by Andy Nadir
Chapter Seventeen
He headed into a large building which just had a sign saying “Inn”.
When he entered, all the sound seemed to freeze. “What’s wrong?” He asked.
Everyone in the Inn shook their heads, and returned to eating. He sat down at a table, and waited for a serving girl to come to him.
“What would you like?” One asked as she passed his table.
“Whatever you have.” He replied.
She nodded, and headed into the back. She returned with a massive plate of steaming duck. Laxus’s mouth dropped. “This is massive! How am I supposed to eat it all?” He asked.
The girl just shrugged and went to another table. Laxus cut a small piece off of the duck, and slowly chewed it. As he chewed, the Inn’s doors opened, and Tabitha walked in. She saw Laxus, and sat at his table.
Tabitha looked at the duck nearly drooling. Laxus chuckled, and waved at it. Tabitha immediately cut nearly half the duck off, and ate the whole piece in no more than a few seconds.
Laxus stared at her open mouthed. “I knew you ate a lot, but how on earth do you manage to stay skinny? And aren’t girls supposed to eat…ah… daintily?” He asked.
Tabitha grinned. “Never ask a girl how she stays skinny.”
She cut a small piece of duck and chewed it for a long time. “Like this?” She asked when she swallowed.
Laxus just put his head in his hands. “Am I supposed to be teaching you how to eat?” He asked.
Tabitha shrugged, and stuffed the rest of the duck down her throat. There were several chuckles from the men around them. Laxus put a few Ryu on the counter, and they headed out of the Inn.
“Where should we head now?” Tabitha asked.
“Why don’t we get a map from the mayor?” Laxus asked.
Tabitha nodded. They headed to the largest house in town, and knocked on the door.
The mayor answered it quickly. “Hello, champions!” He said cheerfully.
“Can we have a map of the surrounding countryside?” Laxus asked.
The mayor nodded, and went back inside. He emerged with a roll of parchment.
“This is a map of the region.” He said, and handed it to Laxus.
“One last thing. Is there anyone who can travel between worlds?” Laxus asked.
The mayor thought for a moment. “There were some rumors of one who can do that in King’s City.” He said.
“Could you show us where that is on the map?” Laxus asked.
The mayor took the map from Laxus and unrolled it. He pointed to a small dot near a forest. “This is where you are. You need to go here.” He traced a line to a star on the map what was past the forest and something that looked like ruins.
“That looks like quite a ways.” Laxus said.
The mayor nodded. “As I said yesterday, it is about one hundred miles.” He said.
Laxus shuddered. “Any faster ways to get there?” He asked.
The mayor pointed to a small dot in the middle of the forest. “This village has a carrier. He could put you in King City rather easily.” He said.
The duo thanked the mayor, and headed out of the town.
As they walked, they passed several patrols all with a symbol of a Gryphon on their chest plates. Each time they were thoroughly questioned about their loyalty to the Gryphon family. Luckily, they had said they were loyal each time, and managed to avoid a fight.
“What is it with all these patrols?” Laxus asked Tabitha as they passed their seventh one that morning.
Tabitha shook her head. “How would I know? It looks like they are looking for someone.” She said.
Laxus nodded. “Yes, but who?” He wondered.
Tabitha just shrugged, and they continued walking.
Their trek to the village in the forest was rather uneventful, and they reached it easily. They entered the village to find it nearly deserted. The duo looked through all the houses, but all looked ransacked. Almost every house was destroyed. There was one house still standing, so they entered it.
There was a loud snap, and part of the floor came off. An old man climbed out of the hidden room. “Have those bastard soldiers left?” He wheezed.
Laxus and Tabitha nodded. “We didn’t see any in the village.” Tabitha said.
The man nodded. “Why are you here?” He asked.
“We need to get to king’s city. We heard that there was a man who could travel between worlds.” Tabitha said.
The man frowned. “You need my services?” He asked.
Laxus nodded. “If you are the one who can travel, then we do.” He said.
The old man smiled. “I am afraid I cannot bring you all the way to King city in the shape I am in. It might be months before I recover enough to. Do you have a map?” The man asked.
Laxus pulled the parchment from his pocket. The old man unrolled it, and pointed to a town near a body of water in a desert. “This is the farthest I can take you. From here, it is only a few miles to the nearest river town, and they have a traveler there too.” He said, pointing to a town near the edge of the desert.
Laxus nodded. “Can you take us now?” He asked.
The old man simply put a on each of their shoulders. “Hug each other.” He said.
“Why?” Tabitha asked.
“Do you want to get to the oasis town or not?” The old man asked.
Tabitha hastily nodded, and wrapped her arms around Laxus. “You need us to be close for us to teleport?” Laxus asked.
The man ignored Laxus for a moment, and muttered something. The world slowly began to spin. The last words they heard before they passed out were “Nah, I just wanted to see if I could make two people hug for no real reason!” And the man trailing off into laughter, and then a hacking cough.
