The Justice Guild
CHP36: Holidayz Revealed
An individual paced back and forth and twirled his fingers. He went through a long period of maintenance testing each and every one of his functions and movements. The automatic doors off to his left shot open and two women stepped through, one sitting and the other remained standing.
"How's everything?" One asked.
"Perfect Canary, thanks for asking," Cyborg extended his arm and tested the movement in all his joints, "The lacrima magical power source has worked wonders. For a little while there I thought I was done for. I would have lasted a week or two on my previous power source and that's excluding possible battles. Reconstructing my wiring was a pain but a necessary step, I'm just thankful it's over."
"Sounds like a heavy weight has been lifted from your shoulders." Zatanna grinned.
"You can say that again," Cyborg shook his head as his fingers ventured to his chin, "But I'm still worried about the other night. Batman was on the trail of a potential suspect and I was in constant communication with him. Somewhere along the way we lost communication and I was unable to regain it. Not saying I'm worried, after all this is Batman we're talking about...but you just never know."
"I'm sure he's fine, you know how he gets when taking on missions. He'll turn up eventually." Zatanna implied.
"And I'm still getting used to this whole Justice Guild thing," Black Canary gazed at the JL guild mark just past her left wrist, "Heck I have yet to set out on one of those jobs. While we're on the subject, you mind clarifying a couple details?"
Zatanna looked to her teammate and knew the question was directed at her. She took a deep breath leaning back in and situating one leg over the other.
"What is it you want to know?"
"I get the whole bit about pulling a task off the board and meeting with the poster yada, yada but I'm confused as to how payment works." Black Canary voiced.
"Well that part is simple," Zatanna smiled, "Obviously you haven't quite settled in and opened a bank account with one of the many firms around. Each of us has our own separate accounts and whenever you decide to open one let me know and I'll go out with you."
Black Canary nodded.
"Sounds simple enough, I'd like to get it done sometime today so I can set out tomorrow. On another note have you been able to find out anything on our not so pleasant opposites?" Canary directed the question at Cyborg.
He shook his head pressing down at a panel over his arm.
"Nothing. But we'll keep trying, whatever they have planned is big given they were gathering enemies of the league." Cyborg replied.
"I thought it was the Ovatrector they were after, but maybe their plans have since shifted. Only time will tell I guess." Zatanna shrugged.
Elsewhere a woman skipped down a road carrying a purse at her side. The sun was out and shinning and with a slight breeze. The weather was perfect and she couldn't have enjoyed herself more. Something caught her attention the window of a store as she passed down the street. She marveled at the silver diamond necklace leaning forward and pressing her hands against the glass.
"So beautiful!"
The woman quickly pulled back as she spotted a crack in the glass and was undoubtedly her own doing. Being a kryptonian wasn't easy, though she learned to control her physical strength. There were instances she slipped up.
"Good afternoon Kara." Someone approached from behind.
She gazed over her shoulder and spotted a man standing at 6'3, wearing a blue suit/hat, black shoes, black tie with an under white shirt and glasses over his eyes. At his left side he carried a black briefcase and silver watch over his wrist.
"Kal," She jumped up throwing her arms around him, "I thought you were working."
She held him tightly for several seconds before eventually backing away.
"Yes I am, business has led me into this part of town actually. I'm working a story involving some new clothing joint. It's top of the line and I think it would be right up your alley." Clark informed.
She stared at him but said nothing and crossed her arms.
"I know we've discussed this but do you really intend on leading a double life? Back home maybe, but here in the kingdom of Fiore things are so much different. The powerful wizards running around in all these different guilds don't hide who they're, so why should we? From what I've gathered in my short time here these wizards are widely accepted by the public...for the most part." Kara stated.
"Perhaps, but I've done things this way from the beginning and it helps to have a private life. I don't mind the attention, but being followed around twenty four seven isn't ideal. And we can't forget in this way of life, many enemies will be made and we could endanger innocents. That fact remains the same, even if we're galaxies away from home."
Kara didn't know how to reply, so just nodded.
"You make good points."
Clark grinned and patted her over the head.
"Well I better get going if I want to finish this story in a timely fashion, but we'll talk later." Clark informed bypassing her.
She watched him walk down the street and disappear around the corner. Kara let out a sigh as her eyes fell back over the jewelry. It was then she thought about taking on a job or two, ones in which paid well.
"Back to the guildhall." Kara stood upright throwing her hair back.
XXX
Throughout most the day the seven remaining contestants were tense, and found it hard to rest or think about anything other than the upcoming final night of the game. Millianna, Lucy, Kagura and Meredy grouped together discussing strategy. The remaining three were out of sight and stayed to themselves for the most part. That was until the clock struck nine o'clock and was just an hour before the final night of competition was set to begin. The group of four conversed back and forth between the main lounge and library area throughout the day. Minerva was the first to join their group and minutes later the dark knight. Not long after Lyon entered through the main entrance.
"Yaaayy, everyone's here!" Millianna clapped.
"We still have time to work up a plan before dinner and the games. The four of us have been going back and forth all day, and we'd love to have your inputs as well. I feel that was a misfortune of the first two nights. No one thought to strategies or prepare." Meredy said.
"What's there to prepare for," Lyon stepped forward, "If you've paid attention to anything up till now, it is to expect the unexpected. There is no amount of preparation that'll better our chances in this game. To win we'll have to fight through and adjust on the fly and of course have a lot of luck."
"Maybe so, but it doesn't hurt to plan ahead." Lucy added.
"It was brought up a handful of times the first nights," Minerva spoke up as all eyes fell on her, "There's a possibility we complete the game and still lose. We're at the mercy of the unknown host and I believe it in our best interest to plan a counter."
Lyon scratched at the side of his head.
"Are you insisting trying to track the host?" The ice mage inquired.
She simply nodded as a majority of the group looked at each other.
"And further distract our attention from the task...somehow I doubt that's a good idea. This matter has been discussed and is best that it not be brought up again." Kagura said.
"Agreed. We have one objective and that is to make it through tonight victorious. Whether that's all of us or just one. We'll deal with any misconceptions or deception at the conclusion." Batman said.
"I guess that's one way to put it," Meredy situated her hands together, "Besides where would we even begin trying to track the enemy. Our lives are in his hands no matter which way you look at it."
"I just hope Er-chan and everyone else are doing ok." Millianna's gaze fell over the ground.
There was much uncertainty surrounding their situation and they had little control over it. For the next several minutes they talked amongst each other until a specific ring echoed through the halls and they were summoned to the dining area. The group of seven sat at the same table but were quiet. In some way or another each had their minds wrapped around what was to come. Before long the familiar ringing caught their attention and headed straight for the halls where they were directed by arrows.
