The Mares [Job / Solo]

~  Two days earlier  ~

Nessa had been sitting in a cafe, enjoying a nice warm cup of tea. The day was pleasant, she had just finished buying groceries for dinner and was take a break before heading home. When a man approached her table, he was old, weary, a little rugged. 

"Excuse me Miss, are you a Fairy tail wizard?" He asked, his voice croaky, She looked up at him, surprised by the sudden question. She was relatively new, so she hadn't expected people to make any requests so soon. But he must have spotted the mark on her legs, she was wearing shorts, so it was clearly visible to anyone who glanced her way.

"Yes I am, my names Nessa, can I help you?"She offered, he looked tired, worried even. The may took the seat next to here and proceeded to telling her about his mares. Flesh-eating horses whom he cared about a great deal, that had been stolen by some barbarian. After telling her his tale, he sighed heavily.

"Will you help me miss? Bring my mares back to me." He asked, she took a moment to think, flesh-eating mares, barbarians It was going to be a tough job."Of course," She replied, a confident smile on her features.

She stood in the cursed lands, the weather significantly different. The days she was used to were bright and sunny. This place did not reflect that, it was dark, and gloomy. The air was thick with unpleasant smells. There was a sense of unease, that had goosebumps running all over Nessa's skin. She didn't feel at peace here, not in the slightest. Taking a shaky breathe in an attempt to steady here, she began to walk in the directions the gentleman had given her. Anxious about what was the come.

As Nessa travelled through the cursed lands, she find herself wandering through a thick tall grass. It was damp and putrid, totally messing up her clothes. But she would suffer it. Because the more she waded through it the closer she got to the barbarians hide out. Nessa began to hear the says of voices in the distance, that had to be them. She ducked down lower, and slowed her approach. She didn't want to be spotted, not yet anyway. She was on her own in this one. She had to play it safe for now. There was a battle ahead, but too many at once, would surely leave her worse off.

She came to the clearing, peering through the grass. In the darkness that was the cured lands, the barbarian and his henchmen had lit fires. This was good, in the dark her magic was at a disadvantage, it shone so bright it could easily be spotted by others. At least with fires lighting up the area, the battle was more equal. The encampment was larger than she expected. There were at least three relatively large tents, and what would like a wooden warehouse. The mares had to be in the wooden building, they probably had some sort of stables set up in there. Unfortunately the mares were all the way across the opposite end to where she hid. There was no alternate. She would have to make her way across, going around would take too long.

Nessa couldn't spot any immediate targets by the tents, they were probably closer to the mares. Picking the closest tent, she darted out of the tall grass, her footsteps light as she sprinted towards it. She reached the tent, listening out carefully. It seemed no one had spotted her. She edged towards the edge of the tent and peeked around it. She spotted one man having a smoke by himself, his back was turned. She smirked, perfect She quickly looked around to make sure there was no one else she hadn't spotted. She couldn't see anyone, but that didn't mean they weren't close by. They were bound to hear them if she didn't make it quick.

Stars lend me your light, She thought, feeling the magic welling up inside her, she gave it a moment until it was ready. Then redirecting it into her right hand, the allowed the magic to spill out of her palm. A glorious white light, "Starlight spear." She whispered, the magic darted into opposite directions to form the shape of a spear. Hardening with kinetic energy, she gripped it tightly. Stepping out from behind the tent, she began to run a few paces to give herself momentum before launching the spear at the target. The spear flew true, smashing into his back, the man yelled out in pain as he was propelled forward. His clothes burned by the heat of the stars.

"What the fuck," He yelled out as he attempted to stand up, his arm reached behind him holding his back. Nessa didn't hesitate, she began sprinting towards him, readying her next attack.

As the man stumbled to his feet, he spat out his cigarette, coughing as he did so. Nessa brought forward more of her magic. The sky may have been cloudy, but she was still exposed to the stars above it. Therefore there was still a decent power source for her to pull from. Expelling it into her hands and feet. "Starlight offering," She said, she felt the magic tighten, creating more vibrational star power around her hands and feet. As she ran, she pulled her fist back preparing for her next attack, and watching as the man spun to face her.

"Intruder!" He managed to yell, before she thrusted forward her hand in the form of a punch. She struck him hard across the face. Amplifying the force of the punch with the magic, the light searing his skin as it landed. The man fell back a step before collapsing to the ground unconscious in a slump. She took stood panting over him, that had gone better than she'd hoped. But it didn't mean the rest of them were going to be easy. This was just one guy, not to mention he had yelled for his comrades. She could hear a commotion making it's way towards her. She turned to the source of the noise, two more men were making there was towards her. One was carrying a hammer the other was barehanded. They had been dressed the same as the other guy, she deduced they had to the be the ones who took care of the mares. Maintaining the spell, she turned towards them. Ready to deal her next blow.

