In The Times Of Fairy Tails

​

Back to her normal self, Therity watched impassively as two of the men on her mission decided to try to steal a ship. Indeed, their methods did end up aiding them somewhat in the end, but it was an irresponsible thing to do nevertheless. They deserved the scolding they got from Dale, and as she had done nothing wrong his speech about the general stupidity of their group did not effect her at all. She turned to watch the sea as the group discussed the mission at hand. It was indeed strange that Dale would take them on an S-class mission without informing them up front, but honestly she wasn't phased by it. She knew that she could get through anything the world threw at her, just as she had done all her life. Continuing to watch the sea and the ever-nearing night sky, she finally spoke. "It doesn't matter why he didn't tell us that this mission was S-class before we set out. What's done is done. There is nothing we can do about it, as we cannot turn back. Even now we continue towards the cursed island and the nearing night sky. So instead of causing turmoil and inquiring and accusing Dale of something that has already been done, should we not rather concentrate on what plan we have to create before we reach the approaching island?"

 

Dale seemed pretty pissed off. Gaius had no idea what the big deal was, it was just one boat. He hadn't even gotten to steal the others yet, but even if he had Dale would've been rich from the jewels they would've made, he was looking at this all wrong. And then he just wouldn't shut up about how illegal it was and how he would go and do the mission alone? This guy was special, and not in a good way. "Of course he wouldn't tell us it was S-class. Everybody would've come here and filled up the mission in no time, and then he wouldn't have had us. He wanted the best of the best" the fire mage said. He turned and gave a slightly cocky grin in Dale's direction. "There's no shame in bein' afraid man. Everyone gets scared of somethin' once in a while. After you got your ass kicked by Ezekiel something bad, you probably saw how well we did against him and decided maybe we'd be better at doing the job than you, and that's okay. There ain't nothing wrong with asking for help once in a while" Gaius said. He was genuinely trying to help, but at the same time he couldn't help but poke a little fun at him. What was the worst that could happen? Dale was an ice mage, Gaius was a fire mage, what was he gonna do...freeze fire? Pfft, like that could happen.


Caleb had remained silent the entire time, not feeling the need to speak. However, upon being accused of being some kind of creeper, he could remain silent no longer. "Your majesty, I regret to inform you of this but that man that escorted your daughter back, the one that goes by the name of Thomas, he spent the majority of the time staring at her behind the entire walk back. If you are worried about any men taking advantage of your princess, there's where I would be making sure of first" Caleb stated, completely framing Thomas. He chose not to follow the princess back towards her room, deciding that it would be best to let her make her own decision.

As everyone walked past to go ice skating though, Caleb decided to follow. He wasn't sure what they were up to, but he was sure the king wouldn't like it. Eventually he arrived at the place that everyone was ice skating, to see the princess and another man skating together. What surprised him wasn't that though, but the fact that Johanna had asked Thomas to go ice skating. Surely Thomas would say no wouldn't he? Dawn was standing right there, and those two had seemed to be getting along fairly well before the mission, was he just going to throw that away? But once again, Caleb said nothing. It wasn't his place to say so, and even if it was he wasn't exactly keen to help Thomas at that point. Remaining silent, the man sat down at the side without any ice skates and simply waited.


Skadi hadn't really said anything, because she wasn't sure what to say. She'd felt extremely uncomfortable standing there as Alessia had told the story. While the new girl hadn't gone over her backstory or anything, it wasn't hard to put things together. Ezekiel had a fire mage, a little girl, and now they had a little girl that was giving off an ever-so-slight heat aura. Was Alessia forgetful, stupid, or just inconsiderate? Skadi hadn't expected her to talk about things that way. Ezekiel had been horrific, but he'd been the girl's guild master, so there was probably some kind of bond there, and even if there wasn't...was it really right to talk about her previous guild in front of her like she wasn't even there?

"Alessia, I don't think you're telling the story right. Magus Ascension did some terrible things, but I don't know that they did them for the wrong reasons. Ezekiel spoke of becoming stronger, is that such a terrible goal? Maybe he wanted to protect his guild members, or maybe he wanted to give them someone to look up to. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, he just went the wrong way about it. And as for the members themselves, I didn't really see any of them myself aside from Yana but..despite attacking us, were they not defending themselves? There are two sides to every story, Alessia, try to look at things from both perspectives" Skadi said. She wasn't trying to offend Alessia, and she genuinely hoped she didn't, but it felt wrong to simply stand there and be quiet while the little girl was there. She couldn't even imagine how she'd feel if someone made it sound like Sapphire Eclipse was a horrifyingly evil guild, and she didn't want to think about it.

