Magic in the air - Back to it

"Speech"

So it had been about 3 weeks since our run-in with the dire wolves, which I had come to learn weren't dangerous because of magic but because they were highly resilient to it. Secondly, I had gotten magical exhaustion and strained my core, again. Thankfully not nearly as bad as when I first arrived, I was back to full strength in 2 days.

Though Wendy and Carla had begun training with me, we hadn't taken any more missions. Mostly because the girls were scared to go alone after what happened and afraid that I would do something stupid if I went without them or was left to my own devices. Which is honestly fair, I did use what could have easily been a suicide attack, however, it was out of desperation.

Technically I could go by myself but I didn't want to scare them further. And Carla had been correct I needed more control over my magic.

"OK, break time," I announced tiredly, stopping my hour-long run.

Wendy fell back on her butt beside me with a "Pah," sound. She'd only been running for half an hour. And only tripped twice, which was better than usual.

While Carla took my advice and placed her arms behind her head opening her airways and panting. The poor cat obviously wasn't on the same training plan as myself, and neither was Wendy for that matter.

The two girls wanted to improve themselves after our recent misadventure and I was more than happy to help and train alongside them.

"Doing alright?" I asked. Wendy groaned.

"Fine," Carla replied between breaths.

Next up was magic training, Carla was carrying heavier loads with her Aera magic. She was getting better and faster actually able to lift Wendy, not for long or by more than a few inches, but still, progress.

Wendy was attempting to form an attack with her Dragon Slayer magic, but it wasn't going well. I'd made a comment on how a dragon could breathe their element, because I knew it was the first attack she used in the story. The problem was, she was 12 when she did that, and under a lot of stress to boot. The current 8-year-old Wendy was at a disadvantage, her lack of aggression made it difficult to draw on.

She was however having far more luck with using Dragon Slayer magic to enchant herself, Carla, and me. In three weeks she had gotten several basic enchantments down such as Arms which increased damage output, Armor for defense, and Verifier for speed. All lessons from her dragon mother that she was now putting into practice. Honestly, the girl was exceptional given a little motive and inclination to train. Sidenote, I'd also taught the girl how to throw a punch properly with well, not really sparring more technical training. Fully enchanted the girl hit like a truck, much to her horror, my glee, and Carla's acceptance.

The experience with the wolves had affected them deeply. They were training very hard but there was only so much you could learn in a set amount of time.

I for example had learned that your magic could be shaped before activating it, actually it was meant to be, which had led to my regular detonations becoming shaped charges though it took some time to shape at the moment. Secondly, I could direct my magic so rather than just pushing my magic into an object and it exploding from the place of contact I could make it explode in a line or a circle, semicircle, or even consecutively. In that same vein, I'd learned that I could flow magic around objects not just into them, it's how mages could, for example, set swords on fire without damaging them. Thirdly I could use the blasts from my body as a propellant. Lastly, I'd learned how to shape the charge of detonations from my body directly, effectively throwing blasts, still working on keeping them shaped past normal explosions once released though.

But important to note was my first named attack, Ground Zero. Because I had to flood my whole body with magic it took a good third of my magic reserves and the attack was indiscriminate. I'd made attempts to localize the effect to my limbs with less energy but it was iffy and would often result in massive back blast throwing me back a dozen meters and on one occasion dislocating one of my arms.

It had really hammered in just how destructive a magic I was wielding. All in all though, we'd made good if painful progress.

Tomorrow however we would finally be looking for a new job.

We'd all gotten up early to check the request board and were currently huddled around it.

"What about this," Wendy pointed to a paper on the request board.

"Delivering a letter?" I responded flatly, Carla could do that without me or Wendy, in fact, we'd slow her down... Who the hell requests mages to deliver a letter?

Wendy made a sound of positive agreement.

"Is it important?" I asked. It would make sense if we were guarding the letter.

"Hmm, not that I can see," Carla said, seemingly just as confused.

"Right, maybe keep that as a backup plan," I stated.

"OK," Wendy chirped happily, obviously in a good mood. She was probably happy to go back on quests and all that. But maybe something not as... Mundane this time. Perhaps that's the sort of mission's she and Carla usually went on?

