Hello! And, welcome to the next chapter of Scarlet Destiny! How you all been? I bet you're all thinking...What's this? It's Thursday? She never updates on Weekdays. Only weekends. What's this girl up too? Anyway, let me explain in two words...IT'S CHRISTMAS! So, to give everyone some festive cheer I decided to update on Christmas day or night (depending on your time zones.) Also, this contains a MERRY OVA which I decided to write for all of you guys for being splendid readers and it's my Christmas present to you guys. Okay, enough of me babbling so here it is:
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Fairy Tail but Scarlet Destiny is all mine :)
Scarlet Destiny house in Magnolia
Three people were stacked up on top of each other in a very unstable pyramid. They had their ears pressed against the oak colored door they were leaning on for support. The person at the bottom looked almost like he was dying of carrying the wait of a pretty girl above him and also a little girl on top of that.
"Are you almost done yet? Can you hear anything?" Ren wheezed out.
"Ren! Hold still and be quiet! I can't hear a thing." Miyah, the little girl on top of the human pyramid, chastised as she pressed her ear against the door harder.
"I can only hear murmers! I can't make out what they are saying! What is this door made out of?" huffed Veruna in annoyance.
Unknown to them, they were being watched by their guild members who were each staring at them in awe, a bit of annoyance and just down right disbelief.
"I can't believe they are trying to listen on Jared's conversation with Zolo like this." Nyx groaned out in disbelief.
"Well," Wendy started, sweat dropping "we are all very curious to know what Jared will do. He did tell us to stay in the dining area though. So, I guess they will go to any lengths to find out...they are very determined."
"There's a difference between determination and idiocy Wendy. And, those three are leaning to the latter." Lucy said with a sigh, although inside her, she too was really curious. How would Jared deal with Zolo?
"Okay, so I've got my money sorted out. I bet 40,000 jewels that Ren will cause the pyramid to fall." Kuro announced out loud, eyeing the three people who were currently fighting at the door.
"You're betting on this?!" Lucy shouted out loud as she looked at Kuro.
Kuro just shrugged.
"Hey, if I earn a bit of cash here and there, it's not so bad. So, who's going to join?" Kuro asked the occupants of the table.
Silence. Lucy was positive no one would actually join this stupid bet.
"Oh, why not? I don't see any harm in it. I bet 12,000 jewels that Veruna is the cause. I know my team mate. I know she'll do this." Nyx said as she looked at Veruna who was basically standing up on Ren's head now.
Lucy's mouth gaped open. She couldn't believe this was happening. Kuro realizing that Nyx was looking at him earnestly, was slowly pushing his chair away from the table in a very non discreet way.
"Can I bet fish?" Happy asked as he raised a paw.
"Uh..." Kuro trailed off with a sweat drop as he was now three feet away from the table.
"No, you can't!" Lucy shouted before standing up, "I'm ending this."
With that said, she quickly walked around the dining table towards the three people balancing on top of one another.
"Ren!"
Having his name shout out of the blue, caused Ren to lose all his concentration. He landed chin first on the floor with both Veruna and Miyah landing on top of him with a yell. Everyone watching winced.
"I told Miyah not to do that," Mia whispered as she looked at her poor sister in the mess on the floor.
"Oh my god, Ren! Are you okay?" Lucy asked worriedly. She had only meant to get his attention not for them to all fall.
Miyah and Veruna both managed to roll off Ren, who in no time got up into a sitting position. His face was distorted as he rubbed the back of his head in pain. Both Miyah and Veruna were similar rubbing on aching limbs.
"Ow," Ren said before he looked up at Lucy and gave her a large grin, "It's okay. I'm fine!"
"Ren," Lucy said her voice rising to a high note "You are an idiot! You so deserve this."
Ren looked up at Lucy still smiling. His pupils seemed to dilate. Lucy groaned in her mind. She knew that look. It was the 'I am so sorry, Lucy, please forgive me and don't kill me' look that Ren reserved just for her. And, Lucy hated that it worked every time.
"It's not my fault. I am just really curious on what Jared is talking about with Zolo!" Ren edged on with the look.
"Okay, fine, I forgive you," Lucy grumbled before looking towards the door "Although, I am curious as well."
While that little conversation was happening between the pair, so was another.
"So, it looks like you win, Kuro," Nyx started as she quickly looked down to her jacket pockets, stuffed her hands in to get some money. "I guess I should cough up the money..."
The rest of what Nyx was going to say trailed off. She looked up at Kuro who was sitting opposite to her only to see he had moved far away to the back end of the wall, a huge gap between them. Nyx couldn't help but sweat drop. She understood that he hated her but did he really have to move as far away as possible?
Veruna who had overcome her pain couldn't help but feel like bursting out loud. She was one of the people who knew about Kuro's gigantic crush on Nyx. It was so obvious ,but of course, Nyx wouldn't understand that. Veruna quickly moved over and slid into the seat next to Nyx.
"It's okay Nyx. You can give the money to me and I'll give it to Kuro later."
"I still don't understand why he dislikes me so much." Nyx spoke out.
"I doubt he hates you...It's just the situation and stuff," Pause. Veruna figured she wasn't doing very well in hiding what she knew so she just changed the situation "and, anyway, I can't believe you betted on me! And, what's worse you lost! What kind of friend are you?!"
Kuro peeped over at Nyx with and let a small sigh.
"I'm pathetic."
"Yes you are!" Happy beamed but suddenly stopped when he felt Kuro's murdering gaze on him "Uh...What I meant to say was, no you're not! Go Kuro! You can get Nyx one day and talk to her if you try hard enough."
"Don't shout that out!"
Ren and Lucy's conversation was at a stall when she was looking at the door. She was so tempted to press her ear on the door and find out what was happening. She was about to do exactly that, but she suddenly heard pounding footsteps flooding from behind the door. Ren did too as his eyes widened.
"Guys!" he shouted load enough to stop everyone's conversations "They're coming!"
Ren shot off the floor and quickly grabbed Lucy's hand. Of course, him being in a rush to sit down and act like nothing had happened, he didn't notice the flood of red consuming Lucy's face. Why was Ren's hand always so warm? Lucy's thought abstractly as Ren dragged her to sit on the large table next to him.
The door slowly opened. Everyone was in their seats, sitting silently. Jared was the first to appear through the door followed closely behind by Sarah and then Zolo, who was lagging. At once Jared eyed his guild members who were sitting at the table looking like innocent angels and, that was his problem. He knew not one of them could be that innocent.
Jared couldn't help but feel like the mood had lightened his heart. Especially after the tough conversation with Zolo. Sighing, Jared quickly took a seat at the table followed by Sarah who sat on the other side of the rectangle table. Zolo stood close to Jared and did not take a seat.
"So..." Jared started, "I guess we have some things to discuss, huh?"
No one spoke. Everyone just nodded.
"First of all, I'll enlighten you all to what we have decided." Pause "Zolo will be working with Erza still however they are restricted to only Fairy Tail guild. If they wish to pursue or ask anything about the dark guild 'Lacus Animarium' then they must be accompanied by either Sarah or I."
Lucy looked over at Zolo to see if she could tell what he was feeling ,but Zolo's face remained passive, his brown eyes locked onto nothing.
"Furthermore, Zolo will also be taking care of all cooking and cleaning around this place. That's just his full punishment. I think that will suffice for now...but I need all of your opinions first. Do you agree with what I have decided?" Jared asked.
Lucy couldn't help but think of the image of Zolo in an apron and a maids hat. She almost burst our laughing right there and done. Considering the snickers coming from Ren and grins on other members around the table, she knew they were all thinking about the same image. Zolo was now scowling at the occupants of the table.
"Be careful. I'm handling your food now. I won't hesitate to poison it." Zolo growled lowly.
That shut everyone up. Sarah just smiled and shook her head at that Zolo-ish response that only he could could come up with. Jared just sweat dropped. He was now also reconsidering if Zolo should be cooking for them.
"I think that's all I really have to say. You should get some rest since today's been a long day. Tomorrow the search will start. Does anyone have anything to tell me?" Jared asked as he looked at all his members.
"Actually I do," Kuro announced as all eyes turned to him "You see I discovered that..."
The Next Day.
Lucy grimaced as she held her nose as she along with Natsu and Ren walked down a small, dingy alleyway. The smell was suffocating, a mixture of rotten eggs and puke. Lucy could feel her breakfast traveling up her throat. It was worse for the dragon slayers who had a keen sense of smell. Natsu had a firm hand to both his nose and mouth and was holding his breath. Ren looked green in the face and he too was covering his mouth and hands. Happy was currently in Ren's hands playing possum. The smell had gotten to him straight away.