Turning to Thea now, Skadi crouched down until she was at the girl's height. "Hey there, my name is Skadi Wynter, what's yours?. Welcome to Sapphire Eclipse, I hope you enjoy yourself here" she said, greeting the girl. That wouldn't be enough though, not to counteract the damage Alessia may have caused. "You know, that's a very pretty dress you have there. It looks very soft, and it seems to suit you very well. Do you like dresses?" Skadi asked, trying her best to make the girl feel welcomed and as though she could open it up. She grabbed the nutcracker as she talked to Thea, studying it for a short time and then slowly starting to create a replica of it made of ice. It would take some time, but she was confident she could do it.​

 

Alessia looked around as the voice whispered in her ear. She saw Sara, that quiet girl walking away and frowned slightly. It sounded like she had difficulty getting the words out. Does she really talk that little? Clara looked so disappointed about the Nutcracker being broken, and she felt awful. I can't believe I broke that. She just got it, it was her new gift and I broke it... It's worse that it belongs to her and not me! I'm such an idiot! It is my fault Clara, it is my fault.
"I'm really sorry Clara. I didn't mean to." She apologised again. What a start... This was going to be just fantastic. She smiled a bit at Clara's makeshift sling. She was just adorable. Such a nice girl. That makes me feel worse about breaking it. Then Jack said something about being sorry. She wasn't quite sure what for, but that was fine. It was the gesture that counted.
"It's fine John." She said, brushing his apology off somewhat. She turned around to go find somewhere to sit down that wasn't too expensive or precious so she didn't cause any more damage than she already had, but turned right to face Thea. It took her a couple of seconds before she realised. That's... One of Ezekiel's wizards... She's joined our guild now and I... I just told that horrible story about her... Oh no... Alessia covered her mouth to hide the shocked expression. Then Skadi turned on her and criticised her for her telling of it. She just didn't get it. It wasn't meant to be harmful, it was just telling a story with the detail removed. For goodness' sake it was just supposed to be an exciting story for a girl who doesn't leave her house! Alessia turned on her heel and walked away and sat far away from everyone, feeling thoroughly ashamed and a little angry at Skadi for giving her a lecture for not telling the whole gritty bloody truth. If Skadi wanted her story that badly then she could tell Clara the whole sodding truth including how someone had died! Killed someone to be 'stronger'.
"Who does she think she is!" Alessia said, slamming her fist into her leg, with a couple of tears of anger and guilt rolling slowly down her cheeks.




If this team was actually going to work, he was going to have to be straight up with them. He wasn't actually sure what the details of this mission were. And he'd have to answer all their questions. Great. I've got to admit that I've got very little idea about what's going on here and that we're heading into a probably dangerous situation. And it was one of the two I just yelled at. Great. Alright birdman, here's your answers.
"All I know is that there is a curse and that something has caused it and we're here to lift it. That's all that's been specified on the contract. There's nothing else I can tell you, because there's nothing else I know. This is a dangerous mission. S-Class missions are. But I think we can manage it. You have me, and more importantly you're some of the best this guild has to offer. We're not S-Classes. Combined we are. This mission is going to require us to work together. You with me, and you with each other. And as for my reasons- They're my own." He was hardly going to admit straight up that he was in this for the sizeable sum offered for this mission. He now looked at Charlotte. "I couldn't do this by myself. You've all got a chance now to do something different, something a little more dangerous but more rewarding than normal. You admit yourselves that I displayed a certain element of discretion when I set off on this mission. But you're all here for a reason. If the fact that this is bending the rules, then why are you all here?" Ander's input was more or less on point.
"I think Ander has a fairly good understanding." Then Dale turned to address Gaius. He smiled as politely as he could at the man who was so obviously trying to bait him. Nice try, Gaius. I'll ignore that Ezekiel comment and how you all got destroyed by him. Actually maybe not. I'll deal with that last. I remember a couple of things about that day- Including your collapsing twice. Don't think you can bait me so easily. I will not be roused again.
"Now now Gaius. You're trying to set me off, I can tell." Dale began. "But to a certain extent, you're not wrong. I didn't want to do it alone. It's a dangerous mission and it could have ended badly. So I engineered the situation so I would get the best of the best. Tell me Gaius, what's the better outcome: Success of the mission with the help of the best Sapphire Eclipse has to offer, or failure and potentially my death due to my own hubris? I think we all know the better option here. And by the way, I didn't see you doing any better against Ezekiel until Evanora intervened and reduced him to less than his power. I might add that nearly every new guild member fought him and as much as your ego might not allow you to realise it, other people did a lot of work too. And if we're really going to talk about individual performance, after the S-Classes, Evanora, Johanna and I downed the thing that was attacking us at the same time, which by the way you didn't notice- When we defeated that thing and watched Ezekiel's fall, I believe I saw you as one of the various unconscious people. You were downed twice. Myself, only once. So Gaius Ryan, if you would care to leave your pathetic attempts to wind me up and thereby disrupt the functioning of this team that would be appreciated. After all, your spectacular talents are vital to the success of this mission since you are so clearly the most competent and mighty of all." Dale regarded him coolly after that, satisfied that he had handled Gaius' prod sufficiently well.

