The Girl in the Stone [Job / Rina]

Progressing. Everything was progressing right now. Nessa felt like her life was moving at a much greater speed than she had anticipated. Getting better at her magic, teaming up with Aven, meeting Sebastian, doing more jobs. So much had occurred since she had joined Fairy Tail, so much that she wasn't prepared for in the slightest. Even her family was beginning to acknowledge the change in her, her Aunt had even used the word 'Stronger' but she didn't know about that. She didn't feel much stronger, if anything she felt just more experienced. Who knew, her life would take such a significant turn the moment she stepped through those guild doors. Here she was pursuing another adventure, this time with Rina by her side.

The rumours hadn't taken long to reach the Fairy Tail guild, it was a particular peculiar job to go for. Nessa was quickly learning that despite how innocent an object seemed that there was the possibility of their being more to it. A crystal appearing out of no where in Fiore. A crystal emanating some unknown power. There were so many unanswered questions, and Chinese whispers meant it was hard to be sure what was true. The crystal needed to be investigated, so when the job came up, she and Rina had taken it. The truth is Nessa knew she wasn't prepared to take this alone, despite her recent rise to C-rank. If things turned out to be tougher than she anticipated, she needed someone stronger with her. It was a bittersweet necessity, because although she thoroughly enjoyed Rina's company, it reminded her of how much stronger she needed to get. In order to stop relying so heavily on others, she needed to become more powerful. The best way to do that, the only way, was experience.

After arriving in the Ace of Spades, it hadn't taken long to track down a local who knew about the rumour of the crystal. It turned out that everyone was aware of the crystal rumour and the truth was that it wasn't a rumour. It was the truth. The crystal had appeared, aqnd they were prepared to show them without hesitation. As it turned out the people of Ace of Spades hadn't wanted to investigate the crystal. Whether that was from disinterest or fear wasn't clarified. But Nessa had a feeling it was the latter. It was probably best that they didn't, but on the flip side this meant they had little information to go on. It had also been a great source of tourism for the town, although they didn't seem like a very practical use to it. To just leave it there, not sure of it's purpose. It was reckless, hence where the Fairy Tail girls were here.

Upon arriving at the location, Nessa's eyes fall on the black pillar. A sparkling rock in it's centre. Nessa approached it slowly for better inspection. It was beautiful, more like a diamond than a crystal. A gorgeous blue, it was mesmerizing. No wonder it had drawn so much attention. Sebastian would have been so excited, but Nessa had left him at home. She decided that doing jobs like this when Sebastian was still recovering wasn't ideal. She's rather him remain at home for now, safe.

"It's beautiful," Nessa said, before turning to Rina, "What should we do now?" She asked the Ace. Decided it ws best to let her take charge of their next move.

Nessa stood quietly as Rina introduced them to the guard, giving the guard a friendly smile as an attempt to ease his suspicions. They clearly didn't want anything to happen to their precious crystal, she understood. The influx of tourism it was bringing had only so far benefited this city. Nessa was sure once they were certain the crystal was safe, they would be able to leave them to it. But there was just no guarantees, it had unknown powers and therefore could not just be left alone. She was started to understood the responsibilities of being a guild mage better these days. It wasn't just helping people or fixing problems. It was taking measures to ensure the peace was kept. Even if it went against the wishes, these people may not like it, but if Nessa and Rina needed to get rid of the crystal. They would do it, for their protection. Tourism and wealth was not worth leaving a dangerous objects unhandled.

Upon receiving Rina's signal to approach the crystal more, Nessa turned away from the ace and locked onto it once more. It really was dazzling, shimmering as the light hit it, it seemed to glow on it's own. Prettier than any diamond she had ever seen. Nessa moved closer, and as she did she felt herself becoming more enveloped in it's beauty. The world around her seem to almost disappears. Thoughts of the people around her fading, it was just her and the crystal. Without realising it, her hand began to move on its own, rising up, and inching towards the crystal. It was calling to her, it wanted to be touched, and she wanted to feel it. More than anything in the world, she wanted to feel it. She heard a muffled sound behind her, was that a man yelling? the guard perhaps? She no longer cared. She just wanted so desperately to touch it, she just had to.

Her fingers rest on it's cool surface, and the magic inside her surged forward to her fingers. The crystal began to glow with awesome intensity, and Nessa felt her body thrown forward. The world around her disappeared, becoming distorted, almost static. She felt like she was weightless, flying forward at incredible speed, towards nothing. Surrounded by any abyss, she couldn't focus her eyes on anything, it was all moving so fast. She tried to scream but no sound came out. Suddenly as though someone had hit the breaks, the world stopped moving around her, she fell forward onto her knees. Throwing out her hands to break her fall. The ground was cold beneath her fingers, cold and damp. She let out a little groan as she lifted herself up, looking at the filth on her hands. She attempted to brush them together in order to get rid of it. She looked around, there was a small clearing and all around her were trees. Rotting trees that looked like they never got any light. It was dark, bright enough to see, but still night. There was no moonlight and yet she could make out what was around her. Moments ago it had been daylight, so why was it suddenly so dark, she wasn't in the Ace of Spades anymore, that much was clear. She gulped nervously.