"Whelp I guess this is it. We've got to see things through, especially since we've made it this far." Meredy whispered.
"Let's just hope the seven of us will be enough." Millianna gulped.
In minutes they arrived in front of a door with a red carpet just outside, and a green Christmas reef with ornaments hanging over it. The remainder of the area was inspected before they entered. Minerva especially had a bad feeling as they stepped into the dark space. The door quickly slammed shut behind them and became pitch black.
"Great, how the heck are we supposed to operate in the dark?!" Meredy shouted.
Her complaint was followed by laughter.
"Welcome contestants to the final night of the games. I hope you're excited as I am! But of course things don't get any easier from this point. You've been spoon fed in events previous to this, so let's see how you handle without assistance! Prove you're worthy and complete the task without hints. Good luck contestants, and goodbye haha. This is as far as you go."
The voice died down and was replaced by more laughter.
"Darn, How're we gonna complete this with no hints and no sight! This is madness!" Meredy clinched her fists.
Not a moment later a small light clicked on in the form of a flash light in Batman's left hand.
"It isn't much but it'll have to do." The dark knight implied.
The group huddled in close beside him and he took the initiative switching his lenses to night vision mode. The group moved slowly as Batman led the way with the flashlight. As they took another couple steps Millianna lost her footing and tripped over something and fell off to the side and screamed as she hit the ground.
"Something's got me, help!"
Batman flashed the light in her direction but she was pulled into the darkness quickly! Her cries died down before eventually disappearing.
"Millianna!"
Kagura attempted to take off, but was held back by Meredy.
"It's over, she's gone...and we can't afford to lose you too." Meredy implied.
Kagura bit down at her tongue and clinched her fists.
"I...I will never forgive myself if anything happens to her," Kagura looked to the cape crusader, "You're the supposed ACE detective right?! Then why haven't you figured it out yet?!"
"Woohh that's not fair, cut him some slack. We barely just arrived and we weren't given any guidence this time around and we were basically thrown into a black pit of nothingness and expected to fend for ourselves. Besides this isn't about just one person, we need to work together." Lucy said.
Kagura rolled her eyes looking to the ground as Lucy exhaled in relief.
"It isn't much, but there was the red carpet and reef atop the door. It isn't a whole lot to go off of, but it's all we've got." Lyon said.
"Or it could mean nothing at all, and was just there for decoration." Minerva voiced.
They continued on ahead and were extra cautious paying close attention to the bottom of their feet.
"I've got something." Batman said looking ahead.
They stopped in front of a wall and Batman flashed the light over the ground. He took a knee glimpsing over what appeared to be symbols of some sort, but he was unable to make out the meaning. Kagura and the others dropped down beside him taking a look for themselves.
"These symbols, are any of you familiar with them?" Batman inquired.
"Yes," Lucy ran a finger over one, "They represent a magical aura, or more accurately pure magic matter."
She looked the diagram over in depth as it began to paint a clearer picture. The triangular positioning of each coupled with the brightness at the center confirmed her thoughts. Well at least that's what she hoped, but given the situation there wasn't time for hesitation.
"These symbols here on the outside are magic sources combining their power and as a result we have what's at the center, the golden light." Lucy implied pointing out the section in particular.
"Good, but how does that help us in this situation?" Lyon voiced.
"I don't know." Lucy said sadly with her head lowered.
"Batman, you're our source of light. Flash that light of yours around, there must be something nearby that we can follow up on." Minerva implied.
Batman did as she insisted and stood upright. Each individual outside of the cape crusader made certain to grab hold of someone with the intent not to be separated or pulled away in the darkness. Just as Minerva suggested something of interest came into view over the floor a couple feet away. It was a small platform that extended only a couple inches off the ground, and strangely had a similar design to the markings. He moved the light around and spotted an additional three, which were just about three feet from each other.
"Do you guys think those things have something to do with the objective?" Meredy inquired.
"Who knows, but whatever we decide it better come fast before another of us is pulled away like Millianna." Kagura said.
"Could you shine the light over the diagram once more," Lucy looked to the dark knight, "I think I might have an idea.'
He did as she requested and everyone remained in place. Lucy looked over the drawing one final time and an idea came to mind.
"This isn't a given, but it's certainly worth a shot." Lucy turned and walked back toward the group.
"What do you have in mind?" Batman questioned.
"Those platforms," Lucy replied looking to Meredy and Kagura, "The three of us need to stand on each of those and raise our magic energy."
"Do you really think it'll be that simple?" Minerva frowned.
"Maybe, or maybe not but I like where she's going. We've got nothing else, so I say we go for it." Lyon replied.
Batman lit the way as Lucy, Meredy and Kagura took their stand on the singular platforms. Each raised their magic energy simultaneously and Lyon kept his fingers crossed hoping they were headed in the right direction.
"It's...it's not working, nothing is happening!" Minerva clinched her fists.
Lyon began to have his doubts but didn't want to lose hope.
"Why don't the three of you try matching your magical signatures? That very well could be the key, right now you're all sort of just all over the place." Lyon suggested.
Meredy nodded, and together the three mages felt each other out as best they could and matched their magic level output. With that came a loud ring and the room brightening with a couple dozen lights. Lucy stepped off her platform and feasted her eyes on a Christmas tree across the room and was fully decorated with lights and all. Kagura and Meredy hopped down from their platforms as well. Everyone was taken off guard by the environment. Kagura stared at a toy train that went in circles around a track and Meredy had her eyes glued to a gingerbread town display. Christmas carols played on a radio close to the chimney, with a total of six red stockings hanging from the area. Batman immediately disbanded the flashlight and dropped it into his utility belt.
"What the hell is this?" Lyon murmured.
"Good job contestants, had you taken even another thirty seconds another of you would have been eliminated. You merely made it through the first phase, but now the real challenge begins...have at it!"
"Boy do I hate that guy! Once we get out of here, I can't wait to strangle him with my own two hands!" Meredy voiced.
"That'll have to wait, we still have a game to complete." Batman said.
Lucy walked in front of the Christmas tree and as she did noticed presents beneath it. She took a knee and took a closer look and counted up to six but found something intriguing.
"Hey guys, come check this out!" Lucy called out to everyone.
Everyone arrived in a hurry.
"What is it?" Meredy asked.
"Presents, and it appears there's one for each of us."
Lucy looked over the tags and handed out the gifts to each player with their name on it. Each was listed as the receiver of their own gift and the letter S followed by three slash marks was on the from: tag.