 

Galuna Island:



Ander pov:
He had to say he liked Gaius, but him and Dale were fighting was not making things easer.
He could not believe Dale, Dale had agreed with him. what was this?
The only thing was Dale was Dale he would be that way unless he got rid of Chip.
It was like listening to, two three year olds fighting.
"look we are almost at the island. If you two can stop fighting for two seconds and work at the task at hand. Gaius you can try and kill Dale when were are back at the guild Hall.
Now if you do not mind we have to prepare to land. You two can kill each other back at the guild. Now is not the time for fighting.
We have a job to do. After we are done here then you two can go at it."
What was with everyone on this ship?
Had the curse taken effect already?
If these two straight fighting on the boat there was o telling what would happen to them.
A boat was better then no boat in the water.


Drosselmayer's Mansion



Sara's pov:
She watched Alessia. She was so sad. it remined her of the what the man she killed once said. "be strong to others, and most importantly do onto others as you would want done one to you."
She had on idea what he meant but if she wanted her bow fixed she would have to start some ware. Help build bridges.
"mind if I sit?" (alessia) She could not believe what she was doing. Her voice was soft and had a hit of shyness.

 

Scarlett already hated this princess. She was one of those prissy, snobby girls who took everything they had for granted. A nice house, nice clothes, hell even a kingdom at their fingertips but that was never enough for them. It never would be enough for them. Scarlett was about to voice her opinion, but then she closed her mouth when she heard the conversation between the royal family, She decided to stay out of it for now. No use getting caught up in this stupid argument.

She followed the others to the princess' room, rolling her eyes as Thomas was clearly trying to flirt with her. What an idiot. This wasn't a freaking love fest, this was a mission. She was getting really tired of his flirting crap. Once the group had convinced her to stay, they suddenly gave her the idea to throw a party, Ugh, Scarlett hated parties.

She made her way down to the ice skating rink where people had showed up. Scarlett had ice skated once in her entire life but she wasn't plan on doing it today. She stood on the outside by Caleb, not really knowing if she should start up a conversation or not. After a moment, she deicded to just stay quiet. Meanhwile, she watched Johanna ask Thomas to skate. Oh hell no. If she honestly has the hots for Thomas I'm leaving this stupid guild. Besides, I still need to do some digging.

Leaving Caleb alone with his thoughts, Scarlett made her way to Johanna and Thomas. "Sorry, but Thomas already asked Dawn to skate." She elbowed Thomas in the ribs, indicating that he should go. "Also Johanna I need to talk to you." Instead of an invitation, it was more of a demand. She didn't really care what Johanna thought of her at this point but as long as she was here she might as well see what's up with her and Dale.

 

Astedia​

"Yes Scarlett, what is it?" She asked, skating over to her gracefully. "Are you alright? I know skating isn't for everyone, but I'm sure you can get the hand of it, you're very bright." She smiled. "See, it's like this." She skated forward, counting "1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3. See, it's easy!" Johanna smiled. Maybe one day she could skate with Dale, like this. She giggled to herself at the thought. She knew Dale as an Ice Mage, but could he even skate? Now she really wanted to find out.

