Bridge to Nowhere

**Date Started:** September 5, 2021
**Date Completed:** Ongoing
**Next Role-Play:**
**Users Involved:** User:Ash9876, User:KontonMan, User:Starving Skeleton
**Setting:** Enca
**Characters Involved**: Zener Nureyev, Alastor, Cassandra Bathory, Iskander, Bastian Beauregard, Leyway Twins,Mack Malloy

## Chimera Roaring

In Seven, at the headquarters of Butterfly Effect — a massive library — there was a blue-haired man in front of what appeared to be a magical screen. As he swiped his finger, numerous boxes of text had swept past. Each individual box of text had a letter in front of it, as well as different symbols. These were all Jobs given to Guilds by various employers. These were tasks that could not be handled by the ordinary man, which is why they were given to Mages.

Monster extermination, odd jobs, magic repairs, the standard work flew by the blue-haired man.

He yawned, as he tried to avoid rubbing his eyes to keep his makeup intact. "Aren't there any interesting ones? I'm trying to rank up here. A fifth monster extermination quest really won't cut it." This was Zener Nureyev, an A-Class Mage and a prospective S-Class. He was searching for work, as he normally does.

As he was browsing through, he saw a peculiar request of B-Class. "Hmm, from the Leyway Twins?" He said out loud and tapped on the job. A bigger description appeared.

"Hmm." He read through the assignment. "Enca, eh? I was planning on visiting for some other research I had. This might line up well with my timing..."

On another room upstairs was a man on a desk. He was filing through some documents as always. A Communication Lacrima on his desk rang, leading him to look over at who was calling. "Oh, that's..."

"Alastor~" a familiar voice to the man from the lacrima. Feminine yet slightly lower pitched than most, a slightly raspy voice. An old friend of his, Cassandra Bathory of the Fox Tail Guild. If a smile could be projected through audio, Cassandra did. "How're things with you?"

"Been a while, Cassandra. I've been holding up well. But..." Alastor began to think. "The timing of your call, as always, is suspicious. That and, well..."

Alastor looked at the other person that the line was after. "Inviting that meathead into this too? What kind of favor is this?"

"Favor?!" A thunderous laugh shook through the magical airwaves as the screen cleared up, revealing a massive man who wore nothing more than his pants. He had tanned skin that complimented even darker eyes with only crimson iris's shining through. But what stood out the most was the three massive scars covering his body "Hahaha! Why can't we just check in on each other?" Iskander said.

"Make sure we're getting our proper nutrition. Exercising. I mean Alastor it looks like you're still spending all day in the library. You need to get up and move around. Get some circulation. A strong body is the foundation for powerful magic such as yours!"

But he wasn't alone in the deepest part of the underground cave network his guild called a home. Bastian leaned against the entrance of Iskander's door to peer in. His unique ears twitching as he heard the other voices. *"The Guild masters of Fox Tail and Butterfly Effect* Bastian thought to himself within the darkness. *"I knew our roots ran deep with those pompous bastards and fucking nerds but..."*

"See? It's just a friendly check up, doll." Cassandra continued to talk into the device, leaning back in a throne. Golden ringed eyes blinked as she let out a sigh. "No, it's a favour. George and Robert are offering a job...and I need you two to send a mage of your own. Probably around A-Class if you can spare it."

"Iskander, you really *don't* have to give me health advice every time you call." Alastor groaned before hearing Cassandra's request

"Last time I had checked you had plenty to spare. Did they all get busy?" Alastor wondered.

"No, no. Some of them are free. But..." Cassandra stayed silent for a moment before sighing. "One of my mages took the job, under my recommendation of course. The only issue is...he's a C-Class Mage."

"So George and Robert bit your ears off so now you're here. I get it." Alastor, in a timely fashion, received an alert from another Lacrima, which seemed to have stored all the Jobs his Guild members were taking.

"Oh, good timing." Alastor said, "Don't worry Cassandra. Zener already took the job."

"Ha! Need us to send babysitters?" Iskander teased. "Don't worry about it. I already called one of my more talented students right when you first rang. He's a bit of a hothead when annoyed but someone that'll grow on you over time."

Bastian rolled his eyes.

"Just send over the info and he'll be on his way."

"Brother." A man with a distinct white outfit called, smiling.

"Yes, I can see them." A man with a black outfit responded. His expression was stiff.

These were Robert and George Leyway, the Leyway Twins. They were the ones who called for the Job, and they had asked the three who took the Job to meet at Midi station.

Before their eyes was Zener, who had appeared in a surprisingly stylish outfit. A blue and white long-sleeved shirt, with cut out shoulders, black jeans and a collar that had two extensions that went around his chest and back.

As he appeared, he spun around, plucking a card-shaped item from his pocket as he stopped after the first spin and flicked his hand, with the card, facing the twins. "Zener Nureyev, Butterfly Effect, Ruby. Reporting for Magic Council Entourage Protection." Despite Zener's flashy moves, his voice was fairly deadpan. It was certainly a strange contrast. After all, Zener believed that words were flimsy, and actions demonstrated one's personality a lot better.

*"You don't deserve the Beauregard name!"*

Those words haunted Bastian ever since he heard exactly what this mission was. Protecting councilman was no different than dealing with nobility. A lifestyle which Bastian thought he extinguished years ago. And now, here he is, about to play some heroic knight alongside some dweeb from that fake chivalrous guild and...and-

Bastian stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the eyeliner wearing weirdo do his little twist and curtsy. Yeah. This was exactly what Bastian feared. Either way, he made his way to the little group. He wore his usual tight shirt that hugged his impressive musculature and stretchy white denim pants. But most importantly, he kept his signature crimson mantle draped over his shoulders. His calloused bare feet tapped the cold stone beneath him.

