The midnight moon shimmered brightly in the Fiore night sky, glistening with its waxing crescent facing down on the seas of a pier where a large ship was being held. Aboard the ship under the cover of darkness, many of operations have been going on.
"Right up there, c'mon. Time is money!" A gruff operator pointed up the loading dock as men were lazily pushing carts on wheels up the ramp to the deck. The men all carried individual boxes, if not other varieties of materials, including two-man cages containing some very odd animals. They all seemed unsound, if not morally upset being stuck in cages, but they had no say. If they did, they'd earn a one-way ticket into the ocean.
The operation was supposed to be rather simple. Ship Pokémon, items, and berries to a faraway land. Simple as could be. But what made it so bizarre and clandestine was how it was operating under the cover of night, the time where misdeeds occur.
"Right here?" One guy was carrying a single cage carrying a few Pidgey in them. He looked over and saw his boss nodding in confirmation and sat the cage down next to a cage containing a few Weedle.
The same guy swatted his hands up and down to cleanse off the rust and dust with a smug look. "There we go. You all sit tight now, wouldn't want anything to happen to you now, right?" The way his tone played out made it sound like a threat, his smirking was a sure sign of any grim implication. The Pokémon all steadily crept to the backs of their cages in fright.
"Hey, stop it man. That's not helping." Another worker scolded.
The worker got back up and shot him a look. "Well it's not like they're gonna do anything about it." He looked back at them. "What are they gonna do? Bite?" He shot another grin at them, but when an Ekans from a nearby cage attempted a lunge and bit at the bars, the jerking of the cage caused him to squeal and fall onto his back.
"Told ya."
"Hey, what are you doing over there?! Get back to work!" The head worker shouted. "We gotta finish this shipment in the hour!"
"Right, sorry boss man!" the worker rushed away, with the other one on the ground trying to roll over onto his stomach and get up.
The belittler shot a look back at the Ekans that tried to threaten him, but all he did was earn a sneering hiss in warning. He chose to back off and resume his work.
In the forest nearby, the underbrush was quiet. Too quiet in fact. It was all too placid, if not threatening. The silence was broken by quiet rustling. From within the bushes, a shadowy figure was watching the operation with a steadily intent. He has been watching the operation go on for a short while now, and he's been observing them all carefully to know the openings of the ship. Once he had taken it all in, he reached for his earpiece and tapped it.
"Okay, begin the operation." He whispered.
Somewhere else, another figure hidden grinned as his gloved hand tapped the earpiece he had. "Copy that."
Another pair of guys was making way up the loading ramp, both carrying a Phanpy in a cage. "So that chick from last night, right?" one insinuated.
"Yeah, what about her?"
"Thought she was pretty hot, right?"
"And yet she still rejected you hard."
"Hey, I know where she works! She'll fall for me eventualllyyyyy~!" The guy suddenly tripped onto his back, making the cage containing the Phanpy fall onto his chest, both getting shaken up.
"What the-?!" The other guy looked down in surprise to see him fall up the dock. "Hey, watch it man! You trying to fall for yourself or that chick? I can't tell!"
The guy struggled to get up, but the cage with the startled Phanpy was surprisingly heavy. "Gnnngh! Just shut it and help me up!"
"Okay, just hold still and…!" He bent down to reach for the cage but was cut off when he suddenly felt something tight lace around his ankle. "What-?!" Suddenly, the lacing tug at him with an incredible force, dragging him off the docking area and sent screaming into the water below.
The guys behind looked with shock. Their eyes were wide as they were getting their supplies up next.
"What the heck?!" One guy exclaimed. Suddenly, he felt a tug as well. The cage he carried in hand containing an Eevee suddenly went flying by the sound of a chord.
It wasn't just him. Chord after chord was slinging everywhere, snagging up cages from out of nowhere. The guys all looked perplexed as they saw the cages all fling out into the unknown. One of the guys instantly felt they weren't alone.
"Who's there?!" Followed by his example, they started to pull out pocket knives and guns. They all looked around wearily to see who it was that was responsible for all this. But to their misfortune, they found nothing.
One guy angrily looked around for any suspicions, and the sound of spitting came from up ahead. A sudden glob of pink suddenly latched onto the barrel of the gun he had, stopping him from firing.
The others looked at him surprised as he tried to fire, but even with guns going off, he wasn't able to get the bullets out. Another pink glob fired, this one getting a guy's knife right of his hands. Another fired, getting another's hands too sticky to even move them. Others looked to where it was all coming from, but they were dumbfounded as volleys of large pink globs shot at fast rates like bullets. They expanded like nets, enveloping them all as they shot onto the side of the ship, screaming in shock as the globs stuck them to the cold side of the ship.
As they all grunted, they saw what looked a feminine figure walk pass them. One guy glared at her with a scowl.
"Het, what the fu-?!" He was cut off when a green glob this time shot into his mouth. He nearly choked as his mouth was silenced by the minty green goop. The woman continued on like no one's business.
On the upper deck, men were looking at her incoming and started to point their weapons. On the head's command, he chopped.
"Fire!"
They all fired at the intruder, bullets of magic, knives, whatever they had on hand. As she closed in, however, a glimmer of turquoise appeared out of nowhere, and the wall abruptly stopped the attack cold.
The workers all looked shocked. "What?! You've gotta be kidding me!"
The wall suddenly escalated to where it was climbing up the dock. The men in its way were in too great of shock before it crashed into them sending them flying backwards into the deck wood with painful thuds.
In the moonlight, a figure's silhouette had fingers crossed as his kempt, dense cowlick glistened in the light. "Sorry boys, but mind if we cut in?" the figure chimed.
One figure lying on the wood grunted as he was trying to get up. As he tried, he caught sight of a pair of leopard skin boots that went up to actual leopard skin with what looked like brown leather armor on the ridged sides.
The silhouette overhead snickered as she looked down on him. "So sorry, buddy. Nothing personal." She raised her boot, kicking him in the face to where it went black, just like the other guys on the ship.
The caged Pokémon loaded on deck that were about to be shipped were all staying still as grappling chords suddenly began to surround the cages one after another; some of them even in clusters. They all were secured and fastened, and that's when another frown from another girl was seen.
"Okay, all set."
She pressed a button, and suddenly, the thick chords expelled nets from all sides. They encased the cages like oranges in a bag, and all the Pokémon inside. The woman the entered the docking area turned and spat pink globe of her mouth again, sending them atop the net. Instantly they inflated, becoming large gum bubbles that inflated like balloons.
With enough air, the whole cargo had begun to ascend into the atmosphere, slowly getting off the ground and off into the woods.
"Yo guys, over here!" The leopard woman held over her head a large wooden crate containing items of various sorts, a prideful smile on her face.
The cowlick man walked up with a hand to his hip, meeting with the four other silhouettes right near the base of the deck. "Looks to me there should be a few more in the cargo area. Shouldn't take too long there."
"Nope!"
Another woman was chewing on some gum, making pink gum blow and create a small bubble that popped.
"And it looks like no one was seriously injured. Bummer."
"Well there's always next buck up! We got a job to do!"
A thick pair of boots began to walk on the deck, carrying a figure's strong physique. "She's right." The figure walking in the moonlight had glowing dark purple fists that arose, casually backhanding a guy as he tried to swing a sword. The guy fell backwards completely unconscious, and the culprit went on like it never happened. "There's still more to be done here. Search the lower levels. We'll clear this ship even if it takes all night!"
"Right!"
As they all fanned out, a groan came from behind. The man in charge turned to look at the groaning head of the operation and saw him on his stomach, reaching out with anger in his eyes.
"Who…are you…?"
The man turned to face him, his fists enveloped in his dark purple energy. "…those who seek peace will never end their hunt. It's an eternal punishment befitting one who dares to tread such a path. The path you walk will never have such meaning."
The man grunted in agony. "What are you…?"
"The hunt never ends...even after you die." The man brushed his hands forward, sending a wave of darkness dead ahead.
Daylight shined down on the Fairy Tail guild once more, a new day with a new attitude brewing. And along with a new attitude came the spirit to try new things.
"Lotad, Bubble!" Vijeeter ordered his Lotad upfront, who opened his mouth and expelled a spray of blue bubbles at Laki's Bonsly.
The Wood-Make Mage reached out, giving her own command. "Quick Bonsly, Copycat!" Her Bonsly did as told, making the buds on his heads shined brightly before he spread his feet, expelling bubbles in return.
The two attacks met in the middle, creating sparkling blue arrays everywhere. Lotad and Bonsly seemed neck and neck at first, until Lotad's Bubble started to overpower. Eventually the Bubble made way towards the shocked Bonsly, and the Rock-type was enveloped in bursts of bubbles in the face, enveloping him in mist.
"Bonsly!" Laki cried out. To her utter shock, the mist cleared, revealing her Bonsly on his back, fainted.
A hand by Lisanna went up for Vijeeter. "Bonsly is unable to battle, Lotad is the winner! And that means Vijeeter is the victor!"
Vijeeter spun in place like a Rapid Spin out of joy, while Lotad plopped around out of happiness. Laki slumped down to her knees and grimaced in her own downfall.
"Man, looks like those guys were really going at it hard." Jet commented as he sat at a table.
Droy was munching on a chicken drumstick, looking over his shoulder, if he had one that is. "Yeah, no kidding. It's like everyone's getting serious now." He muffled. "Just look at Romeo over there. He's picking up fast."
At his sinuate, both looked over to see Romeo and Macao going at it with their own Litwick, both sides recently backing off as flares dissipated. Romeo swiped his arm, ushering his Litwick to bend down and expel a cloud of purple smoke, via Smog.
Macao reached out. "Not on my watch! Block it with Fire Spin!" His Litwick took in a deep breath and exhaled a spinning blast of fire. The Fire Spin reached the center, where a spiral of fire created a heated wave that blew the Smog around his Litwick.
Romeo smiled at the blockade. "Not bad, Dad!"
"Hey, these old bones aren't out yet, son!" he smiled back.
It was as casual as ever for Fairy Tail, going on jobs and hanging around the guild like no one's business. However, even after Jefferey's visit, the guildmates have been getting into the battle spirit. They've been practicing and training for who knows how long, and a lot of them had shaky starts at first, but soon picked up their pacing.
Currently, quite a few people have been in battles. At the moment, Romeo was against his father, Wakaba's Koffing was against Max's Sandshrew, even Cana and Purrloin got a battle in against Bisca and her Remoraid, but only out of Sophie's insistence.
Mirajane had an elbow to the wooden bar top as she smiled at the guild bustling themselves. "Looks to me that everyone's working hard." She chimed.
Wendy nodded. "Yeah, you can say that again."
Carla shot her a look. "Shouldn't you be practicing with them, Wendy?"
The Sky Dragon smiled at her. "Oh, don't worry about that, I already did earlier with Swablu." At that notion, the blue bird with cloud wings chirped as she perched herself atop Wendy's head. She looked up at her with a smile. "She's even learned this good move that's called Disarming Voice, or something like that. Right, Swablu?"
The Cotton Bird Pokémon hummed as she nodded.
Carla sighed with no reason to pry. "Well I guess that counts as something. At least you're doing your share, unlike some people." She shot a look across the guild hall, more specifically towards the request board, where Nab felt a chill run up his spine.
His Munchlax looked up at him with curiosity. "Hm? Something wrong?"
In another part of the guild, Aron's Headbutt collided with Charmander's Flame Charge. The flaming energy enveloped him as Aron continued to push, and both Natsu and Gajeel were raising fists with rivaled spirits showing.
"Come on, Charmander! Show that tin can what you're made of!"
"Ain't nothing getting past your defenses, Aron! Step it up!"
Both Pokémon were duking it out hard, and neither one was going to back down. Eventually though, they realized this, and both backed off, stepping away. As they got space, Charmander had a red aura envelop him, increasing his Speed.
Watching from the wall, Nic had arms folded alongside Greninja as both watched the battles unfold ahead of them. They remained in the shade with placid looks as they saw everyone learning step by step.
"Looks to me that everyone's starting to pick up the pace a little." Nic said.
Greninja nodded. "So it seems."
"It's been nearly a few days after Jefferey's visit. You'd think they'd be doing their usual business again."
"Looks like those practice battles really knocked some sense into them. Even Natsu's starting to learn a few new things from what I've seen."
Natsu swiped his arm, giving a command. "Use Ember!" Charmander opened his mouth upon command and expelled a blanket of orange and yellow sparks at his opponent.
Gajeel balled his fist tighter. "Ya think so?! Aron, Mud-Slap!" Aron bored in stubby front paws into the ground, where the ground ahead cracked apart and expelled a stream of mud that slipped through the air at the Ember. The wet mud powered through the Fire-type move, closing in on Charmander.
Acting rationally, Natsu swiped his arm again. "Dodge it!" His Charmander rolled over on the ground, evading the Mud-Slap that splattered in his place.
The Dragon Slayer smirked. "We're not falling for that one!"
As Natsu continued the practice battle against Gajeel, Lucy looked on with her Klefki in admiration. "Wow, I can't believe how much more adept Natsu is getting at this." The blonde said.
"Aye! He's getting better! Just you wait!" Happy insisted. "You haven't seen anything yet!"
