Assassins Hand

Chapter 37-Farewell For Now

Author Notes: La da di da-last time Loki went all danganronpa/ace attorney with investigating Hibiki's house with Gajeel and Shai. Their hopes were to figure out why Hibiki died and from the looks of it Shai found the answers or at least clues to the answers.

But that's not what we're concerned about in this chapter-reason being is we're back in Jing, Sonya's now awake and got her lacrimas in her legs again, so its time to see what was happening.

Before we start though, time for our fabulous shout outs. Thanks to kurahieiritr JIO, and Snowy Analia for their reviews~ Thanks a bunch to rynakat andRobbie2413 for faving and following! Last but not least thank yous go to Striking Shrimp and Perper37 for following~

3rd P.O.V

"Don't push yourself so much! It's only been a few days since you woke up." Sonya could only offer the old man a small smile as she continues packing up her things. "I'll make sure to keep out of sight so you won't get any backlash." Soran smacks the table, causing all the items on it to shake.

That wasn't what he was worried about. "You think I care about some bastards attacking me? If I did-I would've never become a doctor in the first place! No, what concerns me is that my stupid granddaughter is risking her life by traversing into a land filled with blood when she hasn't even recovered!"

This argument had been going on for several days now. Laxus could hear the strain in the old healer. Even from outside of the house where he and his group was waiting. "Soran thank you for everything you've done." The blonde winced, hearing a loud smack.

"Don't you dare make it sound like you're saying goodbye for good child! I expect to see your ass within the next couple weeks. Why must you make things so difficult for yourself? How that boy ever fell for you I'll never know." She chuckled, cradling her pained cheek.

She pretty much asked for it afterall. "I don't know either. But i'm not saying this because I'm worried about not coming back. I'm saying this...because even back when you fixed my legs I never thanked you. I figured I should do that before I forget."

Feeling years older he sighs, sitting down. "There's still so much I've yet to tell you. And as your doctor I should be throwing your ass back into bed. But time wait for nobody. Especially not heroes." She huffs, hugging him. "I'm not hero. I'm just someone who wishes to defy fate." He accepts the hug.

Tightening his arms around the girl. "I don't want to have to bury you next to Raiku you hear me? I want you to beat this and have a family. Live your life freely." It was hard to let her go. He truly didn't want to.

"Now who's getting all sentimental. But when I do come home, I'm expecting any lasting secrets out in the open. You've already told me about my brother, my magic, and the lacrimas. And thanks to that my memories are returning. However there are still some things that seem off."

It was a promise. One that both of them had to keep. "Don't destroy too many poor souls you reckless girl." She leaves, facing the group of four. "What happened to your cheek Sonya?" She could only smile, shaking her head. There was no need to answer Evergreen's question.

Readjusting the bag on her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. So here's the deal folks. I'm going to escort you to the borders between Joya and Stella. Once you reach Stella you can take the trains or teleport yourself back to Fiore. And with that i'll continue to drag the reporters back the way they came."

Laxus snorts at her, like a wrecking ball he's going to smash her plans. "Sorry Miss. Sharps. But that ain't happening." She bristled at his snarky tone, already he was challenging her. Acting like the smug, cocky bastard he was known for.

"Oh? And why not Sparky?" He towered her by a good foot at least, shadowing her frame. "Just like you-we have a job to do. And that's escorting the reporters. Now since Jimmy or what's his name paid us in advance, we still have a mission to complete." As expected Sonya's eyes illuminated in rage.

She didn't know why it wasn't even two minutes outside of Soran's house he was provoking her, but she was in no mood for it. "And as I told you-it isn't safe. S-class mages or not, you will die. This isn't your safe haven that is Fiore. You're leaving."

They were staring each other down, their gazes blazing as their magic rose to the surface. "Miss. Sharps, as Laxus-Sama said we still have a mission to do. We understand that Jason shouldn't of hired us, which is why we will accompany you and aid you with sending the reporters away." Now her attention shifted to Freed.

"Absolutely not!" Evergreen adjusted her glasses as she and Bixlow stand next to Freed, surrounding her. "Stella is on route to the town that you need to head towards anyways. Plus with your injuries you will need help should any trouble come your way. It's the least we can do for you and Soran-San helping us."