I spotted several interesting jobs but none that would suit Wendy, Carla and myself, most were above our current skill levels anyway. But I really wanted to get us some experience.

"How about this one?" Carla began reading the piece of paper, "Help needed, Cave in, multiple wounded, required healers and mage to remove rubble."

Wendy gasped, "Oh no. That's horrible."

"That it is, actually this mission sounds perfect for us, "Does it say when it was posted?"

"Hmm, three days ago, a small town in the mountain range called Pitt, it's southwest of here but north of Mount Hakobe about a day way," Carla continued.

Wendy seemed unsure , "In the mountains? That's kind of far and dangerous."

"Eh, it's not that far and they do need help. We'd be a good team for it don't you think?" I spoke my mind.

Carla frowned as Wendy hesitated, then spoke up, "Come now Wendy it isn't that far and its rather low on the mountain. There won't be any monsters, and if there are we do have Salem to blast them." I chuckled at the trust Carla was showing.

"I doubt the miners would request guild help if they had a choice, meaning they really do need help," I thought aloud. Personally I approved of Carla's pick, but we're a team so we all need to agree.

"What's the pay?" I asked out of curiosity. From what I'd learned 100 Jewel was equal to about a dollar. That herb collection quest depended on the quality of the plants, on the low end it was 40,000 at the high around 80,000. That was roughly 400-800 dollars.

"300,000 Jewels," Carla read matter-of-factly.

Around 3000 dollars then. I nodded at the she-cat in thanks, "Not bad at all, that's a lot for a non-combat mission." I did ponder why though.

"I like it, what do you think?" I asked the bluette.

Wendy was fidgeting in place. "Umm, what about this one instead?" Wendy spoke up. I took the paper she offered and read aloud, "Mages wanted for, childrens party? Mount Hakobe settlement, 120,000 Jewels."

"It's still really far, and it pays well, it sounds fun," Wendy affirmed. Personally I didn't think Mount Hakobe was really that far, but Wendy and Carlas missions up till now were probaby local.

Carla flew up to my shoulder to read the poster, "Wendy this is scheduled for in 3 weeks," She deadpanned.

"I mean what if we did the one in the mountains first then the kid's party? Wendy's enchantments would be good for a child's party while my explosives could double as fireworks," I attempted. Carla nodded at that, liking the idea.

Wendy seemed unsure at the mining mission being brought back up, "I-I don't know."

"Wendy I know it's a bit dangerous, but we need to challenge ourselves that's why we've been training right? It's why I'm here. We're a team now, you're the medic, Carla's the scout, and I'm assault. But we ALL need to agree on a mission as a team, if you think this is too much then we won't do it," I gave the girl a one-armed hug.

Carla sighed but returned the poster. I patted her back, much to her annoyance.

"Here's an escort one, lets see, carriage escort mission from Mount Hakobe to Oshibana town. 350,000 Jewels? Ah, possible bandit activity," I was reading a loud, though even Carla barked at that one, which was impressive for a cat like being.

I put that one back, as we all continued. An hour later and we were no closer to deciding.

We were now sat at a table with several job posters, included was a request for a missing item in the Waas forest for 100,000, that Wendy had selected. An on-foot (read by train) escort from the Mount Hakobe settlement to Clover town for 180,000, from Carla, And from me, a request to clear out some dire wolves for 220,000 which was already a no... I was vindictive sue me. We'd already decided to apply for the birthday party job for three weeks from now, and were reaching our final verdict.

"So we agree that the escort mission is within our ability?" I made sure we were all on the same page.

Wendy nodded in the affirmative not happy with the distance but a little more relaxed now, "That sounds OK."

"Indeed though I do wonder why they would bother?" Carla huffed. Re-reading the request.

"A job's a job, they probably think someone's after them. Or they have something someone else wants, considering the pay I doubt it's another mage or anything too serious," I shrugged.

Carla hummed at that but ultimately that's what we decided on.

Well time to get some supplies and move out, it was early enough.