Juvia was a little farther down, cheering for Gray. "You can do it, my darling!" she cheered. "I won't bare to see you lose another battle like this!"
Gray, however, was staring at her as he was eating his lunch. "Cool it, Juvia. The food isn't going to kill me if your yelling won't." He chomped on another piece of veggies, thankfully with his clothes on…this time around. Snover was beside him as a bead of sweat dripped down his face.
"Is she always like this?" he asked his Trainer.
Gray shrugged. "Yeah. Trust me, you're better off just rolling with it."
"You can gain the strength you need to win for us next time!"
Gray sighed.
Nearby Nic, Erza walked up and gave a sincere smile. She saw how relaxed he was despite all these changes. Normally, like Natsu, Nic couldn't handle things like this so well, but he seemed to be handling it decently. "Things all well with the guild?" she asked her husband.
Nic looked over, grinning. "Hey, Erza." He answered. "As well as can be it seems. Everyone's looking pretty well with these battles."
Erza watched Natsu and Gajeel battle, a nod showing. "So it would appear so." She watched as Charmander closed in for Scratch, while Aron used Harden to increase his Defense. When the Scratch landed, it didn't even faze him. Gajeel ordered a Headbutt, and that's when the close-range was enough for Aron to score a headbutt square in Charmander's gut, sending him sliding back several feet across the dirt.
As the battles went on, she faced him. "I thought you were at home doing that portrait."
"I was. I was just taking a little break to come by and see what was going on."
"Well I better not see that portrait unfinished the next time I come home again. We need something to make that space beside the window more lively."
Nic sighed. "I know…but it's not exactly easy trying to draw Pokémon in a clear pond, especially underwater."
Erza beamed. "Well, it just so happens that I might have a few suggestions that could help…"
"Erza, we talked about this." Nic backlashed. "Who's the artist in the family?"
"And who wear the pants?"
Nic raised a brow. "You're wearing a skirt."
Erza sighed heavily at Nic's persistence. She folded her arms and just dealt with it. "Fine, but I want to see it finished as soon as tomorrow comes."
Nic leaned towards her, grinning. "Do I ever disappoint?"
Erza scoffed teasingly. As she looked back at him with am amused smirk, he returned it in kind. They looked at each other and off towards the battlegrounds the guild sat up. As they watched the practice battles unfold, something in particular came to mind. And it involved seeing a certain duo with their own Pokémon.
Joey spread his legs out, looking at his Chespin with a crouch. "Okay Chespin, ready?" he asked eagerly.
"Uh, Joey, are you sure about this?" Chespin asked in worry. He didn't seem too confident in Joey's plan.
Joey flashed a smirk as he balled a fist. "Trust me, I've been practicing myself you know." He spread his arms out to the side, acting like a target. "Now let it rip!"
Chespin acquiesced and let it slide. "Okay, you're the boss. Rollout!" He curled into a ball and started for Joey with incredible force. He closed in while his Trainer remained completely still.
Thinking back to the very few textbooks Dereece insisted Joey to read, the Trainer took in a deep breath and quelled his nerves. 'Okay then…quiet the mind.' He tried to think of nothing, leaving his mind a blank space. 'Take a deep breath of the ethernano around you…picture what you are trying to create…and expel it from every pore in your body…' When he felt assured, he opened his blue eyes again, reaching his arms out. "Okay let's go!"
He reached out with all his might, yelling out as his palms faced Chespin incoming. However, nothing happened, and Chespin rolled right into Joey's stomach. The 18-year-old spat comically as he could feel the rolling grind into the gut, making his left eye twitch as he fell backwards with a thud.
"Ow…" he groaned.
Chespin landed and gave him a guilty look. "Oops. Uh, sorry!"
"No, no, it's all good." Joey slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his head as it ached. "Man that hurt though…" He grunted as he recovered himself, opening an eye to look at his Chespin. "But man you're strong. That's better than when you started."
Chespin sheepishly rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.
"You know, maybe you're going at this all wrong." Dereece said. He and Heracross were standing off to the side. "I don't think trying to force magic out is all that healthy."
"Well hey, at least I'm trying, Dereece." Joey said in an offended tone. "I don't see you trying to get a cool power."
Dereece rubbed the back of his head. "Well, i-it's not exactly right to say I haven't been trying myself, but…"
"AHA!" Joey pointed an accusing finger at him. "So you do want magic too!"
Dereece angrily hunched over. "Well at least I'm trying to be more sensible about it!" he sniped. "I mean, just look at Duncan. For all we know, his magic could be developing from just what he's doing right now." To demonstrate what he meant, he gestured over towards Duncan.
Both Trainers watched as Duncan was using a practice dummy provided my Mirajane. He was using the kendo stick he always carried and was currently exercising for his own benefits. His kendo stick went on the head of the dummy, making a hard smack sound that reverberated from the wooden stick. If it were a real person, it probably would've hurt.
Joey looked discouraged at his teammate as he was practicing, and here he was trying to get some kind of power that could not even be possible. He just wanted to try, is that so hard to ask? He looked down at his palm, trying to picture what he was going for again…but he didn't see anything. He didn't know what he was supposed to see to begin with.
Dereece knelt and gently put a hand on Joey's shoulder. "Just give it a little more time, okay? I'm sure we'll all get the basics eventually."
"He's right." The voice came from nearby. When the guys looked over in surprise, they saw Vanessa present with a smile. And following by her were Nic, Greninja, and Erza as they decided to join in as well.
Instantly, Joey could feel his heartrate increased. "V-Vanessa-senpai…!" he stammered. "I-I was just…"
"It's fine. There's no need to rush yourself. Trust me, I was the same way." She chuckled at the memory, even if it was so long ago. Seeing Joey try the way she did was nostalgic in a way she could reciprocate. "You can imagine how much stress it was for me when I first tried to learn magic. I thought it would never come."
Joey's eyes widened in amazement. "R-really?"
Vanessa nodded. "I didn't get my magic until…well, let's say a certain event that caused me to realize myself." She looked down at her hand, displaying her teal aura as it enveloped her whole right hand. "It takes more than just concentration. Sometimes it's the incentive, and what type you've been exposed to. Some of which cane even be from something deep down you never thought you had to begin with."
Nic and Erza were off to the side with soft smiles on their faces. In a way, they could tell that last part was from Vanessa's own experience. She got her Aura Magic because it was hereditary, but it didn't come around until a few weeks into Earthland. Even later came the incident that reveled in her Second Origin.
"So then, you really think we can?" Dereece questioned.
Nic stepped forward. "I don't see why not."
"N-Nic-senpai!" Joey squealed.
Nic kept his composed smile. "Your Chespin and everyone else started using new moves because of the way you're training them, right? My powers and magic alike are the same. What my sister says it's the truth. If you're exposed to a certain magic, you'll pick up on its traits. But there's a lot more to that even I'm not aware of."
Erza nodded afterwards. "My magic's origins came from my childhood experiences. I was locked inside of a tower…and I watched Grandpa Rob give his life for my own." She could feel a tight chord sting at the memory of him being erased in front of her eyes.
Nic put a hand on her shoulder, giving her a comforted smile, one that she humbly returned.
"But what matters is what drives you." She continued. "The more exposed you are to magic, and what you are used to…I'm sure you'll both learn magic in no time."
From the corner of it all, Duncan swung his kendo stick. However, after his recent swing, he stopped and glanced from the corner of his eye.
With his confidence restored, Joey stood up proudly. "Right, thanks guys. You really are awesome! And so cool~!" He looked so cheeky as he had his fists to his chin and sparkles around him as he was beginning to dawdle into his lala land again.
Dereece shrugged. "Well, I guess it's not a big deal now. We do have our Pokémon after all, right?"
Vanessa nodded. "Right, and that'll be more than enough for you for now if you want it to be."
Nic smiled as well. "If it's all the same, I think I might have an idea that'll help us shake off some of this anxiety."
Joey flashed out of his fanboying. "Y-you do?!"
Nic nodded. "I think we should all try and find a job together. Some field experience also helps with growth as a person."
"Well I say what a splendid idea, Nic." Erza smirked. "And we can invite a few more if we want, too. The more the merrier."
Vanessa looked jovial at the prospect. "Would it be alright if Sophie and I came along?"
"Sure, we wouldn't mind." Nic said.
Joey looked so excited as his cheeks flared pink again. "This is going to rock so hard~." He squealed. "Me and Nic-senpai, working on a job together…it's like a dream come true, baby! Woooh!"
Dereece did another eyeroll.
Joey swept around and faced his team. "Yo, Dereece, Duncan. Listen up you Freaks! This is your order from your Captain, we're going on a job with Nic-senpai and a few more, so better buckle up!"
Duncan seemed mildly amused at the prospect. "Whatever you say."
Nic looked towards Erza, a casual grin growing on his face. "Looks like that space on the wall is going to have to wait." He mused. His wife simply scoffed teasingly.
"I still find it shocking how you find your way out of any predicament."
"Trust me, we tried to question that…but these things are better off left alone." Nic said, Greninja nodding right beside him.
In another part of Fiore, more accurately along the coast of Crocus, things were as busy as ever, if not more so. Staff were either doing so little or so much to where they couldn't even tell their own names apart, that was how exhausting it was for the Cambire Foundation at this time. With the ever-growing fad of Pokémon, the supply and demand ratio has been throwing everyone for a loop. Even the founder and president of the company was hardly sitting still in his wheelchair with the rushes going on.
Arthur shuffled the small stack of papers that was right in front of his desk, flipping them over each other due to the clipboard they rest on. As he went through it, he was beginning to stir up some prospects. He hummed quietly as he went through the papers one after the other.
"Sir, you're taking a lot of time." Marie said. "Is there something troubling you?"
Arthur sighed, setting the clipboard on the table of his still-in-progress temporary office. "It's nothing."
"The look on your face says otherwise."
He smirked. "Hm, nothing gets passed you, Marie."
Marie embarrassedly grunted.
He lowered his head, looking at the sheets of ink and numbers. "Truth be told, I was just thinking is all."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Well…how do I put this?" He raised his head to give a straight face to his employee. "Do you ever feel like there's more that you know is right there? It's there, and yet you can't see it. It feels like a tide; just swaying in and out until a full moon brings it closer to you."
Marie's face began to look puzzles. "You mean like something's wrong somewhere? Well, I guess that would make sense."
"Charlotte's been pushing for stepping up our boundaries, and Jefferey has been no less insistent. I can understand why…but we both know that further pacing ourselves is going to give a wrong impression." He sighed once more in his own grief. "Maybe I'm just working too hard."
Marie tilted her head in honest confusion. In a way, she didn't see this as a big deal, but knowing Arthur, he wasn't as straightforward or practical with it as Charlotte was, and Jefferey was just as forceful with dealing these matters. But Arthur was a more precarious person. She had to empathize with how he reasoned with his own doubts.
She looked down at the ground, giving it a furrowed brow. "…if you ask me, I say it wouldn't matter in the end." Her look shot back at him. "Because no matter what, in any case, you'll always make the choices that benefit us all. Not just yourself, not for everyone else. You try to improve lives as a whole; I think that's ample enough reason to go at your own pace."
A moment of silence fell before another smile tugged on the corner of Arthur's lips. He closed his eyes chuckled low. "Well, suppose that's one way to dismiss a pointless thought in my head."
"You never make pointless thoughts, sir. You consider everyone's agendas."
"As you say. Still…could you be a dear and find me some wine?"
She shot him a serious look. "It's too early for this again."
"Well supply and demand isn't going to run on full steam all the time you know. Even dreamers need a little laxative from time to time." He laughed lightly, much to her chagrin.
The black door knocked, getting their attention. "Yes?" Arthur asked. "Who is it?"
"Arthur, we need to talk." The masculine voice behind the door was all too familiar. It's what made the conversation he and Marie were having suddenly simmer to a low heat in this broiling fire.
Holding his tongue, Arthur sat straight up in his chair and let his jovial nature get taken over. "Enter." He ordered.
The door opened, revealing Charlotte and Jefferey waiting rather impatiently; Charlotte more so. She entered first, with a slower Jefferey in tow as they made way towards the desk. Charlotte stood before her superior with a disappointed scowl.
"Arthur." She greeted dryly.
"Yes, Charlotte. What is it?" he answered.
"I believe Jefferey has something interesting to share with you, again." Her tone was rivaling even her own sense of impatience. She stepped off to the side, allowing her coworker to walk up to him and share what it was that she meant.
He sat the sheet on his desk. "This came just this morning." He forewarned. "I think you should read it."
Hearing what he had to say, Arthur looked down at the sheet out of whimsical curiosity. The longer he scrutinized the contents, the more surprised he looked. By the time he reached the end, he seemed to have understood their resentment.
"I see." He said low. "So it's happened again."
Marie had a small gasp escape.
"This is the third shipment ransacked this week." Arthur noted. "All those supplies and items that we've worked hard to manufacture, and this is what's been reduced to."
Arthur looked at them both unsoundly. "So it seems."
"It seems that someone doesn't intend on having us going anywhere with this line of work." Charlotte said in an inquired tone. "The circumstances are now most alarming."
"They are indeed."