"Rina?" She called our, her voice anxious and unsure, although she didn't really want to drag her Ace to this place, she really didn't want to be here alone. Hopefully Rina would arrive and help her get out of this place because at the moment she was lost. She just didn't have any experience with this kind of thing. Nessa turned, taking a step her foot caught something. A putrid smell hitting her nose, a smell like death, she looked down. Bringing her hands to her face, she let out a curdling scream, breaking the silence of the forest. Rushing backgrounds until she hit a tree, she leaned against it screaming, eyes locked onto the dead animal she had stepped on. There was a dead deer lying on the ground, it looked like it had died of starvation and it wasn't the only one. There was multiple deer's lying around. Nessa's eyes filled with tears, her screams died down, her breath shaking. What kind of horrible place is this, She thought, her body trembling in fear against the tree, as she tried desperately to compose herself.

In the midst of her panicking, then was a suddenly pop, and Rina fell out of the air in front of her. Nessa's heart soared with relief, she quickly made her way over, reaching out, tears still streaming. "Oh thank god, Rina, I was so scared. It's horrible, there are dead things on the crowd, I-I stepped on one." Her voice shook as she spoke. Nessa was not use to situations like this, she had become more used to missions that was definite. But they had mainly consisted of fighting bad guys. Never had she been somewhere so morbid and frightening. She nodded at Rina's words, reaching up to wipe her tears, she took a deep breath to calm herself. The smell making her want to be sick. 

A light began to glow in the air in front of them, drawing their attention. it grew larger and larger, Nessa stepped back slightly unsure of what was about to occur. Then when the light reached the size of a person, a body began to unfold within it. A beautiful girl with violet hair and blue eyes like the crystals. An otherworldly aura radiating from her body as she floated in front of them. As they stared the girl began to speak, her voice soft and echoing in the dark woods. 

"Welcome travellers to our world of depravity. The world you come from is far away and out of reach, and you may not leave. Any attempt to escape will direct you back to us. There is only one way, to return to your home. You see my creator can free you, but she is trapped. In order to free her, you must collect twelve crystals and combine them. Then bring them to the core of this world and free my creator. She will send you home with no resistance at all. But the crystals are found in twelve separate areas, I can teleport you directly to them, that much will be easy. However... each crystal is embedded into a powerful entity that we will need to kill. Once dead, I can remove the crystals but it will take longer if the entities are alive... mostly because they will be trying to kill you."

"So we just have to save your creator, then we can go home?" Nessa asked, when said like that it seemed like a simple task . But Nessa could sense in her heart this wasn't going to be easy. The girl didn't seemed to be looking at her, but rather through her as she spoke.

"Save my creator and you will be free, or dwell here forever and join the corpses before you. I will send you now, good luck travellers." The girl raised her palm, and the world went static once more. It wasn't as intense as their original transportation into the world, but it was still unsettling. As the world refocused, Nessa looked around, they still appeared to be in a forest. But the corpses were gone. Thank goodness, Nessa thought unable to stomach the sight of them much longer. The girl was no longer facing them, but instead had turned away, and raising her hand she pointed at the woods. 

"There."  It was then Nessa heard the sound of movement, something large was stalking through the trees ahead. She could see it's body moving between the trunks. It's body was a large sandy grey, it's limbs long and muscular. It appeared to have an armoured shell of red along it's spine, covering part of it's face. From it's elbows and back, protruded long white spikes, large enough to rip through a human body with ease. Nessa let out another shaky breath. The creature stopped moving, slowly turned it's hideous face towards them. It's frightening beak snapping in their direction. It appeared to throw it's head back, almost as though it was takin a deep breath, before crashing through the trees. Knocking down the trees with ease as it rushed towards them. 

 Without hesitation Nessa pulled the magic from her body into her hands, but something was different. It felt weaker somehow, less concentrated than normal. She focused hard as she formulated Starlight Spear. Darting in front of their guide, she ran forward, launching the spear into the air. It flew true, and the beast made no move to avoid it. The light collided with it's shoulder, before dissipating. The beast wasn't deterred continuing to run towards them at full speed. 

"Crap!" Nessa cursed, trying to decide her next attack.

Nessa watched as Rina rushed past her, bravely taking the monster head on. She watched as Rina summoned her own magical spear, her magic was incredible and the way she fought reflected her experienced. There was reason Rina was ace, her magic, her ability and her unwavering determination. As she watched Rina slice through the creatures stomach, she felt lucky to have the ace with her. She knew she had a lot she could learn from watching Rina fight, but it wouldn't be good just to stand and watch. 