"Do you guys really think it safe that we open these? They might be booby trapped." Meredy said.
Batman pressed at the side of his cowl switching his lenses to inspect mode and looked over each box.
"It doesn't appear so." The dark knight set his system back to standard.
"Ok, well in that case who wants to go first?" Kagura gazed around at everyone.
No one made a move and for numerous moments as they stood.
"Ok we're wasting precious time," Minerva ripped the green bow off the box and tore at the red wrapping paper, "I'll go first."
Lucy bit back and gulped as a result and everyone watched carefully. Minerva was surprised as she tore open the box and held the head of a doll in her hands. Everyone else was equally as stumped.
"What in the world?" Minerva gazed at it curiously.
"Guess I'll go next." Lucy implied.
Everyone watched the celestial spirit user unwrap the present and her eyes widened as she pulled the arm of a doll from her box. Lyon went next and inside his was another arm. Meredy pulled the leg of a doll from her box as well as Kagura. Batman was the last to open his, and inside the box was a torso/body of a doll. Oddly there were three deep slash marks through the mid-section. The six contestants brought their pieces together and as they anticipated each body part snapped in place of the body. Kagura looked around halfway expecting to hear the host's voice.
"We're done right," Meredy's eyes fell over the group, "Shouldn't the doors be opening?"
"Obviously not, there's more to it." Lyon emphasized.
The group went silent for seconds as Christmas carol songs continued to play. Batman was the first to separate from the group.
"We won't make progress standing around, let's get searching." The dark knight implied.
The rest of the group did the same separating from each other. Lucy set the doll under the tree and searched around for anything of importance. Minerva came across a table with a half filled glass of milk and a plate of cookies. She took the cup into her hands and based on its temperature knew it hadn't been out for long. She set it back over the table and eyed something else that looked important. It was a small treasure chest with the length of twelve inches, and width of eight and a height of six inches. She tried taking it into her hands but quickly realized it was stuck to the table. She had no luck opening it either.
"I've found something, but I might need a little assistance opening it." Minerva called out to the others.
Kagura was the first over followed by everyone else. Each inspected the box and tried their hand at opening it, but with no luck. Eventually they gave up and continued their search throughout. Lucy stepped over the track as the train passed by, and kept her eyes peeled. Meredy paced the carpet with two fingers under her chin and was in that moment her eyes fell on the area of the fire place. The stockings in particular had her attention and as she drew nearer picked up on the single letter on each. And more importantly there were six, just enough for each player. The first had the letter L, the second L, the third B, The fourth M, the fifth M, and sixth K.
"Guys, I think I might have just found our next clue." Meredy called out to everyone.
"What is it, what do you have?" Lucy replied.
In seconds everyone was around her. Meredy took two of the stockings into her grasp handing one to Kagura and the other to Batman.
"These two were labeled with your initials, but as for the rest of us it's a bit tough." Meredy voiced.
"What, because we share the same first initials," Minerva pulled one off the rack with the letter M, "I hardly doubt it matters who takes what."
Lyon, Lucy and Meredy followed her lead. Batman reached into his stocking and uncovered a silver diamond necklace with a sapphire rock connected to it. Lucy gazed at the item with desire in her eyes. She was the next reaching into her stocking and uncovering a golden object. Lyon, Meredy, and Kagura pulled out similar items. Minerva however uncovered a small picture booklet. The group gazed over her shoulder as she flipped through pages of the booklet.
"This is imagery of Emperali, a city from back in year X five four two, why would we be given info about this town." Minerva murmured.
"And what about the rest of this stuff, it all appears pretty random as well." Meredy said.
Batman noticed something additional over the fireplace so stepped forward and took it into his hands. The others noticed and took a look for themselves. It was a black and white photo of a family. There was a mother, father and two children, one a boy and the other a girl. Strangely there were three slash marks only through the girl, but no one else in the photo. The names of each individual were also visible in the photo.
"Ok, this is just getting weird! Do you guys think the host is throwing in extra items to try and lead us off track from the main objective?" Meredy asked.
"Possibly, but doubtful. He hasn't done it to this point, so why start now." Batman replied.
"You make a good point." She nodded.
Kagura took a closer look at the golden objects held by her, Lucy, Lyon and Meredy. It wasn't something she picked up on right away but she saw each item was of the same color, depth and material. She gathered each of their pieces and took them into her hands.
"What do you have in mind?" Minerva asked.
"It's only a feeling, but I believe these pieces might fit together like a puzzle." Kagura replied.
The Mermaid Heel mage fiddled, twirled and repositioned each item and after a couple dozen tries she snapped each piece into place. Immediately the item glowed bright and dropped out of her hands, but it didn't fall. The group stared at the floating object as it brightened and reshaped into a silver key before falling to the ground. Lucy reached down taking the key into her hands.
"Great work Kagura. Now we have a key...but to what?" Lucy whispered.
"How about the box? The box none of us could open." Minerva said.
Lucy's eyes lit up as she took off in that direction. She shoved the key through the key hole and it was a perfect fit. She turned it to the left and the chest popped open. It was a great feeling of accomplishment for everyone. Lucy reached into the box and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
"Guidance to the final item can be found in the Pillar of Hell." Lucy read aloud.
She looked to the rest of the group, but no one had anything. Kagura stepped forward taking the note into her grasp and reading it for herself. Even then she wasn't able to make much sense of it. Off to the side of them Lyon stood with crossed arms and was in deep thought. In a single instant something came to mind.
"Let me see that!" He extended a hand in front of Minerva.
She had no idea what he was thinking but Minerva handed him the booklet. Lyon swiftly looked through the pages and came to a stop after nearly a minute.
"Found it." The ice mage grinned.
"Found what?" Minerva leaned in taking a look for herself.
"I knew the name sounded familiar, especially since we were just on the subject of the town Emperali. During my travels and missions I've heard folklore and stories about what went on in that town all those years ago, but nothing was mentioned more than the Pillar of Hell." Lyon emphasized.
The others gathered around taking a look at the photo of a building labeled the Pillar of Hell.
"Ok, so we know what it is. But how does that help us, I mean it's not like we can leave here." Meredy said.
Kagura read over the card again, but it did little to improve her understanding. Batman moved in beside Lyon and took a closer look at the booklet and flipped through the pages. He studied and looked over the landscapes within the booklet and surveyed much of the room from where he stood. No matter where he looked there was nothing in sight that remotely resembled the Pillar of Hell.
