Chapter 2: Lucas
Three days on a train had Vera stretching when she stepped onto the train platform in Era. She could already tell the air was warmer in comparison to her northern port town; but it was a nice change of pace to the wet, cooler weather she was used to, even with summer coming.
"Seems we arrived a bit early."
Vera turned slightly to see the woman she had brought with her walking up behind her.
Toshi Hashima was a sight to behold. She was a taller woman with defined muscle and a lovely hourglass figure, which her clothing style showed off nicely. A silver yukata with black detailing covered her body, but hung loosely, showing off the center of her chest; though, her chest was wrapped in white bandages. Towards the bottom of the yukata was a white cloud pattern and on the back of it stitched in black was her clan symbol – a simplified drawing of a tree within a circle.
The final touches of her appearance that had her standing out was her azure-colored hair that was pulled back into a short ponytail, showing off the white guild mark on the left side of her neck. And the gray, wooden sword she carried at her side.
"We have," Vera agreed, "But that's not necessarily a bad thing."
She gave Toshi one of her easy grins before walking off the platform. Toshi followed her with an elegant step, choosing to let Vera guide her wherever she wished.
Toshi put on her own lazy smile as they made their way through the city. There were plenty of people out and about, moving from shop to shop. The range of shops and restaurants was much wider than what they had in Iris, so Toshi took her time window shopping as they weaved through the crowded streets. She saw a rather large bookstore on their walk, making a mental note to stop there before they left the city.
She looked back towards Vera to see the woman nodding and smiling at people as she passed them.
The older woman caught Toshi looking at her, "You still wondering why I brought you with me instead of one of the others?"
"A bit, yes," Toshi answered, still a bit caught off guard by Vera's ease in understanding what people were thinking, "I understand why you didn't bring Clay. The man was out on a mission and he's well…"
"Clay?" Vera prompted with a small laugh.
"Yes, that is the best way to put it without being rude."
She watched as Vera laughed softly again, but she didn't miss the brief tensing of her body or the flash of emotion in her eyes, not that Toshi could quite place what that emotion was. She had some understanding that there was history between Vera and Clay, but she didn't know all of it. She was only fourteen when she joined Hidden Antler and it wasn't a subject that Vera spoke of often or to many people.
Vera once again laughed things off, "If I ever ask Clay to come with me to one of these summons, it would probably mean something bad was happening. We'll just leave it at that."
"Of course," Toshi agreed, "But the other two S-Class? They're a little harder to understand why you didn't choose either of them."
"Suddenly doubting yourself? Are you not the Dancing Phantom of Hidden Antler?"
As she asked this, she came to a stop in front of a rather cute and quiet café. She grinned widely back at Toshi before taking a step towards the front door. Toshi now understood why arriving early wasn't such a bad thing.
They were quickly seated out on the outside patio of the café, the waiter giving them a moment to glance over the menu before taking their orders.
Vera then looked over at the swordswoman with a look that expected an answer to her previous questions.
"I don't doubt my own skill!" she answered with more intensity than she had meant to, but above everything, Toshi was full of pride when it came to her abilities and skill with a blade. Once she eased herself back into a relaxed position, she cleared her throat and continued, "I'm simply more curious than anything."
"I see."
Before Vera could continue, their order arrived at the table. A beautiful lavender teacup and saucer were set in front of Vera along with the most perfect fruit tart that either woman had ever seen. A mellow and delicately floral scent wafted up from the white tea filling the cup. In front of Toshi, a simple latte and a piece of matcha tiramisu were placed, the cake appearing vibrant with the bright pop of green covering it.
Vera took a sip of her tea first, "Both Senn and Yashen would have been good choices as well. They are both well accomplished and capable of carrying out missions with me, just like you are; but there was just something in my gut telling me to bring you along. I don't like to ignore those instincts if I can help it."
Toshi knew Vera had a knack for being right about a lot of things, and this must have been another one of those times. Toshi simply nodded in response, satisfied with the explanation, the two women then turning their full attention to the desserts they had ordered.