 

Ugh. Johanna was acting like a little girl who had eaten too much candy and was on a weird sugar high. It also made Scarlett a little mad when she said skating isn't everyone. Like what the hell was that supposed to mean? Scarlett could probably skate just as easily if she really wanted to. To be honest, she was kind of offended that Johanna said that. "I'm not here to talk about skating." She sad flatly, her eyes squinting a bit in annoyance at how childish Johanna was being. "What's up with you and Dale?" Scarlett wasted no time striking straight to the pinnacle of the conversation. She felt a little out of place asking such a blunt question, but she was honestly curious so it wasn't that big of a deal really. Maybe Johanna would stop acting like she was high and would actually have a legit conversation.

 

Astedia​

Johanna felt herself blush. She hadn't really thought about it before. She wasn't really looking for a boyfriend, and her and Dale weren't really... "Dale and I?" She ran her hands through her hair. "Well, um. Nothing." She shrugged. "Why are you asking? Are you interested in him?" She asked. She crossed her arms. "I could see it, you'd make an attractive couple."

 

Scarlett wasn't dumb. She could tell when someone was either embarassed or simply didn't want to talk about something. Changing the subject was one of the big red flags for that behavior. Trying not to punch Johanna for that stupid comment about her and Dale making a cute couple, she rolled her eyes forcefully. "No, I'm not interested in him. And for your information, I could do so much better than him. So how about you stop avoiding my question and just answer it already." Johanna had crossed her arms. It was almost a protective gesture from the way Scarlett saw it. "What does 'Nothing' mean? Theres obviously something." Scarlett raised her eyebrows, waiting.

 

​

After enough people on the boat had started to question his reasoning for taking them this S-Class mission where they clearly weren't S-Classes, Dale finally decided to explain himself. Though it turned into more of a pep talk, which was surprising seeing as how it was coming from Dale. In short he said that together they would be able to handle this mission if they worked together. Made sense. I mean Team King managed to defeat Orpehus because they worked together. Though that only made him more curious as to what they would find on this curse island other than the demons.

Afterwards Gaius and Dale got into a verbal debate that didn't last long. Which was followed by Ander interjecting. "I don't think telling them to kill each other later is the best thing to suggest. Anyway are we going to get to the island soon, there's only so much that we can do on this boat. Unless someone brought some playing cards or something?" The bored side of Veilen was coming out as he waiting for them to get to the island.

 

Astedia​

"I did answer. There's really nothing here, Scarlett." Johanna told her. She was being honest, there wasn't really anything between her and Dale. "We're just childhood friends, there's nothing else there. I couldn't see myself with him, he's too much like family to me."

 

After Lucia had asked her other guildmates for ideas she froze in place with mouth agape towards Hasu's response once more. Man, he was really on the ball with this whole "you're royalty it's your destiny" sort of thing. Not mention their seemed to be a bit of passion behind the annoyance in his voice, almost as if he had known first hand about everything he had been saying. However, after Hasu had said his piece, Annika seemed to come to an understanding with the things he was saying...maybe. Lucia wasn't entirely sure. It was at that point that Johanna said something that made her really question what they were actually supposed to be doing here. After all, she wasn't entirely sure how the whole, do the exact opposite thing your employers would want, thing would work out. Actually, she could only see it working out poorly. Regardless, the rest of the group didn't seem didn't seem to mind the whole ice skating party thing or what have you, and so they left.

Things felt slightly awkward when they had come out to the ice skating party, as the whole party seemed to come to a standstill with her presence. After a bit of waiting around, the party seemed to resume as normal, though, and everyone seemed to be doing there own thing at this point. Lucia herself, had no idea how to skate at all, and so she just sort of hung back. She looked towards Caleb and said, "so there Mr. Silent and Stoic, what's your take on all of this? I mean, you haven't really said much since getting here."