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She could feel her heart racing, the blood pounding in her ears. She reach within, she felt the core of her magic, but greatly diminished. Like it was layered with something dark, reducing it's power. She could still use it, but it wasn't going to work the same. She would need to rely more on her combat abilities in this place. She knew even before joining a guild that until she got a better handle on her magic, it would being a drawback. She needed another card to play, and that was her fighting ability. Her Dad who was a great fighter had trained her personally. She wasn't going to let him down. 

She pulled what she could of her starlight magic to her limbs, her hands and feet beginning to glow. It tugged at her heart that it was dimmer than usual. It seemed Nessa had been just out of range for the Monster's attack. Her eyes widened as she watched Rina suddenly keeled over, her determination to fight joined by concern for the safety of her friend.

"RINA!" She yelled out moments before the monster knocked her into a tree, "NOOOO!" She screamed out running towards them, amazingly Rina continued to fight off the beast as Nessa hurried her way over. Her anger boiling inside, how dare this creature hurt her friend, she would not show it forgiveness. Not now. After hearing Rina's word of encouragement, Nessa felt her determination reach her peak. 

Nessa picked up her speed, stepping on a log to propel herself into the air. Glowing fist clenched, she threw her arm back before smashing her knuckles into the side of the creatures face. The force of the blow knocked the creature off course. Causing it to stumble to the side, before stopping shaking it head. It turned and snarled at her, only to feel the force of her foot as she delivered an upwards kicked into it's throat. It head flew upwards, and Nessa ducked under it's body, positioning herself under the wound. Nessa threw her fists upwards in a series of combination uppercut. Pummelling the creatures already wounded stomach. The beast let out an agonized cry. 

"YOU - DO - NOT - HURT -MY -FRIENDS!" She roared between each punch. The creature, pushed itself onto it's hind legs. Swiping it's powerful arm across, it collided into her side. Nessa barely managed to prevent herself from flying into the air by holding onto the arm in question. Gripping it tightly as the creature attempted to shake her off. Decided it wouldn't be able to, it proceeded to smash it arm against a tree. Nessa exhaled forcefully as the wind was knocked out of it, somehow still managing to maintain her grip. As the monster pulled it's arm back for another swing at the trees, Nessa scaled up it's arm. Making her way onto it's shoulder. When it realised where she was, it reached around to bite her. Narrowly missing taking over her face company. 

"That's some horrific breath you've got!" She spat, before reaching round and punching it in the eyes. Then as the beast eyes closes, flailing it's head in pain. Nessa shifted, there was no choice, she was going to have to deliver the final blow. Her magic shifted away from her feet, pooled into the hand that wasn't holding onto the beasts neck. Starlight Sword formed in her hand, she glancing over at her injured friend. She raised the sword. 

"Sorry but you earned this." She said, as the creature opened it's mouth for an inhaling of magical energy. Nessa drove the sword through it's open jaws and through the roof of its mouth. hissing as it's teeth sunk into her hand. The light blade may have been weaker, but through the soft tissue, it tore through, driving itself into the beasts brain. The monster stilled, before it's head lulled and it fell to the ground. Nessa barely managed to yank out the sword, letting out a pained groan as the creatures sharp teeth were removed from her hand. She hopped off the creature as its body crumbled, it's dead body moulding into the rotting forests floor. Nessa's feet landing with a heavy thud, she stumbled slightly, before catching her footing. Panting heavily, blood leaking from the wounds in her hands. She was exhausted, she had never fought anything like it before. She had never killed either, but she looked at Rina, who was injured but alive. She felt no regret, she did what she had to, even it meant ending a life. She slowly walked over to Rina, "You ok?" She asked worriedly. 

Nessa reached into her satchel, pulling out a bandage, she quickly wrapped it around her hands Making quick work as she tied it off tightly, careful not to loose the grip on her sword of light. Once you let go, you only a few minutes before the sword disappated, you could still use it if you grabbed it, but it would still disappear after a moment. Nessa had a feelings she may still need to use it. She was relieved to hear Rina's words, the attack had looked pretty painful, but Rina seemed better already. "It was pretty surreal to be honest, I've never killed anything before." It was a first, but a necessary one, that soulless creature wanted nothing but to kill. It couldn't be allowed to live, it was evil beyond the point of rescue. Before she even had a chance to see if she could look over Rina for wounds, the blank faced magical girl appeared once more. Transporting them all once more, further into the bizarre world they were in.

The air around them became foggy and unclear, Nessa couldn't see much, just the glowing outline that was Rina, and somewhat dimmed light from her own sword. Nessa glanced around, trying to get an idea of where they were. The was a sound above them, something akin to a screeching, almost like a bat. When Rina gave her a set of instructions, she nodded in response, then she realised she probably wouldn't be able to see her.

