Now here's the next chapter of my story!

Happy reading!

Chapter 35

The Six and the Shark

At the Tower of Heaven, all the people there were hard at work building the tower. A couple of the supervisors looked on making sure that everyone was working.

"Man... what a day," said one. "I wish we didn't have to spend it working."

"Well we gotta," said the other. "After all it's Jellal's greatest wish as well as ours. We have to complete the tower as our way of saying thanks for saving us."

"Yeah. I know. I still can't believe what happened back then. It's hard to believe that little girl tried to kill us because she went insane from her own magic power."

"No kidding. I'm still shaken up by it. But thanks to Jellal we avoided that catastrophe. That's why we're building this tower for his sake as a way of gratitude. We owe him a lot for saving our lives."

"There's really no need to thank me," said a voice. "I think you've said thanks enough."

The two then turned around in surprise to find that the very boy in question was standing right in front of them.

"Oh! Master Jellal! We didn't see you there!"

"Please pardon us, sir!"

Jellal smiled. "There's no need to be so formal around me. How's construction coming?"

"It's going along well sir," said the supervisor. "At the rate, we're going, we should be able to have the tower completed soon."

"But we should add that it might take some time sir," said the other.

"That's fine," said Jellal as he looked down at the people below him. "As long as the tower is completed then I can wait for as long as it takes."

"So... what brings you here Jellal? Did... you have some business or something, sir?"

"Actually there is," said Jellal. "Spread the word to all of the people around the tower. A friend of mine will be dropping by and he will be taking five people under his wing to join his guild."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. So when he gets here, make sure you show him around and help him with whatever he needs," continued Jellal. "If there are any problems report them to me."

"Understood sir," said the first supervisor. "When will he arrive, sir?"

Just then before Jellal could answer, a green mist appeared behind them.

"What the-!"

"What is this?! An attack?!"

The two supervisors jumped back in surprise while Jellal remained motionless not showing any reaction.

"Calm yourselves. It's the friend of mine in question," he replied.

Sure enough, out from the mist, Brain appeared out from the cloud along with the boy in tow.

"Sorry for the intrusion," said Brain. "I had to tie up a few loose ends, but here I am."

"You sure like to make your entrances don't you Brain?" said Jellal showing a neutral expression.

Then he saw the boy standing next to him which made him look at him with a raised brow.

"And who's that? Is he some kind of offering or a payment to me?" he asked.

"Sorry, but this boy is off limits," said Brain. "Think of him as... my personal servant and bodyguard."

Jellal stared at the boy and the boy showed no response. "I see."

"Now then... I trust you know why I am here correct?"

"Yes. I do. I haven't forgotten."

He then turned to the two supervisors. "Show these two around and all the people we have here and let him pick whoever he chooses."

"Yes sir!" the supervisors replied.

The two then went away taking Brain and the boy with them. As they left Jellal couldn't help but look back at the two particularly the boy that was with him.

"That boy... I don't know why... but I sense something about him," he thought. "Something about him that makes him... unusual."

The two supervisors then took the boy and Brain around the tower. As they passed by, the people couldn't help stare at the arrival of these new faces with curiosity and confusion on their faces.

"Listen up!" said one of the supervisors. "This man is a friend of our savior Jellal. He has come here because five of you will go with him to be taken under his wing."

"If you are chosen, you will go with him immediately and see Jellal before you leave," said the other supervisor. "During this time just continue your daily routine."

The people having had heard them went back to work with their construction.

"Well then... take your pick," said first supervisor gesturing toward the people.

"That I shall," said Brain. He then turned to the boy. "I want you to use your Aqua Sense and pick five from these people with the most magic power."

"Understood sir," said the boy.

He stepped forward, closed his eyes, and raised his hand with the palm open and in a ninety-degree angle. His hand then began to glow in a mixture of black and blue light. In his mind a wave of black energy spread throughout the area washing over everyone in the area. He also saw every person's magic power as well as their water levels. Those who had low magic power had low glowing gray lights. He searched and he searched until he caught a glimpse of a gray energy that was glowing brighter than most of them. The boy immediately opened his eyes.

"Sir. I have detected someone with a high magic power," he said.

"Good work," said Brain. "Lead the way."

The boy led Brain to another part of the area where other people were working on the tower. Soon enough the boy came to a stop and pointed towards the direction of a group of the workers.

"There sir. That boy over there," he said. "He's the one that I sensed with a high magic power."

The boy who Willy was pointing at was sitting on the ground playing with a small purple snake.

