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Just in case if I don't see you, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Chapter 92

The Beginning of the Showdown

NO POV

It was close to the evening at the Harpy Orb guild. The location was quite a distance away from the town in an old and abandoned saloon which had stood alone for quite some time. Inside, the members of the Harpy Orb guild were busy partying it up while drinking beer. Among them was their leader Mami who was sitting in the sidelines drinking from afar still feeling a bit salty from what happened the other day. The bartender who was serving her the drinks couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"Excuse me, Mami miss, but don't you think you had enough to drink?" he asked politely. "You already had about four mugs full of beer. A fine lady like yourself shouldn't be-"

"Shut the hell up!" Mami snapped drunkenly. "And don't feed me with that fine lady shouldn't be drinking crap! Women like me can drink as much as they want! I'll tell you when I've had enough!"

She then took the mug to her lips and gulped down the contents of it in a few gulps making it her fifth cup of beer.

"Damn it all to hell," she cursed as she slammed her mug down on the table. "That idiot of a man the other day cost me! Now Bradley's probably laughing behind my back bragging about how much of a fool he's making of me!" She then took another huge swig of her beer now making it her sixth and also letting out a small hiccup. "Out of all the other fighters that I hired, why I do I always get the useless ones? If I had a better fighter that was as good as that little bastard, I'd be able to wipe that smug little look off of his as well as Bradley's!" Then she sighed as she called out to the bartender. "Hey! Gimme another beer!"

At that moment, the doors of the saloon opened and a lone figure walked in. A certain boy who was now wearing a brown cloak that covered most of his body except for his head. Everyone immediately stopped. Mami then turned around looking towards the doors as the boy walked towards the bar where she sat.

"Hey there," the boy said. "Mind if I come in and join you for a drink?"

A couple of the Harpy Orb members then gasped in surprise.

"Wait a minute! I know that guy!" said one. "He was from the other day!"

"Yeah! The one Haruka stuck up for!" said a second.

The boy then looked towards the two that called him out. "So you two remember me, huh? I'm flattered, but I don't do autographs."

The two glared as they approached the boy.

"Still a wise guy, eh? Well, let's see how your smart-aleck attitude'll get you this time!" the first smirked.

"Yeah, because in case you haven't noticed, you're on our turf now!" laughed the second. "And Haruka won't be around to save you this time!"

The boy was then immediately surrounded by the other members either cracking their knuckles or summoning forth magic circles. The boy simply stood there calm and not moving a step.

"Now hold on a minute, people," the boy spoke calmly raising his hands. "I have no intention of fighting you guys. I came here for one reason."

"And what reason would that be?" demanded a member.

"I heard that you've been having trouble with a particular guild known as the Crimson Devils in this town," said the boy. "I also heard that you're hiring any wizard that can take down that fighter of Bradley's, so I'm here to offer my services to you."

"You must be joking!" said one of the members. "Why would Mami want to hire some stranger like you?! Especially one that's from another guild?"

"I wouldn't worry about that. I'm only interested in working for your boss here to make some jewel on the side," the boy spoke. "And if you still don't believe me..."

The boy then pulled down one of the pads of his arm showing off his forearm which was where his blue Fairy Tail guild mark was supposed to be, but now it was no longer there.

"As you can see, I no longer have my guild mark," the boy said. "So, therefore, this is more than enough proof that I'm someone you can trust, right?"

Mami then stood up from the bar approaching the boy her eyes narrowing in a suspicious stare.

"First, you come barging in here unannounced interrupting my drinking time and then you ask me to hire you?" she asked. "Why should I hire the likes of a rude man you?"

"Come on. You and I both know that you're running low on options by now," the boy spoke. "I mean come on. You need a fighter that can take on that one guy Bradley has and I can assure you, that I'm the one fighter that has the skill and power to take him on. Hire me and I'll make sure that Bradley's fighter will be stomped into the dirt along with Bradley."

Mami then stared at the boy. Then, a smile slowly grew on her lips as she began to laugh.

"I like you. You're pretty interesting," she said. "But if you wanna be hired, I'm gonna have to see what you're made of."

"Let us take him on, Mami," spoke up the second member. "We'd be more than willing to see what this guy can do. Besides, we've got a bone to pick with this guy anyway."

"Fine by me," the boy spoke smirking. "I'm ready for anything you got. As a matter of fact, all five of you can take me on at once if you want."

The five members of Harpy Orb all stared at the boy in surprise which then immediately replaced into fits of laughter.

"Does this kid honestly think that he can take on five guys at once?" another member laughed. "He's either really brave or really stupid."

