The Fourth Musketeer?

For the longest time she told herself that she'd never get involved in jobs again. That making a name for herself or earning fame and money would be brushed off to the side like clearing dust off the top of a shelf. After all, she could live her life normally in the forest, survive by eating fruit and taking shelter within the trees. It had been her plan since the time she departed from the home of Hydras. She would travel through the shadows of the forest, and towards the open blue of the ocean. The depths would take her into the darkness of below, and her existence would be forgotten — just as it was supposed to be.

It was the perfect plan. Until he decided to enter into her life. The very presence of a mer child had somehow made her comprehend how wrong it would be if she left everything behind her and sunk to the bottom of the ocean. What would happen to the people in the township of mountains? If she one-day returned to this world, would everyone be gone? For some reason, as much as she knew they'd die before her, that thought alone frightened her. She wanted to stay and see what would happen. To watch over all of those that had cared for her, to protect them no matter how much she might've had to suffer in the process.  

A scoff left her lips, and the little fox down below peered over at her. Prior to hiding in the forest half-starved, the two of them had somehow ended up in LeBuque Town, located in the country of Minstrel. Although she hadn't planned on it, a young man at the local tavern in Peace Village offered her a job since her frequent task had been helping out at the back of the kitchen — more accurately cleaning dishes. And since it seemed obvious that wasn't her potential, she more than likely took this task and left hastily. She had been planning to leave anyway, especially after that kid had vanished.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

But, that was another mystery she had yet to solve. There was no point stressing over it now when she was so far away from Fiore. Plus, she figured that the kid might be fine. It was possible he might've just gotten grounded or stuck with household chores, parents were often great at doing things like that. Slowing to a halt in-front of small and rather rundown looking café, she brought the crumpled up job sheet out from her bag, and unraveled it to look over the information once more. The name of the place was identical to the one on the paper, and she figured, that despite how large the country might be, this forgotten and tucked away place was surely one of a kind.

Shoving the material back into the pocket of her bag, she approached the door of the place, careful not to trip over Kurama whom was sticking so close to her feet. The inside smelt of coffee and bread, which was surprisingly inviting compared to the outside appearance. She guessed it was true in the saying that it was never right to judge a book by its cover. Despite that though, the place was entirely empty, and she wondered if she was in the right place for a moment. After all, a woman named Portha was supposed to own this little shop, and from what she heard, was titled to be one of the greatest Musketeer — or mage in all of Minstrel. Perhaps she had misjudged? Natsu had always been a victim of that matter... nonetheless.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

"Evelyn!" a sudden voice bellowed throughout the place, widened blues veering towards the figure that practically bear-hugged her — feet briefly flailing out as the ground was taken out from under her. "I'm so glad you made it! Was it hard getting here?" as the stranger placed her back down, she lastly got a chance to see whom it was that had no trouble expressing physical affection nor talking so boisterously.

Short brown hair, and a rather large chest — she couldn't quite say that she recognized the woman who stood before her. Though, it slowly approached her mind, that it was possible that this was the one whom she was supposed to meet up with. "Portha?" spoken like a question, the lady immediately nodded her head in evident restlessness, as if taking pleasure in how awkward she was to socializing and physical contact.

A single bead of sweat formed by the temple of her crown, and she hesitantly answered her question. "It wasn't that hard..." glancing over to the side, a hand met her shoulder, carefully resting behind her as Portha guided the apparently young girl further into the shop and eventually upstairs. Compared to the literal business on the first floor, the area hidden above was utterly different. Well furnished and modern. It made sense that the outside appearance was just a facade to keep possibly crazed fans away.

"The other two will meet up with us later, but first! I should tell you a bit more about this mission shouldn't I? After all, if we make one wrong move, we could be placing a group of very important people in danger." Portha paused, gesturing for the vermillion haired girl to sit down across from her, "We don't have much time, so lets quickly get this over with, Eve!" the brunette grinned in excitement, though evidently sincere as she nodded her head in reply and started to listen closely.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

After a bit of planning, the two had somehow ended up in the underground tunnels of Minstrel — created for the use of evacuating civilians if there was ever a crisis that occurred. Fortunately for the family, one of the tunnels was connected just beneath their home, though, it was basically impossible for them at this moment to escape whilst being held hostage by a bunch of dark wizards. Obviously capable of inflicting harm. From what she had remembered in their plan, they would immediately rescue the family and get them towards the tunnel, keeping them at bay from getting hurt. And that meant not drawing attention to themselves. They'd have to be stealthy, and quiet — only after the family was safe was when they'd be able to go all out against those who'd try to commit wrongdoings.