He was young, light-skinned with matted maroon hair, and had purple eyes. It seemed that he was caring for the snake like a pet. He seemed so happy just being with the snake. Brain then walked up to the boy. The boy immediately froze looking up at Brain with fright. He also shielded his snake seeming like he was protecting it.

"There's no need to be afraid," said Brain. "Tell me. What is your name young one?"

"E-Erik," the boy stammered.

"Well, then Erik. Would you do me the honor of please coming with me?" asked Brain.

The boy named Erik stared at Brain. Then he looked at his snake.

"May I take Cubellios with me?" he asked.

"I don't see why not," said Brain. "Do what you see fit."

Then he turned back towards the boy. "We need four more now. Find them."

"Understood sir," he said.

He closed his eyes again and used the Aqua Sense spell again. This time he sensed two more magic powers coming from below them.

"Down there sir," he said. "I sense two more coming from the lower levels."

"Very good," said Brain. "Take us to them if you would."

The boy nodded and then lead them to the lower levels of the tower. In the lower levels was a cell area. The cells were all made out of stone and some even had small windows allowing the people in them to look out towards the sea hearing the sounds of waves in the distance. As they walked by, the people inside their cells couldn't help but notice these new arrivals that walked past them. They kept on walking until the boy came to a stop in front of a cell. He used his Aqua Sense again by raising his hand. Then after a few seconds, he opened his eyes.

"Sir. The two magic powers I'm sensing are in this cell," he said.

"Would you care to open this cell for us?" asked Brain to one of the supervisors.

The supervisor did so and the boy walked in causing everyone in there to look at him. The boy looked around trying to find the two people he sensed. He looked from person to person until he saw two children by the window. One was a little girl with short white hair and brown eyes playing with a small white feather. The other was a little boy who had short spiky black hair on top of his head and long straight white hair on the bottom curled up holding his ears as if he was trying to block out all the noise around him.

Then they heard the boy walking up to them causing them to look up.

"Excuse me," said the boy. "But would you both do me the honor of please coming with me?"

After that, the boy used his Aqua Sense again and sensing another person with a high magic power which led to another part of the tower. A group of people was working hard moving rocks into containers. Out of them, another young boy was working as hard as he could. He was chubby and tall and had orange curly hair in an afro. As he continued to work a loud voice yelled out making him jump.

"Hey! You! Work faster!"

The boy suddenly felt a shock of pain shoot through his body. He couldn't help but let out a scream because of how unexpected and painful it was. Then the pain was gone and he fell to the ground in pain. The boy winced still feeling the shock in his body.

"Hey! Get back up! Otherwise, you're gonna feel a lot more than just that spell!" barked the voice.

The boy looked behind him and saw that one of the supervisors was standing right above him, the very reason the boy was shocked in the first place. He was holding a staff that was glowing as he was preparing to shock him again. The boy shut his eyes preparing to receive the punishment that he didn't deserve, but it never came. The boy managed to open one and then the other. What he saw was a young boy standing in front of the supervisor protecting him.

"What the hell?!" said the supervisor with shock.

"Excuse me, my good sir. I have a need for that boy and I would appreciate it if you didn't harm him."

The boy and the supervisor turned towards the voice and saw Brain walking towards them. He looked at the young boy on the ground and smiled having to have found his fourth member.

Meanwhile, close to the coast of the tower, a group of people was running away trying to escape. Above them, strange flying creatures were in pursuit of them. The strange beasts were bright orange with bat-like wings, no eyes, and had rows of sharp teeth chasing after them. The people ran as fast as they could trying to escape, but one after another they were pinned down by the creatures. Soon enough only three remained. Out of the three a single boy with hair black and shaven, his eyebrows blond, and a long pointed nose that would rival Pinocchio's was running the fastest out of the three.

He ran and he ran not daring to look back at the creatures. Then the creatures began to fire blasts of fire from their mouths in the hopes of incapacitating the boy. The boy kept on running feeling the heat of the explosions on his back. He could see the sea getting closer and closer.

"Just a bit more!" he thought. "Just a bit more! If I can just make it to the sea... I can get out of here."

He was almost there when suddenly someone stepped out in front of him blocking his means of escape. The boy was running so fast he couldn't stop in time. He bumped right into the person standing in front of him making him fall flat on the ground. The boy then immediately cringed in fear as he lay on the ground.

"Please don't hurt me! I don't wanna die! Please don't!"

"Fear not boy," said a voice. "I have no desire to kill you. In fact, it's the opposite. I have great need for your speed."

The boy looked up to the person that was speaking to him. He was surprised to see that it wasn't any of the supervisors. It was someone else entirely.