The first man to reach her was the man with the hammer, he struck out at her. So fast she barely managed to dodge, she stepped back on her heel, raising her left leg to deliver a roundhouse kick to his side. As he was knocked sideways, she felt the second man grab her arm pulling her towards him. Instead of resisting the pull, she followed his follow, using his pull to increase the momentum of her attack as she landed a quick jab into his throat.


He left go of her coughing and spluttering as he grabbed his left. She spun on her heel once more, aiming a kick hard into his stomach. The man fell to a heap on the floor, the magical force causing him too also lose consciousness. That's another one down, now to take on this one, the other guy was clearly more cautious.


She felt strong arms, grab her from behind, quickly pulling her arms behind her. Crap! She thought, realising she had left him get behind her. She struggling against his grip. He was smart enough to keep his hands away from her burning palms. She looking around to see what she could do to get out. She looked at his legs and quickly got an idea. Raising her right legs, she thrust her leg down, aiming a fierce swift kick to his ankle, with the added force of Starlight offering. She scream out in pain, and his grip loosened. She quickly pulled out of it, spinning so she could face him. He collapsed to the ground gripping his severely damaged ankle. He looked like he was going to pass out from pain, he was clearly out of the fight.

She could hear more footsteps running towards her. Within minutes there were three more men infront of her. These was clearly different from the ment she had just taken on. For starters they appeared to be uniformed. Additionally they all had shields and weapons. One of them, particularly cocky, stepped over. He had what appeared to be knuckledusters.
"Leave this to me boys."

The soldier took on an offensive stance that matched Nessa's. Rushing forward he delivered a melee of blows. Blocking his punches as best as she could, but he was much stronger in build than her. Therefore physically tougher, his attacks causing her to step back in order to steady herself. This left her open as he directed his clenched fist directed into her stomach, then as she reeled forward from his attack. He swung his elbow around and aimed a sharp elbow to her jaw. She felt her brain rattle at the force of the blow. Stumbled backwards.

Quickly catching herself before she fell, she used the momentum of her stumbled to take a few paces away from the man. That hurt She thought, flexing her jaw. As a new found member of fairy tail, she was beginning to learn that fighting hurt, a lot. Thank goodness her father had trained her, else she would've been helpless against such a foe. It's not just that She thought, raising her arms once more, she had to use the spell fast, it wouldn't last much longer.

 I have magic on my side. 

"You know, I really hate hitting women, if you just stopped we could resolve this peacefully." The bloke said, Nessa's eyes widened,

"Really?" She asked sincerely, the man took a few steps towards her.

"Yeah, pretty little thing like yourself, I'm sure we could come to some arrangement." Now Nessa was often oblivious to the looking of the men around her. However when a guy, looked so directly as your chest, it just wasn't something you couldn't noticed. She took his stares as an opportunity to thrust her fist upwards into his jaw, causing him to fall backwards.

"You filthy pig," She growled, getting her hopes up like that,  now she was pissed.

Nessa felt the magic around her hands and feet dissipate. Straightening up, she realised the other two that had been watching were about ready to join the fray, clearly bored of watch their friend get beat. Crap, These guys were tough, she needed to get away and quickly. She couldn't fight them on her own, but maybe if she separated them. If she could, she could hit one of them with Starlight spear.


Summoning more of the magical energy, "Starlight Orbs!"She called, the light faded from within and appeared in front of her as balls of let. Without hesitation she directed the lights at her attacks, the men ducked, falling back in surprised. The balls dancing around them, before circling around. They propelled towards the one she had already been fighting. Landed all over his body. He cursed loudly as they smashed into him one by one.

"I'm gonna kill you, you bitch," He roared angrily.

Pulling the light energy forward she directed it into the soles of her feet, spinning she ran between the soldiers and darted away from them. Her feet shining as she sprinted, much faster than any non-magic being could. She could hear them making chase. But even soldiers would fall behind Starlight Comet.


She sprinted into the grass, although Starlight comet remained, the grass hid most of the light. Meaning it would be different for them to find her. She stopped, listening to the soldiers.

"Split up, find her!" One of them yelled. Taking a deep breathe , she began to charge Starlight Pulse, her strongest spell.