Lucy really hated to go through this alleyway ,but unfortunately, it was the only way leading to a backhand street, that they were going to search through. After Kuro had explained his theory on how Lacus Animarium were most likely to be found in unknown or deserted places, Jared had twisted the plan around and sent everyone to search at places that were not so well known in Magnolia.
When she, Ren and Happy, met up with Natsu things had been very awkward. The fight between Zolo and Erza had yet to escape anyone's mind and Natsu, who cared very deeply about his friends, was acting even more angrily towards Lucy and Ren. Not that either one seemed to care.
Lucy could literally see a blinding light at the end of the dark passage and she internally sighed with relief. Their was no way she was going to open her mouth and let this stink in. Finally, she reached the light. They all walked out into a small, dimly lit area. There were only two people on the street, one sleeping on the ground and the other walking around aimlessly.
There were no shops. No benches. Only tall buildings that blocked out most of the sun light. Lucy had to admit, if she was in a dark guild, this could be an ideal area.
"Things are so dark here." Ren mumbled to himself as he looked around. He couldn't imagine living in this sort of plain, blank area. It made the 'dark forest' where his guild was based look like 'rainbow land'.
Natsu had to agree in his mind. He felt like lighting up the whole place with his fire ,but that would cause many problems. Plus, he couldn't really stand here any longer. Looking at Lucy, at Ren, made him feel sick in his mind and stomach for some reason.
"I'm going to ask that man walking, if he knows anything." Natsu suddenly blurted out.
Without waiting for a reply, he rushed off to the man, leaving his team mates behind.
Lucy sighed.
"I've never really see him this angry before," she suddenly spoke up, looking down on the ground "He used to be so happy...it's like I'm with a stranger."
She had no idea what caused her to say this out loud. She didn't care either. Saying that made her feel a little lighter.
"I agree...sometimes its like that's not even Natsu." Happy agreed.
Ren frowned slightly when he heard those words. He remembered something that Kuro had told him yesterday. Before going to sleep. That Fairy Tail members seemed to do a 360 when Lucy was mentioned-
"Oh my! Oh my! Visitors! Visitors!" someone shouted out loud causing Ren, Happy and Lucy to spin around behind them.
There stood a very short man. He had a long mane of brown hair, spiky and bushy. He also had a small matching goatee to go with it. He was wearing some sort of light blue outfit, with buttoned top and trousers and brown boots. He also had dark green goggles on with thick lenses covering his eyes from sight.
"Uh...Hey..." Lucy said to the man a bit confusingly. He had sneaked up on them rather well. Where did he suddenly come from? The alleyway? Not possible. It took at least five minutes to get through that and they would have heard him. Maybe he was a local resident and he just popped out of his house to see what was going on?
"Who are you?" Ren asked curiously. He was sure he would have smelled someone if they came too close to him, but he hadn't, so to have a man suddenly appear surprised him. Although, Ren was more relaxed now. This man did not seem so much like a threat.
"Who am I?" the man suddenly laughed out loud, a very obnoxious sound "I think the question should be 'Who are you?' There are never many visitors here."
"Oh...I'm sorry. Let us introduce ourselves. I'm Lucy, this here is Ren and the cat in Ren's arm is Happy."
"Hello!" Happy shouted out loud, grinning to himself, knowing the reaction he would get.
Although, the actual reaction was disappointing. The man did not scream, he did not jump in surprise. His eyes widened and then he suddenly burst out laughing yet again.
"I don't see what's so funny." Happy grumbled, sure he would get the 'Shit, the cat talked' reaction.
"I'm sorry." the man laughed "I just...there has been so many strange things going on for a long time around here that the locals are used to this sort of thing."
"Oh, so you live here?" Lucy questioned.
The man rocked on the heel of his boots and grinned.
"Something like that," the man mused "I used to live here. I moved out though, a few days back."
"Why did you move?" Ren asked.
"I got offered something better and I couldn't refuse."
There was a moment of silence. The man was still grinning madly. Lucy had to admit, he seemed even more jolly than Ren or Natsu.
"Then, what are you doing back here?" Happy questioned.
"I had some unfinished business to attend to here... but enough about me! What about you three? Why are you in this area? Are you tourists? Got lost? Shouldn't you be seeing the highlights of Magnolia?" the man interrogated.
"Uh...Kind off," Ren started "We're actually from a guild. I, Lucy and Happy are from a guild called Scarlet Destiny and our last team mate is around here somewhere. He's from Fairy Tail."
"Mages," the man whistled "Cool~ However, that still doesn't answer my question on what your doing in this area. It's kind of rough, ya know? Even for Mages."
"Oh, well, we are on a mission right now. We're looking to see if anyone has seen or heard of a guild called 'Lacus Animarium'." Lucy answered.
"Hmm," the man started as he was not rocking back and forth from his heel to his toes, seeming to be in thought, "Sorry, don't think I've ever heard of that name before."
"Oh," Ren said sounding disappointed "But, how about this picture? Have you ever seen this guild mark anywhere?"
He glanced at Lucy who nodded her head. She quickly slipped out the piece of paper. Lacus Animarium's guild mark was on it in an orange colour.
The man in goggles stumbled forward towards the paper Lucy was holding out. He leaned down close to the paper, his face inches away, and seemed to be studying it. This lasted for a few seconds, before he let out an "Aha!". Then, the man withdrew back slowly and grinned at Lucy, Ren and Happy.
"I've seen it! I've seen that guild mark somewhere!" the man announced looking at the trio whose eyes widened in shock. This could be it. Their first real lead.
"Where?" Ren asked, smiling brightly, over joyed.
"Right here."
The man suddenly grabbed the material on his left wrist, which palm was open and fingers spread wide, and he yanked it up to his elbow. At once, Lucy, Ren and Happy's eyes narrowed on the man's wrist. There, on the man's wrist, was an orange marking of two circles, and in the smallest a straight line through it. The man watched, still grinning, as Lucy, Ren and Happy stood staring at the mark agape and shocked.
The man's hand suddenly started to glow. In the palm on his open left hand, a blue ball was starting to form. Ren's eyes widened even more so much that it could have popped out of their sockets.
"LUCY! WATCH OUT!"
The man flung his hand back to his head then out again, the blue ball, a size of a tennis ball, flying off his hands to Lucy in an unnatural speed ,but she couldn't move in time. No way could she. She was in a direct line of an attack. She could only watch as the blue ball headed straight for her.
Suddenly, Lucy felt something warm and thick wrap around her torso. Then, she shot off the ground like a rocket. Lucy let out a scream and quickly grabbed on to the first thing she could. Her stomach felt like it was doing front flips and it was shooting to her throat at the same time. She looked down at the man with the goggles who seemed to get smaller and smaller as she went higher and higher in the air. And then she...stopped.
Lucy expected to fall back down. For gravity to take effect on her. It didn't. Lucy turned her gaze away from the man in goggles to the thing that she currently had her arms wrapped round. She came face to face with concerned dark blue eyes.
Ren was gripping her tightly, both his arms around her torso. She was pressed tightly against him, her arms around his shoulders. Her eyes were still looking at his, she could not turn away. He just looked so worried, so confused, so afraid all at once. It made her head reel at all the emotions she saw in his eyes.
Finally, she ripped her gaze away and looked at the new parts on Ren's body. His wings, ones she'd seen on numerous occasions, still surprised her. They were flapping softly, a blue color she couldn't place anywhere, describe it anything to do. They were beautiful, scaly, extraordinary. Lucy kind of realized what happened at once. Ren had managed to save her at the last minuet by grabbing her and flying her up in the air.
"Ren..." Lucy, whispered as she looked back into his eyes.
"Lucy! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?!" Ren demanded. He was too afraid to move her away from his body just in case he could lose his grip on her and she would fall.
"I'm fine...You saved my life." Lucy said in awe.
"I, uh, it was nothing...I had to. You're my...teammate..." Ren whispered the confusing sentence. It was the first time that he ever felt like he could lose Lucy...He did not like that feeling at all.
"Thank you, Ren." Lucy said, smiling so easily. Ren just stared into her gratitude eyes in shock. She was so close. So overwhelming. He had no idea what to do. He didn't want to let her go. Not now. Not ever.
"Fire Dragon Iron fist!"
Both Ren and Lucy looked downwards just in time to see Natsu's attack. The latter had seen it all. He had just finished asking about the guild, receiving no information, and turned back around to Lucy, Ren and Happy only to find them talking to some strange man. Everything seemed fine and he was ready to joined them when suddenly Ren grew wings out of thin air! Natsu could honestly say that one moment, one blink, the wings suddenly appeared.
Ren lunged at Lucy, grabbed her, and both shot high above in the air. Then something flashed right through the place Lucy was standing and headed straight ahead. Natsu was glad he was no where close to the blue ball flying across the huge span of land. The blue ball finally stopped as it crashed against one of the house's wall, splattering against it. All there was, was a blue splat almost like someone had been messing with paint on the wall.