"Will do, don't worry about me." She told her ace, she knew Rina would be able to work better if she didn't have to worry about her junior guildmate. Nessa needed to make sure she avoided being a burden to Rina, she couldn't allow herself to get hurt. As a dark shadowy creature made its way at Rina, Nessa watched as she leaped and disappeared into the foggy air with it. She squinted as she watch, sword ready. She thought she felt something fly near her and swung her sword, but only found air. There was the ongoing sounds of scuffling and creatures crying out. She wishes she could see more, so she could know Rina was okay. Then she saw her, pinning the beats down and spearing them with her weapon.

Nessa smiled, "You did it.." She said running towards her, before being pulled off her feet. A creature had grabbed her by the shoulders and lifted her into the air, she flailed beneath trying to loosen it's grip on her. It's claws sunk in further. It seemed she wasn't going to shake herself loose. She took her sword, turning it towards herself, she pushed it upwards past her shoulder. She felt it connect with something, there was a squeal and she felt the claws let her go. She fell to the ground, landing on her stomach with a heavy thud. She coughed from it's force. The rolling over, just as the monster was making it's way towards her, saw hanging out of it's gut. She reached out, grabbing into the creature as it clawed at her. Reaching for her sword before it's magic faded, she shoved it further into the creature. The was a bit of resistance, then the creature stilled, it's heavy body collapsing on her. She lay then panting for a moment. Then began to push against the creature. It took a few moments of heaving, before the creatures body rolled off of her.

The girl appeared between them once more, an additional crystal in hand, she moulded into her holding device. Then the world shifted once more, not even allowing Nessa the chance to stand, when it refocus. She winced as something touched her face, after a moment she realised it was raining.

Nessa appeared to be lying at the foot of some stairs, there new location equally as cool in nature as the previous two. However much more open ad clear, with the exception of the downpour, but it was easier than fog. At least they would sort of being able to see what was coming, Nessa groaned, wincing from the pain of hitting the ground at such a height, her side was brushed from the fall where she had landed awkwardly. Rina appeared above her, concern on her face. It was a new expression wot Nessa, she hadn't yet seen the ace looked concerned, there was an odd comfort in knowing the girl cared about her wellbeing. There was a light near her hands and a sudden warmth began to spread through her from that point. IT was a pleasant sensation, different from all the feelings she had felt so far. It felt like home. Hearing Rina's words, she closed her eyes allowing the magic to work through her, showing it no resistance. She supposed it wouldn't hurt to rest just a short while.

As she lay there, faced towards to the side so that the rain didn't block her airways, she heard a suddenly her laughing. Realising it wasn't Rina's voice she looked up, spotting the next monster. Her eyes widened in surprise, it was a young girl only she wasn't normal. The young girl young as she was had an assortment of weapons attached to her, chainsaw on her hands, machine guns. She was built to attack differently from what they had experienced so far. She had the for of a human and yet somehow she was not. She still bore the same air as the monsters she had taken on, dark and soulless. As bullets ricocheted through the air, Nessa winced, before looking over to see if Rina got hit. The fairy tail mage appeared to have deflected them with ease and was currently running in the direction of her opponent. 

Nessa watched Rina's fight, taking in the sights of her ace's skill and abilities. Rina knew how to fight, she was strong and she used her magic well. Nessa only wished she could help more rather than lie there, using her healing magic. It was frustrating although seeing Rina's flow, she acknowledged that she might only be getting in the girls way with this one. Sitting out for now was a sensible option. Rina made quick work of the girl, Nessa smiled, pleased to witness her guildmates success. Before Nessa could even sit up, the girl with the violent hair appeared once more, transporting them to another part of that world. Nessa let out a frustrated groan which make Rina's headbanging of the floor well. The girl was showing no indication that it was coming close to an end. Who knew how much more fighting they would need to take on.

She was lying on slightly softer ground, she pushed herself up, looking around. They looked like they were in the middle of a farm, with grassy outskirts. Just a single building in front of them. She turned over to Rina, "I know it's frustrating, but we're doing so well. Thanks to you I feel good as new, thank you." Turning back to the house, she began to walk over to it. May as well get on with it... She though, preparing herself for what was ahead. She stepped over to the front door, seeing I was slightly ajar she peeked inside. There was the sound of giggling, young children. As she looked inside, she saw a group of children, playing amongst themselves quietly. They were all different shapes and sizes, although not particular similar in appearance. Were they orphans? Reaching forward, she pulled the door open and stepped inside. The children all turned to look at her, 