Nessa conintued to charge her Starlight Pulse spell, she could feel it welling up inside of her. This spell wasn't idea, because it meant she couldn't cast any other spell. But it's force, was worth it. She just needed to buy time, hiding in the grass had been a good means for that, she could hear their footsteps, at least two of them were wading through the grass and one must have stayed behind. Because she still had Starlight Comet active she could sprint in the opposite direction whenever she heard one of them coming too clothes. At the minute it was a game of cat and mouse.

She raised her hand to her face where the guy had struck her, that had hurt a lot. She wasn't used to fighting like this, ever since she joined the fairy tail guild, her world had opened out. There really were bad people at there. She had seen the damage people like that could do. Heck, it was thanks to people like that as to why she was motherless. But her mother never judged others for their decisions, everyone deserved a chance was her motto. Nessa was trying hard to live by it. But when one struck you so hard in the face, it wasn't easy.

The spell was ready. She could feel it, an overwhelming energy built up inside of her. She just had to get the targets out into one space. Still using starlight comet, she sprinted back towards the clearing. She needed to do this quick, she would have to dart away before the effects of the ability wore off.  

"Come get me you lug heads!" She shouted, pushing through the grass, she could hearing them moving towards her. As she broke through the grass, the first one she had been fighting was standing by the barn. He spotted her,

"There you are!" He yelled, sprinted forward she darted past him, the two other also pushed through the grass.  She allowed them to get within 45 metres, before stopping. She thrust out her palms, overlaying her thumbs, she took a breathe.

"STARLIGHT PULSE!" She roared as loud as she could, the magic flew out of her, propelled through her palms. It rattled her, the light came forward like a wave, smashing into the three guards. Then yelled out in pain as they were forced back, rolled over with the strength of the wave. Nessa hair blew behind her viciously as the spell ran it course.

The spell continued to ripple through the air, attacking the men. That was the thing about pulse, if you didn't move out of the way it continued to push forward, and could do more damage. As the spell pulsated, the men was struck against. Nessa watched as the man she originally fought fell unconscious. That what you get for bruising my face, She thought bitterly. 

As the men were overpowered by the spell, "Starlight spear," She muttered under her breathe, feeling the magic formulate in her hand. She raised the spear and launched it at the middle soldier. He was took weakened to avoid it, her spear struck him head, over, causing him to roll over as it seared into him. Nessa gulped, she needed to stop, her magical store was getting lower and lower. She needed to rest, but she couldn't as long as these two were still on her. 

I'll just have to do the rest without magic, She thought,

She allowed all the magic to disappate, then proceeded to run at the one she hadn't thrown the spear at. Pulling her leg back, she swung it with all the force she could muster before booting him across the face. As he rolled onto his back, she jumped onto him,  kneeling onto his chest. Then proceeded to deliver punch after punch. The mans eyes rolled back into his head, she got back up off of him.

Before walking towards the other guy,

"Please don't, have mercy." 

"I'm really sorry about this," She said before she began her onslaught of kicks and punches.  

After Nessa had finished pummelling the guy, she stood there, panting. That had been hard work. She had never taken on six guys in a fight before, it was a lot to handle. But she had done it, and for that she felt a little proud. Although there was still the main issue of the barbarian, none of these men had matched the description the old man had given her.  This meant she still had at least one opponent left.


She walked over to the barn, leaning against the wood. She allowed herself a moment to catch her breath, her heart was still racing from the onslaught of attack. Her clothes were frayed and damp, her hair a mess. She did not look the image she had when she started this journey. But she had expected that much. Unfortunately fashion was hard to maintain in the midst of battle.  Maybe I could buy a cute battle suit when I get paid, she thought lightheartedly, trying to cheer herself up from the that she had just taken quite a beating. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a bottle of water, glugging down it's contents. She left out a gasp after, feeling much better already.

Once she felt her heart rate had returned to normal, Nessa returned the bottle to her bag. And edged her way around the barn. She peeked inside, there were no people just mares. She stepped in through the door, pulling it to behind her.

As she took in the look of the mares, she couldn't help but be impressed by them. They were as majestic and beautiful as any horse, but unlike normal horses, they were much more frightening. Big hungry eyes and sharp teeth. Teeth that could tear out flesh. Nessa gulped, she knew she had to be careful in her approach. The mares looked at her coldly and blankly.

She raised her palm gently, taking a step forward. In response, one of the mares, the biggest one, approached her cautiously. Maybe it wants to be friends, She told herself reassuringly, but as the horses lips curled revealing it's sharp teeth. And its strong hoofs knocked the ground, she new it was going to attack. She prepared herself, parting her likes ready to dodge.