"Arthur, we're serious about this." Jefferey insisted. "This situation can't be ignored any longer. We need to do something!" As he spoke, he slammed his fist on his desk, the thudding alarming the tension rising.
Arthur shot him a look of defiance in return. "I know, Jefferey." He spoke in a defiant tone of his own. "I'd prefer it that you don't fret over something that could otherwise disrupt our current standpoint, let alone our overall morale. It's concrete knowing we have begun legal action with oversea shipping of our supplies, of which for the most part has been funded and taken care of promptly."
"Then explain why we're being hijacked and not doing anything about it?"
"Probably the very reason that you're doing right now." Arthur's leer was grazing into Arthur's pupils. The resource manager was starting to get the feeling he had a hand in this innuendo and chose to back off from his desk. Arthur leaned back in his wheelchair, trying to think critically.
"There can be a number of reasons why a percentage of our supplies has been 'substantially hampered', but at the moment, we're doing nothing more than pointing fingers at thin air. And if you're insisting there is a spy, then do you intend to interrogate everyone and bring an alarm to our production?"
Charlotte's glare hardened. "Well I fail to see how that wouldn't be a start."
"Maybe that's a possibility, Charlotte, but we need to keep an open mind. We'll find the answers we're looking for, but force at this point won't draw in the needed attention from perpetrators." He turned his whole wheelchair to roll and look at the window, seeing his patented reflection. He seemed mildly well, despite how intrigued he was inside. A short silence fell before his assistant spoke again.
"Sir, what do we do?"
He folded his fingers and put them up to his lips. He stared out as he watched all the interns learning outside in open land, oblivious to the scandal that's going on. "Whoever is responsible, it's clear they don't approve of our actions. Someone's out there…but who, and why?"
The silent note left everyone wondering in their own absence of mind.
The daylight hours soon turned to late evening. The orange sky burned brightly outdoors and illuminating the air like a roaring open flame, like the few fires that were put out on the ship's open deck. The smoke had long since went away well in the morning, and the ship and crew had been recovered, but otherwise held for investigation.
With authorities having been cleared scouting and surveying the boat, it was left unattended for a small group of people to take to their own hands. However, this wasn't the same group as before. Instead, this was a more familiarized group that's made a name for itself.
Surveying the whole scene, the man with blue hair frowned as he saw the damage done. "Looks like we were too late." He said regrettably.
Ultear stepped up to his side. "It looks like we missed them by a day. Could've been less."
"So even after all that calculating, we were still short." Meredy said.
Jellal's glare set foot ahead. "But not by much. We were able to track them better than last time at least, and it seems they're the same ones from before as well."
"You'd think all that glob on the side of the boat was a dead giveaway." Sorano said in a disgusted tone. "Bleh! Just looking at that stuff makes me wish that didn't come out of someone's mouth."
"The rudders looked sliced up as well." Macbeth noted. "Richard, what did you find?"
The tallest of the group looked down at his comrades. "Regrettably, not much. Their cargo hold has been completely picked clean like a dried bone!"
A somber look on Meredy began to creep a hopeful smile. "Well, at least there weren't any casualties this time. That's something to be proud of."
"Yeah, this time." Sawyer repeated. "But it's clear whoever's doing this isn't just after the goodies. They wanna get rid of anyone that's in their way. I'm surprised just a few people ended up badly beat."
Ultear's eyes narrowed. "Thieves and headhunters, and they still target certain shipments at night."
Erik scoffed. "I don't know if I'm supposed to be impressed or annoyed that these guys stay one step ahead of us all this time."
"It's been going on for two weeks now." Meredy frowned. "A lot of people are hurt, and we still don't know why."
Jellal looked down at the ground with a grim expression. "And that makes them all the more reasonable to be put to justice." He looked at his group, seeing that one was still missing. "Where's Bellona?"
"Somebody call?" A hair of heels was heard from the side, followed by a large sway of hips. Everyone turned to see who it was that came around, and they found it to be a woman with sky blue, bouncy hair with equally bouncy cuffs.
Jellal turned towards the voluptuous woman. "Bellona, what did you find?"
The woman now revealed as Bellona stopped before Jellal, her weight to one hip as she gave him a look. "Same as before, the ship's structure and its material were identical to the last one ransacked." She said. "It seems clear to me that they're targeting more than just random shipments now."
Erik raised a brow. "Huh, so you're saying these guys are targeting ships of the same kind?"
"Yes. Ordinarily, when a country departs a certain ship, you can tell where it came from just from its shape and the material its made of. This ship has a more metallic filament than wooden, meaning that it's supposedly not meant for shipping to begin with. As far as we know, that is."
Ultear crossed her arms. "I think I'm starting to picture it. So what you're saying is that this is a clandestine ship, but was otherwise operated under the same origin."
"Meaning all these ships attacked in the past two weeks came from the same place!" Meredy gasped.
"Exactly." Bellona said.
Sawyer didn't seem too pleased with all this. "Okay, so we get that. These guys are kicking asses and taking Poke Balls and other knickknacks. But what's about this kind of ship that would make you want to hijack its goods to begin with?"
Sorano shrugged nonchalantly. "Well maybe if it wasn't so tacky then maybe I wouldn't be so suspicious."
"You get the point!"
Richard put an edged finger to his equally shaped head, humming weakly. "Hmmm…"
"Do all these ships have something in common?" Meredy insinuated.
Ultear turned towards her, giving a knowing look. "Yes. In fact, I can guarantee that all these ships were meant to carry goods and food supplies that the Cambire Foundation is sorting out. They're all exports to other countries who are still waiting for their supplies to handle some Pokémon dilemmas."
"So then this means whoever's behind this is making off with Potions and Revives." Bellona said in an undoubted tone. "Somehow, just somehow, I have a feeling whoever's doing this doesn't want the Cambire Foundation to go there."
Jellal furrowed his brow, turning to give the wood he stood on another good look. He could tell from its texture that it was much thicker than normal wood. It had to be ironwood tree bark even, which was a rare bark that would take more than a chainsaw to pry off. An upon first glance, the metal the ship had was recognizable for suitable durability against giant waves, meaning it had to have come far to get to wherever it came from.
Looking at everything around him, there was something vaguely familiar that the ship held, something that even Bellona caught onto. They knew that this shipment was ransacked for a reason, and it had to do with the cliental. Whatever odds were made were heavily breached, and it was up to them to dig into that breach to find answers.
"Search every part of this ship." Jellal stated. "There's a reason why this particular breed of ship brings an offense, and that's why the shipments here are being hijacked. Search every available compartment, even documentation to prove this could be a farce. If they really came here for the Cambire Foundation's services…then we have to be sure they truly mean business and nothing more."
Erik smirked. "I hear that."
Ultear looked out towards the sea, watching as the orange rays of the horizon slowly beginning to grow dark once more.
While matters for the Cambire Foundation and for certain vigilantes have been preoccupying any means of fair results, other matters were attended to by the likes of those who were yet to catch whim of this disease spreading. For Fairy Tail, the matter was handled in their own line of work, and that's where they came in.
Currently on a job, the description took place in Columbine, a rather lavish city known for its lively evening events, whether be legal or not. Nic stood alongside the group comprised of Team Natsu, Vanessa, Sophie, Juvia, and The Freaks. They all stood on a red carpet within a rich domain surrounded by a number of patrons.
"So that's the bargain." Erza spoke up. "Our job is to ensure your own safety for this night if that's what the description upheld."
In front of them all, sitting on a leather chair, there was an average sized man with brown hair with equally brown eyebrows. He adorned a red and white priest-like hat, only much smaller like a sailor cap. He adorned a red mantle over a white robe, and surrounding him were numerous lady servants who were otherwise sharing his own modest smirk towards the guild before them, for reasons apparent.
The man's modest smirk was cascaded onto all the mages apparent. "My, my, I must say that you've left me at a loss for words." He said with an equally modest tone. "Whoever in their wildest dreams could've predicted that Fairy Tail would send the prestige and mighty Nic Pularis of all people to look after this estate. I feel so safe that it's giving me shivers."
Nic ignored his candor and got the matter assessed. "So you hired us to ensure your safety because of a threat that has been assessed by you and you alone?"
The man nodded. "Yes. I'm sure you're well aware of the rumors going around, have you not? Piers and ports have been on rather high alert since these attacks. I'd rather not find any trespassers making a fuss in my city, especially with our fair share of trade being so high."
Lucy turned towards Sophie. "Why do you think that is?"
The second blonde crossed her arms and formed a frown with her lips. "Probably because of the Cambire Foundation. Their growing stocks have been spreading like a virus all throughout Fiore already. The Council is currently making embassies pass stock regulations across other countries so that they can get their fair share."
"Precisely my point." The man said. "I've been doing my job the best I can for my fair town and folk, and services could not have been better. It's also been rumored that these alleged raiders have been notorious for bodily inflictions."
"You mean might come for you since you're such a big deal?" Happy asked.
Wendy looked up, pointing an index finger to her chin. "Well, I guess there would be a point there. You are allowing this all to happen after all."
"So if they intend a secondary target, that's where we come in." Carla deduced. "Understandable, but I still don't see why you want us here and not at the ports?"
"The ports aren't ready for a shipping as of yet, I checked." Vanessa said. "Tonight is just preparations. They intend to get the next shipment exported by tomorrow."
The man grinned. "Well I see where you're all coming from. If it's all the same, I think we should be in fine hands. I'm counting on you."
Nic spread his feet apart a little. "Can't guarantee what you don't know…but we'll make it so you're the priority here."
"You have my blessings." He bowed his head as his servants gathered around him. "Now then, I think we should all sit back and relax for a while, don't you think?"
The group got the consent and fanned out. They left the lavish estate as they entered city streets with lots of lights and lavish stands. The people around make it equally as palpable for a festive time. The group began to converge as they made way towards the doors.
"Well that guy certainly is a charmer." Sophie said with a smug tug on her lipstick.
"Yeah, no kidding." Gray said. "The guy really gives me the creeps."
"His servants surroundings him isn't welcoming." Juvia noted.
Wendy walked behind them, alongside Carla in her human form. "Yeah, maybe, but doesn't that mean he has a lot of money?"
"Makes you wonder where he gets it from." Carla inquired.
Natsu snorted. "Hmph, well as far as I can smell, the guy certainly smells weird."
"Maybe, but it's still our job to protect him from, well…anything." Lucy noted. "The job is still a job, and I need a little rent money."
"Lucy is right." All eyes went towards Erza as she stood at the top of the staircase, looking over the city and its festive wonders. "The job entitles us to protect him and do just that." Her armored arms folded beneath her chestplate. "But that doesn't falter any suspicions."
"So then what's the plan?" Joey asked.
Dereece stepped forward. "Yeah, we do have a plan, right?"
"Now let's think for just a minute." Nic's voice once again drew the attention of everyone there. He looked out at the city much like Erza, but his gaze was more down towards his own feet and the flight of stairs, where even there, a couple of Pidove were ruffling and cooing. "Before we overthink too hard, we have to consider why this is all happening. There's a reason why he's feeling targeted, and I can say it's more than just because of his recognition." He turned around. "Vanessa."
"Yes?"
"You said that the exportation's tomorrow, right? Tell me, what do we know so far that the Cambire Foundation has been selling?"
The younger sister looked down as she put a hand to her chin, critically thinking upon the matter. "Well, from what I can remember…I I think it's standard items and berries they prepared beforehand. You think there's more?"
"It's just a feeling." The wild Pidove all took off right before his eyes, soaring over the building. "But being threatened means you have something or have done something to upset someone else."
"I've read up some reports while we were on the train." Erza pointed out. "A recent shipment was attacked last night carrying supplies, but the culprits are still at large. As far as we know, they could very well be in the city for the same reason."
Nic faced his wife. "That's something that I think is a possibility. Meaning whatever is being shipped must be the reason this is all happening." His brow furrowed. "Alright then…" He faced the others and gave a definite glare. "Looks like we know what we need to do then. Everybody ready?"
"Yeah, I'm sure as hell fired up now!" Natsu balled his fist with a bright smile on his face.
"Aye, sir!"
Joey gave a thumbs up at his idol with a glimmer around his face. "You can count on us, Nic-senpai! We won't let you down!"
Duncan continued to look unamused at the scenario. "So then I guess spreading out and covering more ground is the answer, right?"
"It's our most likely bet." Nic answered. "We'll still need a good number of us still around our client still. Vanessa, Sophie, can you both stay around here? Your Aura Magic and Memory-Make will help with a radar in case something happens."
Vanessa nodded. "Sure."
"Tov."
"Alright then. We just need another group to look around the building."
"Oh! Oh! Pick me! Me!" A hand went up in the group, getting everyone to turn and see the very anxious leader of The Freaks volunteering for the sake of Nic.
Wendy looked at him with surprise. "You, Joey?"
Joey pointed a thumb to himself. "Don't get your pants in a knot. With Dereece, Duncan, and I especially, we'll be looking on the outside of the building to make sure Vanessa-senpai isn't going to be in any danger. Right, guys?" He turned towards his team, hoping they would back him up. As far as their expressions showed, they seemed to agree.
"You know, I kinda agree with you, Joey. Not such a bad idea I guess."
"Hmph. Alright then."