Happy was still with the man, or rather near him. Natsu knew this. So, he had to go to them as soon as possible. Before, that man was to do something to him. Natsu bolted towards the man as quick as he could. He arrived in a few seconds. The man was currently staring up at Lucy and Ren, his mouth in a large smile, almost like he was excited.
"Who the hell are you?!" Natsu demanded, as he breathed hard skidding to the stop, a few feet away from the man.
The man with the goggles took his eyes off Ren and Lucy, almost reluctantly, and looked at his new opponent. Natsu gritted his teeth together in rage. Sure, he hated Lucy and Ren, but...no, he couldn't imagine either of them getting hurt by someone other than him.
"Me~? Well, I don't know. I'm somebody for sure." the man said happily.
Natsu growled.
"Why did you attack?!" Natsu snarled.
"Well, I'm not going to tell you," the man teased "You want to know? Then beat me."
Natsu let out a furious yell. Then he lunged forwards and quickly drew his fist back as he yelled out the name of his signature technique. His fist engulfed in red hot flames and Natsu aimed, trying to punch the man right across his face. The man didn't move an inch, just grinned crazily. At the last moment, before Natsu could strike, the man took a swift step to the left completely avoiding Natsu's punch.
Natsu's eyes widened as his punch went through air. While this happened he felt something unfamiliar land on his chest. It was the man with the goggles left hand.
"Too slow~!" the man shouted out, overjoyed.
Natsu's eyes widened as the hand of his chest started to glow and, then without warning, he was off his feet and flew backwards striking against the wall. The man with the goggles, smiled, but then suddenly let out a small hiss. He raised a hand to touch it to the side of his face where he could feel it sting and bumps started to form from blisters.
"I guess I underestimated how strong his flames actually were...this is going to leave a bad burn." the man mused as he pressed his hand into this face and winced slightly yet still forced a smile on his face.
"Natsu!" Happy screeched as he flew to towards the pink-haired man in lightning speed. Even with what had happened recently with Lucy, Happy didn't want anyone to get hurt.
Natsu was currently still on the wall he had hit when the man had blasted him. Which was strange, Happy took note of once. Shouldn't Natsu have slid off the wall by now? When Happy was close enough, he saw it. Natsu was struggling.
Over Natsu's chest was a something long and blue. It crossed over Natsu's chest and seemed to have pinned him to the wall. Natsu seemed to be pushing himself forwards as if to try to get off the wall but his back was stuck against it. He quickly put a hand to the blue line on his chest as if to pull it off. But instead when he pulled his hand back, the blue lined stretched with his hand and then his hand quickly snapped back and landed over the blue line on his chest. Natsu tugged his hand to no avail. It was stuck.
"What is this?!" Natsu asked as he struggled.
"It's my magic." the man with the goggles said simply as he lowered his hand off his face "I can create one of the stickiest substance ever. That's what the blue line is. It's like sticky slime. Anything can get stuck to it. And, since I hit you with it, it looks like your stuck against the wall like a trapped fly."
Natsu face distorted in anger at the sticky substance on his chest. No matter what he did, he couldn't get his hand off it. This was bad. It was so easy to harm him right now. Lucy and Ren looked at each other worriedly. What kind of magic was that?
"Now, that I've got you preoccupied for a while, I'll get back to my targets." the man announced as another blue ball formed in his hands. He looked up in the air where Lucy and Ren were.
Ren's eyes widened. He had a feeling if that hit him, it could stick him and Lucy together and may cause him to stop flying. Which would cause them to fall.
"Hold on tight." Ren whispered to Lucy who nodded her head.
Suddenly, the man launched a flurry of blue sticky ball at Lucy and Ren. The latter zoomed across the sky trying to dodge each one. He had to admit that the man had great aim. On multiple occasions, Ren only managed to dodge the balls, barely.
He knew they were too much of a target in the sky. Ren had to land. Instantly, he turned his direction downwards and launched himself to the ground. Blue balls followed his path down trying to hit him but Ren managed to avoid them with his speed. Finally, close enough, Ren landed on the ground roughly, placing Lucy down first before his feet touched the solid earth.
"Your good at dodging, I give you that!" the man laughed "But, you won't be able to dodge forever! I'll get you soon enough. I always do."
"Who are you?" Ren repeated the question again "Your from 'Lacus Animarium'! Why are you killing guild members? Why are you suddenly attacking us."
The man with the goggles gazed at men, amused.
"I guess there is no harm in telling you~ We killed them because we could. I am known as 'Slave' and you will now be at my mercy."
Ren gritted his teeth hard together. Anger flooded him. He wasn't the only one. Lucy also looked furious for once. The answer was unacceptable. Her hand was at her skirt in the instance and she ripped the black key from its place. She held it up in the air, ready to attack. Ren also took a combat stance, and Happy flew in front of Natsu as if to protect him if needed.
Slave grinned manically. Perfect. Just perfect. They were following the plan he had formed without even knowing it. They were falling for his distraction. Once this was done, the rest of the plan would get set into place. All he had to do now was lose this fight.
Scarlet Destiny Guild.
Genta sighed loudly as he scrubbed down his bartender table furiously. There was no stain or mark he was cleaning up though. No, Genta was just doing it because it calmed him down. Whenever he was stressed or was thinking he always loved to clean the table. He didn't know why but it felt very smoothing to him.
Genta was use to looking after Scarlet Destiny. It had been his job for a long while. Sarah and Jared used to go on a lot missions when they were younger so it was always up to Genta to look after the guild when they did. Although, Genta wasn't always looking after Scarlet Destiny. He had went of many missions himself.
But, still, even with all his experience Genta could never fully take control of Scarlet Destiny when Jared and Sarah were gone. He had to wonder why his Master seemed to recruit really destructive people. What's worse is that Mia wasn't here to undo stuff either. Meaning, that whatever damage was done, it was permanent. For now that is.
Loud munching caused Genta to break out of his revenue. He looked off to his side to see the person sitting on a stool near his bar table. They were currently munching on pretzels seeming to be in deep in thought. The person, a small girl, did not look one bit amused.
Narria. Genta knew she was still very grumpy since Jared hadn't taken her on the mission. Hence, the munching on pretzels. It was a little tick Narria had. Whenever she was angry, she would take it out with that particular snack.
"I can't," Munch "Believe that," Munch "Jared didn't take me!" Narria growled between munches.
Genta sighed as he quickly flung his towel over his shoulder and walked to the girl who was currently grabbing another handful of pretzels that was in a plate in front of her.
"He did for your own good. Your not ready to go on such a big mission just yet." Genta said slowly.
"I don't care! I train evrey day with my magic! So what if it gets the better of me once in a while? I can be a great asset to that team! I'm not a kid anymore." Narria somewhat yelled.
Genta had to admit he knew why she felt like this. Narria was probably the top person to train the most with her magic. He heard from Nyx that she used to force herself to wake up at five in the morning just to train when she was way younger. Although, Nyx and Narria had persuaded Narria to wake up at six lately. Something Narria had always hated. So, now she had gone back to training five in the morning again.
Genta knew why Narria always pushed herself to the limit. Trained the most. It's because Narria wanted to feel important. Not like she held people back. But, since she was training herself too much, she was going to break herself down. Genta knew that when Jared returned, he was going to have to speak to him about Narria.
"Yeah, I know that. But, your magic is still unstable, Narria. He was just worried that if your magic was to take over you while fighting an enemy then things would go bad really quickly. He is looking out for you."
Once Genta had spoken those words, Narria looked down at her feet. Genta at once thought he may have been too harsh with her until Narria spoke up,
"What do you think their doing right now?"
Genta thought for a second.
"Their probably looking for that dark guild right now." Genta replied back.
"Something about that whole guild sounds so fishy to me!" Narria spoke as she crossed her hands over her chest "They make no sense.
"Your right. We're definitely missing some crucial information. But, I'm sure Jared and the rest will do fine."
"Your not worried about Nyx?"
"Of course I am. But, I know how strong she is. I believe she will do well and beat this dark guild." Genta replied back confidently but then carried on "I think what we need to do now is keep this up our side. Jared expects to come back to Scarlet Destiny with the guild still in one piece. We should exactly do that."
As soon as Genta spoke that, a loud scream broke through the whole guild. Nevermore turned towards the sound to find themselves looking at the tea lovers. In other words, the monster slayers Rose and Ivy.
Both looked absolutely furious as they gazed murderously at the two read heads in front of them. Well, actually more towards the one with the bright red hair.
"Hiro..." Rose started before Ivy continued,
"We have had enough of you disrespecting tea. You are going to pay for what you said before."