Breathing deeply Sonya tried calming herself, as much as she hated to admit it-they had good points. Them traveling with her would prove to be more beneficial then a hindering as far as fighting power.

It's another thing entirely with her sanity. However it had to be. "Very well. I'll at least send your corpses to Fiore should the worst come to be. I'll even send flowers. Let's go..." Huffing she goes about walking, not seeing the groups' smiles.

Their smiles shift into expressions of confusion as the dog spirit Fang pops into existence. "I take it you're going to travel as well Fang?" He grins, revealing his pearly whites. "Figured i'd get some exercise, plus Azara wants at least one loyal spirit with you at all times...as punishment for not resting."

Technically all the spirits with her. And she made sure to point that out to the pooch. "Hehe she knows and doesn't care. Even if you try to force us away, we'll just pop back and bug you further. Could be worse." She couldn't deny that. Especially since the concern was touching and she could use the help.

"It's going to be a long day." He snorts, agreeing with her. "It's going to be a long journey, if those idiot reporters I keep hearing about are out acting like they own the land." She sighs, readjusting her bag while turning to the group.

Giving them a bored, tired expression. "Hope you guys brought some sunscreen and water. Less you find yourself dying of dehydration." Despite his minor victory Laxus still found himself feeling anxious.

Obviously he didn't show it, but there was small alarms in the back of his mind as he continues onward. "How could such a small area have so many powerful mages? Do you really think Jing is a threat to Fiore?" Faintly he listened to Freed and Sonya's conversation.

"Yes. Survival of the fittest and smartest is the game around here. Even when Jing was fighting for it's own land and independence, mages of all talents gathered around to create guilds. Actually many of the dark guilds originally were guilds for the rebels who wanted Jing made."

Blood has always stained the land, corpses littered onto the ground as far as the eye could see. Crops refused to grow, grass was rare to find, and the sun blazed over everything.

But despite it all it was home, where the people no longer wished to be under the control of their neighbor countries. "As time went on, many of the guilds found themselves demanding power. Jing lacked a strong structure and leader. Corruption spread throughout the country. As did the number of dark guilds."

Many people over the generations have yet to see the Jing that the rebellions dreamed and fought for. It was still so far away from being the perfect civilization that it was named after.

"Everyday people struggle to find or buy food to eat. Water is even more scarce and technology is not as advanced as Fiore. There are two choices. Join a dark guild, or struggle with those around you. Regardless of each option, you eventually find yourself dead."

Sonya looks towards the sky, she was an exception to the rule, the one in a million who was able to defy the odds. However in the end it didn't make a difference, as she was once more back. "So what about you?" She glances back towards Laxus. "What do you mean?" It was an innocent question.

One that causes Fang to snort and Laxus to scowl at her. "You're not part of any dark guild, and you're not struggling by any means. What's your story?" That question has been asked over and over. Time and time again she refused to answer their burning curiosity.

Partially because she herself did not understand her past, partially because she didn't want to make things anymore complicated, and mainly because it was none of their business. Fang gave her a side eye, tilting his head while wagging his tail.

"You know Sonya, the rest of the spirits are interested as well. Even though you started collecting us before you changed 'careers.' We were never able to know the whole story. The only one who might know is Tigressa and she won't say a word."

Now though...perhaps it was time she started opening up a little with her new team. "I think a good story is in order, but not now." Soran had always hoped that she would open up to people, and make friends instead of just creating alliances or conducting business deals.

Right now wasn't a good time, as they had quite a walk ahead of them. None of them were sure what to expect, but Sonya could only hope things improve. "I'll hold you to that Miss. Editor."

to be continued

Author Notes: Took me awhile but i got this done so yay. It was hard to do the pacing of this chapter, as this is more dialogue heavy, and a lot of it is repeated through the story's previous chapters.

However next Jing chapter we'll get to see some more Sonya backstory so yay~ But that's it for now. If you guys like this series please feel free to fav/follow/review as I appreciate the support immensely. Tchao for now.