"Yes!" Joey smiled as he pumped his fist.
"Then that just leaves the rest of us to blend with the crowd and search for the attackers." Erza's testimony was drifting off in tone, one that the others picked up on and knew what she meant otherwise. "And be careful…you never know who will be listening in on us."
As the group spoke about their plans, they were unaware at the time, far away, within the alleys of the city, the silhouette of a shadow frowned. It's as if they were aware of something wrong was coming.
"Orion."
The figure turned his head back into the shadows, his disposition fading as he focused. "Everyone, stay sharp." He said as he walked back into the darkness. "We're approaching our hour. Be weary of anyone who comes around you."
Lucy walked beside her Klefki, Natsu, Wendy, Happy, and Carla as she admired the many features the city upheld. "Wow, I can't believe how many people are still out already." She continued her stroll down the boulevard with growing surprise at the many decorative stands. Even the ice cream stand was tempting enough as it was.
They all head a lot of conversations along the way, but nothing too keen that Natsu and Wendy's Dragon Slayer hearing didn't pick up on. There were some close instances of accusation, but even more traits showed less of this. As far as they were concerned, it was all innocent people out spending Jewel and having a good time.
"I wonder what the occasion is all about?" Happy wondered. "Is it always like this?"
Natsu opened his mouth wide and chomped down on a large piece of meat on a bone. He practically tore off the whole thing and savored the skin, meat, and all. "Well if you ask me…" he chewed before resuming his muffled speech. "It's gotta be all this Cambire stuff going on about."
"That would make sense. The supply and demand would bring about a steady income to an economy." Carla said.
Wendy smiled as she held a waffle cone with creamy white vanilla swirled into it. "Hey Carla, have you even tried this? It's really good."
Carla looked intrigued. "That so?" She gave Wendy a questioned look, but her smile proved to be nothing more than an infectious one that made even her smile form. She took the cone and held it close. "Why thank you, Wendy."
Wendy giggled as she watched her enjoy the sweet treat.
"I'm honest when I think the others may have something to off of." Lucy said. "What do you think they're doing right now?"
Natsu continued walking, sinking his jaws into the next flesh morsel. "Beats me. There's a lot of fresh scents around here to even tell who this so-called bad guy is. Guess we gotta play it out by ear."
As they bickered on, an average-sized individual with dark pants and a brown jacket with a hood made way through the streets. He raised a small flask of alcohol to his lips, making small sips before having his fill. Once ingested and down the gullet it went, he took a small sigh as his breath needed a raise.
As they trekked on, the festivities the stands and the folk had and provided was pretty entertaining. The food was one thing that certainly got Natsu's attention, much to Lucy and Carla's sniping. Sure, blending in and not looking at all suspicious does help, but that didn't mean they had to be picked bone dry of jewel so soon. But even so, the stands themselves supplied quite the amusement that drew people away from any suspicions. Even some people had Pokémon beside them, and they seemed to be enjoying it as well.
Klefki looked around as she stuck close to Lucy, seeing the many shiny objects glimmering. Lucy took notice of Klefki's curiosity and looked towards her.
"Something wrong? You seem distracted?"
Klefki looked around, her face growing disgruntled. "Nothing, it's just…" She faced Lucy with wavy tears running down her face. "Why aren't there any keys~?"
As Klefki whimpered in her obsessions, Lucy deadpanned with disbelief of her own. "You serious?! You have like a dozen keys on you right now! Ain't no way that you can handle anymore!"
"But I really like keys! Can't we just use your closet and-""
"No buts! Do you wanna get inside your Poke Ball again or what?"
Natsu and the others offered no intake on Lucy's personal issue with her greedy Klefki. They just retained their positions as the peanut gallery as they made way through the next wave of people. But this time, however, Natsu picked up on something.
As his eyes slowly widened, time drastically slowed down for him and everyone. His gaze remained forward as the wave of people brought along someone who had his bangs covering him, and covering those was a hood. The figure slowly passed the Dragon Slayer, their elbows nearly touching as they bypassed one another.
They were so far, and yet so close. That's what it felt at that moment with what he knew was wrong. Natsu's head and eyes slowly turned to pick up on the figure's features as his brown jacket concealed him. In a flash, time slipped back to forward as the figure walked along with the crowd, as if ignoring the scene entirely.
Natsu faced the direction of where he was going, his attention so drawn away that he forgot about his friends for a while. They soon picked up on his lagging and turned to see him focused.
"Natsu?" Happy questioned.
The Dragon Slayer didn't listen. His brow furrowed as he kept leering at him. The look he had made it clear that his gut feeling was taking over. As far he was concerned, he just found a lead on.
"Gray, isn't this just beautiful?"
"Yeah, I guess it isn't that bad."
Gray and Juvia paired off in another boulevard the city had, and just like Natsu and Lucy, they were taking a small shine to what the stands and the departments had to offer. It was all amazing and fun to look at, but for Gray's interests, they were more along the lines of following Juvia. He wasn't as tacky as her, but he didn't pry in what she fund to be interesting. That included himself.
Juvia looked at the necklace being offered as if it were a prime jewel, even if it was just stringed beads. Still, it glistened like sparkling water that enamored her. "It's so beautiful. What do you think, Gray?"
She looked towards him for approval, in which he shrugged. "It's not bad." He remarked.
As he looked towards it and Juvia, he tried to think of what else to say towards her. She was giving him such an expectant look that it almost made him feel ashamed to offer such few words. However, this was where he knew to be a little more considerate, even if bashful some. He looked away, catching Juvia unsoundly.
"Gray…?"
"And…I guess it suits you." He said embarrassedly.
Juvia could've sworn her heart thumped loudly before it stopped entirely. Her head went blank for a moment before the heat on her face showed. That could be said double for her eyes as hearts thumping. Once again, Gray had to deal with it.
"Uh, Juvia?"
Juvia sheepishly looked away as her face steamed a little. "So if I got this…then you would be happy?"
Now it was Gray's turn to look away. He rolled his eyes as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh, sure…I guess."
Juvia's smile brightened. "Then it's settled!" She turned and presented the bead necklace towards the vendor. "I'll take this one!"
Gray sighed. As pointless as it felt to spend money on something like that, he couldn't lie if he was asked if he had a problem with it, because he didn't. He looked away from Juvia as she paid for the surprisingly expansive bead necklace and looked over to another stand, watching as another girl on the opposite side of the street placed a large stack of packaged gum on the counter. He watched as she also paid for it, handing over a small bag of jewel before placing the packaged gum in her sleeve. 'Man, and here I thought these little trinkets were pricey. Is everything around here so high in prices?' He looked back towards Juvia, seeing her with the necklace around her neck and wearing it with a smile. Deep down, he knew something had to be off. 'Something's up here, and I can tell it ain't just about security.'
As he thought on about the problem he saw, the woman leaving the stand reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small piece of gum. She unwrapped it and put the minty piece in her mouth, where she started to chew.
As Duncan and Dereece stood beside one another, the latter raised a brow at their Captain. "Joey, are you sure about this?"
Joey looked at Dereece like it was painfully obvious. "What? That protecting the minister isn't the point?" he retorted.
Dereece shook his head. "No, not exactly. It's just…don't you think we should've been more practical like scout with the others? Kinda being in the wait for an assassin just brings the heebie-jeebies~." Dereece can feel his spine shiver like an Earthquake in his body. He was far from sure about this than anyone here.
"Well if you ask me, I say it was a pretty bold move." Duncan said.
"Why thank you, Duncan." Joey smirked with pride.
"To have someone who would outlaw libraries if they didn't have books on interpretive dancing, and a deep obsession over the Pularis family, put himself in harms way by being bait to high level hitmen who could probably be looming over us as we speak. So daring indeed."
The sarcasm Duncan exemplified didn't go unnoticed by Dereece, and neither by Joey. Even Joey wasn't that dumb when he knows he was insulted, but it's not like him to return the sarcasm in kind.
"Well thank you, too, Duncan." Joey huffed as he crossed his arms. "Sheesh, write an essay on how you think Friday pizza and movie night is far from healthy while you're at it."
Duncan snobbishly smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."
Dereece, having goosebumps over him, hid behind Joey. He peered over his shoulder as he looked out at the crowds walking amongst the tourists. "Uh, Joey, please tell us you at least have a plan if we have to fight." Joey continued to look out with a serious look. "You do have a plan, right? Right?!"
The Captain of the team leaned off to the side and shot his scared best friend a look. "Geez man, find a towel if you're going to start sweating. Of course I do."
"Do tell." Duncan said.
"It's simple. We use our Pokémon for a reason, you know." He said in a matter-of-fact tone. "We'll be sure to make sure that they dodge whatever they throw and look for an opening. And if he or they happen to get pass Chespin and the others, you and I can always distract them with our booty shaking while Duncan deals a freakishly painful blow with that stick he always carries."
Dereece shot his Captain a look. "And you really think dancing our way out of a mess is gonna save us from getting killed?!"
"Well, I would love to hear what you have to advise, Dereece." Joey retorted, this time raising a knowing brow like the answer was as clear as day.
Dereece wanted to say something, but he was getting cold feet from dealing with someone who could be wielding weapons telepathically.
Duncan shrugged. "Whatever you say…Captain."
"There we go! That's the can-do spirit I'm wanting!" Joey snapped. "Besides, if all else fails, we can always play fetch with Pidove. You see? I know my way around a few things other than using my moneymaker, Dereece. Mr. Doubty Pants."
"Oh boy~, yay…" Dereece made a half-hearted fist pump skywards to try and follow what his Captain wanted out of him, but he was still far from liking what they volunteered. He only sulked forward as he couldn't believe his luck. "Oi."
From within the crowd, an unknown figure looming behind some stands with a large, kempt cowlick had a hand to his chin, smirking as he waited for the opportunity to present itself. And nearby, on the corner of a wall, another one, more feminine, smirked wily as she couldn't wait to get started.
The minister smirked as he toasted another wine glass to another lovely lady he sat with. "And to you as well, darling." He smiled as the lady chuckled at his candor, enacting his charms.
He sat with numerous women as before, his maids there to accompany him with more wines and party drinks. As he laughed and seemed to relish with the women he was fondling with around his presence, on the very far end by the large doors, Sophie and Vanessa seemed less than impressed with his show of generosity.
"How vulgar." Sophie said.
Vanessa kept a more relaxed face, but even she seemed disinterested. "Indeed."
"Why is it that these kinds of men always seem to have the most disinteresting of tastes? Do they bathe in the same bathwater perhaps?"
"A question that doesn't need to be answered, Sophie."
The Memory-Make Mage just sighed as she watched the minister have his ways and laugh off his night. As the two watched him party on like he never asked for a job to begin with, the look on Sophie's face never changed, even with discomfort by the many money-loving vixens making her wish for a bucket.
As more maids passed them with wine and other cocktails, the Aura Mage couldn't help but feel something was wrong. "Sophie."
"Hm?" She looked over, seeing Vanessa's deeply inquired stare.
"Tell me, have you noticed that he has a lot of alcohol? That stuff is expensive, you know."
Sophie looked away, stomaching seeing the many women all over the minister as he laughed. "…now that you mention it, it does ring a bell. Cana's tab is always adding on, and she complains almost hourly about its pricing at the guild." She soon caught onto what Vanessa was saying. She gasped at the realization. "Wait, you mean where all this money comes from."
Vanessa nodded. "Normally taxes are regulated by the minister and distributed, and if an economy is deemed healthy, then prices would be at a steady." Her brow furrowed as she thought deeper. "But with the Cambire Foundation having set up shop recently, it makes you wonder where all that profit goes."
Both of them shot a look at the minister once more. The smell of wine was starting to stain even his own clothes as he was trying to adjust. Another maid approached with a cloth, one that he humbly objected. Instead a fellow 'friend' of his sat herself against his shoulder, tracing her finger on the spot where his mantle was stained.
"Now I see." Sophie said. "That would explain a few things."
"We can't be sure about any of this. Not until Nic and the others find what we're looking for." Vanessa stated. "Until we can fully piece this together…we can only stand here and keep a lookout."
"I know…" Sophie looked back once more, both her and Vanessa biding their own sense of dignities as they personally watched the man in his main chamber with his friends he invited party. "But must we watch this?"
Truly, men with power bare no shame.
In another part of town, there was another group of certain individuals paired off, and they seemed to be taking the avenue on a more laid-back level. Who better to feel so nonchalant about their own time together other than those who already swore to beside the other for eternity? After all, eternity was a very long time.
Hand in hand, Nic and Erza were both casually amusing themselves as they took to the sights. While they were on the job, and focusing as they should, that didn't mean their relationship was everything beneath them.
Erza took another lick of the strawberry cheesecake cone in hand. When she savored its taste, she looked peachy, like Lucy does after a nice soak in her bath. "Mmmm…so sweet." She praised.
"You like it?" Nic questioned. In his hand…was nothing. Along with Erza's ice cream, she got regular chocolate mint, and just like his casual fast, down the hatch appetite, it was gone as quickly as it was served. Even the waffle cone was gone.
"Why, I just might go back for another." Erza teased.
Nic smirked. "Well I wouldn't mind if it wasn't such a long wait like before. Speaking of which, just how much jewel did we spend?"