"All I know is I can't wait to get out of this madhouse, all these challenges are driving me insane!" Meredy placed a hand over her head.
"You can say that again." Lucy agreed.
As he surveyed the room Batman felt as though everything just froze as his eyes fell over the gingerbread town. He once again looked through the images of the booklet and was clear the gingerbread town was a replica of Emperali. With the images as reference Batman moved in front of the gingerbread structure. Minerva noticed and her mouth slightly dropped.
"Yes, of course! That display there does look much like the town Emperali!" Minerva pronounced.
With the booklet as a visual guidance Batman came up on a section in particular sticking his fingers through a small window and recovering another note. He opened it as everyone gathered around.
"Your final item lurks within the tree of season." Batman read aloud.
"The tree of season huh," Minerva looked across the room, "I'd say that tree is where the final item is hidden. We're in the environment of the holidays, and that tree represents the occasion perfectly."
Minerva marched forward as everyone followed close behind. She stuck her hands into the tree and felt around. A grin took form on her lips as she grabbed hold of something. She pulled out a book that was titled "Uncanny Tales." She opened the book and skimmed through the table of contents.
"Ghost stories! And how exactly does this have anything to do with anything?!" Minerva tightened her grip over the book.
"They aren't ghost stories, but rather traumatic events of the past...some of which are deemed myth." Lyon said.
"Hey look there, page three hundred forty has something on the Emperali," Lucy bit back in terror and even gulped, "On the...the Emperali Slasher."
Minerva flipped to the section in particular and read the tale aloud. The story was about a serial killer that had a body count of 82 and committed the murders over a span of fifteen years during the holiday seasons.
"It says here he would torcher his victims in the clock tower which later became known as the Pillar of Hell. He would play Christmas carols to block out the screams of his victims. And if that isn't bad enough he would ship off body parts of his victims to their families! One thing that remained a constant was three slash marks over the body." Minerva said.
"Wow, that's...that's terrible." Lucy positioned a hand over her lips.
Minerva continued reading on until they got through the entire story. At the end of it there was a list of all the victims, which included names and the order in which they were killed. For several moments afterward everyone was silent thinking things over individually.
"Ok so we've recovered all the pieces, so what happens now?" Kagura looked around at everyone.
"Obviously there's more to it or the doors would have opened." Meredy added.
"But what?" Lucy asked.
The others were silent and little by little one individual in particular pieced things together, thinking about what they had collected to that point. The dark knight recovered the photo from the stand over the fireplace and held the necklace in his opposite hand. His eyes broadened as realization set in, and he didn't know how he missed the detail earlier.
"We have everything we need right here, all that's left is to put everything together." Batman stepped forward.
"What do you mean?" Lyon questioned.
"Let's take it back to the very beginning. Our first findings were the gifts addressed to us, all of which contained body parts of a doll. This falls in line with what the Emperali Slasher did shipping off body parts to families of the deceased. Next was the booklet that gave us a peek into the town this entire challenge evolved around, and with each clue we were eventually led to the book of past events."
"Ghost stories actually, we can't say for certain the Emperali Slasher was real or not." Lyon interrupted.
"Perhaps, but we can agree to disagree. This challenge was more than just uncovering the story of a mass murderer. That was only half the task, but if you look closely there is one piece missing that we have neglected to mention." Batman implied.
The group of five looked at one another and then back at Batman.
"Take a look at this photo closely and tell me what you see."
Lucy took the photo into her hands and the five looked it over together. Meredy scratched at the side of her hair.
"I see a family of four with the names of each, and three cuts through the...girl!" Meredy said.
"Good, now check the victims' names in the book of mysterious." Batman said.
Minerva had the book in hand, so flipped to the page in particular.
"Sally Kakushi! That name is listed as the Slasher's very first victim and is also the name of this girl!" Minerva pointed to the young girl in the picture.
"Yes, and take a closer look at what's around the girl's neck. It resembles this here," Batman held out the silver necklace, "If not identical."
"You're right!" Lucy looked back and forth between the image and piece of jewelry.
The others looked it over as well and came to the same conclusion.
"The doll parts from our boxes represents Sally, the three slash marks over the body confirms this when taking into account the photo and this necklace. Whether it's a replica or the real thing is irrelevant." Batman said.
"It's got to be a replica," Minerva stepped in, "I highly doubt the host would have such a relic in his possession."
The doors across the room swung open and Kagura exhaled in relief.
"We did it!" Lucy smirked.
"Very good contestants, you have completed the task. Such a feisty bunch you are, I've been waiting for challengers of this caliber. Had you taken another fifteen minutes you would have all been eliminated though haha. Guess I failed to mention it was timed, but oh well, what's done is done. Your next task awaits you, and last one there is a rotten egg!"
Batman dropped the necklace into his utility belt as they headed for the exit. Bright arrows lit their path to the next destination and they arrived in minutes. They inspected the area outside the room before continuing on. Lyon was the first to step through, followed by Lucy, Batman, Kagura and then Minerva. The door slammed shut just before Meredy entered.
"Oh no you don't! Didn't I just say the last one to arrive was a rotten egg? Well hhhhmm I might have worded that wrong hehehe, what I meant to say...is eliminated!"
"Whaaa!" Meredy's eyes widened.
She had no time to react as a section of the ground beneath her feet disappeared and she fell through. The players on the other side of the door perceived her screams before dying down!
"What did you do?!" Kagura looked to the ceiling.
"Meredy was the last to arrive, and therefore eliminated. Only five of you remain hehe."
"That's cheating!" Lucy snapped.
"Cheating...hahaha, such a ridiculous accusation. This is my game, my rules, and you must play by them if you plan to win. As usual, you won't be given any hints. Have at it contestants."
"That bastard!" Minerva clinched her fists.
"Indeed he is, but we must focus and keep our emotions in check. We still have two challenges to go. This is not only for our lives, but for our fallen friends as well." Lyon said.
Everyone felt the same and all focused their attention on the surrounding that very much resembled a bedroom. There was a king size bed with a combination of pink and white sheets with a pink bed curtain surrounding it. Red rose pellets were all around and some even on the bed. A dummy doll was in clear view over the bed as well. The doll's wrists were bounded to the bed by constraints and something tied over the section of the mouth. The remaining five gathered on either side of the bed inspecting the scene in particular. Kagura lifted a single pellet between two fingers and sniffed at it. It was clearly the real thing and she dropped it back over the bed after confirming that.
Minerva leaned forward taking a closer look at the dummy doll over the bed and spotted something over the area of its cheek. It was in the color of red.