Her and Portha stood next to a ladder that stretched far above them, obviously the one that would lead them too the home of the family. Though, as much as the two wanted to get up there, they were waiting on a few more girls to accompany them on this mission. Atha and Atma, another pair of mages, or better yet known as Musketeers, were as well-known and famous as Portha herself. After all, they were apparently teammates. "Oh! Look! I think thats them!" the brunette shouted out suddenly, startling her a bit as they had been settled in the underground silence for what felt like the longest while. Turning towards where Portha was looking, she squinted within the darkness to see two figures approaching them both.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

Atha and Atma. As the rumours had stated, they were just as beautiful as Portha. Long hair, slender bodies and rather... large breasts. For a moment she felt insecure in the presence of such impressive and most of all, flawless woman. "Is this her?" the blonde stated, or more accurately Atha. The lighter shade of blue was a stare that felt intimidating and almost cold. It was hard to figure if she was welcome or not into these group of girls. After all, they must've been doing this just fine by themselves. Unlike Atha, who with her large glasses and overall standoffish demeanour was completely opposite to the red-head that stood by her. Atma appeared nervous or better yet, shy. Though she was obviously kind at heart.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both. My name is Evelyn." lowering her head briefly in an expression of respect, a harsh force suddenly met the centre of her back, nearly knocking the wind right out of her as she staggered forward slightly. Portha's laughter met her ears and she peered over her shoulder to see the brunette tossing her a rather playful grin. "Now now~! If you start acting so cute I'll have to punish you!" she teased, an awkward blush immediately countering onto her face at the rather bold remark Portha had made. Even Atma reacted to it, despite the obvious experience she had dealing with these two. Atha pushed up the nose of her glasses with a single index finger, a sigh disembarking past her lips.

"We don't have time for this. If we don't rescue that family... you know what that means, don't you?" as she spoke, the two tensed to her words, "No more... melon buns!" Natsu flinched as the blonde suddenly raised her voice, a comical sweat-drop floating downward near the temple of her crown. It appalled her how serious those could get over food. Then again, she did have a nearing obsession of eating meat. "A-Are you ready Eve? Ah! Is it okay if I call you that!" Atma stuttered out, clenching her hands anxiously over her chest. It seemed the thought of eating meat had broken her concentration, as the other two were already nearing the ladder. "Eve is fine." following alongside Atma, the red-head's expression lighted up in a sign of elation to the hopeful intention of making a new friend.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

It was Atha that went up first, carefully pushing up the fragment of tiled floor that perfectly blended within the rest of the massive home. She made sure the hallway that they had been lead to was clear before stepping into the place, gesturing for the other three to make their way up quietly. Natsu was amazing by the elegant looking place. Of course, it was no match for the home she had previously been living in, though for the majority of her life in Earth-land, she hadn't seen a place as nice as this one. She had thought it would've been nice to live in such a luxurious home again, but, when it was usually just her lonesome, a simple cabin in the middle of nowhere would suffice. Though even now, she didn't even have a place to stay. Natsu moved around so much, that she really didn't know where she'd be staying the next day or the day after. Especially now that Kurama was with her — wait — where was the fox?

Last she remembered was glancing down at his piercing red eyes in the little home where Portha dwelled. Since then she had been so distracted by the strange lady, that the concern for orangey had completely misplaced her mind. Frantically she stepped onto the floor, glancing over her shoulders and turning around in circles, hoping to find him behind her, or at least settled on the crown of vermillion locks. Though, he was nowhere in sight. "Whats wrong?" Atha question, irritation laced within her words. The three of them watched Natsu with confusion, and the apparently young woman found herself briefly drowned in embarrassment before them all. "I-It's nothing." she stated, deciding that the safety and rescue of this noble family was much more important than her missing friend.

It wasn't very often that the two of them had gotten lost. Though, when she decided to abandon the fox, he somehow found her anyway. Despite being angry or enraged, it seemed all that mattered to him, was sticking close to her side. Like a dog loyal to its master, although Kurama would never admit it, he did have a lot of respect for her. Especially after she saved his life. A sigh left her lips, her mind reassuring the momentary anxiety that came with a silly little canine. Instead of overthinking, she followed closely behind the three girls, recalling the plan intently with narrowed brows. "Okay... Portha and Atma will head towards where the family is being kept... Evelyn and I will distract them." Atha stated calmly, peering towards the open area which lead to a grand double stair-case and the way to the second floor.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

In the centre of the opening settled a mass amount of young men and woman, wearing what could only be musketeer wear, though, was vastly different from the outfits that the three woman wore. They were all matching in black, whilst the three she was accompanying adorned themselves in much more brighter and colourful wear. Portha and Atma quickly stepped over to the right, blending perfectly into the shadows, unnoticed and quiet. Atha glanced over at Natsu whom stood behind her, gesturing for the both of them to move forward and towards the group, much more noticeable than the other two girls. A flicker of magical energy rang out from the blonde, startling their opponents and even the slayer of lightening as a gun stood poised in the grasp of her gloved hand. "Sorry sorry. But I'm sure you know why we're here." she called out, catching every single pair of eyes that hinted expressions of confusion, surprise and irritation.