"Hi there," She said in a gentle tone, "I'm a mage named Nessa, Is there an adult I could speak to?" A figure stepped out of the dark corner of the room, a hood over his head, chains over his bare chest. He was grinning without restraint, it was unsettling. He made a hissing sound and the children all morphed. They're faces contorting with evil, they began to hiss to. The horror set in and Nessa realised, they were going to have to fight these children. I can't...There so young... She thought shaking her head and took a step back. It was at that moment the children leapt up her, clambering up her and pulling hr to the ground. She scream and flailed attempting to get them off as they pulled, punched and scratched at her. The were relentless in their onslaught, she could sense it, they were trying to kill her. somehow she managed to get up, throwing them off. She looked up at the man who looked like he was enjoying it, she summoned Starlight spear and launched it at him. Only to have one of the children jump up and take the attack, collapsing to the ground after. Dead. Nessa began to shake, there was no helping it. She would have to do it. 

Nessa stood there, preparing herself. She was going to do it, she would have to kill the demon children, all of them. Her heart pounded in her ears, her body trembled as she prepared to summon that spell, that spell that would take them all out. Only it didn't come, but it didn't need to. Because Rina ran forward, taking over, she took on the children. Nessa watched her defeat the children, she didn't look comfortable doing it. But she was holding her own better than Nessa had been. Nessa reached up, casually touching her own face. It was wet, she had been crying. Crying for the way these demons had manifested themselves, children were pure and innocent creatures, for these demons to look like that. To be so corrupted, it was wrong, so wrong. 

Nessa was pulled back to the present by Rina's voice, she had defeated the children. Nessa turned to look at Rina, her face blank as she spoke. The words coming to her as if in slow motion. After a moment, her brain registered them. Revenge... She thought, before turning her blank stare, not unlike the violet-haired girls to the father. Slowly her face contorted in a manner of it's own, a display of pure rage. He did this. 

She decided to summon one her newer spells, she tended to avoid it because it was quite crass. But with how truly pissed she was. She felt now was the best time to use it, she pooled her magical energy in her right hand. The light forming the shape of a whip. Then she moved towards the father, pulling the whip back, she threw it forward. Lashing him across the face, leaving a deep burning gash. She pulled it back and lashed again, and again beating him back, without giving him a chance to fight back. She lashed her whip once more, it wrapping itself around his throat. She yanked it sharply, his neck snapping and the battle over. 

She stared down and him panting, taking a moment to calm her rage. It was evil like this she wanted to eradicate. She didn't like killing but she understood. This creature could no live, it was not acceptable for him to. The violet haired girl, moved forward, hovering over the monster. A crystal appearing in front of her, she turned and looked a Nessa and Rina. Then the world shifted once more. Realigning to reveal they were in a cabin, a lot different from the dark hut that had been in before Much bigger and much more welcoming but still quite dilapidated. It was kind of out of place from before. 

The girls began to explore the cabin, Nessa being slightly more cautious than before. She didn't want to walk into the same scenario as before. As they moved through the building, they entered a room, in the corner of which was a pool of blood. The walls were splatter which blood furniture smashed. Something had been thrown around. Suddenly an arm coiled around Nessa's neck, yanking her back. She reeled for a moment, before proceeding to elbow her attacker in the stomach, spinning out of his grip. She turned, there was five human looking males standing before them. 

Nessa's rage had fully disappeared, she held out her free hand in a stop gesture to Rina. "Sorry Rina, Can I? I've still got a little rage to burn." She asked, before moving forward, whip still in hand. She lashed it at the boys feet, causing them to jump back in order to avoid it. she lashed the whip once more, it's tail collided with two at the front. Causing them to topple backwards onto their fellow attackers. She threw away her whip, it landed on the floor and disappeared. Putting her hands forward, she cast Starlight Capture, another new spell. A netting of light through from her hands like webbing. Encasing the attackers, and pinning them to the ground. they were unable to move. "Rina, if you don't mind just find some cover for a moment." Her next spell was to designed to do harm to anyone but her so she had warned her Ace in advance so that it wouldn't hurt her. Fortunately the boys were trapped right under a hole in the roof. Maybe if they hadn't of trashed the place so bad, this wouldn't have happened to them. Nessa summoned Starlight shower, through the gap, little drops of light began to rain from the sky. Only this wasn't normal rain, filled with the power of the stars, it hit the boys are full power. Burning them, they writhed under the netting in agony. She allowed it to run it course, lowly the spell ran out. The netting however remain, the attackers laying under it severely weakened. She turned away from the, nodding at Rina. She needed a moment's rest, that was a lot of magic she'd just used in one girl. She figured with the net there, her ace would have no trouble finishing the job.

