Chapter 7: Shall I Move the Chess Piece?
Serena couldn't sleep. No matter how hard she tried, Serena couldn't shake the feeling of dread creeping up on her. Like waves drowning someone at the beach. That energy as well; suffocation at its finest. She felt as though she was boring into the eyes of the smiling, mocking Team Salamander morgue. As if the statutes were alive.
It was only when the first rays of the day wiggled their way through the shut-out blinds that Serena moved. Stretching, she moved off of the bed and right to her teammates, trying to shake off the emotional dread. Both protested but begrudgingly lifted themselves off the bed, starting to get ready for the day.
The unofficial leader made her way to the bathroom, brushing her teeth in the mirror. She tried not to imagine a hand creeping up her side, coming to take her away to whatever hellhole they fester in. It was as if it was trying to take her away from this mission, trying to stop her from investigating the guild. Serena made a loud, gruff sound and banged her fist against the countertop.
"I am strong, I am brave. Serena, you've been a ghost hunter for years. Don't let a few poltergeists drag you down," She whispered, keeping eye contact with her other-self. But she knew it was only the start of what yet is to come. It was a feeling, a small gut feeling, that everything was not going to be ok. Which only made her even more anxious to find out.
"Serena? Are you ok? Hey..."
Even though it was 6 in the morning, the town square was already bustling with people. Despite it being 80 degrees today, most wore covered clothing items and many didn't go without skirts or shorts. Which left the team very jealous in their professional jackets and pants. But hey, at least they look cute - minus the profusely sweating, of course.
They arrived and entered the guildhall without so many ads hi - most, when the team entered, were off in their daily routines. Like usual. It was only when they ventured further in, the team got a few greetings and some asking how the investigation went. Which had surprised Serena, on how all members remembered only a little event that happened a day ago. Or how the famous (infamous) Fairy Tail guild members could remember a lowly girl like Serena.
Finally, with great determination, had bounded past all of the welcoming mages into the guild master and mistress' office. Not bothering to knock, and before anyone could catch up to her, Mariam slapped open the door and marched right over to the desk - not bothering to see that she was with somebody.
"Good morning, guild mistress, but I need a favor to ask of you-" The mage pressed her finger over her lips, gesturing to the telephone, which spouted an angry voice. "Fare, do you know how many times I've had to cover for y'all when councilman Usta threatened to disband you! I deserve a pay raise on it-" Fare leaned over to the speaker, erupting a small smile on her lips. "I'm sorry, Sakura, but you'll need to call back soon. You have my deepest apologies but I need to speak with someone else. Thank you," Fare finished.
Mrs. Dreyar looked up, giving a lovingly warm smile to Mariam. "I'm sorry, miss, what do you need?" Mariam took no time rushing into it. "This morning, Serena had recounted you and her visit to the Fairy Tail graveyard in the back. She said she had felt something at the... what was it, Serena" The named girl said something and Mariam nodded," The Team Salamander morgue. Perhaps, by any chance could you tell us anything about it? Maybe lead us to it...?" She proposed.
After listening, Fare pursed her lips in thought. "Of course, but if you want more information, I'd go to the Magnolia Public Library. I'm not that much use to history or stories. Just... don't tell them I sent you, we may or may not have blown up their library once or twice..?" Sheepishly, the guild mistress scratched the back of her head, a large blush growing on her cheeks.
Deciding not to question it, Mariam nodded and smiled her affirmation to Xavier and Serena, who's just now managed to get inside, who was not so well at hiding their displeasure at waking more.
The guild mistress leads the team out of the office, down the stairs, and to the right: coming up to large, double doors - that opened to an overgrown path. Now that was daylight, Serena found it much less daunting than going in the evening. And now that she was here with friends, it was calming and soothing.
They passed under the wrought iron gates that had completely rusted to the nearest grave, still only a couple of years old. Mariam looked at each one with great fascination, enthralled. Xavier only strayed from the group to look at a frog, though he did know his graveyard etiquette enough to be careful where he stepped.
Mirajane Strauss, Levy McGarden.. familiar names Serena knew, that marked that they were getting closer. To her predictions, the morgue was heating up on the horizon, the five bodies still stood in their smiling, mocking poses.
Mariam first went to inspect, trailing outwards. Each little speck of stone didn't go unnoticed, and soon too intrigued by the details of each statue. Xavier nonchalantly followed, also slightly impressed how the five statues managed to forgo time to be encapsulated in their mint conditions.
And Serena... couldn't help but stare into the smug eyes of 'Salamander' and 'Titania', leading the group. They looked the happiest here, with the other teammates. Not the cold hand of dread when she bore her eyes to the basement. Looking out of the corner of her eye, she saw her two friends lingering by Lucy and Gray, who stood a little outward to their friends. She looked back.
Full body chills. She lost the apparent eye battle; looking away for just one second showed weakness, something Serena couldn't afford. A gentle but cold wind whipped at her side, chilling her. She tugged on her coat tighter, glad to be wearing it.
"Hey, Serena, you ok? You look pale? Do you want to go inside?" The ravenette noticed the voice to be Xavier. "No, I'm good. Did you notice anything?" Serena said, remembering her duty. She got out the notebook from her purse and readied her pen. Xavier thought for a moment then brightened in smugness; "Mariam told me the girl Lucy had the same pouch as Farah, the color mage. However, it said on the bronze thing she was a celestial mage. I think we should check that out immediately," Xavier finished.
"Hmh, I see. I'll note it for later, perhaps we can grab an interview later on," She said, not daring to meet the four eyes. Xavier did a once-over, made a soft humming noise, and bounced off - seemingly to go inspect the one they forgot in the middle: Wendy Marvel. Xavier seemed drawn to her, like a moth to a flame, pursing his lips in thought.
It gave her two options to work from: investigate Gray, Lucy, and Wendy and leave 'Titania' and 'Salamander' out till later or deal with them first and let the other three show themselves first.
"What chess piece shall I choose?" Serena whisper, eyes flickering daringly back to four eyes. It was going to be an eternal battle.
Yes, I know, this is a really short chapter. But another one will be coming soon. Don't worry.
I'll see you soon! Please be happy, safe, and healthy! Have a good day/night and I'll see you late!