"This greatly resembles the print of someone's lips," Minerva pointed out, "But I'd venture and say this was put in place using a marker or sharpie."
Batman immediately positioned beside the Sabertooth mage and took a look for himself. His eyes grew in size as he took into account the red rose pellets, the way in which the dummy doll was positioned over a bed and then a kiss on the cheek.
"What's wrong," Lyon glimpsed at the dark knight, "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Batman stepped back and away from the bed. He looked things over and was clearly in deep thought.
"I've seen this before." Batman said.
"How so?" Lucy blinked.
"What do you mean?" Minerva added.
The cape crusader didn't answer straightaway and instead circled the bed in deep thought.
"If I'm correct there should be a note, keep your eyes peeled for an envelope. I witnessed a crime scene just as this...but what could it mean." Batman scratched at his chin with two gloved fingers.
"Crime scene, do you mean to say you saw something just as this outside the mansion?" Lyon questioned.
Batman nodded and the reveal sent chills throughout everyone. Lucy coughed clearing her throat and getting the attention of everyone.
"This might be a little off topic but since we're on the subject I think there's something I should share. Think back to our very first challenge on night one. The zombie opponents were identical to an opponent on an outside mission of mine. Juvia, Gray and myself faced similar beasts on a job concerning the disappearances of townspeople in a forest. When we set out to investigate we were ambushed by those things, and there was a voice taunting us from a distance. But I'm quite sure it was someone other than the current host." Lucy implied.
The four opposite of her were intrigued by the info.
"Interesting..." Batman murmured.
The dark knight went into deep thought once more and thought about the bigger picture concerning their situation. Lucy and Lyon shared a similar mindset, but the reality of the circumstance didn't allow a single of the three to think much. They had a challenge to complete, and it was unknown if timed and what other hidden obstacles might be in play.
"I found something," Kagura lifted an envelope off the dresser as everyone came to her side. She ripped it open and read aloud, "Love, love, where can I find it? Does it exist, is darkness and loneliness my road. Where is my savior...my knight and shining armor? Is there such a thing?"
The Mermaid Heel mage lowered the note as she finished. Each of the five took a couple moments to think individually and make their own evaluations of the writing.
"I know we all probably have different opinions and outlooks on the writing but I'm gonna go ahead and share my thoughts," Lucy took a deep breath as her shoulders lowered, "I believe the writer is in pain. Neglect is the first thing that comes to mind, I honestly believe she was abandoned by someone. And yes I believe the writer is a she."
"How so?" Lyon inquired.
"Knight and shining armor. A male wouldn't use such terms." Lucy replied.
"I was thinking something similar, you did an exceptional job keying in on details. I determined a woman was behind the homicide in my investigation outside this mansion." Batman said.
"And you pretty much called beforehand a letter would be an item in this challenge. That coupled with Lucy's zombie run in has made things just that much weirder." Lyon said.
Batman returned to the bedside and looked the doll over once more.
"The victim in the case I was working was found in a similar position to this. He was tied to a bed and a gag over his mouth, however the dummy doll is missing the same cuts and bruises. Poison is what ultimately did the victim in." The cape crusader implied.
"Like Lyon implied, the fact both you and Lucy encountered similar enemies and or obstacles to what's in here is really quite fascinating. But maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise. I think we can assume the host handpicked each of us. Perhaps we were all tested in some way or another before led here." Minerva added.
"Possibly, but I have my doubts." Batman said.
Kagura was across the room and called out to the group and one after another they came to her side. She stood in front of a tray with two glasses over it and alcoholic beverages within them. One was half full with traces of lipstick and the other nearly empty. There was an additional item on the tray which Lucy took into her hands.
"Zaletoid." Lucy's eyes widened.
"What is that?" Batman questioned unfamiliar with the item in her hands.
"It's a drug that helps someone sleep, but can be very lethal if the taker consumes more than the prescribed amount in a single sitting." Lyon answered.
Minerva inspected both glasses and lowered a finger into the one nearly empty and felt around at the bottom.
"Just as I thought." She said aloud.
"What do you mean?" Kagura asked.
"At least a handful of the pills were inserted into this drink. The chunkiness at the bottom coupled with the darker tone in this glass in comparison to the other hints strongly at this. We lack the proper materials and equipment at our disposal to say for certain however." Minerva replied.
"Kagura do you still have the envelope the letter came in?" Batman inquired.
The Mermaid Heel mage handed him the envelope in which he looked it over.
"What's so important about that?" Lucy pointed to the envelope.
"It's got the same pink heart shaped designs as the one I came across in my investigation."
"I...I think I've got it!" Minerva spoke aloud getting the attention of everyone.
Batman set the envelope aside and looked to Minerva just as everyone else.
"Ok, so we've got a dead body and a kiss on the cheek. Which might be the killer's mark or symbolizes something. The note left behind seems to imply the killer is in search for love, it's likely she's been through a lot of trauma and perhaps the victim wasn't up to her standards so she killed him. And her method of doing so was through his drink. There's lipstick visible over the glass without Zaletoid in it, which confirms was our killer's glass. She probably seduced him with the idea they'd have a romantic evening and then tied him to the bed once the poison took effect and he was unable to fight back."
"Minerva..." Lucy uttered with her mouth slightly dropped.
The entrance door immediately shot open.
"Well done contestants, I never imagined you'd crack this one so quickly. And I'm equally as impressed you've made references to some of the things you've seen outside my playhouse. But I can assure you all of that was by coincidence or luck. None of it was my doing hehe."
"But that doesn't make any sense, what're you implying?!" Lucy voiced.
"Your defeat awaits you, I saved the best for last. The five of you must be feeling really good about yourselves, but that shall be short lived believe me. This'll be the last we speak, so goodbye hahahaha."
"That arrogant bastard! We'll show him." Lyon tightened his fists.
"Time to move." Batman walked toward the exit.
The five followed the arrows through the halls and were led to an even larger hall. The section in particular was without carpeting, and was replaced by purple tiles. Torches were plastered over the walls lighting the way. Not even halfway through the team stopped.
"Did you guys here that?" Lucy asked in almost a whisper.
"Yes, but what could it be..." Minerva replied.
Before anyone said another word the very question was answered. Down the hall from where they came the tiles beneath their feet crumbled and fell downward into a dark hole of nothingness.
"That doesn't look good!" Lucy's eyes widened.
The five took off running in the opposite direction eyeing a door down the hall, but they had plenty of ground to cover. The tiles were imploding faster than they could run and Lucy had her doubts they'd even make it to the door. During the scuffle Minerva tripped up and fell backwards. Lyon gazed over his shoulder but there was nothing he or anyone else could do. Each perceived Minerva's screams as she fell through the darkness, and Lucy bit down at her tongue.