Nessa didn't need to look to know that Rina had finished off the enemy, there was a swish from what was most likely her spear and a few moments later they were transported once again. This no longer came as a shock to Nessa. Although she couldn't help but wonder how much more of this they had to endure, it was their seventh transportation since the Ace of Spades. Yet the girl made no reassurance to how much they had left, just another place, and another beast. But something was different here, there didn't feel like the place was coated in evil like the others had. Instead Nessa felt a sense of reinvigoration, her scratches and bitemarks from the children faded. The teeth marks in her hand closed up. She felt her energy restored, she looked up to the sky and was met with a wonderful sight.

The sky was filled completely with the most beautiful set of twinkling stars, Nessa felt her eyes well up. This time from happiness, the feel the their magic swelled within her, she reached up with her hand almost as if to touch them. She felt the magic seep into her, restoring her magical energy, everything she had used refuelled by the power of the skies. Nessa felt like she had been reunited with friends, friends she hadn't seen in what felt like forever. Each star winking down at her in greeting.

Her moment with the stars was interrupting from the sound of growling. She looked towards the source of the sound. Seeing a wolf before them, white thick fur, and blue flames flowing from it's open jaws. It let out a fearsome howl, of course, it was too good to be true. They hadn't found peace, this was just another world with another monster. Rina appeared to take the lead, Nessa waited for her moment, in case she needed to jump in. But she didn't. She watched as Rina took the beast on by herself, fighting with skill and precision. Her magic really was pretty, the use of light and flowers made it a spectacle to behold. As the creature vanished into dust, Nessa smiled at Rina's comment. Then without further notice, they were transported once again. 

This place appeared to be a canyon of sorts, compared to the other places that had been to, this place reminded them much more of home. The sky had gone to night to day, and they were surrounded by rocky desert plains. The only thing different was the lack of life, there was no birds, no animals, not even insects. It was unnaturally still for the outdoors. There was a loud screech that pierced the air, Nessa looked up, spotting the next monster they had to face. This was had to be the most hideous face. It had large bat-like wings, the skin and limbs of a reptile. Those particular features weren't what disturbed her, it was it's lack of face. There was no face, just a mouth that stretched as far as it's back. Rows and rows of teeth snapping in their direction. Nessa summoned Starlight Archer, a bow appearing in her left hand. She turned side on, raising it in front of her, she loaded the arrow that appeared in her left. She began to released arrow after arrow, a new one appearing in her hands once the previous one was released. The flew into the air towards the beast, some missed, but most of them imbedded themselves in it's body. 

Nessa continued to fire arrow after arrow, ignoring the oncoming ache in her arms and shoulder. She released unrelenting blows of starlight, slowly but surely dealing more and more damage to weaken the ugly creature ahead of them. She only ceased fire when Rina began her attack, using her spear to jump onto the creature. Nessa was a decent shot, hours and hours of training had ensured that. But she couldn't be sure enough that she could fire and not hit Rina. She wasn't that good. So she lowered her arrow to her side, watching careful, ready to jump in if necessary.

"Be careful Rina!" She called, unsure if the girl could hear her, watching anxiously from the ground. It seemed proximity worked for Rina as her spell involving vines managed to fall the creature. Nessa ran to her as she landed, calling out to her. But before she could check on the girl, she felt her body shifted once more to another plane.

At first she felt a sense of familiarity, not to her home but as though they had been somewhere similar before. Then she realised they were in the forest again, only this time it was on fire. A raging flame, roared through the trees around them, along with something else. Nessa looked around, through the trees an erratic creature approached. Snarling ferocious it was a giant, dog-like beast. With white shaggy fur that was stained with blood, an unnaturally wide mouth that curled all the way down it's neck and to top it off razor sharp fangs. It stood at over twenty feet in height. And boy, was this thing mad. It's body shook with an uncontrollable rage and it snarled in their direction, it's giant feet pounding the ground as it made it's way towards them. She raised her arrow once more, and began shooting the creature. The arrows landed in his shoulders, chest and legs, but did nothing to slow the beast. Nessa let the bow and arrows disappeared, deciding to change tactic.

She quickly summoned her Starlight sword, holding it at her side. She ran forward towards the beast, holding the sword at arms legs. Just as she was right in front of the beast, she darted sideways and manoeuvred into a slide. As she slide, she ripped the sword into the wolves legs, leaving deep slashes on the limbs on it's right side. As she past it's body, she grabbed onto the tail. Pulling herself up, she scaled the creature until she was on it's back. It was so erratic it thrashed torn between attacking Rina or going for Nessa. Nessa positioned herself on it's shoulder blades and began to stab the creature with the sword repeatedly. Making it more and more erratic as it's thrashed between rage and pain.

Nessa continued to work at the beast, pleased to see Rina fighting with her. The two taking on the beast at once gave her a real sense of teamwork. The creature behaviour was volatile and ferocious, it was torn between the two, turning to attack one then being hit by the other and getting distracted. Nessa beamed as Rina hit her with a healing spell, considerate of the effect the fighting was straining her. "Thanks chick!" She yelled out through the chaos. As the creature was struck with Rina's final attack, Nessa drop the sword in as deep as she could, using it as an anchor to the beast as it fell to the ground was a crash. She closed her eyes, gripping onto the sword tightly the world shook around her. Then before she could even get off of the world, her and a her word were transported. Along with Rina and the Violet haired girl.