"Ah, I thought that was you, Toshi and Master Vera!"
They both looked up from their table to see Erza Scarlet smiling at them, the redhead holding a plate with a large piece of strawberry cake on it.
"It is them, master! Come on!"
"Alright, alright, I'm coming."
From behind the sword mage, Makarov emerged wearing a ridiculous orange and blue outfit. At least, Toshi thought it was ridiculous. She looked over at Vera to see the woman snickering to herself, making Toshi feel better that she wasn't the only one thinking that.
Makarov seemed to perk up when he saw that it was indeed Vera and Toshi, "Hello, you two! Mind if we join you?"
"Of course not," Vera said, waving a hand towards the two open seats at their table.
"I see you were part of the summoned guild masters," Makarov said once he was seated, "Any idea what the Council has in store for us?"
"Yes, we have read over that letter again and again, but there wasn't much to go on," Erza said as she stuck her fork into a strawberry, "Did you by chance get any more information?"
"We know about as much as you," Vera answered, "Just that the Council has a mage they want one of the guilds to take in."
"They are being vague like always," Makarov huffed. Though, he started tearing up when he thought about what kind of person this mage could be, "I can't afford another troublemaker! My guildhall is always wrecked and the amount I constantly owe in damages is going to send me to the grave!"
"I thought you had those mages whipped into shape, Erza?" Toshi asked, the lazy smile from earlier reappearing.
"I do! They're perfect angels when I'm around. But I do need to take missions and they take advantage of that. Master lets them get away with murder when I'm not there," she said, turning an intense stare on Makarov, who quickly turned away from her like he had done nothing wrong.
Vera laughed at them, "Seems Fairy Tail is as lively as ever."
"Just like always," Makarov answered, smiling now, "I hope your guild is well along with those kids of yours. Sage and Ash are doing well, I assume?"
"As well as they can be. Sage is sporting pink hair now!"
Makarov and Erza exchanged glances, but said nothing on the matter. They knew what had happened three years ago and how it had affected many of their friends in Hidden Antler. Some of the mages lost in the invasion had been their friends as well and it was a heavy blow to their own guild when they had heard the news.
"Gihehe!"
An obnoxious and grating laugh interrupted the table as two dark figures approached them.
"Look what we have here, a table full of pathetic losers. Two of the Fairy Rats, a misty hag, and the expert in Mage Killer Style herself."
Gajeel Redfox stared down at their table from the other side of the patio with a large and wicked sneer.
Jose stood next to him with his own terrible smile, "Now, now, Gajeel, we shouldn't rile up the riffraff while we're here. That is quite below us, and we should give them some sort of figure to look up to."
"Jose," Makarov greeted in indifference, not bothering to take the man's bait. He could see Erza holding onto her fork so tightly that it was beginning to bend. He gave a gentle pat to her knee, seeming to snap her out of the anger that had a hold of her. He shook his head at her, silently advising to let it go.
Toshi didn't look much better than Erza, but her anger was solely focused on Gajeel. It frustrated her to no end that the man knew enough about her family past to use what she deemed as the worst insult possible, and it hadn't been the first time he had used it against her. She hadn't been given the chance yet, but she continued hoping that one day she would have her chance at the man.
A brush of fingers against the top of her hand brought her back to the full situation. Vera's hand moved away just as quickly as it had appeared as she smiled back at Jose. Toshi could see the change in her smile, the whimsical beauty it normally carried switched to something more dangerous, something sharper. Her voice continued to be polite, but it was a thinly veiled mask.
"I think it would be rather hard to be below something that is already at the bottom."
Both Jose's and Gajeel's faces fell at that comment. Gajeel took an intimidating step forward, but Jose stopped him.
"Leave it, Gajeel," he said sharply, "This is neither the time nor the place."
'At least he knows that much,' Toshi thought to herself as she held Gajeel's heated stare. She moved a hand to hover over her sword, just waiting for him to make one wrong move.