Erza looked at him quizzically. "Now that you mention it, the prices were all rather above average." Her spare hand went to her chin as she began to dig deeper into thinking. "And the population here is surprisingly high. Such a crowd is so drawn that it leaves you wondrous of why."
Nic looked ahead with a straight face. "That's exactly what someone hiding would think. Odds are they're either blending in with the crowd or hiding out to get to the source."
"And you think they're close?"
"It's up ahead. I can see it from here."
Erza turned to look to where Nic was referring to. Both husband and wife stopped for a moment to look on from the distance at the many of people who were present before a certain stand.
The stand itself had a big blue banner on top of it and had large white letters that spelled out 'GRAND OPENING' that went in an arch. The long white letters went over a blue tarp-like tent that shielded from any sleet or snow, and inside the tent, the many of folk were pouring in and out with bags of Potions and other medicine for their Pokémon. This was without a doubt the most popular and probably primary reason of the sales and industry of the market: The Cambire Shop.
Nic and Erza shot a glance at each other; Erza more of serious and Nic more of general curiosity. The two looked back before they chose to get closer and enter the shop. When they passed through the open tent way, they looked inside and saw the whole thing.
People were everywhere in the tent the size of a small donut shop. There were long white tables with labels and boxes on them, like open discount sales in summertime sports stores. The boxes all had many of Potions, Super Potions, Paralyze Heals, Burn Heals, Awakenings, Antidotes, even a mass of berries that have been taken time and consideration to grow. There were even pamphlets for those wishing to start farming berries of their own as positive feedback. Even along the walls of the tent, there were even logo t-shirts with pictures of certain Pokémon. It was no surprise the Pikachu and Greninja t-shirts were sold out, the latter much to Nic's chagrin.
Looking all around, so many people were at the registers on the far end of the tent. They were all doing their job and looking like they were really into it. They were so busy dealing with needy customers that this was the chance Nic and Erza looked for.
The duo ventured deeper into the shop, their eyes wandering around the walls for the most part. They looked about ever so casually while trying to ignore the few eyes and stares they were given because of their statures. They looked about for anything or anyone that seemed out of place, but alas all they found was a regular, busy store.
"It's certainly crowded in here." Erza acknowledged, barely missing a customer with a large box full of good and novelties he brought.
"Yeah, it is…" Nic hated being in busy domains, especially kinds that don't give him his space. His own sense of space was what he needed most, and he'd rather pick not so busy cafes to go to for the most part. But this wasn't about his needs, this was about the gut feeling they both shared.
Their attention drew away towards the inner crowd, where they inspected more of the possible routes one could've taken to hide something. They knew something was hidden around here, they could feel it. If one had a secret base or possible hiding spot, where would the entrance be? A lot of options, but all they had to do was observe.
They lingered within the store for a short while, strolling along and looking at knickknacks together like anyone else would. Their eyes casually, if not constantly, drifted towards the walls. They were being patient as they waited for some sort of sign, and as they looked at the Full Heals, they caught onto it.
A regular employee moved from behind the register, where they saw a head pop out from behind the capes of the back. This wasn't unnoticed by Nic nor Erza as they found their opening.
As the employees were too distracted with customers, Nic and Erza quietly moved around the edge of the tent while pretending they were looking at the on-wall commodities. They slowly followed Nic's lead and waited at just the right opportunity when the employees were all focused on customers. Suddenly, when they all turned away, even with heads of customers, their chance unfolded. They zipped closer to the back of the tarp, where Nic peered over and saw a long slit in it. He could see that there was a knob barely protruding from within it. He quietly turned the knob and moved in to slide into the door. Erza was next to follow his example, and quickly closed the door behind without slamming.
Once on the other side, they were now in a white hallway with patterned carpeting. Lights overhead brightened their path so it didn't seem so ominous. "So this shop's intertwined with this building behind." Nic deduced.
"Looks like it." Erza started walking, silence falling with her and her husband. One wrong sound and they were as good as caught.
They looked about cautiously along the walls and up on the ceilings for any security cameras, but they found nothing. It was like the place was designed to be kept secret, even from itself. As they embarked down a large intersection, their attention drew to the hallway that it intersected with. They saw the trimming in the middle of the floor had a silver edging around it, as of forming a large rectangular base. They knew they would be finding something for here for a start.
They heard the sounds of doors opening, however, and that's where they saw a few guys walk in.
The first guy entered, leading two other workers that were carrying two massive crates using pulling carts. On the crates were various goods, and on the second cart, there were a few cages lined up with the other. Inside, there were what looked like some Bellsprout, Rattata, a Poliwag, even a few Bidoof. They all looked distressed as they were stuck in the same cages together, almost clustered.
"Alright guys, you know the drill." The first grunt casually walked down the empty hallway, making himself effortlessly bent down and bang his fist into the carpet. As expected, the carpeting on the silver space suddenly propped open like a cellar door. The guy grabbed the lid and pulled it up until it was high enough. The interior was a mere ramp that went down into darkness. The guys with their carts rolled them into the cellar, where the first guy entered last and closed the door right over him.
From behind an alcove in the wall where a pair of drinking fountains was located, Nic and Erza were lined up with it and heard everything. They remained as quiet as possible as they emerged from behind the corner and glanced around one more time. All clear, they approached the cellar entrance, where they bent down to its level.
Erza gently tapped the cellar door with her armored knuckles, hearing a hollow echo on the other end. "It's hollow alright." She said. "A secret entrance."
Nic nodded and reached for the door's topside. He seized the top and pulled it open. Thankfully it didn't creak as it was lifted.
"Ladies first." He offered.
Erza smirked at him before she obliged to his kindly offer. "Why thank you." In a hurry, she slipped down the underside of the cellar, where Nic looked back to see shadows approaching the closed door. Hurrying, he slipped beneath and let the cellar door close just as the door opened.
Underneath, the two were hidden in darkness, where it was surprisingly roomy. They held tight as they heard footsteps and what sounded like wheels turning over them. They sounded so close that they might pry open the cellar door. The noise stopped for a moment, making them tempted to reach for their Poke Balls. However, the footsteps and wheels went on, making the two back off.
With the upper floor people now tending to their regular shipment their attention drew downwards to where the ramp lead to a lighted hallway that was arched in domain. They slowly made way down the ramp until they reached the bottom. Once there, they stopped at its base and took a look around their surroundings.
The domain could very well reminisce to that of what a cross between a sewer and a dungeon was made up. Behind the ramp, it looked like an ongoing that with brick walls that arched up, and along their way down where the ramp lead to, the path was lit by lights along the side.
"Looks like we found literal underground." Nic said.
Erza nodded. "So it would seem." Her attention drew towards the ramp they went up. "This must have been used as a secret entrance to the lower levels of the city in the instance of an evacuation, but this building is so old that the practice must have been forgotten with its purpose."
"It looks like it's been years since anyone's been down here." He looked towards the way the guys went. "Which means there's one way to use this path now."
"Let's go."
"Yeah."
Their hunches continued to blossom as they made their way down the open hallway. Thankfully for them that the brown, stained porcelain floor wasn't as loud with them thanks to the aging. They treaded fast, but lightly as they made way down the brick-walled territory. Nic lead with his speed and posture leaning him forward, like some ninja.
The two soon saw a large open room up ahead, but in it they saw bodies advancing. Hurrying, they moved to the edges of the arched opening, where there was just enough wall to where it looked like a door long since removed was enough cover for them. They were on opposite walls as they heard voices close in.
"Alright, that should do it. Let's go get the rest and get the few rounds we need."
"Tch, you think those dumbasses would be smart to have already used these things to capture these freakin creatures."
"Whatever, more money for us. I just wished we got paid more because this all seems just to ea-"
A sudden force in the form of a boot and shoe knocked the three guys that came in out. They fell over in one hit, with the two guys stamped and shot back into the one guy.
With them unconscious, Nic and Erza looked up to what it was they were bringing down here. Both their eyes widened in shock as gasps escaped them.
"I knew it…"
The two peered into the room, slowly making way pass the unconscious guards into the large room the size o a battlefield, if not more. It wasn't well lit, but enough from above to tell what was beneath. Crates upon crates of stocked berries was over on one end, and along with it and going along the sides, there was an abundant supply of wooden crates with Cambire goods and merchandise that were being sold upstairs. And moreover, something else that was far more disturbing to them.
Small whimpers came from the side, getting them both to turn and see something else degrading.
To their own skepticism, they saw what looked up an abundant supply of wild Pokémon all inside cages. They looked like they were freshly taken from somewhere, either by force or they were tricked. Some looked like they hadn't eaten in forever. Just looking at some made their stomachs boil, but they held it down..
"Pokémon…" Nic deduced as he slowly turned towards them. His brow furrowed at the confirmation. "So my hunch was right after all."
Erza looked at the other various products at hand, her own brow furrowed in discomforted. "Seems we've caught ourselves in an ongoing black-market deal."
"While the products are sold to the public, they don't know that the real merchandise are right beneath them. And they don't even know." He looked to the lower of the cages to find a wild Pidgey looking ruffled and weakened. As the Pidgey looked at him like some lost puppy, Nic could feel his heart sink at the very sight of these poor caged creatures. While it was sad, he knew pitying about it won't change anything.
…
A large pink cannon attached to a shoulder deeper down the corridor aimed for the brightened path. On its radar right over it was a holographic visual of what looked like two red dots glowing.
"Two targets, one shot." The girl attached to the feminine cannon stayed low as she aimed with diligence.
The figure beside her crossed his arms, observing casually. "Just make sure that the power is lowered this time. We can't risk them getting injured."
"I know that." She chimed. "Jeez, like I don't have common sense." Both eyes were open, revealing her green eyes that quizzically complimented her pink hair. Over them was an orange visor that acted as shades. She smiled knowingly. "This'll be so fast they won't know what hit 'em."
Once the two targets on the green stopped moving, that was her moment. Her eyes narrowed and she pulled the trigger. The pink cannon on her shoulder popped, making a small burst of smoke erupt from the hole as what looked like white missile with a red head zipped down the hallway.
…
Nic gave his wife a sympathetic stare of assurance. "Erza, we're changing plans."
The Requip Mage nodded. "Understood."
Nic's sympathetic assurance turned towards the whimpering Pokémon looking at him with hopeful sickness. "Our priorities are changing. We'll take of this first. I'm sure that the minister and Cambire Foundation would like to know about act of hospitality…" His glance went off to the side all of a sudden, getting his notion to trail off.
Shortly after, Erza caught wind and glanced back, sensing the same thing.
They turned their attention towards the entrance, being swift and clean as they glared at what it was that they saw incoming. They could hear a whistling down that could reminisce of smoke puffing. They stared at the corridor long and dark as they saw what looked like a red projectile shooting dead ahead, and at a drastically high speed at that.
"An ambush?!" Erza gasped.
Nic grunted his teeth at the predicament. He glanced back at the Pokémon as he began to formulate. 'If we move, the supplies and Pokémon will be targeted. Gotta work fast.' He crossed his arms as he glowed. His arms thus swiped in opposite arcs as the glow still went on, but a Wide Guard was put up, making a large hexagonal wall erupt to cover everything in front of them like a net. The missile made impact with the barrier put up, exploding with quaking results. The ground shuddered as smoke billowed up, making a smokescreen that blocked view of everything.
Inside the smoke, Erza hurriedly requipped a sword, while Nic was in his Stone Form. He stepped back with his wife to get some room as the cover was for the enemy.
"They're coming!" Erza warned.
Nic's eyes narrowed he quietly as he had to take advantage of the few seconds they had. His body glistened a white aura and remained still as spears of white shot like missiles into the smoke cloud, disappearing moments before they saw another fast moving large net shoot at them.
Erza's turn was next. With one swing of her sword, a glimmer of white slashed skywards as she got in front of Nic, cleaving the net into two and making it fall right to their sides.
They crouched low and Nic glowed, transforming back into himself. They stayed low as the smoke dissipated, allowing two figures to show themselves up ahead.
"You think that did it?"
"Well it should." The girl scoffed. "If that missile didn't, I don't see why the net wouldn't. Can never go wrong with Plan B." She looked ahead to see the smoke clearing, leaving only the ground in a foggy mist. She moved in, revealing herself and her associate.
Now in full view, the girl was rather short for her age, supposedly around the same as Lisanna and Vanessa. She had green eyes with eyelashes, and her long pink hair was tied in two pigtails tied by red bands. Her attire consisted of a white choker that connected to a folded bright pink collar to a pink blouse-like top. Unlike most girls, she wasn't fairly endowed, evident even with the buttoned blouse covering her whole chest. She had shoulder garments of the same color and were very puffy. She had white cuffs at the end of her long sleeves, which held cufflinks to keep them in check. The bottom half of her attire consisted of black leggings beneath thick pink cloths with boundless pockets. She wore white heels that strapped to her leggings. She also adorned the orange visor that held her green eyes from clear visual.