Two days later we'd arrived at the settlement at the base of the mountain. Wendy was still rather put out about being so far from the guild, but she was trying. I was the one stuck carrying our camping supplies though and stopping Wendy from falling over every few minutes. Carla helped but wow was younger Wendy clumsy.

Finding the tavern where we were meant to meet with the client, was rather easy as well. It was smack dab in the center of the rustic town.

The Base Camp, real original. The tavern was rather dreary like an old western saloon built with darker woods, at least the lighting was good. It smelled of booze, vomit, smoke, and sweat.

"Eww," Wendy pinched her nose at the smell.

"Hey, you kids ain't allowed in here," A rather large tan man sounding oddly Scottish with a glorious brown mustache boomed over the bar.

Wendy squeaked at the large man, got to work on that. "We're wizards with Cait shelter here to meet a client." I pulled my left sleeve down and lifted my arm, the upside down guild mark becoming right side up.

The man hesitated at that, mages no matter the age could be dangerous, but we WERE still kids, "And can I just say that, that is a glorious mustache, don't suppose there's a trick to it is there?" I pointed to my own bare upper lip.

The bartender barked out a laugh, "No such luck laddie, you find who your lookin' for and get out. It's bad for business, you hear?" I nodded my consent and moved to the 2nd to last booth on the right to meet our contact. Well, that's what the information said.

Sat there alone was a rather busty but aging woman probably in her late 40s, with pink hair done up in a bun, red irises, and pale skin. She was dressed much like a southern belle in a red and pink dress.

"Don't y'all mind Bren none now, he loves you children, he don't like seeing y'all in here with us drunks," The woman spoke with a south accent or I suppose western in this world. She downed her shot of liquor, that even I could smell, without a twitch.

"Miss Sadi?" Carla asked though had her nose wrinkled at the smells, likewise Wendy was covering her own now, not just pinching it.

"That's me darlin'. Ah wasn't expecting a bunch o'kids and a talking cat when I requested help from a guild," She looked us over.

"Well, we've faced down dire wolves before, even taken some out. We're capable, regardless of our age," I talked us up a bit but nothing I had said was untrue.

The woman hummed.

"Indeed, perhaps introductions are in order. I am Carla I use Aera magic for a bird's eye view, and act as the scout," Carla introduced herself using the designation I used at the guild.

"That is Wendy Marvell, sky dragon slayer, and healer," Wendy simply waved with her free hand at Carla's introduction.

"And this is Salem Warden, explosives expert, he can use detonation magic to turn anything, including himself into a bomb," Carla finished.

"Yo," I greeted.

The woman looked amused but resigned, "Alright darlin' y'all have made your point, we best be off before ol'Bran pulls somethin'." She got up from the booth and we followed her out onto the street pausing only to bid fare well to the bartender. Wendy took a deep breath of the clean air much to mine and Sadi's amusement.

"Now Miss Sadi, perhaps you could tell us what you need an escort for?" Carla brought up.

"Please call me Madam. And to answer your question, afraid I ain't sure. See one o'my girls dun heard somethin' she shouldn't of and told me. We were meant to meet with someone in Clover about it, but she went missing, see," The woman slumped. Oh, OH she's a brothel owner, and considering Carla's deep blush I wasn't the only one who had figured it out. Wait disappeared?

"Well that's not good," I commented. Wendy was wide-eyed. Missing could mean any number of things, most admittedly not good.

"It certainly isn't, this is the type of thing you should have mentioned beforehand," Carla was rather irritated now and staying close to Wendy.

"I know darlin' and if I'd known they'd be sending you younguns I would of. But I didn't want to tip 'em off none, y'all think Sadi's my real name?" The Madam explained. Oh for Hestia's sake.

"Wait, tip off, who?" I asked as we walked.

"Y'all don't need to know," The Woman insisted.

"Look Y'all yunguns need to leave, alrighty," The Woman looked us over with obvious concern before setting off again.

"OK, wait, our job is to escort you to Clover, we can handle a few thugs," I insisted right back. Catching right back up. Though Wendy was looking nervous now.