"Damn this! There's no way we'll make it!" Kagura clinched her fists.
"I guess the host wasn't lying when he said this would be it for us!" Lucy added.
Lyon cursed under his breath as he made a last second decision.
"Ice make, ice floor!" Lyon spun around unleashing his abilities over the crumbling ground beneath them, "Go on ahead I'll try and stop it...or at least slow it down."
"That's crazy!" Lucy looked back at him.
"We don't have time to argue," Batman jumped in, "It's his decision and all it'll take is for one of us to get through the final challenge. If we all fall here its game over and we lose our lives."
Lyon put out as much magical energy as he could but it wasn't enough. He bought the others mere seconds before his ice gave way and shattered. Just as Minerva he fell through the darkness and was helpless to do a thing.
"No, now Lyon's gone!" Lucy peeked over her shoulder.
"Maybe so but we've got an even bigger problem. Look up ahead!" Kagura pointed further down the hall.
Batman and Lucy took notice of tiles from that end of the hall collapsing! Lucy's heart dropped in that moment.
"We...we never had a chance."
"Both of you, grab hold of me." Batman said.
"What?!" Kagura snapped.
"Do it!" Batman replied.
Lucy trusted his judgement and threw her arms around his armored torso as Kagura did the same but around his neck. Batman uncovered a grapple gun aiming and shooting at the ceiling across the room. They were pulled upward just as the tiles beneath their feet crumbled! Kagura and Lucy held on tight as they swung clear across the room and kicked through the door. They tumbled over one another before coming to an eventual stop.
"Wow that was way too close. Great thinking Batman." Lucy smirked.
Batman stood helping Lucy to her feet and both lent Kagura a hand.
"Where are we?" Kagura gazed at the full moon and scattered clouds.
"The host's magic obviously," Lucy said, "This atmosphere and scenery is the doing of his magic. We're very much still within the mansion."
"Hehehe, your resistance shows again you're quite the undying bunch! I thought for sure you wouldn't make it here to the final challenge...the wilderness of death! Work your way through this and you win the game, but that won't happen hehe. But I must give you props inching this far. I never imagined you people would make it through the first two nights, but here you stand...the final three. Give it your best shot!"
His voice vanished as it normally did, and the three remaining contestants looked ahead. Not a single of them knew what to expect and together they walked forward and prepared themselves for just about anything. There was lots of fog and dead leafs blowing around.
"This seems a whole lot different than any challenge we've went through. Any ideas on what the objective might be?" Lucy looked on either side of her.
"Well he did call it the wilderness of death. Likely we'll just have to make it through traps, riddles and whatever other obstacles he has in place. We do that and make it all the way through, then we win." Kagura said.
Lucy nodded.
"I thought just as much."
They continued forward and over a hill and it was in that instant a large shadow loomed over them. At once they looked overhead and couldn't believe their eyes. It was a massive creature which was comparable to a phoenix bird! Its entire body was engulfed in flames and charged them from up top. The three instantly separated from each other and prepared for battle. Lucy used Star Dress and took on her Aquarius form. The bird eyed and went after Kagura who cut at it with her unsheathed blade.
It cried out and took to the air once more and circled them from up high. Without warning it swooped back down and knocked Batman off his feet and down the hill. Kagura followed after it swinging her blade and managed a couple strikes before it took to the air again. Lucy aimed at it with her hand but it was hard to get a clear shot with its excessive movement. Batman pushed up and both he and Kagura rejoined Lucy over the hill.
"If I could just land one good blow I might be able to extinguish its flames. But there's no guarantee it'll put them out for good." Lucy said.
"It would certainly make fighting against it less hazardous." Batman added.
"Leave that to me, I'll give you the shot you need." Kagura said.
She took off and positioned beneath the flying enemy and initiated her gravity change ability. The creature was reeled in and brought downward. Lucy smirked and charged a single blast. As the beast came within inches of the ground she fired off the water blast which engulfed its entire body and the flames disappeared. Kagura took advantage of the opportunity and leaped up high. She soared down atop it and forced her blade through its head. It dissolved in a bright flash of light afterwards.
"Clearly a magical creation by the host, much like the environment." Kagura sheathed her sword.
"There's a forest straight ahead, I'm sure that's where we need to go." Lucy pointed out.
She led the way as they headed into the forest. It was gloomy and dark and the sounds of nature were present. Kagura held a tight grip over the handle of her blade. For several minutes they went through without interruption. That however soon changed as they picked up on strange sounds that came from every direction. Lucy bit at her lower lip as she perceived something tearing through the turf beneath them. Skeletons dressed in armor and carrying swords rose from the turf.
"What!" Lucy shouted with wide eyes.
Kagura and Batman situated back to back as Lucy stood in front of them with a demeanor of determination. Lucy summoned Sagittarius to fight at their side. No words were needed as they took off battling against the enemy. Sagittarius fired off fire arrows setting some of them on fire and Lucy knocking them back with water blasts. Kagura sword fought with and slashed at the limbs of as many of them as she could.
Batman threw out his cape knocking them off balance and disarming them of their weapons. He used a variety of explosives blowing a handful of them to pieces. Sagittarius continued his assault of the skeleton warriors aiming for and shooting at their heads. Batman lifted one over his shoulder throwing it upward in which Kagura leaped up slicing off its head. Everything seemed to be going well until they perceived Lucy's screams. A group of skeletons had pulled her down and were descending through the turf like sinking sand.
"No!" Kagura shouted running in that direction.
She sliced through various skeletons in route to Lucy but it was already too late as Lucy's hand was pulled through with the rest of her body. Sagittarius immediately disappeared as a result and the remaining skeletons retreated.
"Damn it!" Kagura stabbed her sword into the ground.
"No time to beat ourselves up over it," Batman came up on Kagura from behind, "We have to move on."
"Yes, I know."
They did just that and came across wolves, Snake warriors and other unknown creatures. They fought through the forest making their escape after nearly an hour. They gazed out in the distance and spotted something over a hill. Batman grasped his sore shoulder as they made their way up and Kagura's eyes widened.
"That...that's the mansion! But I thought we were..."
"We are inside of it. Remember this whole thing is a magical illusion. That's no doubt our destination and if we get make it through we win the game. Keep your eyes peeled, I doubt he lets us off that easy." Batman said.
