Story Four - Brawl of Thunder
"Alissa, if you don't get out here where I can see you I will tell Gajeel where you are," Evergreen threatened, her eyes alight with mischief.
Alissa sighed, shifting into the room so that Evergreen could frown at her as she hid under the table.
"I miss the days when I could hide in peace," she huffed, resting a hand on her cheek to lean her head against.
"Just get out from under the table," the girl snapped.
Picking up her head like a meerkat, she looked around the room. Ever since she had deposited Gajeel in the middle of the guild with nothing but his briefs on he had been on the warpath for revenge. Deciding the coast was clear, she lifted herself onto the bench, her eyes looking longingly to her spot of solitude.
"So, um, what's up?" She questioned, looking between the three Thunder Legion members that sat on the bench with her.
"It's about time we went on another quest together. I've let you have your fun, but it's about time we resumed your apprenticeship," Evergreen announced.
Alissa sweat-dropped.
"Ever, I appreciate it, but I've been here for six years. I'm hardly the newbie anymore."
"The job request is security for a bar that will be opening its doors in Magnolia. We will be controlling entry, ensuring the safety of VIP guests, and keeping the peace between clientele," Freed explained.
"Then you guys have got this. You don't need me, and I don't know if you've noticed, but I don't do strangers. Putting me in the middle of a bar is just a disaster waiting to happen."
Alissa shivered, tugging her cloak higher to hide her face behind the material.
"Come on, Sunshine. It'll be fun!" Bickslow chirped up, his tongue hanging out as his totems threw out a 'heck yeah'.
"Where was the fun part again?" Alissa groaned, thumping her forehead on the table.
"Why Gajeel, how good to see you," Evergreen said lazily as Alissa whipped her head up and squealed.
Next thing she knew, Alissa was looking into Evergreen's brown eyes which flashed with a bright light.
"Nice one," Bickslow grinned as he let out a deep chuckle.
"Did you have to be so impatient? I'm sure we could have convinced her to join us on the quest," Freed sighed, giving the girl's petrified form a sympathetic look.
"We have no time for that! The bar opens tonight and we need all the time we have left to pick outfits, make-up, to accessorise!" Evergreen cried, her voice growing more stressed as she considered all there was to be done.
"Perhaps we should spend the time we have left to prepare a suitable plan for security…" Freed suggested with an eyebrow raised.
"We don't have time for this!" Evergreen cried, picking up Alissa's stone form with surprising ease and heading off towards the guild door.
As she made her way out she encountered Gajeel, his angry face cracking as he saw what Evergreen carried under her arm. With a chuckle, he stepped aside to let them out, watching with a grin.
"Hey man," Bickslow smiled, tilting his head as he called out to Gajeel. "What happened to the ultimate payback you promised her?"
"We both know that nothing I could do would be worse than what Evergreen is going to do," the dragon slayer chuckled. "Just tell me where I need to be to get a front row seat to the show."
"You promised me you would stop doing that!" Alissa pouted, folding her arms in anger.
"We didn't have time to argue about it. The manager told us that he wanted his security to blend into the crowd. Do you know how many outfits I went through to put this together?" Evergreen huffed, gesturing to her tight black dress which she had paired with a green leather jacket with matching boots.
"Well what's he going to say when I haven't even had a chance to change?" Alissa shot back.
"Alright, you, you, you and you," said the manager, indicating to each member of Fairy Tail present as his man bun bobbed around on his head. "I want to hear everything. Give me the details."
Alissa squirmed around as the manager gave her a lengthy look before settling back into the plush sofa. He was a well-built man in a smart tuxedo with red velvet trimmings and tended to gaze off into the distance dramatically whenever he said something. It gave Alissa the impression that for this guy, his entire life was a catwalk.
"I've secured the building with a technique called 'Jutsu Shiki' which allows me to place protective barriers around the place, thereby controlling those who enter to your requirements," Freed explained, his arms crossed. "This eradicates the need for so-called 'bouncers' and covers the entire building."
"And if someone is able to overcome these barriers?" The manager inquired. "Or how about someone already on the inside?"
"Then we'll be on hand to kick their buts," Bickslow grinned, grabbing Freed's arm with a yank and almost pulling him over in his enthusiasm.
"I want you guys to do what you need to," the manager nodded, once again pulling a pose before he continued. "Just make sure if there is an incident you give the guests a good show. If anyone is going to trash my nightclub I want them to look like the fools, not me."
"You won't need to worry about that, sir. You've got Fairy Tail's best on the case," Evergreen declared boldly.
"I suppose you will be taking care of my VIP guests?" the manager inquired of her, flicking back his shirt to put his hand on his hips for a 'superman' pose.
"Of course, me and Alissa here will be taking good care of them, won't we?" Evergreen declared, giving Alissa a warning glare.