The man beside her was also a man of light skin, even paler. He was much taller than the others, as tall as Laxus even. He had silky yellow hair that covered his whole head, but didn't reach his neck. The bangs barely even covered his blue-green eyes. He adorned a white dress shirt with a dark brown vest atop of it, and even with that was a tucked-in orange handkerchief. He had black pants and equally black leather boots with spikes along the ridges. Over all of that was a coat that almost exactly like Nic's, even measuring directly with how the sleeves were rolled up. Only it was gray for the cuffs instead of dark purple. He had a dead serious expression on his face like he's never seen sunlight before.
The girl sassily put a hand to her hip, giving a knowing expression. "There, you see? Nothing to it. Now, let's get this stuff and alert the o-!" She was stopped when she took a step forward, but fell right into a trap. As if on command, floating rocks in numbers no more than five floated from the sides, glowing white as they targeted them.
"What the heck?!" the girl shrieked.
The guy hurriedly covered up. "Take cover!"
Unfortunately, his warning fell on deaf ears. The floating rocks all converged and crushed them both, creating small white ruptures upon touch. The white smoke around them was quickly dispersing, leaving them to uncover and falter back, surprisingly only a little banged up than squished completely.
The girl was a little dirty, but she ignored her superficial damage and opened an eye. "Gnnngh! A trap?!"
The man was less than effective, but he mentally cursed himself for not being so careful this time around. As he adjusted his footing, the residual white smoke around them was dissipating, revealing two silhouettes beside one another.
"So it was you who set off that attack then." The one feminine figure said. "I thought coming down here was too easy."
The sound made the girl grunt and glare ahead. "Who's there? Show yourselves!"
The white smoke dissipated fully, revealing a dead serious and frowning Nic beside Erza. They stood strong and proud, and didn't budge a step. They looked ready for battle with the eyes that immediately put the two intruders on the defensive.
"Mages." The tall guy grunted.
"So that minister anticipated us then." The girl answered. She reached two fingers to the side of her visor, making the icon on it show. 'We need to be better prepared. We knew we'd eventually be blown, but not this early. We have to keep the edge on our side.' The icon on her visor flashed green, giving an okay sign. "Guys, stay sharp out there!" she yelled through her visor. "We have hired mages in the city. I repeat, we have mages in the city. You know what to do!"
The visor then went blank, ending the transmission.
"So then there's more of them." Nic figured, having listened to the message.
"Looks like it." Erza said. "The others will have to deal with them while defending the minister."
The guy stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Sorry it's come to this, but we're going to have to ask that you step aside. You have something that we want."
Nic didn't move. "The feeling is the same."
The man raised his fist, encasing it in dark purple energy. The girl made a bright shine about her, generating two medium-sized weapons that looked like long rifles. Erza instantly grew intrigued by the latter's intentions of her magic.
'Requip?'
The girl aimed them at Erza, looking stern with her visor on. "Then you'll leave us no choice." She warned. "Stand down. I won't ask again."
Nic's serious face and Erza's sword in hand adjusting was all the signals the two needed. They were the expressions of two people who knew what they were doing. They weren't going to comply so easily it seemed. They stood in front of their enemies with the reason to fight being right behind them. IF they didn't who knows what would happen? That in mind, they held ground as the air between them went stale.
"Sorry." Nic apologized. "We may not know why you're here or what you want…" His glare hardened. "But if you want these Pokémon, you're going to have to go through us first."
The man raised his hand, pulling on his glove to tighten it. As he balled it slowly, the leather creaked continuously. "Challenge accepted." He answered. "Strive to find your peace before your death."
The man in the hood made way up the avenue, where behind him, just following by a few blocks off, Natsu was tailing him at an alarming pace. Behind him where the others as they tried to keep up.
"Natsu, wait up!" Happy urged.
"Yeah! Don't go running off on your own like that!" Lucy exclaimed.
Natsu, however, remained steadfast in his course. He glared daggers ahead like if he lost sight on him he'd be gone. "I got a feeling about this, and I can sure as hell say I ain't letting it slide. C'mon!" He rushed further into the crowd, catching up with the guy he's been tailing for a few minutes now. His pacing was so urgent that it was unnerving the guys even further.
All they could do from behind was look at each other and confirm that Natsu was onto something. The looks on their faces changed as they picked up on his tone and followed with a deeper resolve.
As the unknown guy made way through the street, he suddenly stopped in place, as if having a begrudging feeling creep up. In his ear, a little voice was heard, ushering a signal for him to pay heed.
"Hey, you!"
Hearing the voice from behind, the guy looked over his shoulder to find someone who was coming at him like he was picking a fight. The way the pink-haired boy was moving was a dead giveaway.
"Stop right there!" he shouted.
Instead of staying there, the figure rushed into the alleyway beside him. Natsu caught up to his spot and turned into the looming darkness, taking the turn to where he followed him. When he ventured into the alley, however, he found himself running so much that he realized he wasn't finding anything. He stopped in place, looking ahead at a dark void.
As Natsu remained still, he was caught up to by Lucy and the others. "Natsu!" Lucy approached him, seeing him transfixed on the space ahead. "Natsu?"
"Where'd he go?" he questioned. He looked left and right, looking around to try and find his target. Still, nothing.
Wendy looked around as well. "Did he really come here?"
"Well I don't see why not with Natsu's sense of smell." Carla said. "Anything, Wendy?"
The Sky Dragon Slayer remained still as she tried to pick up on anything that Natsu may have missed. When she started to sniff the air, she was inhaling something that was a mix of alcohol…and lime. A weird scent, sure, but not as strong as Cana. When she heard the sounds of chords, she looked up, seeing something that almost made her skin crawl. Her gasp was audible to where the others picked up on it.
"What is it?" Lucy and Klefki followed her eyes up, both of them looking just as surprised.
Happy and Natsu followed suite, seeing what it was that they missed.
The same guy he was chasing was right overhead, looking like he was floating in midair. He hung over them like a spider would waiting for prey for an ambush, looming with his disposition clear as a bleak shadow.
"There you are!" Natsu created a handheld fireball and threw it skywards. The attack served as a warning shot that passed the guy. The guy tucked on his own fingers as he shifted to the side. When did a flip and landed on a knee, his hood coming off to reveal lime green hair.
Natsu faced him with a growing scowl. "Alright pal, mind telling me what your snooping was all about?"
The others behind him remained quiet as they allowed the two to lead on with whatever it was they were talking about.
"Tch, I was hoping I wasn't being so obvious." The guy said. He got up from his knee and looked at Natsu with a casual expression. "Looks like my luck just wasn't cutting it this time. Oh well." The guy was about Natsu's height, with light skin even. His eyes and hair were both the same shade of lime green, with a small beauty mark on the left side. He had on a white shirt that was tucked into his dark pants, which was held by a brown belt with a yellow buckle. He had black shoes with bright green lacing, and his fingerless gloves were a magenta-brown shade. But over it all was his dark brown hooded coat to conceal himself. "Gotta give you props for picking from the right tree. Usually people don't find me so ambiguously. You must be pretty skilled if you caught on my tricks."
"There wasn't anything tricky about you." Natsu defended. "If you want to hide, try masking your scent first. You smell like a cold brewery."
The guy smirked. "That so? Guess Matilda and Broly are gonna be pissed if they find out I've been drinking again. I'll never hear the end of it."
Lucy stepped up. "So I take it you're one of those guys who came for the minister then."
"Maybe. And I guess you're all mages then." He looked at Lucy and Wendy, mainly the former with her caboose. "Shame, I was really hoping to not fight girls. It's a pain."
"What are you saying?! Do you have any idea on how offending that is?!" Carla retorted with a heavy tick mark on her head.
Natsu stepped forward, looking at him with a steadily gaze. "Well I don't know what your deal is pal…but if you wanna get to the minister, just try and get pass us first."
The guy looked unamused. "Guess I haven't much choice then, do I?"
Natsu sprung forward with a flaming fist. "No you…DON'T!" He reeled his fist forward and unleashed a Fire Dragon's Iron Fist, however, the guy before him fiddled his fingers for a second before spreading them out. As Natsu's punch closed in, it was stopped by something invisible, and it was feeling thin and sharp.
Finally pulling away, Natsu landed on the ground several feet away, glaring at him. He gritted his teeth as his right hand ached.
"Careful how you act." The guy warned.
"Natsu, are you okay?" Wendy worried about Natsu's failed attack, but notice something else, something more disturbing. She looked over, seeing that his knuckles were having slits, like a knife cut into it. "His hand…it's bleeding." She realized.
Happy gasped in shock. "Say what?"
The guy folded his fingers together and separated them again. This time, he loosely crossed his arms, this time sending a wave of sharp chords like a net at them all. He flicked his fingers, making it ripple and shoot faster at them.
"Look out!" Happy warned.
Wendy stepped in front. "Don't worry, I got this!" Her hands and arms reached to either side, creating whirlwinds that compressed into elongated funnels around the appendages. "Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!" She flicked her arms forward, swiping the whirlwinds ahead like wings. The sharp winds spun and churned into the thin net, causing it to dissipate completely.
The guy looked at them with some level of surprise. "Not bad."
"I get it now." Wendy said. "So that's how you were able to get above us."
"Heh, well no flies on you." He smiled. "I didn't think you'd catch onto my Wire Magic that fast. You're pretty observant."
"Wire Magic?" Lucy questioned. "I've never heard of a magic like that before."
"Useful for trapping and snaring, I know. But it's got other uses that help me." He crossed his arms, looking at them with a serious expression. "I'm not sure if you know…but tighten a wire too much, and you and cut open some skin."
Natsu's glare hardened. "You bastard…!"
'Thank goodness Aniya gave us a heads up. Now we know we can pull out the stops we really need to get the job done.' The guy swiped his arm, sending another wave of think wire at them. The chords reached for Natsu, who dodged to the side. He hurried pass the chords and made way with another flaming fist pulled back. 'Sorry guys, looks like Broly and Matilda are on minister duty this time.'
Natsu's fist closed in, enveloping everything in a blaze that ignited the whole abandoned alley.
The bright light of surprising heat could've been seen a few blocks over. The illuminating light didn't go unnoticed by Gray nor Juvia as they turned their heads towards the alleys.
"Gray, is that what I think it is?" Juvia inquired.
Gray's expression hardened. "Yeah, there's no mistaking it. That's gotts be Natsu. Only he could make a fire that big."
Juvia looked back at the light, watching it fade. "Do you think he's found trouble."
"He's always in trouble no matter what he guys. C'mon, we better go what-?!" Suddenly, something from the side in a long, pink glob stuck to his shoulder. Before be could finish, he was yanked into the alleyway like a yoyo. "Woah!"
Juvia reached out, completely shocked as Gray disappeared from sight. "Gray!" She began to look unsound as she gritted her teeth. "What kind of fiend is trying to separate me from Gray like this?"
Before she could have that question answered, she was shot at with an elongated pink string of glob as well. It stuck like to her chest mantle, where it suddenly sucked back in, dragging the rain woman with it.
Together, both Gray and Juvia shrieked out as they were pulled into the alley, away from civilians and fell on their stomachs. Both thudded loudly as the pink strings retreated further, letting remain on the ground to collect what happened.
Gray was the first to get up, rubbing the back of his head. "Man, what was that about?" he grunted.
Juvia got up next, looking at Gray with worry. "Gray!"
"Yeah, I'm fine. But who the heck did that?" He looked ahead, in which Juvia followed. Both their eyes traced to the sound of chewing right above them, resonating from a certain mouth.
Standing right above them in a sassy manner was an average sized woman who looked about their age. She had long, dark brown hair that was straight, though it bounced some it seemed. She had green eyes with deep eyelashes and supple lips that were open as she chewed on a piece of gum. She was decently endowed with a dark red V-neck for a top covered by a thin brown cloak-like jacket that Vanessa had in common, though this woman's was long-sleeved. She wore blue tight jeans over her legs and brown loafers to boot. Over her head was a pair of Magic Headphones with a little radio antennae on it.
Gray took notice of the girl, seeing her features with a leery gaze. 'Wait…' He began to think back to when they were at the stands and Juvia was getting that necklace. 'That's the chick who spent some good money on gum. What does she want now?'
The woman continued chewing, looking at them nonchalantly.
Gray stood up and gave her a look. "Alright, what's your deal? You've got some nerve dragging us all the way here."
"That's no way to make friends." Juvia warned.
The girl didn't listen. In fact, as she watched their lips moved, she tapped her headphones' sides and waved her hand, letting them know she couldn't hear…or care for that matter.
"Hey, we're not trying to be rude!" Juvia retorted. "If you can hear us, then at least say something-!" The girl suddenly spat at Juvia with a pink glob from before. It bolted through the air and struck the surprised rain woman in the head, making her squeal and fall back.
"Juvia!" Gray shouted. He shot a look back at the attacker, his annoyance. "Hey, what the hell was that?!"
The woman cocked her brow, purposely mocking Gray as her gum snapping inside her mouth answered for him.
Juvia was on her knees, putting a hand through her hair. As she recovered from that blow, she noticed something was off. As she ran her fingers along her head, they began to feel…sticky. She moved her hand away from her head, but all she was met with was a web of pink glob connecting her hand to her hair.
"What is this?" She tried to get the gunk off, but as she tried to move it from her hair, it began to pull, causing an ache. "Aaaah! It feels like it's pulling out my hair!" she cried.