"Indeed, Madam, we can hardly tarnish our guild's name with a job half done, perhaps we can inform the guard," Carla stated cautiously though she was obviously putting up a front right now. The guard would make a good out.

"Guard here won't do nothin' against them," The Woman sighed before continuing. "Ain't no job, not anymore kido's, I dun had to use the last'o all my pennies to get ma'girls little'un's out o'town yesterday," She admitted. She looked sincere, and something was telling me she was, a voice in the back of my head.

Wendy looked scared at the new information and Carla looked rather hesitent as well. Paid or not, job or not, this situation just became more serious. Certainly not as advertised.

"You're telling me they were willing to target children?" I asked, frowning. That really ticked me off. And my respect for the woman went up.

The woman gave a sad nod as my question, "And y'all have escorted me to the train, I reckon it's time you children left. Y'all done your job."

We'd stopped again and Wendy looked rather upset at what she'd heard. But Carla grit her teeth in anger at what was going on.

We'd stopped at the station I looked around at all the people milling about. That was fast, it wasn't far from the bar was it?

Before I could comment Wendy sniffed the air and went stiff, "Lookout!" I reacted immediately at the panic in her voice. Spinning I saw a small individual brandishing a knife right next to the woman. Dressed like a damn ninja, how had I missed that, scratch that, how had everyone but Wendy missed that.

The would be assassin struck the moment they'd been made, so did I of course, intersepting the killer with an explosive punch.

They weaved out of the way, they were definitely trained. I shifted my weight as I flowed through with my punch and slammed my foot on the ground, flowing as little magic as I could to still be effective around my shoe, into the ground and detonating it under the attempted killer.

With a bang, they were blown off their feet backward. "Time to go, Ma'am," I pushed her toward the train and grabbed a shaking Wendy who was almost hyperventilating. The crowd was dispersing in a panic at the explosion. At least no one else had been hurt.

"Get on the train they know we're with her now," I told Carla, Wendy was still in shock at the sudden attack.

"Come, on Wendy," Carla begged pulling the girl forward the Madam activly helping now they were moving.

In the seconds that had taken, the assassin was already recovered and desending on us again.

Panic filled me, I had no time to shape anything and Ground Zero wouldn't work here, I could hurt someone, the station was clearing fast, but there were people on the train. I filled my arms with magic and threw them forward at the same time and close together in an attempt to mimic a fraction of the huge blast and gain some control of it.

"BackBlast," I yelled. A detonation equal to that of a Rocket launcher blasted my assailant back into the station building putting them through a stone wall, thankfully in one direction. Unfortunately it also threw me back into the side of the metal train carriage, denting it. Concrete had been torn up and cracked on the platform, running from me to the now destroyed wall a few dozen meters from me and several meters in width.

It took me several seconds to readjust and pull myself from the metal. Thankfully the adrenaline was numbing my pain but I could still feel the throbbing in my back and shoulders. I bit back a groan. Over a minute had passed by now, that blast had been disorienting.

I panted that was almost a sixth of my reserves. As the seconds passed by there was still no assassin. I leaned forward on my knees to catch my breath, just as a knife sailed right where my head had been.

Rest over, I was immediately alert again, the assassin was unbelievably back on their feet and advancing, slower than before and with torn clothes, but still coming.

I shaped some magic in my hand and threw out an explosive bolt at the ground in front of them. They dodged but it brought me precious seconds to pour magic into a semicircle into the ground in front of me which detonated as they approached again, once more forcing them back, and throwing off another knife they had apparently thrown which bounced off the train.

With that, the train began to move the operator probably wanting to get the train away from the fight.

I detonated the ground again for good measure expanding the circle and earning me a muffled curse through the smoke. Time to go.

Jumping onto the train I closed the door and then ducked as another knife hit the window smashing it, "Shit!"

I threw out another explosive bolt where the knife had come from as the train finally gained traction and accelerated.

I heard shouting further in the carriage, great.

Running into the closest carriage I found Wendy glowing with enchantments and sporting several cuts and bruises but she was still kicking and clawing wildly, as several men, armed with short swords and in leather armor, attempting to subdue her. She was panicked but her dragonic instincts had kicked in, the 5 knocked-out men at her feet spoke for how well she'd done, though three more were still up.