"Bastian. Goblin Heart." The dark skinned warrior said.

Compared to the others, the final figure’s outfit was much simpler. Black combat boots and sweats topped off with a light grey hoodie. By his side were two sheathed blade that one hand seemed to constantly rest on as the crimson haired boy nodded a greeting to them all with a smile on his face, as if assuring them that everything was going to work out before the job even began.

He stood up straight, taller than his compatriots, slamming a right fist across his chest as he stared right at the twins. “Mack Malloy of the Fox Tail Guild, C-Class Mage. Ready to see this job through to completion alongside the others.”

Bastian rolled his eyes and sighed audibly.

"C'mon Bastian, try to keep *some* energy for the new kid." Zener responded, chuckling at Bastian's response. He did a half-spin so his eyes met Mack's. "Hi, mind if I call you Mack?" He waved with two fingers. "Name's Zener. I heard your Master got us to be babysitters. I know we might have high expectations, but-"

The Subway Twins clapped in unison, interrupting Zener's speech. "Alright, back to business." They spoke in unison.

"The reason we have got you three for this Job," Robert in white began to speak.

"Is because while we have kept it at B," George continued.

"It could become much more dangerous." They said combined.

Bastian was about to sigh again but Zener interrupted with another twist. Unlike the newbie, Bastian and Zener went way back. Goblin Heart. Fox Tail. Butterfly Effect. Although the latter two existed with prestige and favor, other guilds of Fiore and those interested in the world of magic knew that those three shared an extremely intimate relationship. The Butterfly chastises the Goblin and Fox for causing trouble. A common phrase among magicians.

"Well its the Magic Council, after all." Bastian said. "Which begs me to wonder why they're not using those two annoying cowards they call guards. I mean what's the point?" His eyes lowered at the twins for a split second. A slight gaze filled with distrust and skepticism. But Bastian knew better than to get involved in politics...or better yet didn't care enough.

"Either way," He kept going to change the subject. "I'm more than enough for this. Although I'm annoyed Cassandra didn't send Layla for this. At least I'd have someone to rub my back after kicking everyone's ass."

“I ‘ppreciate it, Mr. Zener.” Mack managed to whisper. “I’ll do my-“

His focus quickly shifted as the Leyway twins began to talk. A warning that this mission could become higher than a B-class mission? A sliver of worry almost creeped onto Mack before he squashed it, remembering the responsibility Cassandra had given him. He couldn’t allow weakness to show. Especially not in front of members of those other guilds for the pride of Fox Tail.

He turned to face Bastian, glancing down at him. “*Lady* Cassandra sent me instead. Layla is more than just your back-rub, she’s got a job of her own. But I promise you goblin, I’ll cover your back. Yours too, Mr. Zener.”

"Would the three of you," Robert began.

"Please be quiet for a moment." George ended.

The three would stand still briefly, avoiding looking at each other's eyes.

"This warning is being given because there is potential for a S-Class Dark Mage to be on the horizon." Robert stated.

"An S-Class? From Enca?" Zener clenched his fist. He'd heard of Enca's Dark Guild association. Their S-Class Mages were known to be particularly ferocious.

"Yes, from Enca." George responded and continued Robert's words. "Due to this, we thought it necessary to send two A-Class Mages, which is why we personally requested Miss Cassandra to help us."

Both of them clapped once more, as a visual of the location the three were going to attend appeared on the map.

"You are assisting to escort a party of five. Three diplomats, and two guards from the Rune Knights: Mason Warren and Bianca Kinobori. They will be leaving from Era's station and arriving in Enca's station with an approximately five minute window." Robert begun explaining the Job details.

"Five minutes seems like a short time, but we are afraid they will be ready in Era itself to target the entourage. You will be required to split into two groups. One group must escort the party from Era, while one must be present in Enca's station on their arrival. Worst comes to worst, it will be a two-pronged assault." George finished the explanation.

"We will leave the decision up to you three." They both said.

Bastian sighed. "Well spending an entire train ride with those geezers is beyond what I'm being paid so I'll hang out at the station and make sure there's no trouble." He offered. But more importantly, what seemed like a haphazard claim actually held deep strategic roots. Bastian's magic isn't suited for close quarters. At least in the train station he can force some space if needed.

"Since I doubt they'll wait till arrival to attack...Why don't you two have a nice train ride."

"Agreed," Mack nodded at Bastian's statement. Plus an A-rank mage such as Bastian would be able to handle himself on his own, and because of Mack's particular...condition, he was going to have to be with one of the two anyways. And the chance to work with an A-rank mage from Butterfly Effect? Mack couldn't turn a chance like that down.

"Is there anything else we should discuss?" Mack asked. "Or shall we begin?"

"Nope, that logic suits me as well." Zener flourished his hands with a twist before giving two thumbs up. "Bastian, we'll meet you in Enca. Hopefully nothing goes too sour on our trip."

With that, Zener and Mack went one way, and Bastian went the other.

The moon's reflection was brighter than normal on that day. Even during midday, it was clearly visible to anyone who looked at the sky from that station.

The Mages remained blissfully unaware of the fate that their non-discretion would be their downfall.

A white-haired man stepped on the same train that Bastian did with a civilian card. A simple, plain, and ordinary man...with eyes as white and empty as pearls, unnoticed by everyone as he read his newspaper while seated.

## Pinned Checkpoint

Zener and Mack had reached Era in time for the entourage to set off. They had witnessed the party of diplomats and their bodyguards, and the aura they possessed was definitely overwhelming. Not to mention, the security in Era was top-brass. Zener could, with a mere glance, tell the quality of mages stationed as guards across this station. Each one was no less than B-Class.