"Hiro now you did it! Look at how mad you got them!" Taichi chastised as he looked towards his partner Hiro, "Didn't anyone ever teach you never to get women mad."
"It's not my fault if they can't handle the face that tea is absolutely disgusting. And, coffee is the best beverage ever!" Hiro shouted out.
His words caused both Ivy and Rose to growl and hiss lowly.
"That's it Hiro! You die today!" Rose yelled.
"Oh, yeah what can you guys do to me? There are no monsters around here for you take over!"
"We don't need monsters," Ivy started before she paused "Say hello to our third team mate and new friend..."
She stopped her sentence as she quickly stuffed a hand in her pocket and brought out a small green ball.
"Jumaba!"
She threw the ball down and in seconds there was smoke clouding are. Once the smoke cleared, there stood Jumaba in his full grown form, his sharp teeth grinding as he looked down at Hiro.
"Oh shit!" Hiro cursed as he looked up at the gigantic monster staring at him menacingly.
It was a long story that no one knew about. After their first mission, Ren gave Jumaba to Jared. No one knew how, but Rose and Ivy stumbled over Jumaba. They somehow managed to befriend the monster. Considering they could communicate with him was a good start point and they asked Jared if Jumaba could be their third team mate. Jared couldn't refuse as long as the monster agreed which it did somehow. Which is how Jumaba became a member of the monster slayers team.
"See Hiro! Look at this! You are going to die!" Taichi yelled.
"Don't just stand there! Help me!"
There was a loud roar, followed by multiple smashes and yells. Rose and Ivy had touched Jumaba and copied his abilities and were in the midst of causing the most destruction. Other members were yelling, betting on who would win, while others run around trying to get out of the way.
"They are really at it...There goes that wall...Oh they just took out the infirmary door...Oooh, I feel sorry for those twenty tables...How did they make a hole in the roof?" Narria asked as she was staring at all the destruction.
Genta head went down in gloom. This was horrible. He had no idea how he was going to keep the guild alive and undestroyed.
OVA (Scarlet Destiny Secret Santa!)
It actually seemed like another normal day in Scarlet Destiny. People were laughing, singing, drinking and currently enjoying themselves. Even Zolo was up for once, but only because he was drinking. He had gone through ten barrels of alcohol yet still was powering.
Lucy was at her usual spot with Ren and Kuro. Smiling brightly, she watched the two of them who were currently trying their hardest not to fight since they were at Genta's bar table.
"Scarlet Destiny! Gather around!" a voice shouted out.
Almost instantly everyone turned towards the voice to see Jared standing up on one of tables ,Sarah on the ground beside him. He was smiling brightly and seemed to be very jolly for some reason, more than usual. Everyone quieted down once they saw Jared looking at each of them waiting for silence.
"What's up Jared?" Kuro suddenly shouted out wondering why they had been interrupted. It usually never happens ,only when Jared had to say something important.
"Well," Jared started as he looked into curious eyes, "I have some important news for you all. Since it's nearing Christmas and all, I have decided to get into the festive spirit and we should all do...Secret Santa!"
There was a moment of silence. Then...
"WHAT?!" Everyone shouted out at once.
"Jared, with all due to respect...what brought on this idea? We never do anything like Secret Santa and all. Why all of a sudden?" Genta asked out loud followed by agreed murmurs.
"I know we don't ever Genta," Sarah started to answer. "It's just Jared and I have been thinking for a while...and isn't Christmas time meant to be with family and friends? We thought that by playing Secret Santa it could give us a chance as a guild to get closer together."
Everyone glanced at one another in thought. Even Lucy. She didn't see any harm in playing the game. She never did really play it when she was younger since she was an only child and it wasn't really something to play back then because of her status.
She could see from the looks of other members that they seemed to agree as well. It wouldn't be so bad to play the game.
"Okay, I'm out!" Zolo said out loud as he stood up from his seat.
"Zolo..." Jared drawled.
"What, Jared? There is no way in hell you can get me to play a stupid, kiddie, game...ever."
With that said, it looked like Zolo was going to walk out of the guild if it wasn't for the fact that Sarah had managed to moved in front of him before he could leave. She looked up at Zolo, her eyes widening and her lips pouting. Zolo cursed in his mind. That look...
"No! No way! I'm not playing." Zolo said finally.
"But, Zolo, we all have too..." Water started to appear in her eyes, "I really want us all to play Secret Santa as a family."
Zolo looked ready to rip something apart. This was one of the many ways that Jared and Sarah would force him to do so. Sarah would pretend cry, Jared would see and act all angry at him because he thought Zolo would cry and not being able to deal with any of the shit, Zolo would agree. It looked like it was working yet again. Zolo really couldn't be asked to argue. The faster he could deal with this, the faster he could go to sleep.
"Fine." Zolo grumbled and watched as the tears in Sarah's eyes magically vanished as a smile spread across her face.
Lucy couldn't believe that this was actually happening. Were they really going to play Secret Santa? It looked like it. She had to admit. This was one strange guild.
"Eh, Lucy?"
Lucy turned around to Ren who was looking at her in earnestly but also...shyly?
"What is it?"
"What's Secret Santa?"
Lucy's mouth dropped open. Was he serious? It looked like it. How could he not know what it was? She thought nearly every child would have known what the game was. Deciding it was best just to answer him and not ask how he didn't know, Lucy started to explain.
"Secret Santa is a really easy game to play. Basically, everyone writes their name on a small piece of paper which we then put into a hat or a box or something like that. Then everyone picks out a random name from the hat or something like that and whoever's name is on the piece of paper, they have to buy a present for them. You can't tell the person who you got that you got them hence the word 'Secret'. You're not really allowed to tell anyone really."
Unknown to her, nearly the whole guild had tuned in to her explanation. After it was done, Jared spoke up,
"Now you know the rules. Okay, so everyone name is already written and in the box Sarah is currently holding. So, just come up one by one and pick a name."
Everyone sweat drop when Jared said that. He already wrote their name? It looks like Jared wasn't taking 'no' for an answer after all.
"Oh, and your gift doesn't have to be expensive or anything. As long as it's thoughtful, it doesn't matter what it is." Sarah added on.
Once it was all sorted, slowly everyone started towards Sarah who held out the box. Ren was the first to arrive at the box and looked down at all the folded pieces of paper. Slowly, he dipped his hand in and grabbed the first piece of paper quickly. Bringing his hand out, Ren unfolded the piece of paper and looked at the name scrawled,
'Lucy? I'm Lucy's Secret Santa? I guess that's not so bad...I think I know what to get her...Uh no, she won't like that...Ooh, how about...No, she won't like that either. Ah, this is harder then I thought."
Next Kuro went after looking at Ren who was walking back biting his lip as if trying to sort out a puzzle. Kuro shook his head at Ren before he too proceeded to draw a piece of paper.
'Genta? That's who I got? I can't believe this. What do I even get an old man? The only thing I know he really likes is his job and Nyx...Shit, why couldn't I get Ren? That would have been so much easier.'
Following Kuro, was Happy who was acting so excitedly. He couldn't wait to find out who he could get.
'Yes! This is amazing! I'm Carla's Secret Santa! And, I know exactly what to get her. Fish! Tons and Tons of fish! This will be so good.'
After Happy it was Lucy who was really nervous. Who would she get? She quickly drew a piece of paper opened it and looked at the name. Then all she could do was stand and gape at who she just got,
'Zolo? I got Zolo! The Demon! What do I even get a demon? A bottle of blood? Human sacrifices? Why do I have to get him?'
Lucy walked off, crying in her mind. Kouta shyly walked up into her place. He snatched the first piece of paper he got and hurried away, unfolding it at the same time,
'Wendy...I got Wendy...'
Carla was next. She gracefully picked up a name from the box and quickly read it,
'Hmm, Kouta. Not bad. I think I already have an idea what to get that boy. Something that he needs.'
Lily went after.
'I'm the Secret Santa of Rose? One of the half monster slayers? I could easily get her tea...but wouldn't that be a bit too easy? I want a challenge...'
Wendy was surprised she didn't trip when it was her turn to get a piece of paper.
'Jared...I GOT THE MASTER OF SCARLET DESTINY?...No way...What am I meant to get him? What if he hates it? What if its pathetic...I hate this pressure."
Following Wendy who like Lucy was internally crying, was Nyx who walked up to the box and dipped her hand in.
'Kuro...Why? Why am I the Secret Santa to the one person in this guild who hates me...No wait! Nyx think about this. This is your chance to get Kuro to like you instead of hating you!"
Veruna looked at the smiling face of Nyx. She suspected Nyx got someone good. She wondered if it was her. Instead she just walked forwards and just grabbed a name herself.
