Chapter 9: Drone On Into Oblivion

"-The mages weren't happy to see anyone messing around in their business, so they attacked anyone who was about to destroy the statues of the Team Salamander morgue. Because of this, Fairy Tail waged an accidental war with the newly-built Council offices in Haregon, which sparked the Haregon War in x812. The mages involved included were Jellal Fernandes, who was newly joined to the guild and also 9th Wizard Saint (appointed in x831). Rebecca Strauss, who was about 15 at the time and future S-Class and 9th Wizard Saint (appointed in December x825); and Jakob DeRue, a future 5th Wizard Saint appointed in x830. All three were major players in the war and, along with two more named Olive Redfox (another future S-Class and Wizard Saint, appointed in x836) and Vera Lockser (a future S-Class appointed in x815)..."

Serena had been staring into space for the last ten minutes as Aran droned on about the x812 War, which Mariam had prompted him for research, with Xavier slightly listening in. After learning had much as she could from a reluctant Aran, she tried to start with another timeline to see if it had seeped into the thing with Team Salamander. Apparently, it didn't work well. The ravenette let her mind wander and let herself get detached from the conversation, only to realize the time had gone and the sun was starting to set.

"-there was three battles fought between Fai-"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Aran, but we must go. We have an investigation to get to and Master Dreyar would be mad if we're late. Thank you for your time," Serena said, surprised at her weirdly formal attitude. Mariam tried not to look dejected at no new news, but Xavier found her and offered a toothy smile, causing Mariam to show one as well.

"Thank you, Mr. Aran. We'll hopefully see you soon!" Xavier quickly dipped into a bow and escorted the woman outside, to greet the falling sun. It was not until then the team realized that they had nothing to investigate on.

"Uh, what are we going to do? We have no new leads," Xavier said, breaking the silence. Mariam fingered her almost empty notebook. Serena took her hand and squeezed it with confidence. "Then we'll do what we've always done: use old fashioned methods. Go off to explore, ask ghosts for knocks, or maybe do a séance?" Serena offered.

Mariam looked at her incredulously. "But where? We all had seen the ghosts in different places and having five ghosts is an incredible number, but the thing is, we don't know if there's more. And if we try to connect with the dead in a ceremony, without equipment, what's going to happen is beyond our control," Mariam stated. The ravenette stared off into the distance and suddenly got an idea.

"We use sage. Ghosts can't do anything to us if we use sage. Or maybe buy some charms at the store. Is there any charms stores in Magnolia?" Serena asked. Both members shook their heads. Miffed, she dug her feet in the pavement.

"Well, we gotta go. It's getting late and I don't want to see what the Master can do when she's mad," Xavier cut in, pointing to the peeking sun. "Right," Serena said, her gaze fixed on the looming guild.

By the time the Team had set foot in the guild, most mages were still hanging out, many still coming and going. Most gave the team a slight wave, while others happily waved hello. Good to see the mages are still kind.

They walked up the insanely long staircase to finally reach the Guild Master's office, still as rambunctious as when Serena had first visited it. Which now seems like so long ago now.

Mariam, who took the role of temporary leader, stepped up to plate and knocked on the door, receiving an answer only a few moments after. The guild master, in all of her glory, arrived in the threshold, and despite the clear anger in her feature, Serena still found her absolutely beautiful.

"You three are late. I had expected you to be setting up your equipment beforehand, not when the sun's going down in a couple of minutes," Mrs. Dreyar scolded. The temporary leader cowered but held her ground. "I'm very sorry, Master, but we got caught up in researching and the librarian kept us late," Mariam apologized. The master wasn't pleased with the answer, but decided to move on.

"I hope y'all are ready for the investigation tonight... and prepared, of course," Fare added, eyeing their nervous faces. "Of course we are, we already have a plan for tonight! Just leave us be and we'll be fine," Serena piped up.

The master eyes each and every one of them before sighing, and handing Serena the key to the guild. She happily takes it, and waves to the two teammates to head out and start getting ready.

Fare Dreyar eyes all three, apprehension present in her eyes.

Because of their quick start, Spirit Seekers couldn't grab their very best equipment, but had enough time to sprint to the hotel and quickly grab a few cameras and their seance tools.

The two woman had been setting out the tools, when Xavier came back from the hall, breathless and red-faced.

"Y'all need to see this."

WHOO! I'm done! I'm sorry this is so short. I needed a cross chapter to set up the next, because it's going to be so much fun. And I mean it. Next chapter it's seance time, find out what Xavier was anxious about, and so much more stuff.

Anyway, see you next week! Stay healthy and safe, and have a good day/night! Bye~!