When Laxus could see again, he was standing near a large wooden house. There seemed to be a few people milling about, but nobody seemed to notice him. Tabitha coughed quietly. “Do you think you could let go of me?” She asked.
Laxus immediately opened his arms. “Oh sorry.” He muttered.
Tabitha shrugged. “So we are at the oasis town now right?” She asked.
Laxus nodded. “Yes, we should pick up some supplies and head to the river one.” He said.
Tabitha looked around. “Where can we buy anything?” She asked.
“Excuse me?” Laxus asked a man as he passed by.
The man stopped walking. “What is it?” He asked.
“Where can we buy supplies?” He asked.
The man wordlessly pointed at a small building near the one they were standing at.
Laxus thanked him, and they headed to the small store. “He was friendly, wasn’t he?” Laxus muttered.
They entered the shop. There was the head of a man just barely sticking over the desk.
“Why hello! What are you looking for today?” The man asked.
“Supplies for a journey.” Laxus said.
“We will need food that can last in the desert, and enough water for a few days travel.” Tabitha said.
The man nodded, and went into the back of his store. He came back with two backpacks. He placed them on the table, and quickly moved his hands back under the counter.
But not quickly enough. Laxus had just enough time to see a tattoo of a flail with multicolored chains. Laxus slowly took a backpack, and made sure to show the man his tattoo. The man inhaled sharply. “Tabitha, I need to talk with the stores owner. Give me a moment.” Laxus said.
Tabitha frowned, but took her backpack and left the shop. “You know of the Rainbow Flail?” The store owner asked.
Laxus nodded, and decided it would be wise not to show the owner the flail yet. “Can you tell me a little more on the flail?” Laxus asked.
The man nodded. “The Rainbow Flail is a magical weapon that was torn apart by the One himself. The pieces of it are scattered throughout this world, and many others. It is said that when a man receives the Rainbow Flail, and bonds with it, all he has to do is
collect at least three of the flail parts before he can overthrow the tyrant of Gryphon house.” The man said.
Laxus frowned. “Do you happen to know where these parts are?” He asked.
The man nodded sadly. “I know of a few. The real reason people stopped believing in this prophecy is because the found it impossible to believe. One piece was taken by Black Charles as we like to call him, because of his love of forcing people to fight to the death. The ball to this piece was taken by a massive Cyclops and is now in Hell’s Gate. The Cyclops is currently the grand Champion.” The man quietly said.
A grin drew across Laxus’s face. “And the others?” Laxus asked.
The man looked at Laxus sharply. “I will not give the location of sacred weapons to a man I barely know.” He said.
Laxus shrugged. “Fine. But, I just want to say one thing. I’m guessing your prophecy still might come true.” He said.
The man looked up. “How?” He asked.
Laxus drew the Flail from its holder. The man gasped, and staggered back. “You hold the flail?”
Laxus nodded. “I sorta picked it up in the arena. I promised the flail I would fix it if it helped me save my friend. “ Laxus said.
“Did you say you spoke with it? So you bonded with the flail?” The man whispered.
Laxus took a step back. “It’s nothing special, I am sure anyone could have done it.”
The man shook his head. “Only one man can ever bond with this mystical weapon. You have bonded with the Rainbow Flail.” He said.
“There are others like me. Try to find them if you can. Tell them what happened, and that the prophecy will come true. And some of them might have a gif for you, like this one…” The man said.
He reached under his desk, and pulled out a pair of gloves. He put them on, and pried off a floor board. He quickly grabbed something under it, and put it on the desk.
“This is a part of the flail. The rumors say this is the chain of the earth, like you have the chain and ball of the shadow.” The man said.
Laxus automatically reached out, and grabbed the chain. He clicked it onto place on the flails hilt. “What?” Laxus asked when he saw the man’s face.
“Look at this.” The man held up the gloves he had used, and they were completely shredded. He pointed at the table, which had deep gouges in it. Laxus looked down at his completely unscathed hands.
“That proves the flail chose you. It will not hurt its owner.” The man said.
“You must leave this town now. If the patrol sees you, you will be forced to fight them. Have you a map?” The man asked.
Laxus gave him the roll of paper. The man drew a few marks on the map. This is where the only other part of the flail that I know of is. Follow the rout I drew for you.” The man shoved the map to Laxus.
“Now quickly, get out of here!” He whispered. “When I start screaming, grab your girlfriend and follow the path I wrote for you.” He said.
“Wait, she isn’t my girlfriend.” Laxus said.
The man just chuckled at Laxus. “Go now!”
Laxus sprinted out of the shop. He grabbed Tabitha’s arm, and ran towards the edge of the town. “What are you doing?” Tabitha whispered.
“We have to get out of the town.” Laxus said.
“Why?” Tabitha asked.