Soon enough with a little help from the boy, Brain had the five children picked out and they all stood before Jellal in his throne room

"So I take it these will be the people you want?" he asked.

"Yes," said Brain. "Out of all the other people you have here, these five children have the greatest magic power."

"I see. And I take it your magic detector was able to find this out?" asked Jellal looking at the boy.

"Yes. This boy may not appear much, but he possess incredible abilities including sensing how much magic power lies in a person," said Brain. "In any case with your permission, I will take these children under my wing from now on."

"Very well," said Jellal. He then looked at all the children that stood before him. "From now on the five of you will all serve this man now. I don't know what he plans to do with you, but make sure you serve him well."

The children nervously looked at each other not sure how to take all of this news, but they nodded in response.

"You have my thanks Jellal," said Brain. "This will help me greatly for my cause."

"Think of it as payback," said Jellal coolly. "I mean after all I owe you a debt of gratitude for being my mentor teaching some of your spells and skills. Even though I could have learned those spells without your help."

"So I have been told," said Brain as he turned around and was about to walk away Jellal called out to him.

"Hey Brain. You know I'm curious. Just what do you hope to accomplish with all these kids?" he asked. "You said that you wanted to recruit them for your guild for the sake of your 'cause', but what's the purpose of it all?"

Brain looked back at Jellal. "All you need to know is that these children are the keys I need to keep him at bay," he said. "Now then I must be on my way. I have to get started in training my new pupils right away. I will get out of your hair so you can continue with your... project."

Then Brain along with the boy and the five children disappeared into green mist leaving Jellal by himself scowling a little.

"That bastard," he muttered. "Calling what I'm accomplishing a 'project.' It's not just a project. It's something that will pave the way to all those who crave true freedom. Something that's probably too much for that fool to even comprehend. Once this tower is completed, no one will be able to stand in my way. Not even you Brain."

He chuckled maliciously as the pupil in his right eye changed to a strange red symbol as it glowed in the darkness.

Meanwhile back in the town of Osia in the dojo on top of the lake, Tu Chi stood by the pool immersed in deep meditation. She seemed so still, so calm, and so focused. It seemed that if the slightest disturbance would reach her, it would make her lose focus.

Then the doors opened and then Finn walked in.

"Hello Master," he said as he shut the door behind him.

Tu Chi finally opened her eyes and looking behind her smiling.

"Hello there Finn," she said.

"Sorry to interrupt your meditation, but do you have a spare moment?" asked Finn.

"Of course," said Tu Chi. "I needed a break anyway. Let's have some tea shall we?"

A bit later, Tu Chi and Finn were sitting in the room quietly sipping their tea. Finn set down his tea and let out a sigh, one that wasn't out of content but rather something filled with slight loneliness.

"It's very quiet around here isn't it?"

Tu Chi's voice suddenly brought Finn's attention making him look towards her. Then he chuckled.

"You can tell by looking at me huh?"

"How could I not? I am your master, after all, Finn," said Tu Chi. "That and your sigh told me the story. You're thinking about Willy and the others aren't you?"

Finn took a drink from his tea and then set down his cup. "Well... I'm not gonna lie Master. I am. I'm just worried about them is all. I've been worried ever since they left Osia. I can't help but wonder how those kids are doing. I know I shouldn't worry... but still..."

Tu Chi took a sip of her tea and then set down her cup.

"I wouldn't be worried so much Finn," said Tu Chi. "It's natural that you're worried because you're like a father figure to them, but those kids are gonna be just fine. Especially Willy. We did train him after all and he cares about the Strauss siblings more than anything else I've seen."

"I know," said Finn looking down at his cup. "But I still get the feeling that somehow someway, Willy's gonna end up in trouble and I won't be able to do anything. I'm still upset of how all those people treated him and the Strauss siblings. All because of what happened to Mira's arm."

"I know Finn, but please don't blame them. They're just confused." Tu Chi shook her head calmly. "Fear has a nasty habit of making people do things they regret. Like fearing the unknown."

"But that doesn't give them the right to do what they did!" said Finn bitterly. "They even branded Willy a demon all because he stood up for them. It wasn't fair."

"I know. But there's no use crying over spilled water. Willy and the others have left and there's nothing much we can do about it now," said Tu Chi calmly. "There's no sense in dwelling on the past," said Tu Chi. "It already happened so you should try to move on from it. Willy and the kids are alive and well and we should be grateful for that. Isn't that good enough?"

Finn went silent then he took another sip of his tea setting it down on the table. As he did a small stalk floated up to the surface.