'Lily...Aw, the cat that looks like a teddy bear...Hm, I might need to ask Mia and Miyah for some help on this one!'
Looking determined she walked off. Afterwards, it was Narria who was bouncing up and down much like Happy had been. She had never played anything like this and she couldn't wait to try this game out.
'Ivy!? The tea lover...Hm, what to get her? Oh that's so easy! I am so gonna win this game! All these people are going to lose so badly.
Narria may have got the wrong impression that the game was a competition. After it was both Mia and Miyah came up at the same time and drew their share. Both turned away quickly, hoping for one another,
'Nyx? Huh, she's really nice! I-I think I can get her something really good. I just need to think about this carefully.' Mia thought out loud.
'Ho ho, I got Taichi! I know something that boy really likes apart from bad pick-up lines. I don't need to think about this at all.' Miyah thought in her mind.
Instantly, Hiro went after the two of them. He hoped he got someone really nice and pretty.
'Miyah! The little girl? Well, at least she's nice...uh, kind of...What do I get a little kid? Uh..a bottle of milk?'
Taichi was after Hiro. He hoped he could get Lucy or someone like her.
'Narria, huh? That's disappointing but I'll do my best to get her a good gift...Might need to ask Veruna and Nyx for information though.'
Rose and Ivy both went up together and basically mimicked what Mia and Miyah had done.
'Hiro...What the hell? No way! I can't get him!...but that's what it says...Maybe I can give him the present of afterlife...Yeah that sounds good.' Rose thought a bit evilly.
'Veruna! Yay! I love her...She loves tea! I'm so glad I didn't get anyone horrible like Hiro! I feel sorry for the person who got him.' Ivy thought in her mind.
After that, Genta decide he might as well go. He went up to Sarah, who smiled brightly at him. Sighing, Genta quickly grabbed a piece of paper,
'Mia, huh? She's a really nice and shy girl. I think I can get her something very nice.'
Last to take his was Zolo. He was so not in the mood for this. Yet he lazily drew a piece of paper,
'Happy? Who the hell is Happy?...Wait that's the cat that follows Blondie around...Wait, I got a cat?! No way. What the heck am I meant to get a cat? That's it, sack this! I'll just kill Jared and Sarah in their sleep and that means I don't have to buy a stupid present for a cat'.
Zolo was grinning devilishly. Everyone who saw it shivered. They felt sorry for the poor soul that was his Secret Santa.
After everyone had gotten their Secret Santa names, lastly it was left for Sarah and Jared to get theirs. They both dipped their hands into the box at the same time, smiling at each as they drew the piece of paper.
'Ren is mine huh?...That's really good. Thank's Jared for doing this for me. I am going to get a great present for Ren.' Sarah thought.
'Sarah, is my Secret Santa...I'm happy...I know her inside and out. I know just what to get her. Merry Christmas.' Jared thought.
The game was now set. Time to begin.
Ren moaned out loud as he planted himself on the stool right in front of Genta who was busy wiping down the bartender table. Genta looked at him, a bit curiously,
"What's wrong, boy?"
"I can't think of a present for my Secret Santa. Everything I think of just turns out to be lame and I am sure that they won't like it at all." Ren complained.
Genta paused as if thinking about something.
"Listen Ren, the gift like Sarah said doesn't have to be so expensive. Or plain great. As long as it has some great meaning behind it, I'm sure whatever you get your Secret Santa, they will love it. Maybe it could be something to do with their personality or magic or anything."
Those words brought a shine on Ren's eyes. An idea suddenly popped into his head. He got it.
"Genta, thank you so much! I finally thought of something! I could kiss you right now!"
"I'd rather you don't." Genta deadpanned.
XXXX
Kuro sighed as he looked down on the notepad he was writing on. It was meant to be a list of things he could get Genta but for now, he could think of nothing. Thinking as hard as he could, he tried to think of all the things Genta's ever shouted out in the guild,
"Damn, I can't believe you kids broke my bartender table again!"
"That's the fiftieth table you destroyed today!"
"My precious bartender table...You boys will die tonight."
An idea struck his head. A small smile raced across his face. He quickly scribbled down the idea before he could forget. This was perfect.
XXXX
Happy hummed in earnest as he sat down on the table where Lily was in the Scarlet Destiny.
"You seem really happy." Lily analysed as he looked at Happy.
"Aye! I finally got my present sorted out. There are a hundred fish ordered to arrive for Carla's present soon." Pause as realization dawned on Happy "Oh god, I just told you who my Secret Santa was!"
Lily didn't seem to look that shocked though. Instead he gave Happy a curious gaze when he heard it was for Carla,
"Are you sure that's a wise present?"
"What do you mean? Fish is the best present ever!"
"Yes, Happy you may like fish and think it's a great present however Carla does not. She's not obsessed with fish like you are. Do you really think that giving her tons of fish will make her appreciate you?" Lily asked.
There was only silence. Happy had never really thought about that. About what Carla liked. He may need to do some rethinking.
XXXX
Lucy looked up at the dingy looking shop in the alleyway. She had been so confused about what to get Zolo that she ended up asking Jared in the end. Jared, however, didn't seem to mind that she had revealed her Secret Santa. He had told her that she should go to this shop because this was a place that great swordsmen in Fiore would gather and buy stuff. Jared told her that if she said she knew Zolo then things should be fine.
However, as soon as she arrived here, she was facing a very small dark looking shop. She was afraid to actually step into the place. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open and it closed shut behind her. She was about to look around when someone suddenly yelled,
"Watch out! Duck!"
Lucy at once followed the command. She heard a whooshing sound above her followed by a large bang. Looking up from below she saw a gigantic sword embedded on the door where she had been standing. If she hadn't duck she would have been chopped in half.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS PLACE, JARED, AND WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU SEND ME HERE?!" Lucy screeched out.
XXXX
Kouta let out a loud yawn as he ate quietly in Scarlet Destiny's guild. He had a plate full of food in front of him and was currently with Wendy and Carla, both watching him curiously. Kouta had big bags under his eyes and seemed to be falling asleep.
Letting out another yawn, Kouta could no longer hold himself up. He went face first in the noodles he was eating.
"Kouta!" Wendy yelled and Kouta shot off the food, sauce and noodles all over his face. If Wendy wasn't so worried she would have laughed at the sight.
"Huh?" Kouta said.
"Kouta, are you okay? You seem really tired, not just today but lately." Wendy commented.
Kouta realizing he was put on the spot quickly stutter out an excuse.
"I-I'm fine. J-Just finding it hard to sleep."
Wendy seemed to believe him and Kouta internally let out a sign of relief. Wendy could not find out.
XXXX
Lily walked down the street, a pleasant scent filling his nose. He had to admit this was a lovely place. Bright colors were scattered around and Lily looked at each one curiously. He had ditched the idea of getting Rose some tea and thought he would get her something a little more different.
Finally, finding what he wanted, he quickly walked up to the old women who runs the shop.
"I'd like to purchase this please."
The old women looked at him in disbelief and shock.
"You talk!" the women shrieked "A cat just talked to me! My family is right! I'm going nuts!"
"Uh, no, Madam, I can actually-"
The rest of the sentence was cut off as the old lady fainted, hitting the floor hard.
Lily sighed. This was going to take time.
XXXX
Carla walked down the street of shops, her purchase already brought. She had seen this item a few weeks back and couldn't help but think it would suit Kouta well. She wondered if he would like it or not. She knew that if he didn't he would be too kind to even say it to her face.
Carla knew this might help or blow up right on Kouta's face...but this was the only way. She wanted to help Kouta. As much as Wendy did.
XXXX
At first, Wendy was not sure at what to get Jared. She kept on thinking things she could buy ' but always threw away the idea at the last moment. She looked like she was going to have to ask Sarah for help when suddenly, a brilliant idea struck her head.
Then, for days she had been going around the guild with a piece of paper on a clipboard asking people to read and sign it. Everyone had willingly agreed but there was one last signature she needed. Taking, a deep breath, Wendy walked up to Zolo who was drinking. The man noticed at once she was approaching him and stared at her. Wendy gulped.
"Uh...Z-Zolo, I was wondering if you could sign this please."
She pushed the clipboard in front of him and he looked down at the paper. He read the first line before stopping and blurted out,
"No."
"But, Zolo...I need too..."
"There is no way I can agree to that. I am not giving up that."
There was a moment of silence.
"How about a deal?" Wendy said as she looked towards Zolo who stared at her curiously,
"I overhead you once grumbling about what to get your Secret Santa who was Happy. I've got an idea on what you can get him."
"...I'm listening."
XXXX
It was hard for Nyx to get Kuro something. She knew nothing about the guy at all. Finding, it hard enough, she had no other option than go to Ren, the one person she knew that knew Kuro inside and out.