"Are you our Mage escorts?" The woman with purple hair and glasses spoke. She was adorned in a red, short dress, with an overcoat that had runic print across it. One could tell immediately she was a Mage worth her salt.

"Lady Swan, it's been a while." Zener bowed. He gestured Mack to follow suit.

Mack had been staring at the woman, Lady Swan as Zener had introduced, while she had spoken. Even after Zener had bowed the young boy kept staring at her until the gesture snapped him back to reality. "Er, sorry." Mack bowed as well. "It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am."

"Now now, there's no need for that formality." Swan's mysterious air broke and she let out a small chuckle. "Just because I'm your Master's daughter doesn't mean you need to put me in such high regards. That reminds me, is father doing well? I hope he's getting out of the library every so often."

The two other Magic Council diplomats that were besides her, Zener surmised, were merely statisticians or presenters that possessed data. The real target of these Dark Mages was Lady Swan, which was...a big issue.

"He's doing well enough. Though I do agree he needs to get out of the library more often." Zener looked at Mack, and before he asked a question.

"This is Master Alastor's adopted daughter, Swan. She was formerly a member of our Guild before moving into diplomacy in the Magic Council."

"So she's smart..." Mack mumbled, hoping no one picked up what he had said.

"Madame." Another male voice said. He was a blond man in armor. Mason Warren, a Celestial Spirit Mage. "Our train is here. It is time to depart." He looked towards the two Mages and nodded.

"Please follow me everyone." Bianca Kinobori, a Plant Mage, spoke. Her and Mason stood on both sides of the Magic Council entourage, while Zener and Mack were expected to stay behind.

"*Even if they were to attack...how could they possibly break through such high security?*" Zener thought about what the Leyway Twins said. "*Well, if a S-Class Mage is our opponent...who knows.*"

Mack nodded, simply going along with everything that had been said. He was the junior of everyone here, it wasn't as if he held any sort of authority against them. As Bianca took lead of the situation, Mack's grip around the hilt of his red hilted rapier tightened as he fell into rank. Movements like this, disciplined and well-rehearsed. As if he was a Knight.

"Understood." Mack nodded. "Whenever we're ready."

They entered the train. As Zener and Mack looked around, there was nothing suspicious. Zener had already equipped one of his outfits, the Short-Legged War Song. He was prepared for a fight if need be, but things felt calm. *Awfully* calm.

The train closed and began to depart. If all went properly, it would only take them minutes to catch up with Bastian. Zener had hoped this job would be as easy as it was described. It would be nice if a job that had a Fox, Goblin and Butterfly together not go wrong.

But...that just couldn't happen today.

In the midst of travel, when the train was stuck in the borders of space-time, a strange phenomenon occurred.

With a sound as piercing as a thunderbolt, all the entourage, guards, Zener and Mack were alarmed and quickly huddled together to protect the client.

"Huh!? How does a train stop in the *middle* of space-time travel?!" Zener exclaimed, looking around and seeking answers, while trying to rationalize things and calm himself down. "Mack, can you see anything?!"

Still covering Lady Swan alongside the others, Mack's eyes scanned around them. "*In for four. Hold for seven. Out for four."* he followed a breathing technique to steel his nerves. "Nothing yet! Train seems to have stopped...is that even possible? Can magic like that be forced to stop?"

"...Ordinarily, no. But if someone specialized in-"

Almost instantly, Zener opened his eyes and saw what was going on. A sphere that appeared like moonlight was shot towards the group. Zener had a bad feeling, and immediately attempted to Requip but-

"What!?" Zener exclaimed in shock. He had to retain composure. "Duck, all of you!"

As Zener commanded, the entourage all ducked including Mack, leading the sphere to attack the end of the train. The moment it made contact with physical matter, it was completely erased. No scars, no fissures. Merely erasure.

"That's...no wonder."

Two individuals walked from the front.

Jawlock, a gruff blond man with sunglassed. Wisteria, a well poised woman with a concealed face, blond hair, and wearing a black dress.

"Rabbit Mortar!" Zener exclaimed, clenching his fist.

As Zener clenched his fist, Mack quickly unsheathed the red-hilted rapier, keeping Lady Swan and the others behind himself and his comrade. The young man didn't recognize either of the two by face, but he knew the name of their guild.

Rabbit Mortar was an infamous Dark Guild known for their opposition of the merging of Enca with the mainland and sheer quality of the mages found within the organization. Having to deal with them was an issue.

But there was a bigger issue, Mack realized. *"Goblin..."* he clicked his tongue. Even if Mack was a C-Class Mage, he'd still be an asset to Zener. But if Bastian was approached by a similar group of people and he was on his own, he'd be at an inherent disadvantage.

"Dispel what you've done to the train," Mack said. He raised the rapier up and slid a foot backwards as he entered a fencing-esque stance. Back straight, hips slightly turned. But instead of a protected free arm, he raised it up like a coiling snake. "And feel free to surrender yourselves now."

Wisteria's expression, despite not being fully visible, piqued slight interest. Just who was this boy that *dared* to raise his voice in front of Rabbit Mortar? If Zener had said it, she might have considered. If the Magic Council said it, even more. But this *nameless* boy?

"Dispel it and cause it to crash? Are you a fool?" Jawlock spoke. Despite his gruff appearance he spoke with sophistication. "Don't say words you cannot follow through with, *Fox*."

"Fox?" Wisteria raised an eye through her voice. "Ah...so you're a member of *that bitch's* Guild. Nice." Wisteria's veil briefly lifted, revealing a sinister, demonic smile. "I'll have fun toying with you!"

"Mack, don't overestimate yourself." Zener said, looking at Swan, who looked at him with a bit of concern as well. "These two have disabled my primary form of Magic. I'm stuck in one role. You have to support me with whatever you have."