Nessa fell to the ground, landed on hard ground. She hadn't been that far off of the ground to start off with so it didn't hurt. Just took her my surprise. Although they were in a different place, she could still feel the heat, only it was a little different, somehow it felt thicker. She sat up taking a look around, this place was new. A desolated land, charred rocks, split into cracks filled with burning hot lava. The girl finally spoke. "Your almost done travellers, keep going" She heard her say, but couldn't respond because a fire ball was flying at them. Nessa covered her face only to realise neither her nor Rina was struck but the girl. "Are you ok?" Nessa asked but the girl said nothing only nodded for her to focus on the monster. This time it was a giant, or better known as a titan. At fifty feet in height, two giant horns protruding from it's head and flames all over it's body.


Nessa ran in quick pursuit, following Rina as they both charged in for an attack once again. However as Rina ran up the rocky body of the titan to attack it's neck. Nessa made her way to it's feet. Here's the thing about fighting something similar to humans, it's weaknesses were easier to calculated. Attacks she new would leaving throw a human off balance was bound to work on a giant. Even a move that involved cutting off the creatures big two, swinging her sword down with all her might. The sword carved into it, she yanked it out, and went again, taking another hack. It was only on her third attack did it successful slice off the toe. The titan roared, between the two of their attacks it fell to it's knee.

Nessa darted away from the foot she'd attacked and made her way to it's other leg. Fortunately the titan seem to be wearing bottoms, which helped her hoist herself up. Climbing onto all these creatures seem to be tiring work, but thanks to Rina's healing earlier, her stamina had recover. As the titan leaned down grabbing it's foot to see the damage. Nessa pulled herself onto it's knee. Taking her sword she drove it upwards deep into it's heart. The creature roared, standing suddenly, Nessa was thrown to the ground , having lost the grip on her sword. "Rina!" She yelled as the creature stumbled a few times, before falling forward. Collapsing to the ground with immense force, Nessa just hoped Rina had jumped off in time. The Violet haired girl appear beside her, no longer in flames, a new crystal in hand.  Their world shifted, and they reappeared in a much cooler environment. Nessa who was still on her butt, ran over to Rina "Are you ok?" She asked the ace with genuine concern.

Nessa looked around as Rina's magic enveloped her, binding them together with vines. The sound of the boom distracted her, she looked around, seeing where they were finally. She gasped in shocked as she realised they were surrounded by corpses, a battlefield of sorts. There were weapons, and banners everywhere. With the occasional burning fire, So this is what war looks like, She thought sadly, it was tragic and something she was severely against. Matters should be handled peacefully, dragging people into your fights for the sake of power, wealth or religion, it was selfish. People dying for the greedish values of the few.


She heard Rina speak and looked at her, expression serious, she gave the girl a single nod. Nessa quickly followed as Rina set off at a run. The corpses flew into the air, forming the shape of the monster. It was a terrifying beast, a demonic being of decaying flesh. She watched Rina's movements, assessing her plan. She saw her signal and realised Rina was moving to distract the beast. The beast was slow, meaning it wouldn't be able to dodge well. Positioning herself as the creature's rear. She pushed her hands forward, palms facing outwards. "Starlight Orb!" She called, producing an onslaught of orbs made of light, she created as many as she could. Sending them flying forward, they began to smash into the creatures head. Every time one hit the creature, another appeared. The creature was too slow to deflect any of them, so as they continued to barrage it with damage. It's head was slowly crushed by the blows, further and further, the decaying flesh was soft and therefore took more damage. Nessa kept producing orbs, so many that she lost count of how many she'd actually used. Until it was too much, the creature fell apart, and the corpses fell from it once more as it's disappeared completely.


The Violet girl appeared above the corpses, another crystal in hand. She shifted the world once more. Nessa shivered as she was hit with cold air. The temperature having several dropped, Nessa glanced around, it felt like all she kept doing was checking out different scenery today. This place was covered in snow, and in front of them in a path lit with a set of torches. The guide began to lead them along , "I guess it's this way..." Nessa said allowed, following the path with Rina, the further they got along the closer they got to the sounds of roars. Another beast, Nessa sighed at the sight of it. She was starting to get used to this system, it was a large snow creature, covered in white hair and icicle-like spikes from it's body. Orb magic still activated, Nessa began by summoning more. Then she propelled them at the beast, five orbs smashing into the side of it's body. The creature turned it's head and roared in there direction. She noticed the orbs weren't as effective and assumed, the hair must work like armour somehow.  "I'll keep it occupied with my orbs, see if you can find a weak-spot and kill it." She called to Rina, using the orbs to get the creature's attention, manoeuvred them around it's face in a distracting manner.