Kagura nodded as they journeyed upward. As anticipated their path was blocked by mutated lizards wearing armor and carrying weapons. Batman and Kagura fought with the warriors and lost track of time. Somewhere along the line it became clear they couldn't win. No matter how many of the enemies they took down, they were replaced by more. Kagura made a last second decision and forced Batman upward using her sheathed blade and guiding him toward the mansion with her gravity change. Just as he touched down in front of the main door, he gazed back and watched as the Mermaid Heel mage was subdued. With tightened fists he kicked the door open and entered.
"Damn you, you abiding sturdy bastard you!"
Batman stepped out into the main hall.
"Game over, you lose." Batman grasped his sore left shoulder spitting blood.
There was a long period of silence before he heard back from the hidden speaker.
"Head to the main lobby."
The game was over and Batman couldn't say for certain the host didn't have something else up his sleeve. The arrows led him to the main lobby and the main doors to the mansion shot open. He could feel the cool night air blow over his lips, but then looked to a blank lacrima monitor.
"As promised I will reveal myself."
Batman never looked away from the screen and right before his eyes the one pulling the strings was on display. It was not quite what he expected, but then again it was somewhat fitting. His face was covered by a pumpkin mask, with glowing orange eyes and had a dark hoody cape combination with a dark brown tunic. He was sinister looking.
"You look surprised Batman...you aren't the only one that wears a mask. I'm known as Haunted Pumpkan, and this group was the very first group to make it through all three nights of competition. It's actually kind of ironic, you were the last to arrive and here you stand as the lone victor or survivor if you will. The door is open, so you're free to go."
"That isn't how this works. You clearly stated that if even one of us made it through every challenge then everyone would walk free." Batman said.
Another period of silence followed.
"You're very right, but in order to save them you could very well put your own life in jeopardy. I'm willing to let you walk out the door freely, but you'll have to endure a small bonus round if you want to save them all."
Batman glared, but the decision was easy.
"I'll take on your bonus round, tell me what to do." Batman emphasized.
"I figured you'd say something like that," A section of the concrete surface lowered in the mid-section of the room revealing an underground passageway, "You will find them all down below, and if you pass your exam with flying colors than you all walk outta here."
"Exam?"
"See you there bat."
The dark knight glared but did exactly as instructed. He started to get the feeling Haunted Pumpkan had no intention of allowing them all to walk free. Batman journeyed down the steps and through a dark hall before pushing open a door. His eyes broadened as he stepped through the lab like environment. Each and every eliminated player was inside a pod, engulfed in a strange liquid and a helmet like item over their heads. Each and every one of them was constrained by tentacles wrapped around their bodies.
"Don't worry they aren't dead, well at least not yet. In fact the helmet mechanism has allowed them to observe what has went on during the challenges after their eliminations." Haunted Pumpkan's face appeared on a lacrima.
"What must I do to save them?" Batman questioned.
"Straight to the point, very good...I like that. Ok then, tell me what you've learned from all this? I have one question, and if you give the right answer and explanation you all leave with your lives. But if you don't...then it's lights out. Alrighty then, answer correctly and you win. Where is, what is, or who is Holidayz?"
Batman's arms dropped to his sides and didn't speak right away. If he were to give the wrong answer they were all finished. The dark knight thought about the host's words concerning what he'd learned through the experience and knew it was a hint. He thought back to the very first night and replayed each and every challenge through his mind. There weren't very many similarities but there was one thing each challenge shared. He thought back further to the point before the challenges even began and something came to mind.
"The number of challenges matched the art..." Batman whispered with a finger to his chin.
He paced back and forth for a little over a minute before stopping in front of the lacrima.
"Have you figured it out?"
"Yes...yes I have." Batman replied.
"Ok then, let's hear it."
"It didn't seem like much at the time, and is a detail most would ignore given the circumstance. You had revealed to us we'd be playing in a game of life or death, and the tension was high so it'd be understandable if we overlooked it."
"Overlooked what? I don't think I follow." Haunted Pumpkan said.
"The logo on display over the lacrima screen the night we arrived. A slay was at the center and was surrounded by a green ornament, snowdrop particle, a broom, A pumpkin, a skull, a nail surrounded by electricity, a turkey leg and pink heart cracked at the center. The pumpkin no doubt represents you. Add those together and you get the number nine; the same number of challenges we went through."
"Very good, keep going."
"The challenges were unique in their own ways but shared something in common. Each challenge in some way or another told a story. Challenge number one, a legendary warrior was against a foe that was beyond his abilities. When defeat is evident, you surrender. Challenge number two, we were given an identical task to Aztiro Wies, an archaeologist. Are task was to unravel the puzzle in less time than he, which we did. Challenge number three, a young girl lost what was most important to her and the task was simply to bring it back. Or rather them...her parents. I could go on and on but the point is every challenge told us something about the enemy, or rather enemies."
Haunted Pumpkan listened with fascinated eyes.
"That held true until the final challenge, but I believe there is a reason for that. Why share a story about yourself, when the entire event is evolved around you. Let's review, we have nine challenges all of which told a story except one, yours. Nine representing pieces on a logo, and atop that logo the letter H and below it the letter Z. The eighth challenge confirms my theory. The crime scene I investigated days ago was in fact the doing of a colleague, one of your teammates. The details of challenge eight were very much similar to what I encountered in the homicide investigation of Sanc Wiltersen. You know them all well and based and constructed your challenges off that. What is, where is or who is. Answer, what is Holidayz? And the answer to that is guild...Holidayz is a guild. There are nine members total am I right? The letter H and Z over the logo represent just that." Batman said.
With his face covered, it was difficult for Batman to make out what the enemy thought. Not a moment later Haunted Pumpkan applauded the cape crusader.
"Well done, you truly possess a profound mind like no other. Much as I hate to admit it I've been bested, you've won the game and answered correctly. There are nine of us, but I will not give you the names nor identities of the others hehe. Our rein on this kingdom is upon you all."
"Wrong," Batman glared, "Your game is over and I'm coming for you."
"Ahahahaha, you're very welcome to try but you haven't the slightest idea of my location. Finding me won't be so easy...detective. Oh my I do like the ring to that, mind if I call you detective? Your deduction and attention to detail has greatly exceeded all law enforcement and others that have been thrown into my game."
"Release everyone, now!" Batman demanded.
"Oh yes about that," The door Batman used to enter slammed shut and locked, "You're much too great a player. Did you really think I'd make it that easy, someone of your talent deserves a challenge. You have exactly five minutes to do what you need to do before that room fills up with poisonous gas. At that time poison will also be administrated into each pod and your friends die as well. Use that superb mind of yours and crack this. But if you feel it too difficult I'll give you an alternative. I'm feeling a bit generous, look to the panel on your left."
