are still available in our system so should have no issues. For now you're all dismissed."
"Yes lord Zeyo." Blendaz bowed.
To Be Continued