Zener's aura flared, but unusually, it was only around his arms. His Short-Legged War Song restricted the flow of his magical power towards his arms to empower them significantly. However, what this meant was he had a cap on his strength at this time. He only hoped it'd be enough.

Mack ground his teeth at the insult towards Cassandra, his grip tightening around the hilt of the rapier. He glared towards Wisteria and back to Jawlock. Dispelling the magic would cause the train to crash? So they had to find another way to force the train to come to continue to its destination. “Keep that veil down...” Mack spat. “No one wants to see the horrors beneath.”

“I don’t use magic, so you’ll have my sword.” He craned his neck towards Zener, nodding.

"...?" Zener briefly looked towards Mack. A slight stun was on his face, before his eyes rolled and he groaned. "Here goes another one." He spoke under his breath.

"Right, watch closely and find an opening, if you can." Zener said, looking at the Dark Mages before him. They heard the whole conversation. They'd be stupid to not focus on Mack. But that's what Zener was banking on.

Zener stomped on the ground with his right leg, drew in his arms so his elbows were under his shoulders, and breathed. His power was being gathered at his arms, and it was visible merely from this action alone. This was the power of Zener's two magical ventures. Stage Dancer, a Magic that enabled one to generate magical energy through motion, and The Dancer, a Requip set designed to epitomize magical flow along the body. Zener was someone who had found a niche in magic and taken it to its extreme.

The problem was he was disabled here. He could only use one set of clothing, which meant he was restricted to a specific type of dance. Anything else would be too strenuous on his body and would be exploited. Not to mention, his partner didn't use Magic. "*That Fox Tail Master...just what is she thinking...*" Zener groaned in his mind, before refocusing.

"Twin Palm Pulse!" Zener exclaimed, as magic gathered in a spherical form on both of his palms before he stomped the ground once more and releasing that energy in the form of two blasts of magic that dwarfed both Jawlock and Wisteria in height.

Jawlock stood surprisingly still during the whole ordeal, only grinning.

"Oi, you have to go through me, Butterfly!" Wisteria spoke. Despite her elegant outfit, her manner of speech was anything but. She had run to the center of both blasts and seemingly clawed the air in front of them.

A brief fissure of magical energy appeared in the sky as Zener's magical energy was suddenly drained. Like a vacuum, the magical energy was quickly absorbed and the resulting aftermath were two spheres that appeared like the night sky.

"Go and die for me!" Wisteria roared, pushing the two spheres towards Zener and Mack once more.

Zener was irritated, and immediately grabbed a hold of Mack before ducking, while making sure that the entourage had taken sufficient cover.

"You know what." Zener whispered, "Maybe you not using Magic is a good thing. Any idea why?"

“…She takes in your magic and reuses it?” Mack whispered back, though it was still more of a question than an outright statement. But that explanation made sense to him. The magic was taken in by a fissure and resulted in the spawning of blackened orbs. There was a clear correlation between it. “So if I don’t use magic, my attacks can’t be taken in…”

Mack turned his head towards his superior. “But that Jawlock guy…I don’t know how he’s able to stop the entire train. It’s got to take a lot of magic power, right? So maybe if you can focus attacks at him and make that woman defend him more than she has to…we create an opening to attack her?”

“If that plan works with you of course.” Mack quickly added. “Sorry.”

"Well." Zener said briefly, partially surprised by Mack's ability to understand the situation he was in.

"Good. You're not a complete fool." Zener said aloud, looking at Jawlock and Wisteria with a renewed zeal in his eyes.

"Space Jammer and Singularity." Zener spoke, briefly causing Jawlock and Wisteria's eyes to open wide.

"You know- No, of course you do. You are part of Butterfly." Jawlock realized, his guard briefly up.

"That combination has caused even seasoned groups of Mages unable to move on. But you won't get your way here I'm afraid."

Once more, Zener slammed both of his feet onto the ground.

Wisteria and Jawlock's guard went up slightly. What did he have planned now that he had figured out what their Magic was? This was the issue when it came to facing the Chimera Trinity. It felt like, no matter what dire situation they were placed in, they always had a way to escape. Wisteria clenched her fist as she waited. Although she was the aggressive type, her magic could not function on an aggressive fighting style.

Unlike his previous display of magic, Zener instead used numerous, short and snapping arm motions towards various angles in front of him. With every movement he made, he gathered and spontaneously released magical energy in enough quantity to create small bursts of magic that were inescapable to both Wisteria and Jawlock. They were repeated, relentless, and constantly pushed forward with the intent of causing damage on every part of their body.

"Mack!" Zener shouted towards the younger Mage. He had to make sure he was ready to move in.

"Tch!" Wisteria grunted, as she summoned three singularities in front of Jawlock's position while she tried to dodge the rest of the magic bullets, although being grazed by some. There were simply too many.

Jawlock could only stand and try to hide behind as much shelter as he could find, as shameful as it was. This entire plan hinged on his safety, but the problem was he couldn't prioritize his own safety. With the amount of power he was using to sustain his magic over the train and the spatial magic active in this space, nothing else was possible.

The magic was absorbed by Wisteria's singularities and fired back, but Zener had already figured that out too. The instability of the Singularities meant that they could only travel in a straight line. Even with three at different points, by sliding between them exactly, one could avoid them completely. They were complete spatial regions, but they could not move beyond their sphere of influence.

"Mack, slide through the opening!" Zener shouted as he narrowly avoided one of the spheres, while the others were intending to fly past Mack's direction.

Magic flashed all around him, Zener quickly taking the initiative. Mack saw the Dark Mages as their guards rose while Zener released his onslaught. Mack’s legs tensed as his eyes locked onto Wisteria’s movements. It was just as they had discussed, the woman focused on defending her partner. Magic was drained into three singularities that formed, changing the magic of Zener before releasing spheres out linearly. And before Zener could instruct Mack, he already moved.