"So can you please help me, Ren!" Nyx begged, knowing she shouldn't reveal her Secret Santa ,but had no other option.
"You want to get him something really good then?" Ren asked as he pushed the glass of water to his lips.
"Yes! I know Kuro hates me and all ,but I really want to get him something he would use. I want Kuro to like me."
As soon as Nyx said that last sentence, Ren choked on the water he was drinking. The reason for choking was because he laughed as soon as he heard those words. It was just the irony in it.
"Oh my god, Ren are you okay? Do I need to get Kouta?"
"I'm fine," Ren said hoarsely as he waved his hands in a 'no' "I actually have an idea for you..."
XXXX
"Lily is my Secret Santa! I really need help with what to get him...Do you think you could help me!?" Veruna shouted out loud to both Mia and Miyah who stared at her.
"I really don't think you should shout that out loud...Everyone now knows who your Secret Santa is. Your lucky Lily is out right now or he would have heard." Mia said shyly to Veruna.
"Oh crap, I'm sorry."
"It's okay Veruna!" Miyah shouted out "but, we can help you get a present for Lily!"
"I don't think you should shout that out loud-"
"Mia, stop being such a fun spoiler! Now, on to what to get him..."
XXXX
Narria pointed to the top item on the shelf and grinned. This was perfect for Ivy. There was no way in hell she was going to lose this competition.
Suddenly, there was a yell, as the person who was trying to reach the item on the ladder fell off. Narria let out a yell. Okay this was harder then she thought.
XXXX
Mia knew what she was going to get Nyx. It was easy to decide once she figured it out. She just got something that she new Nyx needed. However, the shop she wanted to get it from wouldn't let her in since she was so little and they thought she was a lost kid. She decided she would come back later with Genta.
XXXX
"Oooh...and I like that one...and, that one...Oh, oh, and loads and loads of that one!" Miyah yelled out as she watched the man behind the counter grabbed the items and dropped it in the basket. She decided that was enough for Taichi.
"Thank you very much!" Miyah yelled and when the man in the counter passed her the basket, Miyah dropped to the floor under the weight instantly, all the continents spilling all over her.
"Hehe, I might have went overboard."
XXXX
Hiro looked around the shop in awe. There were just so many things to choose from. What could he get Miyah out of all this?
"Sir, do you need help?" a man asked as he looked at Hiro who nodded his head.
"I think you need to lead me through this wonderland."
XXXX
Taichi smiled at the gift he had brought for Nyx. It was absolutely perfect. He really couldn't find a fault in it. Now, all he needed to do was upgrade it. Which was why he went into another shop.
"Wait...IT'S GOING TO COST HOW MUCH?!" Taichi shouted out in shock.
"A butt load I guess you can say...What can I say, I'm greedy ,but I am the only one who can do what you ask." the man replied back in a snicker.
Taichi grumbled as he started to empty his pockets. He was going to go bankrupt after this.
XXXX
Rose was in her worst nightmare. Except it was real. And, she couldn't escape. Taking a deep breath and holding air, she didn't want to breath any of the stink in. Slowly, she made her way to where the owner was. She couldn't believe she was doing this for Hiro ,but he deserved a great present she guessed...
"Mmmph mmp mpphh mphhh mpp." Rose spoke, still holding her breath.
"Uh...What?"
Rose paused. This may have been harder than she thought.
XXXX
Ivy looked through the shop window at the item she was going to buy for Veruna. She knew Veruna would love it since Veruna had been saying for a long time that she really wanted it. She guessed considering the rest of the people what she had to get was relatively easy.
All that she really needed to worry about was the money...Why couldn't Veruna want something cheaper?
XXXX
Genta had it easy. He could admit that to anyone. When he went shopping for Mia, he was surprised to see that what he wanted to get her was in the first shop he went into.
"So, is this for your daughter?" the shop owner asked as she looked up at Genta as he placed the item down.
"Not exactly. It's for someone that is important."
"Oh, well, I think she will love it."
"I'm hoping so."
XXXX
Zolo walked down the street, hands behind his head, yawning loudly. He wanted to sleep ,but he had to get the present for Happy. He was glad of the bargain he did with that little girl or he would have never thought of something to get the cat.
But, still, what Wendy had suggested him to get was something that Zolo was not too keen on. He wanted to get something a bit more special, a bit more him ,but Wendy had given him the direction to start. Looking at the shop, that could give him what he wanted Zolo grinned.
A few minutes later there was a loud scream heard from the shop.
"YOU CAN HAVE IT! YOU CAN HAVE IT FOR FREE, SIR! BUT, PLEASE JUST PUT THOSE SWORDS AWAY! I'm TOO YOUNG TO DIE!"
XXXX
Sarah smiled as she looked down at the piece of paper. It meant one thing though. The present was set for Ren ,but she needed to somehow give it to him. With what she had bought Ren it wouldn't be that easy. It wasn't like she could pick it up and give it to him.
Suddenly, a little paper on a stand caught her eye. She smiled as she reached for it. Perfect.
XXXX
Jared could have gotten the present for Sarah in his sleep. He knew exactly what she needed, what she wanted. The hard part was to actually find it ,but as he looked down at the delicate item in his hands he knew he had chosen the right thing. He hoped that it would make her happy. That's all he really wanted.
Secret Santa reveal day.
Scarlet Destiny was a glow in light. Christmas lights hanged up all over the place and somehow Jared and Sarah managed to bring an actual Christmas tree into the guild which was stuck in the middle. It was decorated fully and a shooting star sat on top.
The whole guild was gathered around the tree, each holding wrapped presents, different shape and sizes.
"So, we do it like this. The first person starting will give the present. Then once receiving the present they go next and give their present for the person they are Secret Santa too...Get it?" Jared asked.
Everyone nodded, anxious to see what people got each other.
"Who want's to go first?"
"I will." Lily suddenly spoke up, some surprised that he did.
He turned towards Rose and walked over to the girl whose eyes widened in surprise when she realized that he was her Secret Santa.
"Here you go, Rose."
She took the present tentatively and unwrapped it. Her mouth opened in shock as she looked at the present. She was holding up a hat. It was a beautiful hat, a cream color and in a style that would match her pinned up hair perfectly. Also, on loads of places on the hat were pink roses, her favorite flowers since she was named after it, all in full bloom.
"The roses are real and with the help of a little magic, can't die out." Lily explained.
"I love it, Lily."
Rose placed the hat on her head and already felt like it was a part of her. Suddenly, she grabbed Lily and scooped him in a hug,
"Mia and Miyah are right. You are cute and cuddly!"
Lily did not seem to be amused by that.
Next up was Rose. She got up with her present and walked up to Hiro who perked up in surprise.
"You're my Secret Santa?"
Rose nodded. Hiro took the present off her cautiously.
"This isn't going to hurt me...Is it?"
Rose snorted, "No it's not! The only person it hurt was me for buying it."
Hiro who was now really curious, opened up the present and then stared at it in shock. His hands trembled.
"This is...this is one of the best coffee's in existence! How did you manage to get your hands on it!? I've been looking for months for this!"
Rose shrugged, "It took me a while and loads of coffee shops. I hate the stuff ,but I know how much you love it so I decided to get it for you."
Hiro was looking at the girl in a completely different light.
"You know, I guess, your not that bad, tea lover."
"You are still the worse though, Hiro."
"Hey!"
"What? You will be if you hate tea so much."
Hiro shook his head. Then, he decided it was time to give his present. He got off the floor and made his way to Miyah who instead of being shocked was grinning looking at the present.
"Here, you go, little one."
Miyah grabbed the present and practically ripped the parcel to shreds. Everyone looked at her sweat dropping. Miyah mouth gaped wide as the present finally reveal itself.
"You got me walkie talkies?" Miyah asked as she looked down at the two black styled radios.
"Yeah, I know how much you and Mia get along. So, when you're not so close together, it's to make sure that you're still into contact with each other."
Some members of Scarlet Destiny couldn't help but coo. It was a very thoughtful gift.
"Thanks, Hiro! I never thought you could get me something like this!"
"What's that suppose to mean?!"
Miyah practically ignored him after and instead stood up with a gigantic present twice her size. She ran over to Taichi who looked at the present wide-eyed. What the hell did the little girl get him?
"Open it! Open it!"
"I am!"
Taichi teared through layers of wrapping paper before reaching the actual present. Then, he just stared. It was a big basket full of...sweets! There were so many of them. Loads of them were his favorites ands the basket was overflowing with them.
"I know you have a sweet tooth Taichi so I got you a whole hamper of sweets. I hope you like it!" Miyah beamed.
Taichi chuckled. He stood up and rubbed the little girls hair.