After Charlotte had asked her questions to Dale, Therity had spoken up about why they shouldn't care about any of the reasons behind Dale's motives, and keep all the things about it in the past. Charlotte turned towards her and said, "I think you misunderstand the point Ra and I were making with our inquiries. It wasn't so much in accusation of Dale, but rather to find out if he knew anything more about the mission we were taking. You can't deny that the more we know the better off we'll be." It was then that Gaius spoke up, and she couldn't help but sigh. While he did have his points, his arrogant way of speaking was some to be improved upon. Dale then gave the entire explanation that they were looking for, and while she couldn't say that she was completely satisfied with the answers, she accepted then and decided that asking any more from Dale would prove fruitless. She turned to Ander and said, "these two hardly seem like they are fighting anymore, though bashing each others egos against each other might be a more appropriate term for this." Turning to Veilen she said, "we should probably discuss our plan of action first. From the captain we know that there is at least some form of civilization on this island, so I would believe a good first course of action would be to locate them and see if we can learn anything more about the curse from them upon arrival. Any more ideas?"

 

​

While discussing plans may not have been the highest thing on what Veilen would like to do to pass the time on the boat, it would still pass the time and thus it was good to him. Plus speeding things up wouldn't be the only benefit that came from this. "I guess we could act depending on what they tell us. Since we're going to be looking for the source of the curse, we could try asking were it originated." Veilen said. His suggestion was pretty straight forward, thus there wasn't a whole lot that he could add to it.

 

Galuna Island:


Ander's pov:
Veilen said stuff and he decide not to say anything. Charlotte asked if they had any ideas.
He focused on talking to Charlotte.
"we should locate the people on the island. They should be near a fresh source of water. So we should focus are search more inland.
Fresh water is more likely to be there.
That said it is easier said then done.
Also if we can find food people should not be far away from it.
We should also keep a eye out for any magical signs. Curses come from something that being magic or other wise.
Once we find these people we can form a better plan there. until then it is just guess work. Top priority is finding the people."
Speaking of getting to the island it was taking longer then it should have. He looked around to see if there was a reason for this.

 

Ra nodded in agreeament with Charlotte. It would be a good plan to investigate the native people living on the Island. "We should go prepared, in case the curse has spread to more than their bodies. Their minds may have been turned demonic as well. In addition...We may want to look into some form of countermeasure to prevent ourselves being taken by the curse. While it's apparent the effects aren't instant based on the captain, we do not know how much time we'll have. Best case scenario, we are able to break the curse before we begin to be affected, and return the inhabitants to normal." He didn't have much to say in regards to the argument between Gaius and Dale. Ezekiel was something of a sensitive subject for him. He wondered if he would ever be released from that prison. If not...then perhaps it was for the best. if he emerged at all, then he would be a changed man. One he could be proud to call his brother.