“*Bring me down.*” a harsh voice whispered. Mack grit his teeth, snuffing out the voice in his head.

He rushed forwards towards two of the spheres, looking for the space between. A side-step as Mack pivoted his entire body to the side, using the movement to leap perfectly between the orbs Wisteria had released before returning into a sprinting position. All his weight fell on the ball of his back foot before he snapped the weight forwards and out. In the same motion his rapier was unsheathed for a straight thrust through Wisteria’s gut as she dealt with the repercussions of Zener’s strike.

"FUCK!" Wisteria roared as Mack dived through. She didn't have the time nor the ability to defend, because she was prioritizing Jawlock's defense. She tried to disable one of her spatial spheres, but realized that Jawlock's magic kept them in place. "Tch, goddamn-!" Before she had any time to complain, Mack's thrust landed, completely catapulting her backwards and causing her to tumble around.

Jawlock couldn't move from his location, and put his arms in the air. "I surrender, alright?" Jawlock stated. "Keep your buckles on, everyone. When I dispel my Magic, it will cause a definite rumble."

Zener grinned at the success of his plan, but then realized the repercussions of Jawlock releasing his Magic. Looking towards Swan's entourage, he beamed. "Make sure you huddle together! The ride will be bumpy!"

Jawlock clapped his hands together. Suddenly the stiffness in the air was released, and everything began to rumble. The train was, after all, still on its teleportation route. Zener made sure to grab onto the nearest seat while keeping his eyes peeled onto Jawlock and Wisteria, who were both recovering from the attacks.

"*If this is the scale of their operation, then Bastian...!*"

Mack dug his rapier into the ground, falling to his knees to better stabilize himself as the train rumbled and screeched along its route. He glanced back over his shoulder despite the turbulence, ensuring that the group they were escorting was safe, as well as to check on Zener's own safety. "D-Do you think that..." Mack stammered as the turbulence knocked his head around a bit. "The goblin's okay?"

"..." Zener clenched his fist. He couldn't tell. Rabbit Mortar was an elite Dark Guild. If one of their S-Classes really *were* deployed on this mission, then...

"We have to believe in him."

## Bumpy Rides on the Moon

Bastian went first. As do most who wear the Goblin Heart emblem somewhere on their body. They're no Spartan Way, singing songs of glory and roaring battlecrys as they charge into the thick of things. No. Goblin Heart goes ahead and completes what they need to before heading back. Glory? Honor? Respect? There's tons of corpses that'd trade those things for another chance at life. Bastian wants one thing.

*"You idiot!"* Her screams haunted Bastian. *"You KILLED HIM! You and that disgusting magic! You filthy barbarian!"* Bastian's blood rushed throughout his massive body. He felt wood debris break against his skin with every twitch and turn. Brick crumbling beneath his massive weight. It was a simple spell. Bastian just wanted to cast his first complete-

The train jumped. Bastian snapped out of it and looked outside the window. A beautiful scene...He took train rides like this with *him* more times than he can remember. With the last being when he told Bastian that regardless of the Beauregard name, that magic is **his** magic. One which made him want to become stronger. He touched the black silk of his unique, enchanted coat Iskander had handmade for Bastian. Everything is for a never-ending journey to strength.

The train stopped.

Bastian got up and exited the train. His eyes darted around for anything peculiar. While he believed his original theory that the perfect chance for an attack would be on the train itself, something else made him volunteer for this mission. *"They're going to use this opportunity to set up a plan B."*

A scouting mission is easier when alone.

Along with Bastian exiting from the train was another man, with white hair. He briefly looked towards Bastian's direction before dipping his head in silence. Despite his humble appearance, he was fast, surprisingly so. Despite leaving seconds later from the train, he had already matched Bastian's pace and then took a few steps ahead of him.

His cadence seemed slightly rushed, and he was carrying a surprisingly large bag around his shoulder. He seemed to be mindlessly looking above himself, his eyes briefly brushing past where the security Lacrima were posted. His location? The only logical place was towards the security guards.

Bastian's eyes scanned the area. His senses expanded well beyond his physical presence in case someone was preparing something foul. But nothing was out of the ordinary. Or so one would think. He'd caught site of the white haired boy and thought him *different*. Not that different is bad. After all, goblins are considered different from everyone else. But he felt off.

He followed the white haired boy. Careful to remain several steps behind to avoid any suspicion. More importantly, Bastian wanted to head to security to question anything suspicious.

The white-haired boy reached the security guard moments before Bastian. He seemed to be talking cordially with the guard. As Bastian reached closer, however, he would find something bizarre.

The guard collapsed, immediately, with his eyes open, but empty, with craters that resembled the moon spaced throughout.

The entire train station was on high alert, as the white-haired man's disguise seemed to shatter. He still remained with white hair, but possessed an almost militant outfit. His gun was completely visible, and his magical energy surged throughout the station, forcing high alert.

"You're alone, Goblin." The Dark Mage spoke, but he was completely relaxed. Even in the middle of the day, as their shadows stretched throughout the ground, the Mage was confident in his ability to control the situation.

"Your envoy will be crushed here the moment you fall." He spoke calmly. "Can you prevent the Moon's landing?"

*Well that was suspicious.*

Would've been what Bastian would have said the moment the security guard fell. But unfortunately he hadn't a second to comment for an assailant had finally made his appearance. Or better yet, his massive magical power roared beyond Bastian and deep into the station.

"The moon's landing?" Bastian repeated with a smirk. "You mustn't know who I am. I'm the strongest Mage in all of Fiore! There isn't anything to heavy for me!"