"It's the best present I ever got Miyah. Thank you." Taichi told the girl, smiling. Miyah just grinned back up to her.
Taichi quickly picked up his small box present and walked up to Narria who was looking at it curiously.
"This isn't an engagement ring right? You know I'm too young for that." Narria spoke.
Taichi at once went red in the face.
"It's not that!" he yelled out embarrassingly "Just open the damn present."
Narria smiled, satisfied she embarrassed the poor boy before she quickly slipped open the present. She stared at it. The present was a watch. Not just any watch though. It was silver, and had pictures of birds and trees carved around its frame.
"It's a watch I specifically designed for you. You set the timer to fifteen minutes and what happens is that when you are using your power and you can only go up to fifteen minutes using it constantly the watch will ring and will be able to cut off your magic power for you. This way, you won't get hurt or go overboard with your magic taking over or anything." Taichi explained.
Nyx and Veruna both seemed so ecstatic because of the present. They knew it must have cost a lot ,but that didn't matter at this moment. The present was really good. Narria stared at it, no emotion on her face before looking up at Taichi.
"It must have cost a lot."
"Hehe, yeah, let's just say I'll be starving for a while ,but I think it's worth it."
"Thank you."
Still in shock at the present, Narria still moved the watch on her wrist. She stood up and quickly walked over towards Ivy. Ivy smiled at Narria, glad that she was her Secret Santa.
"Here you go!"
Ivy quickly unwrapped the present and stared at it. It was a box with a picture of a tea pot and much like Hiro before her hands were trembling.
"This is..." Rose said as she looked at the present in awe "One of the best tea's in the world. The ingredient for it is so expensive and the plant only grows once a year! I can't believe you got it for Ivy!"
Narria shrug, "I'm kind like Taichi. The money to get it was the hard part ,but I managed."
"Narria, you are one impressive little girl!" Ivy shouted out suddenly "Seriously, join us for this cup of beverage on our tea blanket once in a while!"
Pause.
"I might take you up on that offer."
Ivy stood as she made her way towards Veruna. Veruna at once knew that she was her Secret Santa ,but she couldn't for the life of her figure out what Ivy had gotten her.
"What is it?"
"Unwrap it to find out." Ivy replied teasingly.
Veruna quickly did just that. Then, she like most people have done so far was stared. In her hand was a light blue dress. It was beautiful. The color was a mixture of blue, green, purple, as they blended into the silk material. There was a white color with it and the dress skirt would probably reach down to her ankles.
"This has been the dress I wanted for ages ,but could never afford. I can't believe you got this for me." Veruna spoke in awe as she looked up at Ivy who grinned back,
"I know why...that caused me a bucket load of jewels ,but seeing you that shock was so worth it!"
Veruna lunged up at Ivy and wrapped her in a mighty hug. One the purple haired girl returned. Once the hug fest was over, Veruna quickly rushed over towards Lily.
"So, you're my Secret Santa then?"
"Yeah, be careful when you open it."
"Why?"
"You'll find out."
Lily did as he was advised and opened the present slowly and he was wise to do so. There in his arms was his present. It was a small dagger, the hilt golden with Arabian like jewels embedded over it in a straight line. The blade was silver and sharp. Zolo looked over it and whistled lowly in appreciation.
"I thought it would be interesting if you wanted to try out a new weapon. I thought a dagger would be perfect for when your cat sized and human sized. Mia and Miyah helped me to figure out to buy this for you too so you should thank them as well."
Lily could tell whoever carved it was very talented. The dagger weighed nothing more than a feather.
"It's very good. Thank you."
Lily bowed down his head in respect.
"C-Can I go next?" Mia said out loud as she looked at Jared realizing that a chain had kind of ended.
"Sure."
Mia nodded her head and slowly stood up. She made her way to Nyx ,smiling gently at her little Secret Santa. Mia shyly handed over the present. Nyx took it and quickly unwrapped it and just stared at it. It was a black hat, not as stylish like the one Rose had gotten ,but it still held some sleek to it. It was almost like a classical french hat in a way.
"I thought it might be good for you because of your powers. You could use the material to transform it to some head armor if you want and it's really stylish as well. I hope you like it." Mia explained.
"It's great, Mia. Come here!" Nyx said as she grabbed the little girl and hugged her tightly.
It was now Nyx's turn to give her present to Kuro. She slowly got up and started to walk towards him. Noticing that Nyx was moving towards him and that she was most likely was his Secret Santa caused Kuro to go into a frenzied panic. He looked about ready to lunge out from his place and run as far away as possible from Nyx. He would have done exactly that if Ren and Lucy hadn't grabbed each of his arm and pinned him down of the floor.
"Let me go!" Kuro whispered furiously to the pair.
"Sorry Kuro. You got to face your fear now. Here she comes."
"Wait, No Ren, Don't-"
"Here's your present, Kuro. I hope you like it."
Seeing as both his arms was tied Nyx quickly placed it down on his lap and walked a couple of steps back to give Kuro some room. Ren and Lucy both cautiously let go of Kuro's arms hoping he wouldn't bolt. He didn't. Instead, it looked like Kuro was focusing solely on the gift on his lap.
Slowly, he began to unwrap. Once, he did exactly that, he stared at the small gift. It was a dark black wristband. There was no design. Hanging from it was a tiny container.
"Ren helped me with this. He said you love the color black and you also love shadows. So, I decided to put the two together and give you the wristband. The container is for you collect some shadows to contain in there if you like to always gaze at." Nyx said as she looked up Kuro's dark eyes.
Kuro stared at her in complete and utter shock. He looked from her to the wristband before slowly he picked it up and slid it onto his wrist.
"Thank you, Nyx. I'll treasure it forever."
The words made Nyx grin and a tiny, light blush take over her cheeks. Once Kuro saw this, he knew he stood no chance. Gripping his present, he bolted off pass Nyx towards Genta to give his present leaving Nyx behind.
"...Does this mean he still hates me?" Nyx whispered out to no one.
Genta had been watching the scene in amusement. He knew Kuro liked his kind of adopted daughter but they never really had the chance to talk about it ,but seeing Kuro make his way to him, Genta knew this was the time that he could.
Kuro was right in front of Genta and nearly threw the present at Genta. Genta caught it firmly between his hands and slowly unwrapped it. Genta stared at the massive box in his hands. There was a transparent screen so he could see what was inside it. There was a row of mugs on top and plates below. Each looked expensive and delicate.
"I know how much you hate it when we destroy the bars mugs and plates. So, I brought you indestructible ones. No matter what we do, we shouldn't be able to break it at all. What do you think?" Kuro explained.
Genta grinned. It wasn't all that bad of a present. At least he didn't have to worry about them breaking. Getting up slowly, he pulled Kuro into a surprising hug. To say thank you for the present wasn't the only reason that Genta had hugged Kuro.
"If you ever hurt Nyx, then I will promise you, you'll never see daylight again. You got that, boy?" Genta threatened.
Kuro nodded his head and gulped. Mission accomplished. Letting go of the scared boy Genta picked up the small present and walked towards Mia. She looked at him with a shy smile.
"Here you are, little one."
"Thank you very much."
Mia opened her present slowly and delicately. Once it was revealed she stared at in surprise. It was a large blue book, with the words 'Diary' written on top of it. It was very simple, very Genta, and Mia appreciated it.
"I thought you could use something to write down your thoughts in."
"It's great. I can't wait to start writing."
Genta smiled at the girl and ruffled her hair. She let out a small giggle.
"Looks like another chain has completed itself. Who wants to start off again?" Jared asked.
"Ooh! I'd like to go!" Happy shouted out loud.
"Go on then, Happy."
Happy smiled and flew off to Carla who just looked unemotional seeing that he was her Secret Santa. He quickly handed over the present.
"I hope you like it."
"Humph."
Carla quickly opened the present and then stared. Her eye started to twitch. There in the box was a long dead fish. She stared at angrily at Happy.
"Well, do you like it?"
"No. There's no way I can like something like this." Carla replied back coldly as she picked up the dead fish and looked ready to throw it at Happy's face.
But, something stopped her. A glint from the box caused her to looked down. There also inside a box was a small charm bracelet. Carla let go of the fish and it fell to the floor. Slowly, she picked up the charm bracelet to inspect it. There were little trinkets of things on it, a mouse, a cat's bed, a bow, a bottle of milk. Everything cats tend to like.
Carla had to admit that the present was actually very thoughtful.
"This is really...nice. Thank you, Happy."
Happy grinned largely. Carla had said his name. She usually never did. He wondered if this meant that she was starting to like him.
Now, it was Carla's turn. Carla turned around to Kouta who was sitting beside her. She quickly passed over the present to the little boy who looked at it with interest. He delicately unwrapped it revealing what it was. It was a pair of glasses however the lenses were very dark, almost like sunglasses lenses.