"T-That's Atha!" one individual whispered, the rest of the mages stirring into uncertainty. Especially at the presence of someone they did not recognize. Surely they had been anticipating all three of the girls, and not one whom was an outsider to the country of Minstrel. Abruptly a young woman leapt forward, the mundane sense of a breeze drifting through the open atmosphere of the building as Natsu barely side-stepped the blade of wind which had ravaged into the now fractured floor. "Attack them both!" the group hollered, breaking into what could only be described as some sort of war-like cry.

At least four individuals began their pursuit of attacking her, multiple spells, all similar to the previous blade that had nearly plundered her form, advancing into her direction. Though, their aim was ridiculous, and it left nary a scratch on her as she used her forearms to shield the majority of the attack from at least harming her sight. An energy started to make way towards her hands, not visible to anyone, though, sensed only to herself. As swift as the bearers of wind, she dashed towards them, close enough to tap one of them on the shoulder before extending both her arms out, and outstretching her hands. Abruptly, a spiral of black lightning flickered out from her hands, powerful enough to send the four mages flying back and crashing into the nearest wall as she too was forced backwards by her own spell.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

"Heh. Nice shot." a voice remarked just over to the left of her, Atha's lips curled upward into an impressed smirk. The majority of those that used Earth as their element in battle were already knocked off their feet or unconscious. It made her feel rather embarrassed that she had only defeated four of the opponents in this battle. Or rather, it made her feel like she wanted to do better. To show Atha that she was truly a mage worth appreciating. "That was nothing." the counter startled the blonde, unfamiliar with the sound of a challenge, yet, excited with the fact she had missed such a feeling. The battle had only just started. When she had previously thought about getting this mission off her chest, and going back home to eat melon bread, she now wished that the fight would go on. She had missed this feeling.

Gunfire went off, metal clashed and tore, the scent of smoke drifting throughout the area. Lightning danced in statics across the remains of broken floors and defeated enemies. The two back to back, then apart, moved as if they were dancing ungracefully. Their breaths grew heavy, the amount of enemies a true challenge, though, they were thrown and tossed to the side like punching bags. Surely if Natsu had been here, all alone, she would've had more trouble dealing with all of these enemies. Though, she had Atha at her side.

Gloved forearm wiped away at the sweat that coated itself across her features, the majority of the people they had dealt with collapsed across the floor like scattered marbles. They were wounded, and evidently just as tired as the two girls that still stood tall. But there was an unease that crept up the base of her spine, telling her that this battle was far from finished. Though, that couldn't have been correct. All of those that once blocked their path were unable to continue on. So why then? What was this feeling? Deeper shade of blue glanced left then right, as if trying to see what invisible force stared so greatly towards them both, though it seemed much to late for that. As soon as her line of sight noticed the dark figure on the second floor, he was gone in a flash. The choking like force of fingers curled against her neck from behind, powerful enough to force her forward as the room changed within a simple blink of the eyes.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

"A-Atha?" the place was quieter than before. Or rather... she was not in the same room she had originally been in with Atha. The defeated bodies of her opponents were no longer surrounding her. Standing up, she glanced around, finding that it was more accurate to say she was in some sort of dance studio. The room was more open and bright, bare of any objects or any people. At least, she guessed that might've been true until the same figure entered her line of sight. Muscles stiffened the stranger, one that was evidently not here to make conversation with her. Perhaps it would've been safe to say that he was the one whom had brought her here.

"I must say I'm surprised. I never expected that those three would ever have anyone accompany them on a mission. So you can understand why you peaked my interest, ne?" he had light-blue hair and almost silver looking eyes. There was a strange looking scar that started from the corner of his eye and then ended at the base of his neck. "Who are you?" hesitation came with saying such simple words, the worry that started not exposed within her lie of composed looking features. Even if he may have been stronger than her. Even if she might've stood no chance against him. She hadn't come here to doubt herself. Her ideals were what brought her here. Her determination to become stronger. There had been a loss in time, and the strength she once was admired and wanted for, diminished as quickly as those who had forgotten her.

"You know who I am." the man countered, not willing to give a name. She was well aware though, that this was the person they were meant to avoid. Originally, they had planned to all fight the leader of this event together, though, that seemed rather pointless now that she was cornered by him, all alone. "Fine then. It's not like it matters anyway. You didn't bring me here to chit-chat." fingers clenched inward, knuckles going red, "So let our fists speak for us!" and then they moved at once. Expecting the strike, she did not anticipate the childish move of being tripped, nearly face-planting into the solid floor as playful laughter emanated out from behind her. Irritation twitched onto the narrowing of brows, lightning snapping out from her form and ravaging across the floor, minor cracks and burnt marks left in its wake as the man barely evaded the violent temper of such magic.