Bastian is considered an anomaly in the world of magic. Where everyone bombards battlefields with fire and water. Call down astronomical objects from the heavens. Bastian dodges the stars itself with nothing more than his muscle. Iskader was the first to notice Bastian's unique usage of magic. His signature thaumaturgy served to enhance himself as opposed to influence the outer world. That's why everyone knew him under one other name.

**The Blood and Iron Fist.**

Bastian vanished into thin air before reappearing, within a blink, next to the white haired terrorist. He funneled magic into his leg. Boosting its size and musculature. Giant. A rare magic seen only used by few and mastered by less. And for good reason for the concept of using magic to enhance oneself is a rare art. Especially considering the amount of control needed to channel one's power while completely altering their physiology. Giant invokes a miracle upon oneself.

The most infamous aspect of Giant is the complete spell. One said to grant users a form far more powerful than anything naturally achieved. A form that surpasses corrupted states and bestial take overs. A form that Bastian managed to achieve but could yet control. And while impressive in its own feat, Bastian needed other ways to apply his signature magic until he overcame his biggest shortcoming. He got this idea from watching Fire Magic users. Those who wielded fire had two manners of invoking magic. One was a simple application of summoning fire. He stole their thaumaturgical findings and bounded it to Giant. Rather than give the magic form, he could simply localize the spell to a singular purpose. Leading to him swinging his massive leg down in a kick meant to crush the body beneath Bastian's heel.

Bastian's shadow enlargened. It covered the entire area, and the Mage's eyes briefly turned white as he looked upwards. A gigantic foot threatened to stamp him out completely. However, compared to what the Mage before him thought, he could only grin. Legal Mages were a funny sort, after all. They could possess power that should destroy the world, but they would make sure to contain it within themselves. They would never hurt the innocent. It was beyond them.

Or...was it?

As Bastian's foot stamped down against the Mage, rather than the sound of a human's scream or flesh and blood...what could be heard was a crack. Like rock, the body of the Mage broke apart, and by the time Bastian lifted his foot off the Mage, his body was replaced with...the guard's!?

"I told you, didn't I?" The Mage's voice could still be heard. The guard, who was once unconscious and had eyes shaped like the moon, stood up. His body was cocooned in a white material, before it cracked the same way that the Mage's body did.

One, two, three. The Mage's body appeared once more. He was completely uninjured, as if he were merely asleep the whole time.

"Your shadow interests me." The Dark Mage said, "My Moonstone enjoys reflecting the shadows of those who are alone..." The Mage lifted up his leg and, in a shocking twist, it enlarged the same way that Bastian's did. "I must admit, I have never reflected such a large shadow befo-!" The man seemingly could not hold the leg up in the air and it fell onto the ground, directly to Bastian's location, seemingly in order to strike him.

Bastian was initially shocked. He thought he'd accidentally the situation and desecrated the guard's body further. But his heart returned to normal when he saw the guard stand up and the terrorist appear. Impressive magic, as much as he found it annoying. Goblin Heart operated under three founding principles. Compassion. Understanding. Ambition. With ambition being the goal to master one's magical pursuit.

Unfortunately Bastian hadn't the time to praise this weird magic...let alone try to decipher it. For his own attack came crashing down. A massive leg falling with enough power to destroy the surrounding station. But that's what it was doing. Falling. Bastian quickly reverted back to normal. What should've been a thundering earthquake turned into crackling gravel as the station's marble floors buckled under Bastian's feet. He held the massive leg with one arm, bent legs, a braced core and lats spread out like a demonic cobra. His fierce feline eyes locked on the white haired terrorist accompanied by an even more ferocious grin. This was Bastian. A man said to be strong enough to hold a giant.

"A reflection?" Bastian mocked. "If you reflected what I did then you wouldn't have almost destroyed the station with such a sloppy strike." That's right. Bastian's previous attack, albeit large would've left the station in tact. His grip tightened into the massive leg in an attempt to keep it locked in place. "That wasn't even a proper kick! It lacked control. Proper direction. You just let your leg fall. How dare you insult me by calling a disgraced attack like that a reflection of mine!"

Bastian pulled back. His body twisting as he yanked his arm over his head. Aiming to slam giant appendage and attached human into the ground. This time uncaring for the aftereffects of his grapple. He tried using the perceived weight of his leg to enhance the damage.

"Now try it again!!!"

The Dark Mage was pleasantly surprised. The Mage in front of him wasn't a complete joke. As his body was catapulted forward, the gigantic leg seemed to shatter into stone much like the guard's body, leaving the Dark Mage fairly unharmed as he somersaulted in the air and made a perfect landing. His eyes gazed back at Bastian, interested.

"Your shadow has caught the moon's attention." The Dark Mage spoke, "My name is Fenris Valdyr, although perhaps you know me better as **Moonstone** of the *Four Charities*, hm?" Fenris chuckled. There was a secret among Rabbit Mortar that only those of Goblin Heart were aware. He was intrigued to see the volatility of this man's shadow should that information come to light.

***"Moonstone."***

Bastian bit down. His nails dug deeper into his skin as he kept his gaze locked on Fenris. "So you're with them...Which means..."

*"You're a thousand years too early to try and stop me you filthy disgraced noble."* Her mocking tone burned deep into his soul. How could she say that? Of all people...The one person Bastian...He felt his magical power raging throughout his veins. He tried to retain his composure against Fenris. Especially considering the fact he stood before one of the strongest mages in Fiore's most infamous Dark Guild.

"Was it you that night?" Bastian asked. Overwhelmed with memories of the endless rivers of blood flowing through Lancaster. Mangled bodies strewn across the streets. Twisted into new forms and shapes by powerful beings.