"Er…"
"Ah, so the infamous 'Fairy of Mystery' shall be entertaining my VIP guests. I suppose I can forgive the outfit just for that purpose," the man grinned, seemingly turning it into a long smoulder.
"Fairy of…"
"Oh, you're right. My outfit is totally out of place," Alissa gasped, staring down at her usual long cloak. "I can't show up like this. How embarrassing!"
With a quick one-eighty degree turn, Alissa tried to sharper only to be dragged back by Evergreen who ripped her cloak off her body to reveal she was wearing a tight black crop top with a yellow pleated skirt. This was accompanied with strappy black heels and various pieces of silver jewellery.
"When did you? HOW did you?" Alissa spluttered, gazing down at herself.
Bickslow let out a slow whistle.
"Looking good, Sunshine."
"Now that's perfect. You'll be THE person to talk to," the Manager announced, causing Alissa to groan as he swaggered away.
"Can I go home now?" she cried.
Alissa sulked, sweeping her foot across the floor pettily.
"Not unless you wish to sully Fairy Tail's reputation. You have a job to do," Freed instructed, his narrowed eyes challenging her.
"Yes, sir," Alissa whined, her depression evident as her eyes became cloaked, three blue lines running down her face.
At that moment Alissa suspected her life couldn't get any worse. Unfortunately for her, she had completely forgotten to factor in the arrival of guests. Almost an hour later, she was completely surrounded.
"You must tell me - did you truly eradicate all record of your existence?"
"Is it true you have a tendency to tie your victims up?"
"How exactly did you offend the entire magic council in one meeting?"
All too soon Alissa let out a piercing shriek, her eyes unable to find a single place to look without dwelling VIPs. Without further notice she warped through the dimension. Immediately, Bickslow's totems surrounded her, Evergreen giving her a look that would haul anyone's ass back into their own dimension.
"I can't do this, Ever!"
"Well, it's not my fault you're some sort of mystery woman. I swear these people are dying for a morsel of gossip about you," she huffed, the vein on her forehead popping.
"COOOL! So the mysterious fairy is here!"
Suddenly, Alissa turned as white as a sheep as she recognised a familiar blond clutching a notepad.
"No," Alissa gasped. "The one man I fear the most. Evergreen you need to save me!"
The girl turned to grab at Ever's jacket, shaking her entire body to the point that she felt dizzy.
"Get a hold of yourself," Evergreen shouted, her face falling when she realised Alissa had already disappeared from her grasp.
"Kyah!"
The squeal came from a short distance away as Alissa bumped into a familiar face, immediately taking shelter behind their back as she peeked out to look for anyone that had pursued her.
"Gajeel! What are you doing here?"
"Just enjoying the show," he grinned, watching as she cowered behind him.
"Please save me. I'm being attacked by the paparazzi!" Her face fell as she took in his appearance. "What the hell are you wearing?"
His hair was contained in a bobble and smothered with a hat. He was even sporting a bright red short under a fancy waistcoat.
"Hey Jason!" he called out happily, his eager wave catching the attention of the blonde over the loud music.
As Alissa squealed, Gajeel grabbed at her top, pushing her forward so that she fell into the reporters arms. With one look at his smiling face, she fainted.
"No… just shove me in the closet… BLINDFOLD!"
Alissa shot up as she returned to the world of the living. Her eyes sweeping the many dancing bodies who had finally decided to take to the dance floor rather than question her.
"Same old, Alissa-chan."
Alissa looked up to meet familiar green eyes. Immediately, she lifted up her arms to embrace the mage from Blue Pegasus.
"Eve!"
Behind them Gajeel pulled a face having hoped he would be able to witness Alissa faint for the second time that day.
"What the hell?!" he frowned looking between the two.
Alissa gave him a small smile, "what did you expect?"
"Some payback! Come on you god damn womanizer. Can't you at least give me something here?"
"Sorry Gajeel-san, but me and Alissa-chan have know each other for a long time," the boy grinned, grabbing Alissa's hand which she swatted away with a roll of her eyes.
"Fine then."
Gajeel huffed, picking Alissa up by her top causing her to swear drop before she was launched across the room and slid onto a table that was currently being occupied. Looking up she spotted another familiar face.
"Laxus?" Alissa frowned as she looked into the eyes of the man.
Then her eyes swept across the entire table which consisted of Cana who was currently downing a barrel of wine, Gray who was sporting a bow tie and not much else, and Juvia who was creeping on Gray.
"How many of you guys are here?" She groaned as she face-planted the table.
"About as many of us that could pass Freed's wards," Cana slurred, before she started to snicker. "Natsu is outside throwing fireballs at the place."
"He is?" Alissa smiled into the table. "Well that sounds important. I better go and check he's not err… destroying the wards."