"Oh look at that Finn," said Tu Chi. "That's good luck."

"Yeah. Maybe it is," said Finn. "Maybe it's a sign telling me that Willy and the Strauss siblings are alright."

Tu Chi chuckled as she straightened up. "Maybe. Until then why don't we do some training? You could use something to try and get your mind off of things."

"Yeah. That could be just what I need," said Finn. "I think I will join you, Master."

Just then Jade came soaring into the room landing on Tu Chi's staff. She had a small letter in her beak.

"What's that you got there Jade?" asked Tu Chi as she took a letter from her beak and opened it. She skimmed over the letter and when she finished, she raised a brow as if she was confused.

"What is it master?" asked Finn.

Tu Chi then looked up at Finn. "I'm being summoned to Era by The Magic Council for an important meeting."

"The Magic Council?" wondered Finn. "I wonder what for?"

"I don't know myself," said Tu Chi as she straightened up. "But I can safely say that it's probably important."

"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Finn. "You never know when you'll need a bodyguard."

"Now Finn, you don't have to worry about little old me," said Tu Chi chuckling. "But it would be nice to have some company. But won't your clinic need you if something goes wrong?"

"Don't worry. I'm sure I can ask one of the staff to cover for me," said Finn. "Besides, I've always wanted to see Era for myself."

"Very well," said Tu Chi. "We'll leave in about an hour or so."

"All right. I'll go get things ready," said Finn.

Finn and Tu Chi then left the room with Jade flying out of the room with them. After they left the room, the tea stalk that was floating in Finn's cup then sank to the bottom of the cup.

In an unknown location, Brain was stood alone in his room typing on what appeared to be a computerized display of magic scrolling through information. Then the boy appeared behind him.

"May I ask what you are doing master?" he asked.

"Just looking through information using my Archive Magic," said Brain. "I am searching for something of great importance. In the meantime, how are our newest members doing?"

"They are still getting used to their surroundings, however, it will take some time for them to trust you as their guild master sir," said the boy. "In addition of going through the training regimen, you have planned for them."

"That's to be expected. After all, they were slaves to that Tower. If they can serve as the keys and my purpose, then that's all I really need."

"Pardon me for saying so sir," said the boy. "But what did you mean when you said that the children would serve as keys? I'm curious."

Brain then typed a few more things on the display and a picture of each other children he picked came into view.

"It is simple," said Brain. "The keys I'm referring to are the keys to a spell I'm casting on myself called Six Prayers. It's a body link spell that will seal something inside of me that would threaten to destroy my plans if he awakened."

"And what is that something sir?" asked the boy.

"Let's just say that he's an alter ego of sorts," said Brain. "In any case, there are some things I want to tell you."

"What is it, sir?"

"First and foremost, you are going help me train our members till they are fully capable of mastering their magic," said Brain. "In addition, your job is to protect me and make sure that my plans proceed without fail no matter who or what you have to sacrifice. That is the way of my guild known as the Oracion Seis. Is that understood?"

The boy got on one knee and bowed before him. "Understood sir."

"Good. And one more thing. You all will need aliases so that way no one will discover your identities if you are defeated or taken by the enemy," said Brain. "I won't give our newest members their aliases until they have fully mastered their magic powers, but I have already chosen the perfect name for you based on seeing your powers and abilities."

He paused impressively.

"From this moment onward, you will be known as Shark. As the name suggests, you pursue your prey with unpredictable speed and power until you utterly defeat or capture it. Not to mention you have complete dominance over the water in it or out it. Is that all right with you?"

The boy said nothing. Then he straightened up and looked at Brain.

"If that's the name of what you wish to call me, then I will accept it gladly sir," he said.

Brain smiled darkly. "Very well then. Shark it is then." Then he turned back towards his display of Archive magic. "Now I must continue with my research."

"Shall I start training the children sir?" asked the boy.

"Not just yet," said Brain. "I have something things that I need you to do for me."

"Very well sir. Just tell me what I need to do and I will do it for you gladly."

"Good," said Brain smiling more. "I have big plans for you and my new guildmates. Big plans indeed."

Brain then let out a throaty chuckle knowing that his plan was now getting underway and he would stop at nothing to achieve his goal. Even if he had to use a puppet to do his dirty work or use the children as pawns like in a game of chess.

All right folks! Another chapter has been successfully uploaded!

If this Willy has been given the name Shark. I know it's predictable, but I could pass that up!

To me it's the perfect alias!

Anyhoo, if you liked what you read and wanna leave a review or wanna tell me some things I need to improve on, let me know!

Dragoman out!