Gray looked at Juvia's struggle and saw how elastic the stuff was. For moment, he began to think of what it was that was being fired. 'Was that stuff she shot…gum?' He heard another spitball from ahead. He looked back, seeing an equally sizeable glob shoot his way. With reflexes this time, he moved to the side and dodged it. Another spitball was fired from her, making him dodge to the opposite side.
He adjusted his footing, glaring ahead with a scowl. "Damn. You're a real piece of work, are ya?"
Once again, all the woman did was chew.
Gray put his hands together, creating ice. "Well maybe this will make you talk! Ice-Make: Saucer!" He fired a materialized jagged saucer of ice that spun through the air. It went shooting at her at an alarming rate that it looked like it could cleave her.
The girl took a breath before she began to blow a bubble of pink gum. The bubble expanded to a larger mass that became like a giant shield. As the bubble expanded, the saucer flew right into it. Upon contact, the bubble burst from the deep cut, but as the saucer went in, it was covered in gum, like a web. It was stuck in place like a display, just a few feet away from her.
"She blocked it using gum?" Gray couldn't believe it. And here he thought he was making up some impractical cold puns at times, but this girl's magic or ability to use gum, that was just a crude joke of itself.
Juvia was eventually able to get her hand off of her hair, though the residue was still clinging to her head like dried mud. She shot her adversary a look as she stood with Gray.
"Looks like fooling around is over." Gray said. "Time to wipe out this chick."
"Yes." Juvia nodded.
The girl chewed on her gum a few more times before she unleashed a volley of gum spitballs at them. They traveled at high speed, but not enough to stop Juvia. She moved her arms up, summoning a raging wall over water that defended them from the spitballs. Gray stood behind the wall, ready for his next move.
"Ice-Make: Freeze Lancer!"
Large lances of ice shot around the water wall and streamed mist as they converged onto the girl. She remained calm as the attack closed in. She took in another breath before creating another thick bubble that expanded. This time, however, the lances pierced the bubble, or so it seemed. The lances were taken in, prodding them into the airbag and beginning to freeze it over. The girl blew more air into the bubble to make it expand more, making the shield of ice on it crack and spread part like tectonic plates. This time, when the bubble finally popped, the pieces of gum with ice on them went flying everywhere. They stained the ground, the walls, and the most part of it went flying at Gray and Juvia, including the lances themselves.
"You've gotta be kidding me!" Gray shouted.
Juvia moved in front, swiping her arm encased in a blue liquid aura. "Water Nebula!"
A torrent of spinning water shot up and became a crashing vortex that rushed at the ice and gum. The two attacks bolted great speeds, and the cold ice met the wave. Upon contact, the wave completely froze for a moment, before glistening and dissolving into bits that piled between them and the girl. She continued staring at them while chewing her gum with an open mouth, as if taunting them.
Gray's brow furrowed as an unamused smirk crossed his lips. "Well this is getting interesting."
"No, Joey. Not happening."
"Oh c'mon. What's so wrong with that?"
"I do not think that having techno and electronic music playing 24/7 as a magical power would be so useful."
Joey looked away with a distained beam. "Hey, everybody needs a little music in their lives, what's so wrong with that? Besides, if I play it in front of someone too long if they don't like it, maybe they'll go away instead."
Dereece groaned as he facepalmed. "I take it back. Pizza Magic sounds better than this."
"Oh! So now you agree with me there, huh? Where was that support just 30 seconds ago?" He folded his arms and looked away. "Honestly man, you gotta make up your mind."
Dereece sweat dropped. "Somebody just shoot me."
Duncan raised a brow at Dereece. "Is he always like this?" he deadpanned.
"Trust me, pal, you don't wanna know."
"Well I guess having magic that allows you to fly wouldn't be so bad either." Joey looked up as he put a hand to his chin. "I wonder what Nic-senpai looks like when he flies…I bet it's so cool!" He chimed so eagerly as he tried to think back to when he watched the battle from PokeEarth, when Nic and Future Nic were doing battle in their Mega Rayquaza Forms. Just the memory was making him feel so giddy and excited.
As Duncan and Dereece merely put up with it, they caught wind of something approaching them from the steps below. "Hm?" Their attention drawn away wasn't the only thing that wasn't unnoticed. Joey also looked down when he heard footsteps.
"Hm? Who's there?" Getting on edge, he and the others managed to focus as a mysterious figure approached and stopped about ten steps below them.
He was a man of tall height with dark eyes that match his dark, large, combed cowlick in front of his head. The bangs must have been incredibly long to make such a length and curve. He had a very muscular build, lean and looking physically strong. He wore a black underarmor that was long sleeve and went up to bare hands. Over that, he wore green armored pauldrons on the shoulders and some green chest armor strapped towards it. On the lower half, he adorned a black belt to keep up his white ragged trousers with shabby edging. He adorned black boots with brown lacing on it beneath as well.
He smirked up at the guys, looking rather amused. "Well, hello, gentlemen." He greeted. "Mind if I cut in?"
Duncan raised his chin to glare down. "Who are you?"
"Who am I, you ask? Well…I guess it would be rude of me to not answer a question." He pointed a thumb to himself, smirking with pride. "They call me Broly!" He pointed at them accusingly. "And I'm here to kick your asses!"
Dereece blinked once, then twice, and finally caught. "H-he-he-he's her to what now?!"
"So then that makes you one of the guys after the minister then." Joey acknowledged. "Am I right?"
Broly grinned. "You catch on, kid. Suppose you going to introduce yourselves since I just did?"
Duncan looked away. "Why bother?"
Dereece was trying to find the right words to say before his opponent, but he was scrambling so much due to freight because of this being his first real confrontation.
Joey, however, seemed to be the only one who looked obliged. "Guess so. Behold, for tonight, you now stand before Joey Haycliff! Leader of…The Freaks!" he declared boldly. "…oh, and Dereece and Duncan too, I guess."
Broly raised a brow. "'The Freaks', you say? Now that's an interesting team name."
Joey smiled happily. "I know, right? At first, it was going to be something more…daring. I was originally thinking 'Super Beautiful Joey-ful Ultra-Mega Funky-Dramatic-Fantastic-Bodacious…'"
As he went on, Duncan was raising a brow, and Dereece was looking blandly at him. Broly, however, was looking stunned.
"'Stunning-Extreme-Awesomely Insanely Exotic-Athletic-Adventurous-Extraordinaires!'…but Dereece said the name was too long." Joey finished in a deadpanned tone. "And the 'Funky Hunkies' just makes Chespin get the giggles."
"Gee, I wonder why?" Dereece asked in a sarcastic voice.
Broly uproariously laughed with hysterics at Joey. Not in a mocking way, no, but more like laughing with him. "You know what, I like you, kid! You got spunk!" he laughed.
Joey bumped Dereece's arm. "You see? Even the bad guys like that name."
Broly finally caught his breath and smiled, but this being a more serious one. "Well then, guess you and 'The Freaks' wouldn't mind giving it your all then, huh?" He spread his legs apart, readying his attack. He folded his fingers, and with that crossed his arm to make an X. "You fellas ready to get a party started?"
Joey balled his fists, looking down with a beating heart. "Okay this is it, you ready guys?"
Duncan stepped up. "Whatever."
Dereece tried to scramble for more words. "Uh, i-is this a trick question? You're serious, right?"
"But first…" He narrowed his eyes, activating his powers. Around The Freaks, a turquoise dome materialized. It looked like glass that shimmered in the night, and the group inside looked shocked.
Joey looked at the walls shocked. "What the heck?!"
"He's boxed us in…" Dereece chimed unnerved.
Duncan glared ahead. He raised a shoe and stamped the window. However, it didn't budge a bit. It actually hurt a little.
"Sorry fellas, but we still a job to do." Broly said. "Alright, you're on!"
"Sweet! Later!" A charming, gruff, girly voice came from behind, where Broly bent down and allowed his back to be a springboard and allow a girl to fly right over his head.
The guys all looked up in shock as they watched the girl flip over the dome that trapped them in. Their eyes followed her as she landed at the doors on a knee, looking away.
"You boys play nice now, okay?" she looked back, giving a wily smirk with a shadow overcasting her face.
"Can do." Broly said. He and the others watched as the swift and wily female stood up and made way through the door. They opened loudly, but the creaking didn't compare to her speed.
Duncan saw what happened and mentally cursed himself. 'So they were baiting us then. They wanted to seal us so that the other can head inside without us interfering.'
"Now that that's out of the way…let me show you what else I can do." Broly reached out, his palm completely out. "Barrier-Make: Crash!"
The dome around the guys finally dissolved, giving them fresh air once more. It was short-lived, however, when a large wall of turquoise appeared right in front of them. Broly thrust his palm forward to shove it ahead with an invisible force, and the shield zoomed into them.
"Look out!" Hurrying as fast as possible, Joey grabbed Dereece from behind and fell backwards. Duncan jumped off to the side to defend his own skin as they turquoise barrier passed them. Joey fell on his back with a thud as his hefty friend laid atop of him.
"Gnnngh, thanks a lot, man." Dereece grunted.
Joey suffered a backlash of his own. "Gnnngh, don't sweat it." He wheezed. "But could you…get off me…?"
As they started getting up, Duncan evaluated the attack that passed them and glared down at Broly. "Your magic, it was barrier manipulation?"
Broly smirked. "Yeah, guessed right. "My Barrier-Make Magic makes me create indestructible barriers. It protects me from all magic, even intangible objects. It's a pure shield if you want to see it that way."
Joey managed to take a stand of his ow, with Dereece following behind. He took a breath before he caught up to speed. "So you mean like an impenetrable defense?"
"That's correct." He adjusted his position, ready to attack. "It's even more impressive in action."
Dereece looked heavily worried. "This is serious, man."
Joey glared ahead with a furrowed brow. 'He's right. This is bad. As far as we know, the others are probably too far away to get in contact. And this guy already let his friend get to Vanessa-senpai and Sophie. That ain't gonna cut it with me!' He pulled out two Poke Balls, both expanding in his hands. "Alright, Freaks, time to do our job! Let's get him!"
Dereece nodded. "Alright then…Heracross, go!" He threw the Poke Ball ahead.
"Chespin! Pidove! Let's get to work!" Joey threw his Poke Balls next.
Duncan pulled out what looked like a Dusk Ball. He reeled it back and threw it forward. "Alright, Spiritomb, come out!"
Energy surged forward, revealing Heracross materializing in front. Chespin and Pidove stood right beside him, the bird flapping in the air. And finally, emerging for Duncan was a larger Pokémon, maybe a little less in height than Heracross. It had a hefty gray stone at its base where a gaseous dark purple energy swirled in a whirlpool. In the "face" was its green eyes with swirls, and as a perimeter were green balls in various shapes surrounding it. It gave off an intimidating vibe that didn't go unnoticed by its allies.
"Woah! Who's the new guy?" Chespin questioned.
"A…Spiritomb?!" Joey looked at Dereece, the two sharing a shocked look as Duncan had thrown out his next surprising Pokémon. They looked so see he was unfazed by their own lack of knowledge of his Pokémon, but that didn't stop Joey from pulling out his PokeDex and analyzing Spiritomb as it faced Broly.
"Spiritomb, the Forbidden Pokémon. A Pokémon that was formed by 108 spirits. It is bound to a fissure in an Odd Keystone."
"A Spiritomb, now that took me back." Joey began to reminisce in the days when he and Dereece would always competitively play each other in their video games with the Sinnoh region. It took them forever to get their Spiritomb.
"Focus!" Duncan shouted. "Spiritomb, get ready!" At his command, the Ghost/Dark-type let out a grunt as she floated a little closer. Behind, the other Pokémon readied.
"Well, this is going to be interesting." Broly acknowledged. "So you're all these Pokémon Trainers I've been hearing about…how surprising to find some working together. Let's see how they fair against me then, shall we?"
The group looked ready, especially Joey as he glared at Broly with a sense of seriousness in his eyes.
Something felt wrong, and that's immediately what registered in the atmosphere. Vanessa suddenly jerked and faced the doorway, her disposition fixed on a serious tone.
"Vanessa?" Sophie inquired of her friend's sudden stance, but she also knew by looking at it meant trouble. She joined Vanessa as she faced the door, both hearing the loud sounds of banging and punching on the other end.
THUD!
The banging of the door alarmed those on the other side. The playful minister was delayed in reacting, but blinked before the alcohol started to wear off. "Huh?"
Another loud thud rung on the other end, this time making a dent in the door.
The room fell dead silent as Vanessa and Sophie slowly backed away, readying for their battle as they didn't need magic to know someone with intense force was on the opposite side.
Sophie took another step back. "Did they get pass Joey and his team already?"
Vanessa followed with her own foot stepped back. "That's not important now. Their auras are still fine."
The door in front of them got an even bigger dent, echoing like a bell.
Sophie narrowed her eyes. "Looks like we're on our own then. How annoying." She and Vanessa remained stationary as the door went silent for a moment, but that's when it happened. They braced as the door was once again struck by a powerful force. The double locked doors dropped completely like two metal plates, making a bone rattling sound that frightened all the vixens in the room, even the minister that was nearly falling over. The two mages posted in front looked unfazed as the two doors stopped on the bottom, and they glared ahead as someone on the other end blew on her knuckles.