"Don't joke with me!" she shouted, facing him again, the fierceness in her eyes causing a shiver to crawl down his back, the smile growing wider across his lips in excitement to the realization that hit him. "So thats why they chose you." mumbled only to himself, a decision had been made, "Fine then. I'll take you seriously." and with that, the real battle begun.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

"I'll take them to the tunnel Portha! You go find Eve and Atha!" the red-head persisted, worrisome gazes faltering behind her as the brunette let a tiresome sigh part from her lips. "Fine fine! Take care of them alright?" the mundane grin passed over her expression and the shyer girl lighted up, quickly departing in the opposite direction. She was used to this. Trusting in Atma and Atha. Though, this time, she was worried. It wasn't that the brunette didn't hold any trust in their new company today. Rather she felt like something bad was going to happen, and her features scrunched up into a frown of grudge to this unfamiliar feeling. "Hey!" a voice hollered, breaking her from her deepening thoughts. Peering left and right, she saw nobody and for a moment, believed that her sanity was diminishing into the condition of hearing voices. But then the voice came again, and more closely this time. In-fact, it came from below...

"Oh! What a cute thing!" Portha by instinct, leant down to gather the orange canine into her arms, oblivious to its distaste for human affection as it attempted to claw out of her grasp. "Now where did you come from?" smiling in delight, the fox faced her with furious red eyes, about to speak before another voice interrupted them both. "Portha!" in the distance, the close-friend by the name of Atha dashed towards her, out of breath and evidently tired from just being in what could only be guessed as a heated battle. Though her expression was mixed with worry. "E-Evelyn... he took her!" she managed to gasp out. The brunette remained confused, yet, also felt a sense of worry cross over her emotions with the unease that had met her mind just a moment before.

"Lancelot!" at the name, Portha's once tight grip loosened immediately around the fox, little orangey dropping to the floor as he listened intently. "Where are they?" with this question, even Atha could sense the obvious dread that approached her usually cheerful comrade. "I-I don't know..." the blonde stuttered out, watched as the hands by the opposing other clench tightly into fists. "Dammit!" with a shout, Portha brushed by her team-mate, "We need to find her! Or else..." pausing in speech and in her steps she continued, "The same thing will happen again..." there was a story that lay hidden behind those words. One that Atha clearly knew of. Perhaps even the whole team knew of aside from Natsu. Splitting up, they began their search in the massive mansion of the noble family of Minstrel. Orangey forgotten, though, also taking aim in finding the one whom he had accidentally split up with.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE

The once elegant dance room had now been left in shambles, the polished tiled floor coated in dust and fractures as similar as broken glass. Static marks dotted the area, flickering across their dents from the previous attempts of attacking the man that stood before her. The breath that left her tiring lungs was heavy with consistent movement, though, her determination to continue remained strong as the striking blue pierced clean through the opposing silver. "You're the opposite of graceful." he laughed, only scarcely drained of his energy. The majority of their battle had been nothing but cowardly dodges and comments about how slow she was. Pearly whites grinded against each-other in an expression of annoyance. Both with him, and most of all, herself. Out of all her enemies, regardless if they were more powerful; she had always been able to catch up to them. That was in her trait as the child of Corenglaw. She would strike fast like lightning, yet, at this moment, it felt as if she was not owning up to what she had been known for the most.

Distracted for a second, he reappeared closely before her, figure tensing as his hands caught her before she could step away. Fingers gripped firmly across the crown, tugging at the many array of vermillion. Was he stupid? Now that he was within range and more importantly, touching her, this was the perfect opportunity to attack. Rebounding bolts quickly started to advance, though, another force interrupted her. "Nice try, but, I think I've grown bored of this." he mentioned smoothly, a sharp pain plunging into her head. "Do you know what I'm known for?" the man smiled, as Natsu stood there, frozen in sudden pain. "I may be able to teleport, but I am also able to teleport other things as-well... people, objects and... memories..." with a crackle into the air, the lightning was forced from her, finally striking the man as he stumbled backwards in surprise, arms twitching in counter to the powerful current that had met them.

"My memories? Are you stupid? There's no way I'd let you touch something like that!" obviously angered now, her fierce blue eyes sent a shiver down his back as he casually aroused to his feet once more, even more amused with this girl. Though, she didn't give him the chance to adjust, lunging forward at the speed of lightning, fists of electricity taking aim as he hastily dodged each and every one, grazed by the element that was capable of paralyzing him. It was unfortunate that her power had diminished over the years. If only she was stronger, she would've been able to defeat this villain in a heartbeat. But for the time being, his experience and consistency in battle overpowered her by a long shot.

ALL I ASK OF YOU IS BELIEVE