"Tch," the dragon slayer started, finally backing off, "Yeah, you're right. This pathetic bunch definitely ain't worth it."
"Maybe another time then," Jose said, staring down at Makarov longer than normal before walking off with Gajeel right behind him.
Once the two were out of sight, the table visibly relaxed as both guild masters returned to their smiling selves. Though, a huff was heard from both Toshi and Erza as both women stabbed their forks into their desserts.
"What horrible manners!" Toshi said.
"I second that!" Erza said.
Then they both took the bite of cake they had each stabbed.
Vera and Makarov exchanged looks before laughing at both of them. Both women flushed in slight embarrassment, but said nothing in return as they continued to eat their cakes.
Once everyone was finished, it was time for them to start heading towards the Magic Council building at the top of the mountain in the middle of town. The guild masters walked and talked together while Toshi and Erza did the same just a few feet behind them. It didn't take long for them to make it to the mountain, walk up the winding trail and come to a stop in front of the large front doors of the building.
Vera and Makarov showed their summons to the front guards before they were let in. Inside, everything was just as grand and large as the pathway leading up to the building. It was shining and glittering, being filled with paintings and artifacts and statues.
"Are you here for the meeting between the Council and the guild masters?"
A young woman had popped up in front of them, wearing a uniform that indicated her an employee of the Magic Council.
"Yes, we are," Vera answered.
"Great, this way please!"
The group followed her, passing a few doors and hallways on the way. They eventually came to a wide, gray door, and while the young woman appeared petite, she easily pushed the door open like it was made of feathers. Inside were several other guild masters with a mage of their choosing.
Toshi gave Gajeel another glare as she stepped inside, but Vera had made sure to stand on the other side of the room away from Phantom Lord. Toshi also spotted two other guilds that she knew of – Blue Pegasus and Quatro Cerberus. Though, they didn't have a chance to approach them as their attention was called to the front of the room.
The Magic Council sat on an elevated platform, many of them were translucent, appearing in the room through magical projection. There were a few of them that were there in person, including their leader – Crawford Seam. The bearded man stepped forward with a wide smile.
"Welcome everyone! I'm glad you all were able to make it today. I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here exactly."
There was some nodding along with some vocal affirmations.
"We have a bit of a conundrum. There is a young mage that is in need of a guild to take him in. He has been in our juvenile facility for the past two years but has recently turned eighteen and can no longer stay here."
"Juvenile facility? So, he's a criminal?"
"Why would we take a criminal? Why not just move him to the actual prison?"
"I can't believe you would ask us here for something like that!"
"If you would just let me explain," Crawford tried to calm the crowd, but they just continued on arguing about why they were there.
"Enough!" Org shouted, having much less patience than Crawford, "You will hear us out and you will be quiet about it!"
The room quickly became silent.
Crawford laughed nervously, "Thank you, Org," he said, only earning a huff from the other man, "Now then, yes, this young man made some wrong choices when he was younger that had him ending up here, but everyone deserves a second chance. I'm sure as guild masters, you understand that better than most. Unfortunately, we are not equipped to give him that second chance here, so a probation period at a mage guild is what we think will help him the most."
Crawford turned back towards one of the guards in the room and waved him forward.
Behind the guard was a tall young man in anti-magic handcuffs. He had a severe look about him and the biggest scowl Toshi had ever seen, Gajeel included. He was stuck in a horrible, olive green jumpsuit with black numbers printed on the back, but his black hair looked clean if a bit messy
"This is Lucas," Crawford introduced him.
Once he stood facing the room, Toshi noticed two things about him. First, his eyes were a beautiful bright blue that almost looked cat-like in appearance. And second was the scar covering his face, horizontal across the bridge of his nose and reaching out across his cheeks. That scar looked like it must have been painful and deep to leave such a marking on him.
Lucas seemed to stare down at the entire room, his anger practically rolling off of him in waves, "Putting me on display like this is low and disgusting, old man."