Bang! Two more I thought as an explosive bolt struck one in the back getting their attention. At which point Carla entered the carriage, "We're going straight to Clover!" She shouted. Ah, so she'd gotten them moving.

Then she took in the present situation, "What happened!" Seems she didn't know about Wendy's fight then.

She took everything in quickly, "Lookout!" Carla's warning saved my life. I turned back around narrowly missing a knife to the back, my shoulder wasn't as lucky.

"Salem!" Carla cried out in worry.

"Ahhh!" I yelled as the knife bit deep. I vaguely heard Wendy scream in terror also calling my name, followed by two meaty thuds, as two men's bodies flew past me hitting the floor loudly.

The assassin was back and almost on me as I regained focus and poured my magic into the carriage. "Fire in the hole!" I detonated the end of the carriage, where no one else was present.

BOoOOoM

I was flung backward as was the assassin, in the other direction. Still building speed we gained distance quickly from the now loose carriage.

"Oww," I commented from Wendy's grasp, having been caught by the smaller girl, "Thanks for the save." I hissed in pain. Wendy helped me remove the camping Supplies and laid me down, crying the entire time then hesitated. I didn't, ripping the blade from my shoulder, "Damnit!" That hurt. Wendy gasped but was already going to work patching up my wound.

"Are they gone?" I asked hesitantly.

"Yes," Carla sighed in relief. Looking at the huge hole in the carriage.

I looked at the knife, this is mine now. The blade shimmered..."I think I've been poisoned," I said calmer than I probably should be.

Wendy gasped in horror and doubled her efforts at healing my wound. "You alright Madam," I asked to take my mind off the pain.

The woman in question was tucked away in one of the train booths, she simply sobbed, mouth covered as she watched me get patched up.

"We have a problem," Carla commented shakily. Oh, what now.

I tilted my head up from the floor as Carla opened one of the downed man's collars, showing a symbol I'd seen in the newspaper nearly two weeks ago.

"Is that the Northern Lions mark?" I questioned. Looking at the black tattoo showing a roaring Lion.

"Indeed a mercenary guild," The she-cat confirmed.

..."Shit," I commented unabashed

"Language," Carla admonished automatically.

Wendy's magic cut and she sighed in relief still shaking with tears running down her face. I pushed myself up and gave the girl a hug.

"How long till Clover?" I asked looking at the shaken cat girl.

"A few hours," Carla responded looking at Wendy in disbelief and concern.

I released Wendy and put her in a seat next to the Madam who quickly embraced the tired little girl in a hug. Carla quickly joined them asking after Wendy's health. I reassured Carla placing my hand on her shoulder, well arm considering the size difference. And pulled out the medkit from our travel bag.

While Carla dressed Wendy's wounds I started stripping the unconscious mercenaries and tying them up. So glad we brought rope.

I was just above a quarter on my magic reserves, which surprised me because I felt way worse. It was enough to stand guard though.

It was around two hours later that the steam engine would come to a stop. Not knowing what to expect I opened the door cautiously and was met with armed guards in full plate mail and spears... shit.

I raised my arms in surrender as did the others in our party. "So you know there's Northern Lion mercenaries on the train," Was my immediate comment which caused the guards to double time in searching the train.

Wendy was crying by now and Carla wouldn't be separated from her. I raised my arm and showed my guild mark, "We're legal mages, wizards of Caut Shelter. We were attacked during an escort, we will cooperate, and I'll explain everything. But you WILL leave them alone." I emphasized this through my anger, my magic responded causing small crackles around me.

The guards trying to separate them were obviously cautious now at my show and as the mercenaries were dragged off the train, they relented.

"Great let's go," I was apparently taking the lead at the moment, under armed guard mind you. I looked to the guard on my left, "A heads up we were attacked by an assassin, I took a poisoned blade from them and wrapped it in a jacket, careful when you search my bag." He tensed for a moment but nodded at me.

A few minutes later we entered a large stone building, my bag was taken and Wendy and Carla were kept together as I glared yet again.