"Alright then. You'll fight all of them at once," said Mami. "If you beat all five of them, then I'll hire you." Her look then changed into a dangerous glare. "However, if you should lose, me and my boys will introduce you to a world of hurt and you won't leave this place unscathed."

"Duly noted," the boy replied. "Now then... let's step outside and do this."

Everyone then went outside of the saloon. The boy stood on one side and the five mooks stood on the other. Mami along with the rest of Harpy Orb stood outside as spectators. The boy ripped off his cloak throwing it off to the side as he did a couple of stretches and cracked his neck a little while his opponents stood ready not intimidated.

"Hope you're ready for a lesson, punk," said one of the Harpy Orb mooks. "Because we're about to take you to school."

The boy who had just finished his stretches kept a neutral expression as he took a stance. "Then hurry up and come at me," he said. "I'm a busy man and I got places to be and work to do."

The five mooks then scowled in anger surrounding the boy from all sides in a circle. Two of them whipped out magic weapons, one a sword and the other a mace. The other two summoned forth their magic, their hands glowing with power. The fifth mook who was the ringleader stood smirking.

"Now your gonna get yours, you brat!" he yelled. "Kick his ass!"

The two of them then charged forward straight towards the boy. One with a sword and the other summoning forth magic engulfing his fist with it. As they grew closer and closer, the boy stood there not moving a single step. The mook with the sword let out a loud cry of battle and swung his blade aiming for the boy's throat. However, the boy simply tilted his head back dodging the incoming attack. The mook tried again this time aiming for his leg, but the boy once again dodged by stepping to the left. The mook was surprised, as he stumbled right past him falling flat on his face into the dirt.

The second mook then came forward. He jumped into the air and attacked with a barrage of magic blasts from his hand. The boy seeing the blasts coming immediately jumped up in front of the second mook just inches away from his face. Before the second mook had a chance to react, the boy flipped in the air and using his leg slammed him dead in the head with the back of his heel sending the sap falling to the ground headfirst deep in the dirt.

"Damn you, bastard!" roared the mook with the sword as he came forward and swung his blade again.

Once again, the boy dodged the incoming blow before the blade could hit him, but the mook didn't let up as he swung his sword, again and again, trying to get at least get one hit on the boy. The boy dodged, ducked, sidestepped, and jumped dodging each and every swipe and swing. At that moment, the third and fourth mook came in on the attack. The third who had his legs glowing with magic power attacked with a roundhouse kick while the fourth swung his mighty mace at the boy's right. This time, the boy making his arms in a cross, caught the third mook's leg with his right hand and he blocked the incoming mace with his left hand then with a great amount of force threw the third sending him tumbling into the dirt and for the fourth pulled the mace out of his hands making him defenseless.

"Keep still, you little punk!" the mook with the sword yelled indignantly. "How are we supposed to fight you if you keep moving around?! You scared of getting hit or something!? "

He then gave one more swing of his sword. This time the boy looked up and dodged and got between the mook and his sword now inches away from his face.

"No. But you should be," he said as he punched him hard in the gut.

A huge glob of spit came out of the mooks mouth as he felt the wind get knocked out of him. Then his eyes rolled upwards and he fell to the ground out cold. The other four men that were remaining all gawked and stared at the boy now feeling fear. The boy then turned towards them, his eyes and face neutral but filled with a cold and slight menacing aura.

"I think it's time that I end this little farce of mine," he said cracking his knuckles. "After all, I think I've toyed with you guys long enough."

The boy then shot forward in a fast speed towards the remaining four mooks. He went towards the mook that lost his mace and slugged him with powerful punches on the right cheek and then the left and lastly an uppercut knocking him out.

"Damn you, bastard!"

The two magic users attacked unleashing powerful blasts of magic. The boy jumped up dodging the incoming attacks and shot towards one of them hitting him square in the sternum of his chest with his foot slamming him into the ground. He then looked at the other mook who now had a face of terror. Before he had a chance to react, the boy shot forward and hit him in the face with a barrage of kicks to the face before finishing with another kick to his jaw. He then looked back at the last remaining mook who stood there his mouth agape with horror.

"Screw this! I'm getting out of here!" he yelled as he took off running.

As he tried to get away, the boy took a giant leap shooting into the air going above the fleeing mook until he landed right in front of him. The mook let out a scream in surprise in time for the boy's fist to connect him square in the face. The mook took a couple steps back dazed from the recent blow. Then he smiled goofily.

"How many men does it take to... screw in a light bulb?."

"Just one," the boy replied.