Then the horse flew forward, faster than she expected. She barely dodged it snapped teeth, but wasn't quick enough to dodge his shoulder as it bowled into her sideways, sending her flying across the barn. She landed against a wooden post, hissing in pain. She looked over the violent mares, which was turning to make it's next attack. She couldn't hurt him, the old man would be furious and this would all be for nothing. She had to subdue it. But how.

Nessa turned to face the Mares, it was looking directly at her, preparing it's next attack. She thought back to her conversation with the old man that had given her the job.


"If a mare gets a bit rowdy, just use a harness of some sorts on his mouth. Once it's mouth it forced shut, it should calm down. But don't hurt my babies, or no money for you!" Were his words, so this is what he meant. That had to be considered a little more than rowdy. She looked at her top, Well it's pretty much ruined anyway.

Reaching across to her shoulder, she yanked her sleeve down hard, ripping the arm of her top off completely. She held it in her hand, if she couldn't harm the beast, she would have to use starlight glow. Fortunately, this required little magical energy and the orbs began to appear around her. Just harmless balls off light, as the mare came forward, she send three balls towards it. The mare distracted attempted to bite the light only to bite into nothing but what appeared to be warm air.

As the mare looked confused, Nesssa ran forward, sending more lights to float infront of it's eyes, temporarily blocking it's view. Nessa ducked under the head of the horse, throwing the strip of cloth around it's mouth. She grabbed the opposite end, and pulled it's tight. The mare thrashed for a moment, but Nessa held on with all her might. It's jaw was shut tight, and the horse still. Making a huffing noise and it appeared to settle.

Nessa took a deep breath, the orbs of light faded once more, as she tied the ends of the string. The knot was strong and shouldn't be pulled open, even by a creature as fierce of this.

"So it's you that had made such a mess of my men,"

Nessa spun to face the door, standing there was a large figure, there was no doubt. This had to be the barbarian. He had rough tanned skin covered in tattoos that spread all the way up his neck and hugged his cheeks. Her had thick matt greasy hair that was tied back. He was a ragged tank and long grey shorts. The man fit the description perfectly. Just as intimidating as she was told.

"Come outside, I don't want you harming my precious cargo." He growled, stepping outside. Nessa paused unsure, if she went outside, he was bound to attack. But if she stayed in here, she was at risk of hurting the mares. If the mares got hurt, she didn't get paid. She had no choice, she had to go outside. It was the only way she could finish this mission and go home.

Nessa summoned Starlight spear, holding it as she followed the barbarian outside. She peeked round the door, only to dart back inside as a blast of magic flew in her direction. The attack rattled the door ferociously. Breaking pieces off. Nessa jumped out of the door, launching the spear at him. It collided with his shoulder. He stepped back from the blow, but he was in no means knocked over by it. This guy was tough.

Without hesitation Nessa cast Starlight orbs, creating as many balls of light as she could. She began to hail them at the barbarian. He managed to dodge some, but a numerous amount landed. He attempted to change at her, but she darted back. Continuing to pulls more orbs out of the sky. She could hear him snarling in frustration. Nessa wasn't very butch, but she was spritely. That had been something her father and aunt had trained her to take advantage of.


"Your nimble, bigger enemies will consider that a weakness, but it's not, if anything it's a strength." Her fathers words, echoed in her mind. She could do this, she just had to push herself. With that encouraging her and the knowledge that if she lost, she might not make it out she continued to push forward. With just her and the barbarian here, he could kill her and no one would know, or he could not kill her and worse events could happen. She couldn't allow that, she had to live, her time wasn't up yet.

This is weird, My powers stronger, She glanced up and realised somehow, the sky had clear. Enough for her magical connection to the stars to receive it's boost. Smirking, she continuing to attack. Orbs smashing into the barbarian. The clear sky had been a great stroke of luck. Without it she would have had  much harder time going up against the barbarian. But thanks to this, her magical ability had doubled. Nessa began to charge her strongest spell, she needed to get this over before he could unload too much magic on her.

As the orbs continued to pummel the barbarian, she could sense he was preparing for another attack. But so was she, she was continuing to charge her strongest spell. It was welling up inside her, ready and waiting.

The barbarian thrust his hands forward, his magic flying at her. Her orbs flew towards it in an attempt to deflect the spell. The magic was knocked off course slightly, but unfortunately not enough. The force of his spell hit her in the hips, the shock of the spell rippled her down to her bones. she yelled out in pain, barely managed to maintain her charge on Starlight Pulse.