His voice was venom as his eyes slid across the room to land on Crawford. Toshi would have bet any amount of money that if looks could kill, the old man would have been dead on the spot.
Crawford just laughed nervously, "As you can see, he is a bit of a firecracker."
Lucas, along with a few of the others in the room, heavily rolled his eyes at that comment.
"Let's just get this shit show over with," Lucas interrupted Crawford, "So, I have to be placed with one of you lucky assholes. Just know that I'm not interested in learning from you or getting to know your mages or becoming a goody-two-shoes hero. You're not going to change me or fix me or whatever the hell you think this probation is going to magically do. I'm just here to do my time and then hit the road when it's over. If anyone messes that up for me or you get all up in my business, I will be a problem for you. Otherwise, we should get along just fucking peachy."
Toshi could see half the room immediately check out after that little speech. She thought that maybe he was hoping that no one would want to take him and that would force the Council to let him out on his own. Though, she had to wonder what exactly he did to land himself here. The Council had a tendency to use mages as scapegoats, so she knew to take what they said with a grain of salt.
She then looked over at her own master in order to see what sort of reaction she had to Lucas. She wasn't surprised to see Vera's usual easy smile still plastered on her face, like the boy hadn't just told all of them to fuck off.
'It almost seems like she wants to take him in,' Toshi thought, 'That's very like Vera.'
Toshi let a lazy smile appear on her own lips, already knowing how things were going to end and decided to just enjoy the journey to that end point.
"What is his magic?" one of the guild masters who hadn't backed away asked.
"You can just ask me directly," Lucas answered, more upset that they were talking like he wasn't there in the room, "It's Blade Borne Magic. I can create swords of all varieties, including magical."
It wasn't the most in-depth explanation, and Toshi was sure there was more to it, but at least he was straightforward about it.
"I believe Phantom Lord will pass on this boy. More trouble than he's worth and that magic sounds rather useless," Jose announced, turning away from Lucas and the Magic Council, "I already have someone who can make swords and he would wipe the floor with that boy."
"Gihehe!" Gajeel laughed, giving Lucas a once over before following Jose out of the room.
Lucas was left looking like he would burst from the rage filling him, his eyes appearing even more cat-like; but he managed to keep himself in place and his mouth shut.
"You know, kid," Vera began gently, but looking directly at Lucas. He turned towards her, giving her a sharp stare, "I have a lot of other kids that are hurt like you."
"Don't talk like you know me! I'm not hurting over anything!"
Vera didn't flinch or drop her smile, "My kids like to say that a lot too. But it's okay, I see you."
For the first time since entering the room, Lucas looked like something other than angry. He looked surprised and confused, as if no one had said anything like that to him before. Toshi guessed that no one ever had.
"I'm going to give you something you've probably never had. You won't appreciate it right now and you'll probably stay angry for a long while, but it's going to be yours all the same," Vera said, taking a step forward.
"Like you have anything I want. What the hell can you give me?" Lucas asked, trying to regain some of the intimidation he had lost.
"A home."
The smile she gave him was gentle and genuine and it had him faltering again, not used to any of the feelings that washed over him. He did his best to quickly cover up his surprise, giving Vera another scowl, but it wasn't as harsh as the one he walked into the room with.
"Tch, whatever."
"Wonderful! Seems we have found a place for you," Crawford announced, knowing that it was unlikely that another guild would volunteer to take Lucas, "Vera, you may follow me to my office while we get Lucas ready for you. I just have a few things to go over with you. Miss Hashima can stay in here and wait for Lucas and yourself."
The crowd began to file out after that, though Makarov did step up to Vera before she left with Crawford.
"Are you sure about this, Vera?"
"I'm certain. Don't worry. I want to help him."
Makarov stared at her a moment longer before a feeling of happiness and pride washed over him, "I'm sure you will do well. And after all, it's better you than me!" he laughed loudly.
This earned him a whack on the head from Erza, "Don't be rude, master!" she then turned towards Vera and Toshi, "It was good seeing you both. Safe travels on your way home. And good luck with your newest recruit."