“The prophecy has been fulfilled! I saw the partially completed Rainbow Flail with my own eyes! And it had the shadow chain and ball!” someone yelled from the town.
Sounds of armor reached their ears. There were several loud bangs, and the guards charged out of the town. They saw Tabitha and Laxus, and began running at them, swords drawn.
“Time to go!” Tabitha grabbed Laxus’s arm, and sprinted off.
“This isn’t getting us anywhere!” Laxus muttered as the continued running from the guards.
“Oh yea? Why don’t you take a look back! I bet we lost them already!” Tabitha crowed.
Laxus turned around and glanced behind him. There was a massive group of soldiers charging at them, and they weren’t too far behind. “Keep running!” Laxus yelled, and they sprinted off again.
“How long will we have to keep doing this?” Tabitha asked between breaths.
Laxus shrugged. “Until we lose them.” He said.
“But we are already exhausted, and they are catching up! Do you think we could fight them?” Tabitha asked.
Laxus thought for a moment. “Well, I don’t have the ball of earth yet so I cant do too much mass damage, but the shadow ball is rather strong itself. But there is an entire legion of soldiers there!”
“We beat an entire army of monsters in the arena!” She pointed out.
“Those were mindless drones that had no brains.” Laxus muttered.
“So are these!” Tabitha said.
“We heard that!” One of the soldiers yelled.
Laxus yelped. “How did they catch up? Run faster!”
Tabitha shook her head. “We can’t outrun them! Let’s just fight already!” She said.
Laxus sighed. “Fine, if you insist.” He drew the Flail and prepared to fight. The soldiers stopped a few feet away from them. “Drop your weapons if you want to live.” The lead soldier said.
“I could say the same to you!” Laxus called back.
Neither side dropped their weapons. “Hey boss, aren’t we supposed to explain about…” One soldier started.
“Silence, cadet! We have to make them see! We can talk after we pound them into the ground.” He said.
“Actually, I would rather talk.” Laxus said meekly.
The commander snorted. “You had your chance. Charge!”
The small army charged Laxus and Tabitha. Laxus swung his flail, and a blast of shadows emitted from its impact point. The shadows threw back all of the soldiers. Laxus swung the flail again, and a blast of spikes shot from the weapon. They slammed into several soldiers in the front ranks and threw them backwards. “You’re lucky I didn’t have these be spear points, or you would be dead.” Laxus yelled.
The commander just got up, and charged Laxus again. He dodged the Flail’s swing, and slashed downwards at Laxus. Instinctively, Laxus brought the hilt of the mace up to block it, and was surprised when a brown sword with spikes jutting out from the sides slammed into the commander’s sword and snapped it into pieces.
The commander staggered backwards. “How did you do that?” He asked.
Laxus shrugged. “No clue.” He said.
The commander drew another sword from his side, and charged Laxus again. Laxus blocked the strikes from it, but barely kept himself from being flayed. He was slowly pushed backwards. “Hey Tabitha, little help here?” He called.
There was a flash, and a dagger made from light knocked the captains sword away. Laxus swung the earthy sword, and it slammed the captains sword into the ground. “Why didn’t this one break?” Laxus wondered.
“That’s because it is enchanted. Men, pull back!” The commander yelled. He twisted his sword, and pulled it out from the Flail. He hopped backwards, and regrouped with his men.
“So, you are the true bearer of the Rainbow Flail?” He asked.
“That depends who is asking.” Laxus said.
“I am the commander of the rebel army.” The commander said.
“Rebel to any what? Innocent travelers?” Laxus asked.
The commander growled. “You are most definitely not innocent, slayer of Cyclops. I know of the darkness within you. Just because it no longer affects you, it doesn’t mean it is no longer there.” He said.
“What are you talking about?” Laxus asked quickly.
“You haven’t told your companion, have you?” The commander grinned.
“Your partner has been chosen by the Rainbow Flail. He sacrificed his connection with his enchanted shadow in return to be able to use the Rainbow Flail. He still has the shadow magic, but he can only cast it if he has the Flail as a focus. This is actually rather useful for him because he can cast several types of
magic as he puts more of the Flail back together.” He said.
Laxus’s mouth fell open. “I can’t cast any more magic?” He put the flail down, and pointed his hand at the captain. After a moment of nothing, Laxus collapsed. “I can’t use my power anymore?”
The captain shook his head. “No, you can. The Flail is part of you, and you can control who touches it. It will stay stuck to you unless you let go of it, and it has some other… Hidden properties.” He said.
“That is not the point. You will come with us to the Rebel camp. As the bearer of the Rainbow Flail you are the one to over throw the tyrant of Gryphon house.” He said.
Laxus looked to Tabitha. “Should we?” He asked.
Tabitha nodded. “We are going to get rid of the king, right?” She asked.
Laxus nodded. “If it is the last thing I do.” He said.
The captain smiled grimly. “Follow me. And, we took…care of the soldiers chasing you.” He said.
