I hate disappearing so much, but I somehow can't find time to write when I just sit at home all the time. Is it because I don't want to, or what? Anyway, I managed to finish this chapter finally, so here it is! Enjoy!
It was early in the morning, but Drake was wide awake staring at his roof. His cat was resting on his bare chest, getting much better sleep than he had.
Today was supposedly the day that the team going after Zoka and Ruli would be put together and head out, and a part of him was nervous if he;d even get to go on it. He wanted to go and help Nashi and Luna get back together more than anything, but if it was deemed to be too dangerous, he wouldn't be. Usually that would mean he'd break the rules and go anyway, but given how things were going these days, he wasn't sure that'd be a good idea.
I hope I get to go. I can't have much longer...
Drake grimaced at this thought, absentmindedly running a finger over the back of his hand, his heartbeat skyrocketing and his anxiety eating away at him. No, now was not the time for that. He'd deal with it after this.
A knock at the door roused him from his thoughts, and he was up in one leap and an annoyed meow from the cat. He threw on a shirt and a part of finger-less gloves, bounding to the door to open it. Along with the cold air on the winter, Damien also met him at the entrance.
"Yeah?" Drake asked. Damien jerked his head in the direction of the guild hall.
"Dad called for you," he said, "let's get going." Nodding, Drake grabbed his black jacket and threw it on, following Damien outside. The cold nipped at his face relentlessly, but he paid it no mind. He had tunnel vision on the guild hall.
"Any details you care to share with me?" Drake asked as he breathed into his hands.
"Don't want to listen in on me?" Damien asked. "I've got nothing for you, all I know is that my Dad has called in a fair amount of people. For what, I don't know." Well, that didn't make much sense. The team was supposed to be small, was it not? After all, Zoka and Ruli could create doubles. More people meant more problems in this instant.
The two reached the guild hall quickly, and upon opening the door, Drake saw Damien wasn't lying. The main hall was filled with people both his own age and their parents. Nashi and Luna were sitting with Natsu, Lucy and Luke. Ultear with Gray and Juvia. It went on like this, along with several people from other guilds. Michael and his Dad Sting were here, as well as Jellal and Crime Sociere. What was going on here.
"We're here Dad," Damien said, garnering everyone's attention. "Is that everyone?" Drake then noticed Laxus sitting at the bar in front of everyone, a drink in his hand.
"Yes, that's everyone," He said as he looked up. "Thank you for joining us Drake."
"No problem," he answered, "What's going on around here?"
"I was getting to that," Laxus said. Damien moved to sit down with Elise and her Father, who greeted him with a nod. Laxus downed more of his drink before he stood up, regarding them all quietly.
"I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here," he said. "After all, the team was supposed to be small. And it is, but that's not the point. As I'm sure you're all aware, we'll be heading after Zoka and Ruli to put Nashi and Luna back together. This mission puts us in an almost direct conflict with the Demon Lords, and that's where a problem arises." Laxus took a deep breath at this, clearly steeling himself.
"Damien and Xisplate have made it known to me that this will not be the end of the fight," he said, "after we put those two back together, it's more than likely that the Demon Lords will seek to send her back to the Circles of Judgement; to take her soul back to the afterlife."
Silence fell over those assembled there. Drake wasn't particularly surprised that this wasn't the final fight, but he was pretty shocked to hear the Demon Lords would be the fight after. Even though Xisplate had been a bit of a prick, he had been helpful. Was he turning on them?
"In any case," Laxus continued, "that is why I've called you all here. We aren't going to wait and see what they do, we're going to try and get ahead. So, the plan is simple; Team one will be heading to Zoka and Ruli's location, and you'll do what's necessary to put Nashi and Luna back together. Gray, Natsu, you two will be the leads for this team. Understood?"
"Understood," Gray said. Natsu simply nodded. It was odd to see the men in agreement over having to share a mission, but he supposed this wasn't the time for arguing.
"The ones joining them will be Drake, Michael, and Steph. The team was not only put together based on who would be most useful, but who has good synergy together. Are their any objections from you three?"
"Nope," Drake said.
"No a thing," Steph said.
"No," Michael huffed. It occurred to Drake that Michael had not seen his 'girlfriend' in a while, and this was the first time he'd seen her. He cast glances at her every so often, but he didn't stare. Probably for the better.
"As for the rest of you," Laxus said, "I've worked with Cana to put together teams to spread out over the entire continent; these teams will be after information and locations that might be useful in our fight against the Demon Lords. Now, none of you will be leaving until team one returns in order to ensure success, but be on standby just in case. Damien, you're with me, Gajeel and Elise. We're heading to Zentopia to see if the church has any information on the Demon Lords."
"Sounds like a plan," Damien said.
"Erza, Simon," Laxus continued, "You'll go with Crime Sociere to meet up with The Olympians."
A shocked murmur spread through the guild members at this, but Laxus continued.
"I've received word from a woman named Hera that she has vital information to share with us. You will fly the South-West coast of Minstrel to meet with her. When you get in range, she said she would direct you."
"Sounds good," Erza said. "Permission to kick their asses if they try me?"