The orbs around her shook almost angrily, raining down at the barbarian. He flicked back and forth, dodging what he could. They were painful but not nearly as painful as his spell had been to her. Their difference in strength was too significant, she wished she hadn't taken this job alone. Maybe if she had Rina, or Aven she would've been done by now. She had decided to go it alone for the experience, boy had that been a silly decision. Now she was stuck here fighting this monster of a man, not sure if she was going to make it out alive.

Nessa had lost count of how many orbs had hit the barbarian, at least ten of them, plus with starlight spear they had to be taken their toll on him surely. She would only be able to tell after this spell hit in. Summoning a deep breath, she place her palms next to each other once more, crossing her thumbs over each other.


"STARLIGHT PULSE!" She practically screamed, the magic flew out of her once more, it was always forceful whenever she did this spell. But this time she really felt it, her body was trembling from the effect of it. The magical waves rolled through the air, hitting the barbarian full on. The other spells may have not affected him as much, but this one certainly did. Amplified by the clear skies, the spell was even stronger than before. He fell to his knees, struggling against the spell as it came over him in waves. She could hear his breathe become heavy. His magically power weakening.

I need to take him out, I don't know how much magic I have left, and if his magic might take me out for good. She thought, trying to figure out her next move. It was hard, both her mind and body were frazzled. Exhausted from the ongoing battles. It seemed like it would never end.

Nessa watched as Starlight pulse continued to work on him, she could hear his ragged breath, see his matted hair had come loose from his ponytail. That had to be a good sign right. She began to contemplate her next move. She could attack him physically, but she didn't know if that would be as effective as it had before. The previous guys had been massively weakened by her magic. But this guy was a wizard and a strong one at that. Not to mention he was much more physically built that her, he looked like he could do some serious damage with his fists alone.

There was a sudden magical surge from his, and his body lit up with a magical aura. The rippling effect of Starlight pulse ceased, and the magical light that was filling the area between this disappated. Nessa took a step back, he had negated the spell with his own magic.

"I see now how you beat my guards, you're tougher than you look little girl." He said getting to his feet, he looked up at her, his face held an expression she could only describe as unstable. "But you wont beat me," He snarled before lunging at her.

Nessa quickly cast Starlight offering, pulling the star magic to her hands and feet as the Barbarian summoned his own spell, punching the air, his magic flew towards her. She barely managed to deflect it, the heightened magical ability just about matching his. He rushed at her, being to aim blow after blow. She blocked them with her light, being pushed back with every hit. Her deduction had been right, he wasn't like the other guys. He was stronger, but he was fatigued. His resistance to her earlier spell and use of magical energy was affecting his.

Nessa ducked his fists and delivered a couple quick jabs to his stomach. He buckled back at the force of starlight offering before swinging for her again. His arm hooked around her neck pulling her into him. She felt him squeeze her so tight she could barely breathe, suffocating her slowly.

"Now little girl, die for me," He whispered in her ear. She felt her eyes roll back as air ways were blocked by his arm. She swung hair arms as much as she could, attempting to hit some part of his body. It seemed hopeless. This is it, I'm going to die... She thought.

Then she felt her closed fist connect with him, suddenly her airway opened up and he pulled away from her. She gasped for air desperately trying to replace the oxygen she had been deprived off. turning, she blinked a couple times. Her vision flickering from the shock of it all. The barbarian was lying on the ground, holding his crotch. When she composed herself, she smirked. Hitting that sweet spot, only she could be so lucky.

Walking over to him, Nessa held out her palm, pulling her magical energy into it. She pulled out starlight spear. Normally this spell was sued for far range, and she would never normally do this to someone. But this man had nearly suffocated her, and for that she needed to defeat him. This was her only choice, the attack wouldn't kill him, she would make sure of that. But he would most definitely never forget it.


Once the spell formed completely, she positioned herself over his head.

"What are you doing?" He stuttered, still holding his unbelievably sore crotch, looking up at him.


"Now big fella, Sleep for me," She said echoing his word, with a warrior cry, she raised the magical light spear and brought it down hard on his head. Hitting him with the full force of the spell. The magic shattered from the force, the light fading to reveal his unconscious face. It hadn't could him, but he probably wouldn't wake up from at least a week.

Nessa stepped away, looking up to the sky, the stars twinkling down at her.
She felt the sting of tears in her eyes, "Thank you," She whispered, she had done it. Her first solo mission, she was hurt and drained but she had managed it. Thanks to her magic. Taking a deep breathe, she shook away the tears and made her way to the mares. After which, she rounded them up and took them home, to their true owner.


END.