I was sitting in a room alone now, napping.

A slamming door awoke me, "Sup." I greeted sleepily as I yawned. If they thought leaving me alone to 'stew' would work they were mistaken. I was innocent in this anyway.

The female Captain visibly twitched her short black hair, making it easy to see her pale face in full.

"Salem Warden of Cait Shelter, age 9, magic detonate," She rattled off.

"Yes Ma'am," I answered.

"Can you tell me what happened?" She sat on the other side of the table I was sitting behind.

I nodded and gave a retelling of all events from the bar to now, the Captain sat listening.

As I finished the soldier spoke up, "Yes that's about the same story we got from the others." She paused then sighed, "And thank you for your warning about the knife, you have a good healer that was Henbane."

"Yeah, I'm thankful for her, and you're welcome," I nodded my acceptance. Note to self, look up Henbane.

"That assassin is known as the black cat, I'm very surprised you children did as well as you did," She commented.

"Is everyone alright? I made sure to keep my explosions away from any civilians, but I can't imagine that an assassin would take defeat well," I was actually concerned. They had been blasted into another carriage but there wasn't anything I could do about that after the fact.

"No civilian casualties, the army arrived shortly after but they were already gone," I slumped in relief, that had been my biggest concern. Still the assassin at large wasn't good.

"Damages, on the other hand, are another story," She glared and I winced yeah that sounds about right.

The soldier sighed once more, "Lucky for you that woman you were escorting knows someone high up, the damages have been waved and you'll be free to go after some... paperwork." Crap.

After reading and signing several forms and then writing out my oral report I was finally moved to a waiting room.

"Salem!" Where I was immediately wrapped in a big hug by the small Dragon slayer.

I returned the hug, "Everyone OK?" I asked.

"Yes, we were waiting on you," Carla said checking me over and giving me a little nod.

"Good to hear," I kept an arm around the bluette who apparently wasn't releasing me any time soon.

"How about you Madam," I looked at the red-eyed woman, she'd been crying again.

"Darlin's ah can't thank y'all younguns enough," She was tired, you could hear it.

Carla huffed and simply crossed her arms.

"One good turn deserves another Madam, you looked after those under you, it's only right we do the same," I felt oddly proud.

"Quite right young man," Came a male voice behind me, I was unable to turn to it as Wendy was still latched onto me though I did turn my head as far as it would go in an effort not to be rude. There stood a member of the royal guard in a blue dress uniform and white cloak, sword on his right side. The guard in question was blue-haired with red irises and a pleasant smile on his face.

I went straight at a form of attention while I heard Carla straightening out her clothes. Wendy curiously looked over my shoulder but tilted her head in confusion.

Before I or Carla could speak the Madam flew up and glomped the man. Carla wheezed and I wasn't far behind.

"Talick," she cried holding the man. He didn't stumble, he held the woman, "Sorry I'm late Mother." Oh, my Hestia, the elite of the kingdom's forces. Used to be you had to be of nobility to join, but not so since King Toma took the throne... What, I listened when Carla talked... Wait Mother?

"Thank you," The man, Sir Talick inclined his head at us.

"N-not a problem Sir Talick," Carla curtseyed and Wendy had finally figured out this was a big shot. She wiped her tears and brushed off her dress, while I smiled at the family back together and responded, "Just doing our jobs, sir."

He chuckled pleasantly, "More than, from the report I got on the way. You could have left, it was above your ability, Mother asked you to leave, but you didn't. You have my gratitude."

He threw a bag at me, which I caught.

"Consider the paid damages a bonus, you did more than I'd expect of children, I look forward to seeing what you grow into mages of Cait shelter," He turned and walked out with his mother.

... Well, that just happened, I think I owe Wendy and Carla a treat after all this.

A/N: So in typical fairy tail fashion a mission goes tits up for Cait Shelter. I hope I got the individual responces down correctly for their first real time in combat.

Next; after some research, it seems mage is a term for anyone who can use magic while Wizard is typically for mages in a guild for anyone wondering.

Lastly the people they were facing obviously werent mages, but were well trained, more on that next time.