The mook then fell flat on his back unconscious. The other members of Harpy Orb all stared at the boy in amazement and shock. Mami was just as amazed and shocked as her followers.

"Incredible... he took out all five of them without even breaking a sweat," she murmured. "And he didn't even use his magic."

A huge wide smile formed on her lips, her eyes now sparkling with stars in them, and her cheeks flushed pink.

"Oh wow~! I think I'm in love~!" she squealed with delight. "He's absolutely incredible!"

She then ran up to the boy as he was brushing the dust off of his clothes. She immediately glomped onto his arm hugging it tightly.

"You're an amazing fighter, stranger!" she said. "You could actually be the one to beat that lackey of Bradley's! You think you can do that again, tomorrow?"

"I can, but it's gonna cost you, missy," the boy said. "I mean I am a rare fighter after all."

"That's no problem! I'll pay you whatever you want!" Mami gushed. "Just make sure you put that fighter of Bradley's to the dirt!"

The boy then gave a slight smile. "Sure thing, Miss. You can count on me."

WILLY'S POV

After a while, I left the Harpy Orb guild and was heading back to the hotel to meet up with the others feeling a bit pleased with myself having to have succeeded in gaining Mami's trust. You see it was all a part of my plan to not only save Sasuke but to also take down the Harpy Orb and Crimson Devil guilds so we could rescue the people that were taken to the mountain. Now came the tricky part and it would have to wait till tomorrow.

I soon made it back to our room where I found the others waiting with the exceptions of Gray and Erza. When I came into the room, I made sure that no one was around watching us. Then I entered the room shutting it behind me. Everyone immediately looked up.

"Did you do it?" asked Lucy tentatively.

I then gave the blonde a smile as I brushed off the makeup on my arm revealing my guild mark. "Sure did. And all I had to do was beat those guys we ran into the other day," I said. "And that makeup you provided was pretty effective Lucy. Thanks to that, I was not only able to gain her trust, but I was also able to get a little bit of payback."

"Alright! Way to stick it to em, Willy!" cheered Lucy. "That'll show those jerks!"

"Where are Gray and Erza?" I asked. "Are they out scouting still?"

"Yes. They're still checking out the location of the Crimson Devils," said Wendy.

"It's not fair!" complained Natsu. "I wanna go out spying too!"

"No way, Natsu," Lucy said. "If you did, you'd probably go rampaging like a madman destroying everything in sight and the last thing we want is more property debt on Fairy Tail's record."

"Anyway, let's take a minute to review the plan," I said and I rolled out a map of the town of Naoko. "First things first, tomorrow evening, the Kyōsaku will take place with me taking part now that Harpy Orb trusts me. Mami and Bradley will be there along with their main and strongest wizards. While I'm fighting Sasuke, two other teams will each go the base of where the Harpy Orb and Crimson Devil guilds are located and attack them. Those teams are; Happy, Natsu, Erza, and Lucy on one and Gray, Wendy, Mira, and Carla on the other. While you're attacking the guilds, I'll try and beat Sasuke and rescue him. When both teams beat their respective guilds, they send me a signal and then I'll take down Sasuke. Once he loses and is free from the Crimson Devil's control, that's when Haruka, Satoshi, and I will take advantage and grab Sasuke before he gets taken to the mountain. Once that's over, we'll all head to the mountains, locate the slaves, and set them free."

"I must say, this is quite a plan," commented Carla. "Color me impressed."

"It's not much, but thank you for the compliment, Carla," I smiled.

"There's one thing I have a question about on this plan," said Happy. "Why these particular teams?"

"It's pretty simple," I explained. "Firstly, Natsu and Gray are constantly at each other's throats no matter what situation, so naturally I split them apart just to be safe. In addition, we have two S class wizards, Erza and Mira, so I added them to each team. And plus Erza's the only one who can keep Natsu in check."

"Wow. You even considered those possibilities? Pretty smart," commented Lucy.

"Everything seems to be in place," I said. "Now all we have to do is wait till tomorrow to enact the plan. Hopefully, it goes smoothly."

"Yeah. If we can beat both of those guilds, we'll be able to save Naoko and free the people who were kept locked up there," said Mira. "Not to mention the people in this town that have been living in fear too."

"Oh yeah. I'm all fired up now," growled Natsu as he punched his fist into his palm.

NO POV

Meanwhile, at the Crimson Devil's base, Bradley, as well as the other Crimson Devil members were having a good time boozing it up celebrating Sasuke's recent victory. However, the very man in question wasn't so thrilled about the celebrations. He just sat quietly on the table not even touching his drink at all.