Everyone said their goodbyes and Vera disappeared with Crawford, leaving Toshi alone in the room for a bit. She came to stand by a window and looked out over Era. She had confidence in Vera's decision, but this might have been just a bit more than her master could chew. The kid was intense and she was sure things would be tense for a while at the guild once they returned home.
It wasn't much longer before Vera and Crawford returned with Lucas being escorted in a few minutes later. He was now wearing regular clothes, though they were a bit ragged looking, but Toshi admitted he looked much better now that he was out of that horrible jumpsuit.
"Let's see and make sure the rune is there," Crawford said.
Lucas didn't move at first, but a knock on his shoulder from the guard had him sticking his arm out, showing off a black rune mark now on his left forearm.
"Good, good," Crawford said, turning back to Vera, "Now remember, like I said, that rune mark is there to track and report everything Lucas does. We will receive the report here in Era and if anything fishy shows up, there will be a representative at your door. He is allowed to take missions and fight and defend himself against enemies, but any whiff of him hurting innocent people will come back to us. Understood?"
"Of course," Vera answered.
"And a representative should be out every few months or so to check in on him and to ensure things are moving along smoothly, so don't be surprised by those visits."
"Of course."
"And thank you again for stepping up. The Council wishes you luck!"
"Of course."
Anyone that knew Vera well enough knew that the politeness she was showing was simply to keep the peace. Toshi could easily tell she was annoyed and that she didn't mean any of the kindness she was showing Crawford. It was simply out of the necessity of dealing with the Council and getting out of there as quickly as possible.
"You are free to go on your way then," Crawford said.
Before the guard could push Lucas forward, Vera stepped up and positioned herself between the guard and the boy. She eyed the guard for a moment, causing him to step back.
Lucas gave Crawford one last side eye before stepping forward towards the door. Vera followed him closely with Toshi taking up her position behind her. The trio silently made their way out of the room and out of the building. It wasn't until they were halfway down the mountain that both Vera and Toshi felt they could relax.
"I hope we don't have to come back here for a while," Vera said.
"Agreed," Toshi said.
"This place can burn for all I care," Lucas added, slightly picking up his pace to get away from the building even faster.
"So, Lucas," Vera began, "What is your last name? They didn't have one on the paperwork for you."
"That's because I don't have one."
Vera and Toshi exchanged glances.
"Well then," Vera said, "I suppose that will be the next thing we need to find for you."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, old lady."
That comment earned him a whack on the head from Toshi.
"Looks like we have some manners to drill into you."
Anger began to rise in him again, "Hit me again and I'll show you why they put me in that place!"
"You'd have to catch me first," Toshi said, suddenly appearing behind Lucas.
He blinked in surprise as he whipped around to face her. She smiled proudly at him, earning her a huff and a grumble as he continued the trek down the mountain.
Vera laughed as she stepped into a walk beside Toshi, "Looks like things are going to be interesting. And I have just the perfect person to partner him up with."
"I don't need some damn stupid partner, old lady!"
"It's Yashen, right? Please say it's Yashen," Toshi said, causing Vera to simply laugh again.
Author's Note
So, this chapter ended up just a little different than I had planned, but I think it all turned out just fine. I had planned on introducing about 3-4 more characters, but by the time I finished up with the whole Era thing, it just felt off trying to go into a completely new scene. Plus, the whole Era thing took a little longer than I thought it would, but again, I'm really happy with the way everything turned out!
Character Credits
Toshi Hashima – JackHammerMan
Lucas – theotakureader101
I hope the characters in this chapter turned out the way you imagined them. I really loved them both and I had a lot of fun with them.
Thank you again to everyone who sent in characters! They were all great! And all the character slots have been filled at this time. If any other slots open in the future, I will make announcements for those and what they are for.
I did decide to go ahead and create a discord for the story since enough people were interested. If you would like to, the invite is on my profile, just remember to delete the spaces in it! Anyone is welcome to join.
That should be it for now.
Until next chapter!