Nessa's instruction to the orbs were a flurry of unpredictable darting around the head of the creature. Some of the orbs would land so the creature wouldn't catch wind of what they were doing. All the while more appearing and darting out in front of the creature to distract it further. Nessa watched as Rina tried various technique to harm the creature, which didn't seem to work until she was on top of it. She seemed to have stumbled onto it's weak spot, Nessa watched as Rina drove her spear into the creature, leaving it dead in a matter of minutes.

There were quickly transported somewhere else, still a chill in the air, a snowy clearing surrounded by winter trees. There were once again next to each other, the violet girl behind them, and before them a different girl. She looked human, Nessa even considered that she might be. With her brown hair and pale skin, she wore a red cloak and in her right hand was a giant scythe. "I've been watching you. You fight for... her. Your actions are for your own purposes, but they still work towards her benefit." There was no malice or aggression in her voice. It was stoic not that unlike the violet haired girls.

"I'll give you one of the pieces I've collected, if you can best me and prove that you're strong enough to face the next enemy." So it was a challenge, Nessa reached out and summoned her sword. The woman moved into a duel stance. Nessa lunged forward taking a swipe, the woman parried her blow with her scythe. She stepped back pulling back for another swing, delivering multiple swings of her swords. Then as she went in for a connection blow, the scythe shifted into a rifle. Firing off a round that scraped the skin of her shoulder, causing her to his in pain. She stepped back gripping the scrape on her arm.

Nessa took a few more stepped back, looking down at her arm, although the shot scraped her arm rather than buried it's way in. The wound it had left was painful, like a burning sensation on her arm, and was beginning to bleed a little. Nessa watched as Rina continued to fight, fortunately she had managed to avoid the shot. Nessa waited in case she needed to jump in. But fortunately having seen the girls moves, she was prepared. She took the girl on with skill and grace, dodging the girls bullets and attack quickly back. The girl seemed to get angrier, returning to a scythe she slashed at Rina. Cause her to bleed, Nessa went to step in. Only Rina seemed unfazed, continuing to fight with full force. Until the girl was eventually taken out completely. Nessa smiled, That had to be it surely! She thought, only to have them shifted once more.


Finally they arrived in a room full of crystals, a beautiful sight, sparkling and glistening from every corner. Nessa felt a sense of peace wash over her. In the middle of the room was a large crystal, inside of which held a girl, with long white hair wearing a shrine maidens kimono. There were twelve pillars before them, which the violet haired girl immediately approached, beginning to put a crystal into each one. She stopped at the twelve empty handed, turning to them, she pointed to the girl in the rock. "The last crystal." She says. Nessa felt the scrape on her arm heal, her stamina and magic replenishing.

Before the final crystal began to light up and shattered. The girl in the crystal disappeared, and within seconds was in front of her. Sending a wave of magic so quick, Nessa flew back across the room, smashing into a crystal wall. She got to her feet wincing, she raised her hand, summoning her orbs and sending them flying towards the girl. She was quick, quick enough to dodge most of them. Coming at Nessa again, she shot another wave of magic at her, only this time Nessa was prepared to used her orbs to block the magic. Darting round her, she through a kick directed at the girls chest. The girl went flying back, in a similar way to Nessa. She did not react though, she simply got back up and continued her onslaught. Nessa summoned the light to her hands and legs, proceeded to fight the girl with punches and kicks. Nessa curled her fist round for a right hook, only for the girl to move around it and send a wave of magic straight into her face. Causing her to fly back and crash into the ground, the sound of crystal cracking beneath her. She lay there in pain, the girl turned her attention to Rina now. Nessa watched the fight from the ground, barely able to push herself into a sitting position. As the fight continued, Nessa waited with baited breathe, praying that Rina would do it. She was right, she watched as her guildmate finished off the girl.

The violet haired girl made her way over to the girls corpses, reaching out and shoving her hand into her chest. Nessa looked away, not bearing to look as she heard the girls heart ripped out of her chest. What the hell! She though, before sneaking a peak. She watched as the girl set the heart in the final pedestal. Twelve beams of light shone over the girl, healing her wound and bringing her back to light. Nessa watched in amazement as the girl stood. Thanking them and offering them a crystals shaped as heart or stone. Nessa reached out and took the heart. Within a few moments, the world shifted one final time. She felt the same feeling she had the first time as she was thrown back into their own world. Reappearing in the Ace of Spades. Nessa looked around, making sure it was real. Before collapsing to the ground, pressing her cheek against the familiar soil. "Oh thank god it's over!" She said in an exasperated tone. Before sitting up and looking at Rina, a happy smile on her face. "We did it Rina."