Chapter 4

"So let me get this straight: We're supposed to retrieve a ring from this man's brother because they had a quarrel and he stole this ring?" Natsu asked.

"Correct." Erza said, looking down at the sheet of paper, her scarlet hair sweeping over her eyes.

Natsu crossed his arms, "This seems like a family matter to me."

"Whatever it may be, it's a job." Gray cut it.

"Anyone wanna tell me why he came along?" Natsu asked crossly.

"Because we're going to the Misty Mountains and could use all the ice mages we can get." Erza said before sweeping ahead.

"I'm surprised Lucy didn't come along." Gray commented.

"She had a job she wanted to do on her own," Erza said, "I wasn't going to stop her."

"Lucy?" Cascadia asked, speaking for the first time.

Natsu looked at Cascadia, "Right, you're new. Lucy's a Celestial Wizard at Fairy Tail. She usually comes with us on jobs. It's kinda weird without her yelling at us."

"That's true." Gray agreed, smirking.

"Don't agree with me, you jerk!" Natsu yelled.

"That's my line!." Gray shouted back.

"Boys." Erza loomed over the two, "Do we need to have a new lesson."

The two straightened, "No ma'am."

"Good. Now straighten up. We're here." A large mansion stood in front of the four wizards. The mansion glistened white like a pearl and had gates that arched out like angel wings. It was clear this person had money.

As the four walked through the gate, Cascadia shuddered, surveying the land behind them with her silver eyes narrowed. She had a feeling they were being watched.

"Cascadia, hurry up!" Natsu was waving to her several feet ahead. She shook her head and ran after him.

Once they approached the door, a man with smoothed back black hair and a black tailcoat swung open the doors, bowing slightly. "The Fairy Tail wizards, I presume? My master has been patiently awaiting your arrival. Please follow me. Take care not to touch anything. Everything here is worth more than double of your lives, so you would do well to heed my warning."

"Grumpy, isn't he?" Natsu muttered, crossing his arms.

"Natsu." Erza warned, following the man.

"My name is Michael Bochaine. I am Lord Dolo's personal butler." The man said as they walked along the carpeted hall. The walls were relatively bare save for the occasional picture of a lovely young lady with curly blond hair and blue eyes.

"Mr. Bochaine?" Cascadia called out at one point, "Who is that lovely lady in the paintings?"

He didn't even look behind him as he answered, "Lady Dolo." That was all he said as he continued his pace. Finally, they reached a room that looked like a library. Sitting in the middle on a dark red chair sat a man. He didn't seem to be much older than the wizards themselves. He had a thin build, but wore it well. He had white hair that swept over bright blue eyes. His outfit was casual, as though he were going out with friends.

"Thank you for coming." He said. His voice was soft, but it carried. "Please take a seat, friends." He gestured to the dark red sofa and chair.

They did as they were told. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. His eyes travelled over each person, studying them. "First, introduce yourselves. My name is Malum Dolo, eldest son to the late Lord Hebetes Dolo and late Lady Belle Dolo. We'll start with you," he nodded to Erza.

"My name is Erza Scarlet."

He nodded, "Yes, I've heard of you. The famed Tatiana. You use requipping, yes?"

"Correct," Erza confirmed.

He nodded to the other, "Continue."

"My name is Gray Fullbuster."

"Natsu Dragneel."

"Cascadia Vasilakis," Cascadia finished.

Lord Malum studied her briefly, "What type of magic do you use sweetheart?"

Cascadia looked him in the eyes, "Ice magic, Lord Dolo."

"Please, Lord Dolo is too formal. Call me Malum."

Erza sat forward, "Malum, could you please sum up your request for us?"

"Cutting to the chase? Very well. My brother, Xavier Dolo, had been involved in some dirty business. I have no proof, but I believe he's joined a dark guild. Up to this point, I have ignored it. What can I do? I have no proof. However, as of recent, something very precious has been stolen from me. A ring. Now, I have no proof he stole it, but it makes sense. You see, I am the heir of the Dolo inheritance. To most, this ring is a simple one. Nothing special. However, for us in this family, it is no secret. It is a Fugerunt Ring."

Erza gasped, "I didn't think those were in existence anymore. Why do you have such a thing?"

"It's an heirloom." Malum explained, "I would never dream of using it for anything horrible. What I worry about is Xavier using it for some dark guild's purpose. So my request? Retrieve the Fugerunt Ring for me. I heard some rumors that he should be out for a couple of weeks on a conference trip, so the house should be empty. His house is located in the Misty Mountains. I'll have Michael draw up instructions to the house."

"Wait up," Natsu jumped in, "what's this Foogy Runt Ring thing?"

"Fugerunt, you idiot," Gray growled.

"Say that to my face, jerk." Natsu yelled.

"I just did, stupid."

"Boys," Erza glowered.

"Yes, ma'am." They both said abruptly.

"As for a Fugerunt Ring, they are rings of myth. A long time ago, they would supply the wearer with the ability to drain a wizard's magic power. It differs from those cheap magic rings in that if the owner puts it on another and speaks a command, the ring will suck and drain their power, essentially placing them in the control of said owner. The spell is not broken with the knowledge a spell is in use like those cheap rings. I never dreamt it existed or someone would have something so cruel. If his brother truly is affiliated with a dark guild, we must retrieve it."

Erza looked at Malum, "That's correct, right?"

Malum crossed his legs, "Correct, Ms. Scarlet. This ring possesses great power and must be removed from my brother immediately."

Cascadia spoke up, "If this is such a dangerous ring, it seems like destroying it is a better option."

"If you fancy dying in the most horrible of ways, be my guest. It's not a death threat, by the way. Simply put, the ring has a safeguard. If you try to destroy it, it rapidly sucks both your magical and life energy, leaving you a withered shell of your formal self. I wouldn't recommend it."

Erza stood up, "Enough discussing hypothetical situations. Let's head out. We have a ring to recover."