Bradley then came up to Sasuke, his cheeks flushed red from being drunk.

"Hey! What's wrong with you, Sasuke?" he slurred. "You've won your fortieth fight so far. You should be happy."

"Should I?" Sasuke hummed keeping a neutral expression. "What's there to be happy about?"

"Come on, you've been taking out Mami's lackeys left and right," Bradley smirked. "In fact, if you keep this up, that bimbo will keep running out of guys to fight us with and then we of the Crimson Devil's will rule this town and own the mountain! Right boys?!"

The members all gave a loud cheer in response raising their glasses. But Sasuke was still less than keen on celebrating. He stood up from his seat giving Bradley a cold stare.

"Don't get the wrong idea. The only reason I'm working for you guys is that you have something rather valuable in that mountain that I want," he said. "And I won't stop fighting until I get that something."

"Oh Sasuke, don't be such a downer," said another member. "You've been wrecking shop ever since Bradley hired you. With that magic fist fighting style thing you're always using, we can't lose."

"But there's a possibility that I'll lose," Sasuke spoke coldly. "Don't think that the battle's over just because I have a streak of wins."

And with that, Sasuke walked out leaving Bradley and the others puzzled.

"Wonder what the heck's his problem?" wondered another member. "Why he gotta be a downer like that?"

"Oh, just leave him be," scoffed Bradley as he took a few more gulps of beer. "He's probably in a foul mood or something. In the meantime, let's continue to booze it up! Might as well savor this victory while it lasts!"

"Yeah! With that kid's magic fist style or whatever it's called, we can't lose!" cheered another member. "Let's party!"

As Sasuke left the Crimson Devil's guild behind him, he ventured out to the barren wasteland that was between Naoko and the base. As he walked, he looked up into the starry sky somewhat melancholy as he began thinking about his mother. He remembered all the good times he shared with her before she was taken away. He also remembered when he was approached by Bradley. The words he said to him changed the course of his life forever.

"Do you want to see your mother again? I can show you where she is, but first, you have to work for me. Help me destroy Mami and her lousy Harpy Orb guild and I'll take you to your mom yourself."

Then he remembered a certain person's words that floated into his mind.

"...Why would you work for the very people that are responsible for sending so many lives to the mountain away? If your father saw what you're doing, he'd be ashamed at you. Not only that, you say that you hate wizards, but you're one yourself. I mean you're using magic to enhance the power of your fists aren't you?"

The thought alone made Sasuke clench his fists in anger and at the same time his stomach churn with disgust. He looked at his open hand and clenched it tightly.

"I know that. I know that Bradley could probably be using me to get what he wants... but I don't care," he thought to himself. "I don't care if I'm a hypocrite or even if Father will be ashamed if he finds out about what I've been doing. I'll keep fighting. I won't stop till I find Mother. No matter what."

WILLY'S POV

The next day, Mira and I were walking around town heading to Haruka's and Satoshi's for visit to confirm the plan. As we walked around town, the streets were as deserted as they were back when we first arrived. The calm wind blew through the town and not even a little mouse or creature was around.

"Man... you wouldn't believe people would live here," I commented.

"No kidding." agreed Mira. "During the day, the town looks deserted, but at sunset is the only time when it becomes alive. It's actually kind of sad."

"Well, once we get through tonight, these people will no longer have to live this way," I said with determination. "We'll beat these guilds and we'll save the people who were taken to the mountain. And help Sasuke too."

At that moment, we approached Haruka's and Satoshi's place. I knocked on the door and the two let us in inside the house.

"Hello there, you two," said Satoshi. "I trust that you're here about the plan for tonight?"

"Correct," Mira said nodding. "We both wanted to make sure that you both knew what to do."

"Of course we do," said Satoshi. "Don't worry. We'll make sure that we won't fail."

"But... are you sure this plan will work?" wondered Haruka. "I mean what if the Crimson Devils or Harpy Orb have a trap in store and we aren't aware of it?"

"We'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there," I said. "Until then, be prepared for anything at sunset."

"We will," said Satoshi. "You can count on us."

We gave each other a firm nod and me and Mira were just about to take our leave when Haruka called out to us.

"Wait a minute. There's something I want to ask you about, Willy."

I turned around. "What is it?"

Haruka seemed a bit distraught at first, but then she asked her question. "Listen... I understand that you're not only trying to save this town, but you're also trying to save a particular boy from the Crimson Devils called Sasuke. Why are you going so far as to help him even though he's probably your enemy?"