*"Don't worry about it Bastian. Dealing with some misguided thieves in Lancaster isn't something the future S-Rank Goblin Heart mage needs to worry about. You can count on me."* The last thing James said. A dear friend of Bastian whose decapitated head stared deep into his soul as it sat on a pike. Eyes with craters that resembled the moon dotted its emptiness.

"Know what...I'm glad the old man gave me this mission. I should've went that night...and now here's my chance to make it right!" Bastian roared. His body darting at Fenris with a ferocious leap. Even without magic, the furry of blows he unleashed could easily carve a path through mountains. A punch aimed at Fenris's stomach. Kicks to his hip. Shockwaves released with each blow.

Fenris grinned widely. His bait worked. Bastian had charged towards Fenris, and he knew exactly how he'd fight. Bastian would be under the impression that Fenris' magical energy could only reflect others. Unfortunately, that was not the complete truth. Fenris' Moon Rabbit enabled him to reflect magical *existences*, whether that was opposing Magic, or the Magic that comprised the very station around him. So long as he could see it with his barren eyes, the world was his to acquire.

As Bastian's fist made its way to Fenris' stomach, he'd be surprised that replacing its content was an extremely fortified cement, enhanced with magical energy. In other words, Fenris had reflected the very train station with his own body. The punch certainly did leave an impact. He convulsed, but he continued to snicker.

The kicks on his hips made the same fate. Hard cement cushioned the blows, and while there was some modicum of pain, all Fenris could do was laugh.

Another kick, and Fenris was blown towards the right by the sheer impact of the shockwaves. It was impressive, but time for playing around had come to an end.

He felt his spell over his comrades shatter. They would be here soon.

"Very well, Goblin." Fenris somersaulted in the air once more as he pushed off the ground with magical energy, reflecting the air with his power and creating a stand he could float upon.

"Enough time has passed. The Half-Moon has now become Full." Fenris' body was surrounded by an incredible amount of magical energy. It was ferocious, but more importantly, its *own* existence could not be felt. It felt like an amalgamation of everything and yet, nothing at all.

The power of the Moon was finally displayed completely. "What shape will the moon take today..."

Fenris swiped his arm towards Bastian, releasing four orbs of pure white energy that shot towards Bastian, specifically targeting his four limbs. They appeared as normal orbs of energy so far, but there was a catch.

The orb intended for Bastian's left arm would transform into the concrete he defended himself with, the one aimed for his right would transform into a sphere of high-speed winds, his left leg would face searing flames like the lamps littered across the station, and his right leg would confront wild streams of water like the fountain at the station's center.

Bastian would react to these orbs like they were magical energy, but when they reach a certain proximity, their properties will instantly change. Even if Bastian shrugs off one, all of them would be incredibly difficult, even for someone like him.

It was a familiar sensation. How many nights did Bastian spend sharpening his strength against the hardest magically enhanced stone? A warrior in a magical world needed to prepare against the greatest defenses at his enemies disposal. So it wasn't the recoil that shocked him since his strikes easily carved through the endless stone. It's the fact that this bastard *had* this armor. First Giant? Now earth magic?

Only when faced against the elements themselves did Bastian begin figuring out Fenris's tricks. It all came together when he took a step back and crumbled a piece magical marble beneath his step. The same sensation tingled his leg as it did when he slammed it against Fenris's body. He isn't copying magic but *reflecting* it. Anything and everything magical was reflected. Which explained why he didn't use Giant against Bastian's onslaught. Fighting him hand to hand removed Fenris's ability to cast back Bastian's own thaumaturgy.

Bastian dodged the concrete sphere yet found his leg engulfed in a roaring flame. "**Pridwen!**" He roared in a mixture of magical power and undeniable torture. A spell he toyed with recently, Bastian allowed Giant to rampage within a localized area. Confining it to his arm so that the enlarging and enhancing properties would explode like a hose tied midway through. And thus mountainous layers of muscle erupted atop itself. Growing into a shield. For every muscle fiber destroyed, his magic created another twenty. Protecting him from Fenris's disastrous winds and raging river. A combination that sent Bastian flying back, crashing into several walls before finally stopping. He limped back onto his feet. Magic subsiding from his arm.

*"In a world of magic..A fighter has the upper hand."* Bastian recalled Iskander's teachings. *"For a fighter will have the experience of countless battles against magicians...while magicians'll rarely cross a fighter."*

"That's right. The only time I was able to stop you was when you tried doing what *I* do." The ebony mage's magic power radiated from his body. A dark crimson hue. His body growing in size. Maturing into a muscular man that towered over the average human. His body defined with bulging, vein covered muscles. Long hair swaying behind him and sharp eyes locked onto Fenris.

***"Samson."***

"Hahahahaha!" Fenris laughed as Bastian powered himself up. So this was the prospective S-Class Mage of the Goblin Heart Guild. He was good, very good. A fun opponent. "You found out, I'm glad!" Fenris landed on the ground once more. The magical energy enveloped his being in an iridescent white once more. "It's not a real sacrifice if both of us don't understand what's on the line!"

He landed on the ground, and the magical energy coalesced around his body. As it flashed white, it had an almost rabbit-like aura when it wrapped around his body completely. It was a frightening visage. Despite its pure white appearance, it could hardly be seen by the naked eye, almost like it was reflecting the entire world at once.

"Let's see what you can handle, Goblin!!"

## Intersecting Bridges

Zener was pacing about near the front door as the train was moving along the space-time continuum. He and Bastian may have not looked like it on the surface, but they had been on several Jobs together. He knew Bastian's strength equalled his own. Where Bastian was the master of his body, Zener was the master of his Magic. Where he could not compete with Bastian in strength, Bastian could not compete in control over magical energy. They complemented each other almost perfectly. So knowing that Zener could not defeat a S-Class Mage on his own...

