Chapter 5
"This place is huge!" Natsu exclaimed, looking at the stone building from a distance that was supposedly where Xavier Dolo lived.
"Smaller than Malum's home." Erza pointed out, "Now be quiet. We're in enemy territory."
"Do you think anyone from his guild will be here?" Cascadia asked quietly.
"It's possible." Erza nodded, "We need to be on our toes." Cascadia nodded, trailing slightly behind so she could covertly shove some snow in her mouth. She needed all the energy she could get.
Erza stopped once the group got closer to the dwelling and faced the group, the harsh wind blowing her scarlet hair in front of her face, "This is a big place so I think it's best if we split into groups of two."
"Why don't we split into four then?" Natsu argued.
"Because we should have someone for backup, that's why." She snapped back. "Now, as I was saying. We should split into group of two. I'll go with Cascadia. Gray, you and Natsu go together."
"What!?" Gray and Natsu yelled simultaneously.
"I'm not working with this idiot." Gray added.
Erza's eyes flashed dangerously, "We need an ice wizard on both teams so you'll do as I say. Do you understand?"
"Yes ma'am." The two mumbled.
"Right, now that that's settled, you two start at the top and we'll start at the bottom. Meet back out here in two hours no matter what. If you're in trouble, send a signal. If you find the ring, come find us. Got it?"
"Yes." With that, Natsu and Gray disappeared to the back of the building.
"I guess we should find a way in as well." Erza said, placing a hand on her hip. "Let's try a window near the forest so we have cover if need be."
Cascadia nodded, following Erza as they crept the side of the house. When they reached it, Erza stopped abruptly. "That's strange." Immediately, Cascadia knew what she was talking about. The window was open.
"Who leaves their windows open when they go on long trips?" Cascadia wondered.
"That's a good question." Erza said, "However, we have a job to do, so we'll just have to take every bit of help we can. I'll go in first. Watch my back and wait until I give you an all clear signal."
"Right." Cascadia nodded, shoulders tensing as she watched Erza stealthily climb through the window. I few minutes later, Cascadia heard a low whistle. Erza's signal. Cascadia jumped through the window to see Erza looking around at the antique vases sitting on small table on either side of the window.
"Let's start on either side of the floor. You start here, I'll head to the back. Shout if you need anything. I'll be close by." Erza said, walking away.
"Got it," Cascadia whispered, watching Erza disappear through the doorway.
Cascadia began peering behind pictures and looking in bowls. This is pointless, she found herself thinking, who would put their ring in the lobby of their home? Nevertheless, she continued her search.
"Well, well, well. I'm gone for a few hours and come home to a lovely girl in my home. I should leave more often." Cascadia whipped her head around to a silky voice. A young man about 20 years old was standing behind Cascadia. How did he get there so quietly? She hadn't heard anyone enter the house.
Cascadia clenched her fists as she looked at this man. He looked familiar to her. He had black hair, but electric blue eyes that strongly countered the hair color. He wore a black shirt that cut off at his midriff and torn jeans. Suddenly, it occurred to her why he looked so familiar. He looked just like Malum Dolo, except for the hair and the age.
"You're Xavier Dolo." Cascadia said it as a statement, not a question.
He looked quite pleased, "Good job. Now if I could ask what a lovely young lady is doing in my home?"
Telling him they were sent here by his brother could cause complications. However, what else could she say? "I'm a wizard from Fairy Tail, sent here by Malum Dolo to retrieve something of his." Cascadia decided on the truth, preparing for a fight.
"Did he now?" Xavier looked amused. "I wonder why my dear brother would do that. I have nothing of his in my home."
Cascadia narrowed her eyes. The way he said it made her almost believe he was telling the truth. However… "Does this mean it's somewhere else?"
"Aren't we a sharp young lady." Xavier applauded, "However, I'm afraid I can't tell you where it is. Now why don't you just run along?"
"I can't. Not until I've completed my task that is."
Xavier tutted, "A shame really. I don't like fighting with pretty girls, but…" he began backing Cascadia into a wall, his eyes seeming to glow, "…you leave me no choice."