There was a brief pause as I was a bit taken aback by that question. Then I thought about it for a bit. I mean, here I was a complete stranger helping someone who not only didn't want my help but also was my enemy in some ways. It would make any other person unable to answer that kind of question, but thankfully I knew the answer to that question thanks to my own harsher experience.

"Let's just say... I'm aware of Sasuke's circumstances," I said. "That and I understand the pain he's going through. But the reason why I'm saving him is not only just that reason... I just don't want anyone to feel that pain... ever again."

And with that, I left the house and walked ahead until Mira caught up to me.

"Hey. Are you OK?" she asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Just... thinking of old times," I said trying not to sound sad.

I then felt a hand on my shoulder causing me to look at Mira who was giving me a reassuring glance.

"You're thinking about your mom, aren't you?" she asked quietly.

I look down towards the ground not answering her, but she was right. I was thinking about my mom. In fact, I could practically see myself in Sasuke the more I thought about it, the only difference being one our mothers was alive and the other being dead.

Then Mira gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. I then placed a hand on top of hers patting it a bit.

"It's OK. I'm fine," I told her. "Besides, we've got better things to worry about. We need to focus anyway. Especially since that things are gonna get a little crazy at sunset."

"I know. But I still can't help but worry about you," said Mira. "Just make sure that you're safe and win."

I then gave Mira a determined nod. "I will and make sure you and the others give those guys hell for me. Make them pay for messing with this town."

Mira then smiled. "You know we will," she said. "Because that's how Fairy Tail rolls."

NO POV

It was now sunset once again. The townspeople were once again out of their homes waiting to watch the showdown happen. Then the guilds of Crimson Devil and Harpy Orb came rolling in stopping at the intersection.

"Well, well. We meet again, Mami," smirked Bradley. "Hope you brought a better fighter than yesterday. The one you gave me keeled over after a few hours of work. Seems to me that it's true what they say. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Hopefully, you brought another fighter that'll be more energetic than that wuss."

"Yeah, yeah. Keep on talking, Bradley! We'll see how much you'll talk after my fighter beats yours!" Mami snapped her eyes blazing with revenge and determination. "Just you wait, this time your fighter's gonna be the one sent to the mountain today!"

"Oh? Is that so?" laughed Bradley. "We'll see about that." Then he turned to the back of his gang. "Alright, Sasuke! End this fight quickly as usual and crush whoever that bimbo's got!"

From the back of the Crimson Devils, Sasuke came walking forward still keeping his stoic expression as he stepped forth. Bradley then turned back to Mami.

"Now... bring out your fighter," he demanded.

"With pleasure, you punk!" Mami scoffed as she looked back behind her. "You're up, bud! Pound that fighter of his to the dirt!"

From the back of Mami's guild, a lone figure stepped out and began his walk towards the middle. At first, Sasuke was thinking that this would be nothing more but child's play as usual. After all, he was able to defeat other wizards with ease. Why should this be any different?

However, his mood soon changed.

For as soon as his opponent stepped out into the open, Sasuke instinctively flinched.

The boy from before was now standing before him, his hands balled up into fists ready to fight as he gazed into the boy's eyes with a neutral expression.

WILLY'S POV

As I was now standing before Sasuke, I did a couple of stretches preparing myself to fight him. Sasuke seemed to be staring at me not only in shock but also some anger.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he asked hotly.

"I thought it would be obvious. I'm here to fight you," I replied as I stretched.

"But why? You've got no business here," Sasuke growled.

"Actually, I do," I countered as I finished my stretching. "You're sending innocent lives to the mountain all for the sake of Bradley's greed. I'm here to put an end to it."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he cracked his knuckles. "You know what? I'm not going to bother wasting my time with you," he scoffed. "If you really want to fight me, then fine. But you sure about this? I did take out forty other wizards before you came along."

"And? Is that supposed to intimidate me?" I asked coolly. "Please. I've taken out an entire group of wizards all by myself. This should be no problem. If anything, I should be the one asking you that. Are you sure about taking me on?"

Sasuke then clicked his tongue and took a fighting stance in anger. "Fine then! Have it your way!"

I then took my stance as well preparing myself.

NO POV

The townspeople, as well as the Crimson Devils and Harpy Orb guilds, watched the two square off in baited anticipation. Then the crowd began to chant one single word which gradually began to grow louder and louder.

"Kyōsaku, Kyōsaku, Kyōsaku!"

As the chanting continued, the sun slowly began to set towards the horizon inching closer and closer to the surface. A few more seconds passed, then as soon as the sun touched the surface of the horizon. Willy and Sasuke dashed forward their showdown finally beginning.

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Until then, Happy Holidays!

Dragoman signing off!