Sophie and Vanessa narrowed their eyes as the girl straightened up.
The looked average sized, if not more. She had slightly tanned skin and long blonde hair that was shaggy like Gajeel's. In fact, it was almost like his own hair, only there were two protrusions that mistook them for ears. Her yellow eyes were like those of a wild animal, with an equally wily smirk to boot. She had an endowed figure that was reasonable, with her caboose held by a dark green cloth like Erza's sarashi bandages. Her midriff was exposed, allowing all to see the yellow fur on her sides with leopard spots. Her arms, even legs, had leopard fur as well, with spots. On the shoulders, forearms, and shins, there were ridged brown armored plates that looked attached to the skin. She even had a tail protruding from her dark shorts that went down to above her knees. The tail was yellow in fur and had spiky brown plates along the top. For footwear, she hardly wore sandals as the toenails were like claws, just like her hands that wiped spit from her mouth.
"Well that was a nice bell you had there." She teased so casually like it wasn't anything so caring about. "Oh~, what do we have here? A party? Well I hope you don't mind if I crash and spoil a few drinks for myself while I'm at it."
The minister looked shocked at the break-in by the attacker. All the girls around him began to veer away as he nearly crippled in his seat. "You…you're here for me?" he gasped. "It's you!"
The girl's bangs covered her eyes as she crouched in readiness.
"The minister looked towards Vanessa and Sophie distressingly. "You two! Protect me!" he ordered.
The two women stood in position in front of the woman before them. Their glares were serious as were their Magic Power.
Sensing a strong level of energy, the unknown woman finally took notice of the two Fairy Tail Mages that stood before her. "Well aren't you two just cuties. So that's where all this energy was coming from. I thought it was funny when Aniya sent that message." She bent forward, her leopard claws twitching with sharp nails scraping the air. "Then I guess I haven't got much reason to hold back then. This is gonna be so sweet!"
"Sophie." Vanessa warned.
The blonde woman nodded.
The girl brought her paw back and sprung forward with incredible force, so much that the door cracked into chips that spewed backwards into the lobby. "You have the party, but I brought the punch!" She reeled her fist forward towards them for a direct blow, colliding with something that wasn't Vanessa or Sophie.
When her fist reeled into thin air, static flared when it came in contact with a teal dome of aura. The thick filament was enough to throw the girl for a loop, unable to break it and ended up jumping away. She backflipped onto the ground, landing in a crouch and saw what it was she struck.
"A barrier?" she inquired. She looked towards Vanessa, seeing her posture relaxed but urgent. "Well I'll be damned…hm?" She then noticed something beneath her vibrating. Her curiosity fell to her knees as she caught wind of something of a quick vibration beneath. Quickly jumping away, she barely missed lightning-covered stones shoot up in an attempt to stab her. With her in midair once more, she saw Vanessa put down her Aura Guard and fire an Emanation Beam. The thick stream of teal shot into her as the attacker crossed her armored arms. The impact was direct and sent her soaring back into the lobby, thudding and tumbling across the ground. After a few good fumbles, she used her claw of one hand to reach and anchor on the ground. She trailed back several feet and stopped at the end on a long, scraped porcelain ground.
Despite the setback and her arms smoking, she smirked. "Well I'll be. You're not too shabby…"
Vanessa and Sophie made way to the chipped door, where they stood atop of its debris and stood at the chamber entrance to loom over the girl.
"She's got a lot of offensive power." Vanessa evaluated. "She's a wily and hands on combatant who has a lot of energy. She's feeling a lot of excitement from just being hit those few times."
"You got all that from her aura?" Sophie questioned.
Vanessa nodded. "Yes. That means as long as we keep our distance, we'll have the advantage of drawing her away. Sophie, if you would?"
"Not to dampen things here, but your little puppet master is getting away." The girl chimed.
Sophie looked back to oversee the minister. To their surprise, and yet mild indifference, they saw a pair of drapes move near the back of the walls. They saw a pair of boots shuffle and the sound of what was a knob turning meant.
Sophie turned to go after him, but Vanessa was less than enthused. "Let him go." She insisted. "He won't get far from my aura. It's probably an underground passage he's taking, and even there, I'll know."
The attacker stood up once more and smirked gruesomely. "Well aren't you the observer. Got a lot of experience under your belt perhaps? I like that." She balled her fists and gave the two girls a hungry look. "This'll make things a heck of a lot more fun for me when I go for a little hunt after this."
Vanessa and Sophie glared ahead, with the taller blonde standing close beside her friend. Meanwhile, the minister that had just escaped looked back in worry where he closed the door on himself. He grunted in annoyance before he resigned himself to taking the stone tunnel lit by lacrima into sanctuary.
"Alright then…!" The ground nearly depressed as the attacker crouched forward. "Let's have some girl tiiime!" She sprung ahead with greater force than before, making the debris around quake as she zoomed across the ground at cheetah speed towards Vanessa and Sophie. Her pacing across the ground was fast, so fast that it could've matched someone else.
'Her speed's increased to Nic's. She's trying to close the gap fast.' Vanessa evaluated. She again created her Aura Guard, managing just a split second before her claw made impact. The aura shield was crackling as the woman was exerting so much force from her ridged arm. Winds palpitated everywhere as the debris everywhere blew away. Once again, Vanessa held her ground firmly as her shield of aura was quaking.
The girl smirked. "Not bad." Her fist opened so she could grab onto Vanessa's shield. The claws dug deep like nails into a windshield, much to Vanessa's dismay. She gripped even tighter, making cracks run along the Aura Guard to make it crack and weaken. Finally, it all shattered, leaving distorted fragments everywhere flying around the girl.
Time slowed down between the two as the eager woman looking for a fight was closing in on a fall on Vanessa. The Aura Mage didn't deter as she held on, her eyes narrowing with a small scowl beneath her throat.
Suddenly, the fragments of the Aura Guard flickered like fireworks, catching the attacker by surprise. With a gasp, she was suddenly enveloped in small bursts of teal that erupted like fireworks. The crackling pulsated everywhere around her and Vanessa, swallowing the animalistic girl for the most part.
As the teal began to turn to smoke, the woman leaped out of the billowing waves and reeled back in midair. Soaring at her from a steep angle was a volley of spinning fire saucers, where she twisted and flipped backwards to didge. She landed on the ground once more, this time on all fours.
As the smoke cleared, Vanessa and Sophie were seen side by side, the two girls having serious faces as they held their own against the smirking woman.
"She's acrobatic, too." Sophie evaluated.
The woman licked her lips in anticipation and readied to pounce again. "Alright then…" She again sprung forward, reeling another claw back. "Let's have some fun!"
The waves of the sea were still shallow, almost to where it wasn't even noticeable. Even if still, it ran deep like an abyss, one that would sink even decrepit souls, or those who would try to find mysteries to solve that would plunge chaos into their lives.
In front of the abandoned deck, Crime Sorciere reconvened with everyone near the bow. Jellal looked at everyone with a serious expression. The first one he looked towards was Bellona of all people. "So what did you find?" he asked.
The sky blue-haired woman gave a serious face. "It's just as I thought. There aren't any legal documents related to a shipping. I'm afraid this is all the work of smugglers."
"Heh, figures." Sawyer scoffed.
"And all I found was nothing but metal and scraps." Erik pointed out. "Guess whoever these guys are must have some pretty crappy janitor pay."
Ultear put a hand to her chin, looking off to the side. "Then that would make sense if the loading was at night. No one would be managing much on a night crew, and staff around piers at night is rather low."
"There's also those who apprehended all the cargo." Jellal said. "I'm not sure if I can fully understand this group's ulterior motives, but that doesn't change the fact that they stole from thieves themselves." He faced the others with a dead serious frown. "If we catch up to them, we'll be needing to ask them more than just a few questions."
"Yeah, like why they did all this, or something like that." Sorano said with haughty gesticulation. She sighed in grievous annoyance. "Great, guess I better find that stupid map again."
Macbeth stepped up with his own inquiry. "The fact is that these are no less vigilantes than we are to the world. A message is carried out by this act that they're trying to send out to the world."
Jellal looked down towards the ground again. "That we can understand…but what message are they trying to make…or rather, what kind they're changing for themselves?"
"Hey, guys!"
From farther up the pier, they all turned to see Meredy running up to them.
"Meredy, what is it?" Ultear asked. "What did you find?"
The pink-haired woman looked at them all worriedly. "I think you guys might want to see this."
Crime Sorciere chose to follow their teammate to what it was she wanted to show. They all followed her to the front, where imprinted on the front of the bow, there was a deep grizzly dent that looked like it was blown open and nearly unrecognizable. This caught them by indifference alone.
"So what about it?" Sorano asked. "It looks like a big hole, Richard can make those in like two seconds."
"Oh yeah!" the Earth Mage chimed.
Jellal stepped up, giving it a closer look. As he saw where some pieces were dented, he could see a tint of bright red on them. "…no, she's right. There was something here."
"Well can't blame a guy for trying." Sawyer said. "You got any ideas on how to figure that out since it's, oh, I don't know…obliterated?"
Jellal turned towards the group again. "There's still one way. Ultear."
The Time Mage graciously stepped up, looking as casual as ever with her frown. "Yes, I know." She and Jellal traded places and she was the one facing the ship now. She stood before its open hole and stared long and hard at it. Her brow furrowed as she tried to examine it before she knew what she would do. Once ready, she pulled out an orb.
"Restore!"
As her orb shined a bright color, her Time Magic was beginning to glow and envelop the area of the hole. Slowly, the pieces of the mended and destroyed bow began to return to where they belong. The pacing, much to Ultear's dismay, was fairly slow.
"Oh, I see now!" Meredy chimed.
Jellal nodded. "Correct. Ultear's Time Magic can restore or age inanimate entities. I almost forgot before the last minute arrived, now we'll see where this ship belongs to."
Ultear was grunting as she was concentrating heavily, even more so than usual. It was distressing, not to mention annoying. It doesn't take this long for metal to come together again. The pieces were moving so slow, where it should've been restored almost immediately. Her eyes squinted as she tried even harder to speed it up.
Noticing her struggle, Bellona looked up at the metal, seeing that it wasn't moving the way it looked like Ultear wanted. When she tried to realize it, it only confused her more. "Is her magic supposed to strain this much?"
Meredy's brow furrowed. "No, it shouldn't even be this long. Wonder how that's possible?"
"It's got to be the metal." Jellal figured. "Whoever designed these ships must've made the metal magic resistant."
Erik scoffed. "Great, so it's like a giant magic shield. Now I'm just annoyed."
"As am I." Macbeth admitted. His eyes suddenly looked to the ship's bow again, seeing the product come to fruition. "Look there!"
Everyone heard his notion and looked up towards the bow once more. They saw the finished product finally return, and Ultear finally receded. She staggered back a few feet with some labored breathing. She glared up at the symbol that was finally created once more, one that made all in Crime Sorciere look startled.
What they saw even made Jellal and Bellona gasp in horror. What they saw completely turned them off like a switch. Whatever feeling it was that made their spine crawl once again returned, this time more bone-chilling than ever.
Ultear continued breathing heavily, but even her own glare was fixed on it. "So that's it then…"
"No way…" Meredy muttered.
Richard frowned. "Hmmm, the mystery keeps unfolding."
"But it looks like we just got the centerpiece of it." Macbeth said. "…to think we didn't realize this before."
The symbol was hard to read due to it still having scrapes from not being fully perfected yet, but its insignia no less made an alarm shoot up. In the growing waxing crescent in the sky, the moonlight uncovered the symbol, its bright red mantra making Jellal and Bellona look at each other, and then back at the boat with uncertainty.
For Crime Sorciere, and for Fairy Tail to come, they were about to sink into a very dark abyss, one with monsters that swam around like the Huntail beneath the ship's bottom.
Hey guys, so sorry again for making this a really long wait. I was really hoping to get this done at the end of April, but the weekend killed me with work and my usual writing style just keeps piling on, and all that stuff, you know how it is. Anyways, here's the first chapter on the Revenge of Alvarez Arc, with a lot of preluded content that's got a lot of characters that I made or otherwise mashed up from other anime.
I was looking back and watching some videos on some show reviews, including Pokémon and the character development Ash got throughout the series. I'm trying to make this story still show Nic having used his experience and still playing it smart, but I'm also trying to make it so that the dynamics also make him a leadership point for The Freaks. This is a tough transition for Nic that I'm trying to perfect, so getting his actions down as before while keeping insane strong is going to take me some adjusting. They beat Alvarez because of their crazy power, and I am trying really hard not to downgrade anyone here. Downgrading is the last thing I want, so if you feel I wasn't doing a good job with Nic this chapter, let me know.
For the unknown group that was introduced, I mainly got inspired from watching Akame ga Kill. A majority of them I took and molded into something with a little more reconfiguration, while still making their pictures otherwise the same. For Broly's magic, that was inspired by Bartolomeo from One Piece, so there's a healthy picture. I also thought I would help bring a little throwback with Joey's attempt at trying magic with Vanessa talking about her experience trying to find hers in the Tenrou Island Arc of the first story.
Alright, hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and this arc's first impression, and I hope to hear some helpful insight and reviews. Till the next one!