As Alissa turned around to escape Gajeel appeared holding a dizzy Eve up by the collar as his eyes spun.
"You dated this guy?" Gajeel questioned her, shoving Eve's body forward so it dangled around.
"Him?" Laxus added, an eyebrow raised.
"Yes, now I've got to check the wards. Also, please put Eve down."
"He's cuuuutteee," Cana grinned, hugging her barrel a little tighter.
Gajeel dropped Eve on the ground, causing his body to hit it hard before he rose to clutch Alissa around the waist.
"Help me, Alissa-chan."
"What, can't you fight your own battles?" Laxus scoffed.
"I can if my sweet Alissa-chan is by my side," he smiled, taking her hand which she rolled her eyes at. "Maybe I could even take you, Laxus."
"Err, Eve, I don't think…"
"Is that a challenge?" Laxus smirked.
"My blizzards will blow you away," Eve declared boldly.
Alissa watched as Laxus began to spark and the temperature around Eve began to drop.
"Guys…" Alissa started before she was yanked into the arms of Cana.
"Just let it happen, sweetie. They're fighting for you," she revealed with a gleeful wink.
Alissa sweat dropped as Freed came rushing over.
"What is happening here? Laxus?" The mage gasped, watching as the lightning and snow storm clashed.
"Woah, now it's a party," Bickslow opted in, arriving with Evergreen to watch the drama unfold.
"Shouldn't we do something?" Alissa panicked, looking between Ever, Bickslow and finally Freed as her final hope.
"You are right," Freed declared, drawing his sword so that Alissa could let out a breath of relief. "No matter what our task, we must defend Laxus at all costs!"
From that point all madness broke loose. Laxus let out a surge of lightning that cut the sound system and lights. Eve whipped up a snow storm that caused the guests to start shivering. Then, all guests with any common sense started to run. Finally, the members of Blue Pegasus spotted around the place began to realise their comrade in need, each of them picking fights with the members of the Thunder Legion.
Next thing she knew, it was an all out battle as spells were thrown in all directions. Alissa blinked as Laxus caused Eve to pass out with one strike, Gray jumping in to tackle Hibiki as he rushed to the mages aid. In the corner, Cana was hung over the bar, but in the air as she used the commotion to grab several barrels. With a sigh, Alissa took the stool next to her, Cana looking up with a questioning expression on her face.
"Get me a beer. Please," she sighed.
"Make that two," Laxus called as he grabbed the seat next to her.
"What? You're not joining in? Wasn't this your fault in the first place?" Alissa scoffed.
"My fight was with that guy. I didn't start this," he shrugged.
With a roll of her eyes, Alissa tried to ignore the cries of Freed as he defended Laxus with his life.
"Do not even think for a moment you will reach him," he bellowed, sword raised as he charged back in.
As Cana deposited two beers on the bar, Alissa gulped hers down, wincing as the wall behind her came crashing down thanks to a number of stray magic blasts from Evergreen's Fairy Machine Gun.
"Finally!" Came the gleeful shout of Natsu as the wall crumbled to reveal him standing outside.
As he attempted to stroll in, Alissa snorted as he hit the wards still in place.
"Let me in you bastards! I want to fight!" The dragon slayer demanded with a smack of his hand.
Laughing, Alissa turned back around to the bar, her pint trickling down her face as she starred open-mouth at the manager of the bar.
"Err…" she gulped, lifting her bottle up to offer it to the man. "Beer?"
The next day, Alissa moped into the Guild Hall, glad to find that its members were even more lively than usual. Each of them seemed to be gathered around the tables in very large groups meaning Alissa could join them within their own dimension quite comfortably. With a sigh, she nestled herself into a corner, tilting her head as a large group gave a roar of laughter. Spotting Carla sitting with a cup of tea on the other side of the room, Alissa decided to approach her.
"Hey, Carla," she greeted her with a wide smile, tilting her head in the direction of the large groups. "What's going on over there?"
"Those absolute fools are paying more attention to a magazine than the truth staring them right in the face," Carla huffed, taking the time to gracefully sip at her tea. "You would be better off ignoring it."
Alissa blinked, flicking her eyes to the group. As she began to fidget, twiddling her thumbs, she clenched her jaw, lasting all but two seconds before she shifted through the dimensions and headed over to the crowd of people. Each of them had their eyes fixed on the magazine laid out on the table in front of Lucy.
"No way! I knew I should have come with you guys last night!"
"Aww, I think it's cute," Bisca cooed, giving Alzack a bright smile.
"Honestly, I always thought she and Eve were a great couple," Laki chirped up, her hand resting on her chin in deep thought.
Growing all the more curious, Alissa moved through the group, setting her eyes on the special edition of Sorcerer's Weekly whose headline read 'Fairy of Mystery: A Mystery No More'. Alissa squealed, accidentally scaring herself so that she shifted through the dimension and ended up face planting the table.