Ra looked over the railing of the ship, awaiting arrival on the Island. "Together, we will overcome this trial. S-class or no, this mission will prove to be no match for us."

~~~The Outlands~~~
Walking along the endless expanse of desert, the man had a hooded mantle to shield him from the harsh sun and sandy winds. He raised an arm, marked with glyphs to his forehead to block the light from his eyes as he looked up into the sky. There wasn't a cloud in sight, just the sun beating down upon him. In his hands, he conjured a small pool of water and sipped it up. He was by no means an expert in the field of water magic, but he knew the very most basic spells. Enough to keep him hydrated in this desert. Between the need to keep himself sustained, and the battles he fought, his magic wouldn't last forever. He had a large pool of it, but of course it wasn't endless. Not to mention physical exhaustion had begun to take its grip. In front of him, an image of salvation appeared. An oasis, in the midst of the desert.

As he approached, he grew suspicious of it. This place was torment. There was no way something like this would be here. Sure enough, as he bent over to scoop up some of the water, a tentacle latched onto his wrist. The image of the oasis melted away, revealing a pit which descended deep into the earth. He wouldn't be surprised if it had lead to hell itself. If he hadn't been cautious in his approach, the tentacle would've pulled him in. However, it was soon turned to ashes by a blast of arcane energy. "The prison made by the first master to force repent onto the wicked. One can't help but wonder how pure of heart they were themselves to have devised a place like this. Nevertheless, i can see it achieving its purpose." Ezekiel stood and continued to walk. This desert was endless. He knew it wasn't figurative. This was a separate dimension, closed off from the outside world. No matter how far one walked, they would never reach the end of this place. Taking another look into the sky, he felt the sun beating down onto him. It seemed to grow hotter with each moment, and night never came to this place. He had to have been in there for days, at least. "So, that which finally defeats me will be the sun. This dungeon has a sense of irony, it seems." ​

 

"Ye- yeah. Sure, you can sit." Alessia said, moving along on the soft couch so that Sara could sit down. She wiped a couple of tears off her face. Then she heard another familiar voice speak. It was clearer than Sara's, but just as quiet. Silvia. She looked up at her and smiled as best she could. What do I say? Do I admit to them that I feel horrible and that I just feel awful about causing this harm, or do I just lie and say I'm okay? I shouldn't brush them away. They're trying to be here for me, I shouldn't push them away because they're actually trying for me.
"I'm just a bit upset Silvia." She answered, forcing the words out, her voice pained as she spoke. She clenched her fist for strength again and started to speak again. "I just, made so may silly mistakes and now I've made people upset. I broke Clara's new nutcracker and I've upset Thea a bit. And then Skadi said something to me and it's made me feel awful. She just doesn't understand. I never wanted to do any harm. All I wanted was to tell a little story to give someone a tale from the outside world, but now I'm being judged for it and it was just an accident. It was just a story..." She looked down at the ground, sniffling. Why did this have to happen... This should be a happy occasion for fun and games but I can't, I just can't... How did this happen? What am I going to do? And Silvia and Sara are over here, when they could be doing something else, but no they're here with me. I don't want them to go but... They need to have fun too. Even if I can't.

 

Drosselmayer's Mansion



Sara's pov:
She looked at Silvia. Did she not see that she was there. Never less it did not madder now.
Then Alessia said things.
She could not believe what she was hearing and she took a seat by Alessia.
"things break, curses cast, people die. It is not the nutcracker, it is not the hurt of people. It what you do with life that madders. The rest it is just bumps in the road.
Things were said, yes, but it not what you say in life that sticks it what you do. Sometimes life gives you something.
Life is a book that only you can wright.
It does not madder what you have done, what madders is what will you do?"
She was full of emotion now almost ready to set off.
"some one once told me, life is what it is, you have the power to change you, how you see fit. Be the better person here."
Sara was now on the verge of crying. The person that told her that was now dead.
The reson Sara was telling Alessia this was because she killed. A broken Nutcracker was nothing in comparison.
"The nutcracker is broken, but it does not madder, it is the story of what it means to her, broken or not. She could simply replace it, but it would not be the same.
It is the story of the nutcracker that madders, not that it is broken."
She stopped here for a moment.
"It is why I still have this."
She puled out he bow to show it to Alesssia.
Sara was moving her hands like she was afraid to touch it.
like it may catch on fire or explode.
She then put one finger on it and... nothing happened relief on her face.

ooc: This post is a total Ander moment. it is what he would do.

 

Drosselmayer's Mansion

Jack's pov: "Evanora I don't know what to do no one seems to be in the mood for anything. It's my fault too, if i didn't say anything about the nutcracker everything would be so much better. Alessia could have fixed it and everything would have been better. I made this a huge mess."

Astedia

Amanda's pov: Well there wasn't much to do other then try and talk to someone. Ren, no she was a little bit mad at him for ignoring her. Thomas, no he just flirt with her. Dawn, no she doesn't talk but write things, maybe later, she felt alone, and there was Scarlett who was so mean and rude. Caleb, no. That left Lucia, "um hi" she felt silly, she was so shy she felt she might scare Lucia away, maybe that's why Ren ignored her.

 

Alessia listened intently to Sara's words. Maybe she's right. Maybe, just maybe she's right... Still... I'll apologise to her again, but maybe this will always be something to remember for her. The time that clumsy girl from Sapphire Eclipse broke her new gift. She'll always remember that and when it's all fixed up, it won't matter right? It'll be just another memory, and maybe she'll forget it in time. Sara pulled out her bow as if to show it to her and Alessia leaned in closer to look at it. The way Sara was acting around it, it would fall apart or something at any minute, but it looked alright to her. There didn't seem to be much at all wrong with it that she could see so... What was the worry for? Why? Evidently she felt the same too, because eventually that weird look changed and she looked calmer, less likely to have an immediate nervous breakdown right in front of her.
"It looks okay to me Sara. I don't know anything about bows though, but it looks okay. The string is still there and stuff. I don't see any cracks." Alessia said, looking at it somewhat confusedly.