"I bought this for you to help you with your phobia. Part of it is because you're scared of people seeing your eyes. The lenses on these glasses are dark so we can't see your eyes if you wear it. I hope it helps you."
"That's a very thoughtful gift of you." Wendy said with a smile to Carla who just shrugged.
"Thank you, Carla, I'll be using it a lot."
Kouta then grabbed his present and reached over Carla to hand it to Wendy who looked down at it in surprise. Quickly, she opened the present to find a leather book inside it. She quickly flipped through a couple of pages to see it was hand written with pictures stuck on. It was all about medicine.
"I thought I would write you a book about the most important and useful things about medicine."
"You wrote this...No wonder you seemed so tired. You must have stayed up a couple of nights to write all this."
Kouta didn't say anything ,but just let out a small smile. Wendy just looked at him in surprise. Then, she too smiled back. Kouta's cheeks went bright red and he quickly looked down, breaking eye contact. If Wendy could, she would have lunged at Kouta to hug him.
Wendy knew that she was next. So, she quickly got up and walked over to Jared who was staring at her curiously. Instead of a present, Wendy handed Jared an envelope and he looked at it curiously. Slowly, Jared ripped it open and took the two sheets of paper stapled together out.
"Wendy...you," Pause "How did you do this?"
Jared was currently staring at a document. It was all about giving Jared five 'Lazy days' where Jared could do whatever he wanted and no one in Scarlet Destiny was allowed to cause any destruction or damage what so ever and everyone in the guild signed it to give written consent that they agreed to this.
"I just asked people and they willingly signed it. They thought you all deserved it."
"You even got Zolo's signature?"
Almost instantly, everyone turned to the green haired man.
"What? The little girl drives a good bargain. Got a problem with that?"
Everyone shook their heads in a 'no' instantly.
Now, it was Jared's turn. He looked over at Sarah beside him and quickly passed her the gift. Sarah looked at him in surprise, since she didn't actually think Jared could be her Secret Santa. Yet, he was. She smiled brightly at him. She too unwrapped her present. Then, she just stared at it.
"I hope you like it...I know your old one was losing its touch and you refused to get a knew one since I gave you that old one...So, I thought of buying you a new flute."
The flute she held in her hands was silver and beautifully carved with little patterns engraved all over it. She thought it was beautiful, more so, that it was from him. Without even realizing it, she had flung her arms around Jared's shoulder, hugging him tightly. Jared looked shocked at first before smiling and he slipped his arms around her waist, hugging her back.
"Thank you so much." she whispered in his ear "I love it."
Unknown to them, Scarlet Destiny members were chanting in their minds 'Kiss, kiss, kiss!'
Sarah and Jared parted after a few seconds and smiled sweetly at one other. All Scarlet Destiny members tensed, waiting to see if they would kiss. Sarah leaned forwards...and grabbed her present next to Jared and stood up. Everyone groaned internally. So close.
Sarah walked over to Ren and quickly handed him a flat parcel. Ren couldn't help but feel overjoyed that Sarah was his Secret Santa. He must have gotten a great present! Ren ripped open the parcel and looked down. At once his smile dropped.
In his hands was a small postcard with a picture of a deep blue lake on it. There was nothing written on the back or anything.
"A postcard...Yay." Ren said all gloomy.
"You don't like it?" Sarah asked with a worried look.
"Of course I like it! I love it! A postcard is the best present I ever got!" Ren said quickly, hoping to not upset her.
Sarah looked up at Ren and couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst out laughing. Ren looked at her shocked.
"What? Why are you laughing?"
"Because," giggle "The postcard isn't your present."
"It isn't?"
"No, silly! The picture on your post card is! I bought you the lake! I thought it would be great if you had your own place to swim and stuff and do whatever you wish with it. I know how much you love water and swimming which is why I brought it for you ,but I couldn't exactly bring the lake here so I decided to get a picture with it instead."
Ren looked at her in disbelief. She bought him a lake!? That was so unbelievable.
"Sarah, you're amazing!"
Sarah just continued smiling. Ren now realized it was his turn and he was really nervous. Would Lucy like this? He looked over to Lucy and quickly pushed an arm out to her with the present in its grasp. Lucy looked at it curiously. So, Ren was her Secret Santa? What could he have gotten her?
She ripped open her present in a haste. What came out shocked her to the core. It was a small locket. Golden. There was a big water drop at the front as its design. Lucy looked at the locket in awe, not thinking Ren could have gotten her something so pretty.
"Do you like it Lucy? I got it just for you...I think it's nice ,but I don't know how you would like it."
"I love it, Ren."
"There's more you know Lucy! Open it!"
Lucy looked over at a locket to see a small key at the bottom. She gripped the key and twisted it and the locket popped open. Lucy looked inside and gasped. There was a picture of her and Ren on one side, when they once went to a carnival on a mission. She and Ren were close together in the picture and were smiling goofy at the camera. The other side of the locket, however, was empty.
"Why is that side empty?"
"Oh, I left it empty because I thought you might like to put a picture of your mother in it. You talk about her a lot and she sounds like an amazing person. I wish I could meet her. If you have a picture of her and put it on then you can always remember her, you know." Ren explained.
Lucy stared at Ren, blinking. This was just too much. Ren got her the perfect present. It was just amazing. With no warning, she flung herself at Ren and wrapped her arms around him. Ren let out a surprised yell and his face went red at once. Lucy didn't see this though, she was too overwhelmed by what Ren had given her.
"You're amazing, Ren." Lucy whispered into her ear.
"So are you, Lucy."
They would have stayed like that forever if a cough didn't break them apart. Blushing madly, they both quickly jumped away from each other as Scarlet Destiny members grinned at the pair of them. It seemed a new couple was emerging.
Lucy cleared her throat and quickly bent down to her present. She slowly made her way to Zolo who raised an eyebrow at her.
"So, you're my Secret Santa huh?"
"Yeah."
"You better pray your present is good, for your well-being, ya know?" Zolo said as he placed a hand on the hilt of his sword.
Lucy gulped. She nodded her head again and passed her present to Zolo who tore it apart almost viciously. Once the item was revealed Zolo stared at it.
"Where did you get this?" Zolo asked in a low voice.
Lucy almost jumped out of her skin.
"Jared gave me the address to this place all good sword wielders go too...A very dangerous place. My head almost got chopped off five times! Uh, well, yeah, I asked this man about swords and stuff and I told him about you. He said you were trying to buy this type of special wax for your swords to make them extra sharp and stuff ,but you didn't have any money since you always blew it on alcohol. So I got it for you." Lucy rambled on.
"A wax that makes his swords even sharper? Is that really a good idea?" Veruna voiced everyone opinion.
Zolo stared at Lucy. No emotion. Then, he let out a small grin,
"It looks like you live to see another day, girl."
Lucy let out a breath that she didn't know she was holding. She thought in her mind that was Zolo's way of saying 'Thanks'
Zolo quickly jumped up.
"Now, it's my turn."
Everyone shivered. They truly felt sorry for the person that was his Secret Santa. Zolo stomped off towards a direction and everyone realized at once who he was going to. Happy.
Happy seemed to sweat bullets as Zolo was heading straight for him and people were slowly moving away from him. Finally, Zolo arrived.
"Here's your present, cat."
Zolo pushed the present to a reluctant Happy who was terrified of opening it ,but knowing he must, Happy started to unwrap it. Once he unwrapped all the paper, Happy was now staring at a piece of juicy dead fish.
"Fish!" Happy yelled out in joy as he moved the fish and bit into it only to suddenly take it out of his mouth in shock and disgust "Thats not fish...Well, it tastes like fish and all ,but when I try to bite it, I can't!"
"I know, since it's not real fish," Zolo started to say with a grin "It's a special fish toy. It takes exactly fish, smells like fish and even feels like fish but you can't eat it. Not possible. You'd die if you try too."
Happy was basically crying now.
"Why? Why would you get me something so good and horrible at the same time!?"
"I thought it would be fun!"
As Happy continued to cry and everyone mused over their presents they all had to admit, playing Secret Santa wasn't wall that bad.
And done! Whew a very long chapter. But I hope you all loved my OVA PRESENT! It took me so long to write as well. So, dark guild is making its move...The slave is in the town!
SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO xKurai AS SHE HELPED ME SO MUCH THINKING ABOUT PRESENTS AND STUFF! SHE IS AMAZING FOLKS!
But, lets look on the bright side, its Christmas! Have a fund day today...And a happy new year!
REVIEWS CAN BE MY CHRISTMAS PRESENT! HA HA, please review, I look forward to know knowing your thoughts on all this.
Till next time...see yh!