"Alissa!" Lucy screeched as she jumped.
Alissa scooped up the magazine, yelping as it was immediately plucked out of her hands.
"I don't think so, ya sleaze. I haven't finished reading about your complicated relationship with the Magic Council," Gajeel chuckled.
Alissa rose up from the table, several of her Guild mates gasping as she was bold for the first time in her life. With a murderous glare, evil red eyes appearing from the darkness, she jumped towards the dragon slayer, kicking him in the stomach and bringing him down in one fell swoop.
The magazine itself went sliding across the floor, landing by Elfman's feet. As soon as he picked it up, Alissa was by his side, staring straight forward as she motioned for him to relinquish the magazine. With a gulp, he handed it over, sweat-dropping as she disappeared from sight. Far away, she settled herself down, deep in the woods where she hoped nobody would ever find her. With a deep breath, she lifted the magazine from her cloak and began to flip through the contents.
'The Fairy of Mystery has long been an elusive figure of Fairy Tail, many calling her the sole reason the Guild survived its seven year disappearance of vital members on Tenrou Island. But the question still stands; who is this girl and where did she come from?
Sorcerer Weekly can exclusively reveal that the fairy in question doesn't fall far from the tree, taking after her rowdy Guild. However, the destruction sources from the truthful reality that Alissa [last name unknown] uses her mysterious allusiveness to draw in and charm fellow wizards. This became evident last night at the opening of the new bar of Magnolia, ran by the famous Luis Posey.
The night began in a dramatic reveal that Alissa had previously dated Blue Pegasus member and Sorcerer Weekly fan-favourite Eve Tearm. However, Eve soon came to clash with none other than the famous Laxus Dreyar who took down Eve in a jealous rage. As if this wasn't bad enough, Alissa continued to collect her man-servants, even targeting Sorcerer Weekly's very own Jason Statham.'
As Alissa continued to read, her gloom becoming ever more visible as her eyes were hidden behind deep blue lines of shame.
"Did you get to the part with all the pictures?"
Alissa squealed, too caught up in her gloom to notice the arrival of the Thunder Legion. Realising what Evergreen had said, she flicked to the middle page, coming across a six page spread of photos. Many were of her hiding behind various objects, including one of her peeking around Gajeel. Unfortunately, there were also several shots which included Jason posing with Alissa who was unconscious, most likely when she had fainted, Alissa being carried away by Eve, who must have rescued her from Jason's clutches, and another of Alissa laughing while Laxus looked on from behind with a smirk. She guessed that must have been when Natsu came crashing through the wall.
"Six years. I've avoided my worst nightmare for six years and all in one night…"
"You should be grateful. We did quite a number on the place, but thanks to the manager giving Sorcerer Weekly an exclusive interview and access to security footage he was able to turn a profit in one night. We were even paid for our efforts on the job," Freed explained.
"HE DID THIS?" Alissa bellowed.
"Woah, calm down, Sunshine," Bickslow grinned. "Want me to help you kick his but?"
"You will not do anything. We should be grateful that the manager was so understanding," Freed growled, causing Alissa to shrink back.
"No good, money grabbing, loose-lipped," Alissa growled as she kicked the ground.
Flopping onto the ground with a sigh, she held up the magazine to continue flipping through.
"What are you so sullen for?" Evergreen snapped. "It's every girl's dream to be headline news for Sorcerer Weekly."
"This is my worst nightmare! Just think… every single person, millions of readers, all staring at me," Alissa gave a shiver, growing weak at the very thought.
At that moment Evergreen grabbed the magazine, throwing it far away into the bushes.
"Look you shouldn't care what others think. The only thing that matters is that your friends know who you really are," she huffed, blowing a stray hair from her face in her anger.
Alissa smiled, watching as the girl tried to avoid looking her in the eye.
"Thanks, Ever."
"So, Sunshine, tell us…" Bickslow started, grinning as he placed a hands on his hips and waggled his tongue around. "Are you going to be good enough for our Laxus?"
"Certainly not," Freed declared without hesitation.
"Did you read that magazine - only three S-class quests completed and one a complete failure. That's nothing compared to our Laxus," Evergreen boasted. "Don't forget no matter how much they fight she never beats him."
"Just forget about the magazine, Alissa. It doesn't matter what it says," she grumbled, turning away with a sigh and flicking up the hood of her cloak.
As she walked away, she shook her head, doing her best to ignore the floating totems singing 'Alissa and Laxus sitting in a tree…'.
'K-I-S-S-I-N… Guh!"
Alissa smiled as Bickslow she pounded in the chest, his eyes rolling as his totems dropped to the ground. With that problem solved, she flipped her dimension, a bright smile on her face as she revelled in her peaceful space.