Zener was frightened for Bastian.

The train finally stopped, and it felt like time stopped for that single moment as Zener rushed out of the door.

"Oh, you're here." Fenris turned to face the entourage, with Zener, Mack, Jawlock and Wisteria in tow. While his fellow Dark Mages were bound by ropes, he wasn't particularly interested in them, he knew that they'd eventually fail. He *was* interested in Zener, though.

"Ah, Butterfly." Fenris noted his appearance. He had read the reports that Zener and Bastian often accompanied each other on Jobs. They had ascended through the Mage classes at the exact same level. People assumed they'd also reach S-Class at the same time as well.

His eyes drifted towards Bastian's figure, who had been kneeling down. He was bruised, lacerated, and burned moderately throughout his body, and he was panting and struggling to catch his breath.

"I think the Goblin's just about done..." Fenris grinned. "So, you're supposed to be his equal, eh? How about you join him on the ground before I sacrifice you for Butterfly too!" Fenris' gaze briefly met Mack's.

"You too, child! The Fox deserves to feel the sting of sacrifice as well!"

Mack blinked, staring as Bastian's figure. As much as the Goblin got on his nerves in their limited interaction, he was still a fellow mage. A member of a guild stuck in a three-way rivalry with Mack's own and Zener's. As angry as Mack was, he knew he couldn't charge in as he was. Fenris had brought an A-Class Mage to his knees."

"Sacrifice..." Mack spat. He grabbed the sheathes of his blade and felt his grip tighten. "Go screw yourself."

“Don't worry, greenhorn.” Bastian spat at Mack. Even when battered and bruised, the warrior managed to stand back to his feet through sheer will alone. Perhaps that’s what feared those who spoke against Goblin Heart hated most. Their unrelenting tenacity. “I've never heard of a sacrifice that’s still alive and fighting.”

Bastian looked at Zener and smiled. It wasn’t his usual cocky grin or Arrogant smirk. No. It was something as deep as the intimacy of the three guild. Bastian wanted to reassure one of his eldest friends that he was ok. Bastian did what he needed to do. No way he could defeat an S-Class mage, alone, at least. But surviving and ensuring the stations perfect condition became his primary goal. Besides the guard, Bastian managed to keep the casualty to zero. He looked up at Fenris.

"Now I understand why they requested us." Bastian said with a slight smirk. "Goblin Heart exist in the world of darkness because we're monsters who hunt monsters. We're the world's only Dark Mage hunters andd you happen to be one of our biggest targets...So there's no way I'm done!"

Zener grinned as he heard what Bastian had to say. "Glad you're not completely helpless, Bastian." Zener was quickly surrounded in a brief blue magical aura before it dissipated from his body, unveiling a form-fitting bodysuit underneath.

"That aura..?" Fenris noted Zener's new form and was confused. "Why...can't I feel your-!"

As he was speaking, Zener had already disappeared from sight. The sheer speed behind his movement only left a shell of magical energy where Fenris once perceived him, as he turned around.

Zener had already reached where Bastian was, and outstretched his palm. "Tell me what you know, Bastian." Zener said, offering his hand as assistance.

"Mack, stand back and protect our entourage. If you can't use Magic right now, then we'll need to try and defeat him ourselves!" Zener spoke, although there was a part of him that was shaking.

An S-Class Mage, of one of the strongest Dark Guilds in the continent...

This wasn't going to be easy.

Was this all Mack could do? Here his seniors were prepared to fight an S-Rank mage, and yet all Mack could do was stay back and act as defence. And if his colleagues went down, he'd be forced to defend the entourage on his on. Through grit teeth the young man set aside stepped forwards next to Zener, setting his blades down next to the man.

"I can use Magic." Mack said, a hint of annoyance found in his voice. But it wasn't aimed towards anyone but himself. Annoyance that he had to rely on such a stupid magic to stand a chance. But he had to step forwards. The trio wasn't complete without him.

Mack tilted his head towards the sky, before lowering it back down towards their target. Mack's sclera had turned obsidian with glowing teal pupils.

"God Soul: Whiro."

Teal smoke swirled around Mack as it completely enveloped him. Magic power swelled from within as the smoke suddenly began to be pulled inwards to the center, forcing it to clear. Now standing in Mack's place was a new figure.

Ashen black skin with swelling musculature. Cracks that have been littered across his body that emit a teal blue light, from which the teal smoke from earlier slowly leaks from. His face was skeletal in nature, cracks revealing the skin and sharp jagged teeth. Jutting from the top of his head were two slightly curved horns.

Violent thoughts rushed through Mack's head but he pushed them down. He hated being this monster, but this was the safest thing to do in this moment.

"I've got you," Mack echoed. "Both of you."

"Y-you..."

Bastian started as he accepted Zener's help. "You LYING BASTARD!" His roar echoed throughout the entire building as magical energy surged within. His muscles swelling back to the spell's pristine state."

"God Soul?!! Do you not realize how useful that would've been?! And HOW BADASS THAT IS?" Bastian pointed at Mack. He took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm down before taking his own martial technique. Golden eyes locked on Fenris with a deep smile carved into his visage.

"Whatever. This jerk is an upper mage of Rabbit Mortor. There's not much known about them, but they've been on Goblin Heart's shit list for years. Ever since the Lancaster Massacre." Those words almost burned to say as if cursed. "Looks like you missed your chance Moon-boy."

"Come on you two."

Bastian's massive legs immediately went to worth. Samson kept the mage in a physical prime that existed beyond natural human limitations. His muscles producing enough explosive power to break the floor beneath each step. He darted pass Mack in an attempt to leave the boy in his dust. Bringing his leg upwards into a devastating round house kick.