Batman did as he said.
"The names of each contestant are present on that lacrima screen. The system is touch screen, so if you feel you're running out of time and can't save them all this is your other option. Select the name of an individual and then press at the green button below. Immediately they will be released and the door you used to enter will unlock. The two of you will be free to leave. However thirty seconds following that all remaining pods will be filled with poison and the others will die. Sad to say this is one you can't win, you lack something very important that most the others have. That something is what makes them true wizards. Even in death you shouldn't feel ashamed, no one has ever made it this far."
With that the lacrima screen with Pumpkan's face disappeared. A timer became visible in large blue letters at the center of the room and the countdown started. Batman immediately switched his lenses to detect mode. With that he was able to see dozens of wirings through the ground, all of which were in some way attached to each pod. More interestingly each wire originated and was connected to the same source. That source was clear across the room and looked to be a lab created organism in the color of dark green and brown. Batman headed that way and stopped inches short of the nine foot organism. It had a strange aura to it and he even suspected it was magical. His sensors picked up on something else about two feet in front of the organism. A carpet covered whatever it was and Batman moved the carpet off to the side and took a knee setting his lenses back to standard mode.
It was a small platform, but more importantly was the word deactivate and an arrow pointing at the nine foot tall organism. Off to the side of that was a symbol, one in which he'd seen earlier that night in the very first challenge.
"Pure magic matter." Batman whispered.
On the other side of the platform was the symbols of both water and fire. Batman assessed everything he uncovered to that point and then specific words of Haunted Pumpkan came back to him.
"You lack something very important that most the others have. That something is what makes them true wizards."
Batman stood upright and gazed down at the platform, then to the word deactivate with the arrow pointing straight forward. His eyes then looked to the symbol representing pure magic matter and then to the symbols of fire and water. In that instant everything fell into place!
"Haunted Pumpkan is right, I can't win..." Batman uttered.
He paced back and forth thinking about his options before his eyes fell on the lacrima screen filled with the names of every contestant inside the pods. He immediately took off and positioned in front of the screen and looked the names over. He didn't smile much but a slight grin formed on his lips.
"We'll have thirty seconds...everyone's lives are in your hands now."
Batman pressed at a specific name and then punched the green button. He instantly spun around as the glass of one pod slowly opened and the strange liquids spewed all over the ground. The tentacles unwrapped from her body and the helmet detached from her head. She dropped to a knee coughing out some of the fluids. The door used to enter swung open giving them a way out.
"Heartfilia are you ok, can you move?" Batman stepped in front of her.
"Why me, why did you choose to save me over everyone else?!" Lucy clinched her fists.
"We only have thirty seconds," Batman reached out helping her up, "You're the only one that can save them."
Lucy blinked a couple times and raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"We'll need your magic. Follow me." Batman said.
Lucy nodded and followed him to the platform.
"I don't have time to explain, but I need you to stand over this platform and raise your magic energy."
"Ok, sounds simple enough."
Lucy stood atop the platform and did just that. The organism opposite of them had an immediate reaction and gave off strange sounds with minimal movement.
"You're doing good, it looks like it's working but that alone won't be enough. I need you to do what you did back in the wilderness. You summoned a spirit with the capability of fire magic and used water yourself. Together the two of you must strike that organism together and if I'm right everyone will be released." Batman said.
"Got it."
Lucy used Star Dress and took on her Aquarius form and summoned Sagittarius beside her.
"Sagittarius on the count of three let's hit that thing with everything we've got using your fire arrows." Lucy instructed.
He shook his head and on her count they attacked together, with Sagittarius using fire arrows and Lucy melee attacks with water. The organism showed signs of cracks before exploding in a single moment! The timer above disappeared and all pods throughout opened! Lucy immediately jumped off the platform throwing her arms around Batman.
"You did it!"
"No, if it weren't for you everyone would have died. You should be thanking yourself." Batman replied.
Lucy pushed back and gazed up at him.
"But without you I wouldn't have had the chance to save anyone. I guess Haunted Pumpkan was right in saying we'd only succeed by working together." Lucy did her best not to cry.
She returned to her normal clothing as Sagittarius disappeared and everyone emerged from their pods. Both Cana and Levy threw their arms around Lucy embracing in a hug.
"You totally did it Lucy!"
"I...I can't breathe." Lucy gasped for air.
Lucy and Batman were quickly surrounded by everyone and were thanked with a round of applause. The Fairy Tail mage couldn't stop smiling, whilst Batman was very much the opposite maintaining a blank expression.
"This pretty much proves the Justice Guild is one of the best if not the best. We've got strength and brai...and Batman." Superboy grinned.
Natsu overheard his comment and stepped in front of him.
"What was that?! Did you not see it was Lucy that freed everyone, so Fairy Tail takes the win!" Natsu clutched his fists.
"Please, Lucy wouldn't have had the chance if Batman didn't free her. Oh and by the way he basically led the charge the entire game." Superboy crossed his arms with a smug expression.
"It doesn't matter, without Lucy you would be de..."
Erza slapped at the back of Natsu's head as Wonder Woman did the same to Superboy.
"What the hell was that for?!" Both voiced at once.
"You're being immature." Erza's frown fell on Natsu.
"We barely got away with our lives and you two are arguing which of you has the better guild. All guilds are unique and great in their own way, and we should be appreciative of the efforts of both Lucy and Batman. Our enemy is Holidayz, they've made enemies of us all. We should focus our energy and anger on them, not each other! Do I make myself clear?" Wonder Woman looked back and forth between Natsu and Superboy.
"Yes ma'am." Both answered.
"Good." Wonder Woman grinned rubbing her hands together.
Jellal moved forward positioning in front of Batman.
"How much do you know, where should we go from here?" Jellal questioned.
The room went silent, with all eyes falling on the dark knight.
"I'm already investigating one of them, and I will find her. Haunted Pumpkan won't get away with this or any of the others he's murdered," Batman turned and headed for the exit, "After I deal with her, he's next."
"Are you crazy, you can't seriously be considering taking that maniac on alone! With all of us we barely survived!" Sorano of Crime Sorciere said.
Starfire chuckled.
"That's Batman for yah." She grinned.
"Hold on a sec, shouldn't we all collaborate together? I mean we do share a common enemy." Sting of Sabertooth said.
"We're guilds, and as such each guild does things within their faction," Minerva emphasized, "For now let's all get the hell out of here and then we'll assess things further."
No one had any arguments and they all headed for the exit.
To Be Continue