"Granted," Laxus said, "Sting, I need you to help me look for information. Get into contact with other guilds all over the country, outside the country, everywhere you can get a hold of. See if anyone can tell us anything."
"You betcha, big man," Sting said as he crossed his arms.
"Finally, Ultear, Juvia, you guys are on standby in case we find anything else that needs investigating. I have no doubt something will, so stay ready." Ultear looked a little disappointed by this, but she voiced no concern. She just nodded along with her Mother. "Now, Team One, you should head out as fast as possible. From what Xisplate told us, Zoka and Ruli are hiding on the Northern Edge of Fiore. Xisplate was able to track their magical signature to the tip of the country. It'll take you maybe four days to get there, if you take the train lines to the city of Sia, Xisplate said that the 'twins' should feel their presence." This caused the two aforementioned twins to perk up.
"We will?" Luna asked. Damien nodded.
"Xisplate said that because you two are technically Shades, you'll feel them once you get that close." He explained, "so from the city you can track them on your own. But if it helps, Xisplate said they were East of the city. He couldn't see any further then that."
"That's all for now," Laxus said. "You're all free to go about your business. See to it no one dies on this mission, Natsu, Gray?"
Now that everyone had been given a mission, Drake moved to stand with the others assigned to the team. He stood in between Steph and Luna, listening to Gray and Natsu talk about their mission.
"It's important to remember," Gray said, "we're not trying to kill the Demon Lords, we have to make them put Nashi and Luna back together again."
"And how exactly are we going to do that?" Drake asked. "Surely wounding them would undo the spell."
"We don't know that," Gray said, "and we can't risk doing anything too dangerous. This isn't going to be easy. We're going to have to fight them, and it's pretty obvious that Natsu and I are here to see none of you die."
"Exactly," Natsu said, "so when the going inevitably gets tough, you all need to back up. Especially if Gray or I get copied into a Shade. Michael, you'll be an asset then too."
"I figure my magic's holy properties help?" Michael asked. He hadn't been talking a lot, and Drake felt he understood why. Not the time to talk, though.
"Yeah," Gray said, "It's possible you'll be the deciding factor, so Drake, Steph, protect him at all costs. We'll need him."
"No problem," Drake said as he rapped his fist against Michael's head. "I'll keep the blockhead out of danger."
"And I'll keep them both out of danger," Steph added with a smirk at Drake, who rolled his eyes at her. Neither adults seemed interested in dealing with the snarky back and forth, both of them all business for now.
"We should head out," Natsu said, "train will leave soon." Both his 'daughters' fidgeted awkwardly at this. Drake wasn't too found of the idea either, but it wasn't like he had much of an option. Without the God-awful train service, it'd take them too long to get to Zoka and Ruli. Still, four days was going to be absolute hell.
Drake was too old for assigned seating, but it seemed Gray and Natsu weren't having it. As if the two men were babysitting a bunch of toddlers, Drake was placed in a booth with Michael and Steph at the back of the train car, whereas Gray sat by himself at the front of the car, Natsu in the middle with Luna and Nashi. They said something about strategic placing in case something attacked them, but he doubted anything would happen. Zoka and Ruli were hiding, not assaulting people on railway lines. Too be honest, Drake figured they used this as an excuse to keep Michael away from Nashi and Luna.
He cast his eyes across from him at the man in question, who was resting his chin on his hand and looking out the window. His eyes were far away, not focused on either the mission or him and Steph. Speaking of the other blonde, she was passed out next to him, head resting on his shoulder. He didn't want to disturb her, she'd said she hadn't gotten much sleep. Still, if this silence went on any longer he was going to go insane. Well, that and trying to keep his breakfast down was seriously harder than he'd expected.
"You alright?" He finally asked after a few seconds. Michael's eyes lazed towards him slowly, regarding him for a moment before he let out a sigh and shrugged.
"As good as I can be," he said, "given everything."
"Hm," Drake said quietly. "Wanna talk about it?"
"Not really." Silence fell again, making Drake feel even more awkward. If this was how the train ride was gonna be, he was going to jump out the window.
"It's not my place to say," Drake said, "but her avoiding you has nothing to do with you, you know." Michael didn't say anything. "It doesn't take a genius to know she's going through a lot, not to say you're dumb, but she's really struggling and-"
"Shut up, Drake," Michael cut in, silencing him. Drake wanted to feel irritated, but he found it hard. He knew Michael was struggling too. Struggling to understand why his ex(?) girlfriend was avoiding him and wouldn't even look at him. He was sure he was angry, but he figured Michael was more hurt than mad. Hurt that his feelings on the matter apparently mattered so little. Hurt that she wouldn't even give him the time of day to see him. It made sense.
"Give her time," Drake continued. "Let her be one again, let her deal with what happened, and she'll come back to you eventually. I know she will." Michael didn't reply to this, continuing to stare out the window. After a few seconds of silence, he sighed.
"I just wish she'd look at me," he said finally. Drake watched him, waiting for him to continue. "Just a glance. Just to see if...To see if that fire in her eyes is still there." He looked over at Drake at this. "You know what I mean?"
He did. Nashi had always had that fire in her eyes, even when she was little, magic-less and depressed. There had always been a lingering flame in her eyes, no matter what happened to her. But that flame had been reduced to barely a whimper of it's former self now, merely flickers. Would it come back if the two sisters were reunited? He didn't really know.
"You have to give her time," Drake said again. "She's not doing this because she's mad at you. She's doing it because she can't handle it. She needs time to heal." Michael just exhaled loudly at this, closing his eyes.
"I'm going to nap too," he said, clearly just doing so to end the conversation. "Tell me when we stop." Drake neglected to tell Michael this was an over night train, figuring it was better if he didn't. Instead he rested his head against Steph's, watching the scenery pass outside until he passed out himself.
Nashi had not missed trains at all. She had hoped against hoping that her motion sickness would be gone, yet here it was. They had been on the train for hours, and she had not felt a single ounce of comfort since boarding. This truly was hell.
Well, it wasn't, but...
She shook her head at this, trying to make the thoughts go away. She needed to be strong now, not fall back into that despair. She cast a glance beside her to see Luna had not returned from the bathroom yet, leaving her with just her Father. She then looked over at him, catching his eye and making him smile at her.
"Feeling alright?" He asked. Nashi shrugged.
"I want to hurl," she answered simply. Her Dad snorted.
"Same," he said. "It just gets controllable over time. I hope we don't get jostled at all, or else it's all coming up and Gray will kill me." Nashi wanted to let out a laugh at this, but her joy did not get there. She simply exhaled out her nose. When a silence fell between them, Nashi was reminded of the feelings Luna showed her the other day. Now was a good a time as any to say something.
"Dad," she said, making him look at her. "Have you guys treated Luna all right?"
"What do you mean by that?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You know what I mean,"she said. The two stared at each other for a moment, neither budging. Her Dad eventually sighed and turned to face her fully.
"Maybe we've kept her at arms length since we found out," he said, "but we've not been rude to her, or acting like she's wrong for being here. Trust me, she's been treated well." Nashi frowned at this.
"I suppose that's the best I can ask for," she said, "despite how she feels." He raised an eyebrow at this.
"And how does she feel?" He asked.
"Like she's a problem," Nashi replied. "Like she's wronged you guys by not being me. It's stressed her out a lot, in case you couldn't tell by my asking." Her Dad looked down at his lap at this, making a face.
"...It's not on purpose," he said, "it's just that we've focused on trying to find you, and keep her safe, and..."
"I understand why," she said, "but it's made her feel isolated. Alone, with no memories or idea what to do with herself. If I was her, I'd be pretty pissed. You're lucky we're so forgiving, Dad."
"Well I already knew that," he replied as he leaned back in the seat. "If you weren't, you'd still never talk to me." Well, that was true.
"It's not going to matter soon," she said, "but don't treat her like that. Treat her like she's me. She is me, not some empty shell that looks like me. Understand?" Her father nodded.
"I know," he said. "I'm sorry. It's not...I don't mean to do it."
"I know," Nashi said. "I know. Now, let's get past this awkward conversation. Tell me what the plan is."
"Straight to business, huh?" He asked. "The plan is exactly what Laxus told us. Xisplate was able to give us a general idea of where they are. Once we get closer, you and Luna should be able to sense their magic and lead us to them. We use you two like a compass and find Zoka and Ruli. Then we kick their ass and make them put you two back together. Simple."
"Yeah, sure sounds like it." Nashi replied sarcastically. "That really all we have to go on?"
"Do you have a better idea?" He asked her. Nashi shrugged. A cold breeze came down the hallway, making her shiver and bury her face into her scarf. God, she hated feeling cold, it was the worst. Is this how her friends felt all the time?
"Cold?" Her father asked. She nodded, and he smiled. "Come sit next to me." She did as her father asked, sitting next to him. He pulled her into him, his body heat rolling over her and heating her up in an instant. It was only a few seconds, but Nashi could already feel her eyelids getting heavy. She could have fallen asleep in that instant had she not heard approaching footsteps.
"Did she get tired?" She heard her own voice ask, meaning Luna had returned. Her Father scoffed.
"No, she's cold," he said. Nashi opened an eye to see Luna sitting across from them, so she elbowed her Dad. He clearly felt it, as he cleared his throat.
"I've got two sides, Luna," he said. "Come here."
"Huh?" Luna asked, sounding confused. "I-I don't think that's-"
"Oh so you don't want to hug your old man, huh?" Their Father asked, mock hurt in his voice. "I understand. Your growing up and all." Luna scoffed, but Nashi heard her get up and sit on their Dad's other side. He shifted to accommodate her, and then they all grew still again. Peaking through one eye, Nashi reached over and touched Luna's arm, letting her positive emotion flow through to her other half. There was an immediate return of gratitude, which made a small smile grace her face as she shifted to fall asleep.
She wasn't sure, but maybe things would really be okay.
I'm not totally satisfied with this chapter, but here it is regardless. I think it's because I haven't really got this portion of the story totally planned out, but I'm usually better at doing that on the fly. I hope you all enjoyed, leave a review! Let's try and get five!
Chapter 374: Sia