…

A Lost Hero's Fairytale

Chapter 13: Seablossom

Part I

…

As the streets of Magnolia bathed in the soft glow of the lacrima-powered street lamps, Ben and Mirajane walked side by side, the quiet surrounding them like a comforting blanket. They had just locked up the guild hall, and the peaceful stroll back to her place allowed Ben's mind to wander back to their earlier conversation about Fairy Tail's S-Class wizards.

Ben remembered how Cana's expression had shadowed when Mirajane mentioned Gildarts. Curiosity nudged him, and he turned to Mirajane. "Hey, Mira. Earlier, when you mentioned Gildarts... Cana seemed pretty upset. Why is that?"

Mirajane gave him a gentle smile, tinged with sadness. "It's a bit of a personal matter for Cana," she replied softly. "Maybe it's something you could ask her about sometime. Though, I would caution you not to push her."

Ben nodded in understanding. He considered asking Cana out to dinner, but quickly realized that a bar would probably be more appropriate for her. Storing that idea for later, his mind then shifted to another topic that had been gnawing at him. "And what about the other S-Class wizard who supposedly retired? Could that have been the She-Devil?"

Mirajane looked surprised at the question. "What makes you think that?"

Ben's gaze was thoughtful as he answered. "I heard mentions of the She-Devil on my journey before meeting Lucy. They said she hasn't been seen or active in two years."

He looked at Mirajane intently, adding, "It lines up with when Lisanna died, doesn't it?"

A sigh escaped Mirajane as she looked away, her expression clouded with sorrow. "You're very observant for someone with amnesia," she acknowledged. "I had hoped to tell you under better circumstances."

'So Mira is the She-Devil then. Can't help but wonder how she could've earned that name.' Pushing that thought aside, Ben probed deeper, his voice gentle. "Did…what happened to Lisanna make you decide to retire?"

Mirajane nodded slowly, her voice barely a whisper. "Elfman blames himself... he was the one who... in his Beast form. But I always felt it was my fault. I was the older sibling, supposedly stronger–an S-Class wizard. I should have been able to stop him before it went that far."

Ben's expression was full of sympathy. Just then, a flash of memory hit him.

…

In a laboratory overrun with rampant plant life, Ben strolled alongside Gwen, Tetrax, who bore a striking resemblance to Diamondhead, and a humanoid squid named Myaxx. Myaxx's appearance unnervingly reminded Ben of someone else, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Must be the gardener's day off," Gwen remarked dryly, her voice echoing slightly in the verdant chaos.

"Hello? Anybody home?" Ben called out, his voice bouncing off the plant-covered walls.

"Tell me you didn't bring us here for nothing?" Tetrax asked, his tone tinged with irritation.

Myaxx, stepped forward. "The compound must've been overrun. Azmuth was always worried that his lab would be discovered by those after the Omnitrix," she paused as the group advanced cautiously. "But I always thought he was just being paranoid."

Suddenly, Gwen's scream shattered the quiet as something emerged from the plant life to attack her—a Wildvine. Unlike Ben's transformation, these creatures appeared more feral and untamed.

A battle ensued, with Ben, Tetrax, and Myaxx firing advanced laser weapons at the Wildvines' to keep them at bay. Unfortunately, during the skirmish, Ben was thrown off his feet, his laser-cannon clattering out of reach. He watched in terror as a Wildvine lunged toward him.

"BEN, WATCH OUT!" Gwen's voice cut through the chaos, pushing him aside only to be snatched by the Wildvine herself. Its vines wrapped tightly around her, pulling her away.

"GWEN!" Ben yelled, lunging for the Omnitrix. "Going hero!"

"Ben, no! The self-destruct will accelerate!" Myaxx shouted, wrestling with the encroaching vines.

"I don't care!" Ben countered defiantly, slamming down the dial. In a burst of emerald light, he transformed into Four Arms—a red-skinned being with formidable strength and four powerful arms.

"Ben!" Gwen's cry echoed as she was dragged toward a hole in the ground.

"Hold on! I'm coming!" Four Arms charged, but vines stretched out, ensnaring him and slowing his advance.

Gwen's scream echoed as she disappeared into the ground through a tube. The hole sealed shut behind her. "NO!" With a surge of strength, Four Arms broke free from the vines and rushed to the sealed entrance, desperately trying to pry it open, but to no avail.

"GWEN!?" he shouted in horror, pounding on the door with all his might. Despite his formidable strength, the material resisted his blows.

"Ben… She's gone," Tetrax said gravely.

"NO! I've got to save her!" Four Arms yelled, desperate.

Textrax pulled him away, laying a consoling hand on his shoulder. "There were too many of them, Ben! The Florana weren't going to stop till they had one of us," he tried to reason.

"She sacrificed herself to save me," Four Arms said, shaking off Tetrax's hand. He moved to a wall panel and began furiously punching the machinery. "It should've been me! It should've been me! IT SHOULD'VE BEEN ME!"

With a resounding crash, the machinery broke into pieces, collapsing around Four Arms in a heap of sparks and debris.

…

"Ben? Ben!" Mira's voice carried a note of concern as she reached out to him.

Startled, Ben blinked twice, his gaze refocusing on the present. "Huh? What?"

"You spaced out for a moment there," Mirajane observed, her brows knit together with worry. "Did something come back to you?"

"Yeah…" Ben nodded, his voice somber. "I don't recall all the details, but I remember thinking I had lost my cousin, Gwen, when I was younger." He lowered his head, a frown creasing his brow. "I couldn't save her and I blamed myself."

He lifted his gaze to meet Mirajane's, his eyes filled with empathy. "Though Gwen was okay in the end, the helplessness and guilt I felt were real. So, I can understand why you stepped down, but…do you think that's what Lisanna would have wanted, Mira? Because if Gwen had actually died that day, I believe she wouldn't have wanted me to give up being a hero."

Mirajane paused, her eyes reflecting a turmoil of emotions. "I'm not sure... I'm not ready to..." Her voice faltered, and uncertainty clouded her expression. "I don't know if I have the strength to protect what's truly precious when it matters most."

Ben reached out, gently taking her hand in a comforting grasp. "I won't pressure you, but sometimes, you might be surprised at what you can do for the ones you love."

They resumed their walk, both enveloped in a companionable silence.

Later, as they approached the Strauss house, Mirajane paused on the doorstep, her hand resting lightly on the door handle.

She turned to Ben, her expression soft. "I…think I'll sleep in my room tonight," she said gently.

Ben nodded understandingly. "I get it," he replied, his voice low and supportive.

Mirajane offered him a nod before disappearing inside, leaving Ben to enter the house alone. He walked through the quiet hall to his room—Lisanna's old room—a space he had come to treat with a sense of respect.

As he closed the door behind him, a sigh escaped his lips. He leaned back against the wood, eyes closing briefly. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, wondering if his questions had pushed Mirajane too far into painful memories.

"Lucy's right. I really need to learn more about tact," he muttered to himself, frustrated.

…

Meanwhile, after a strenuous morning of training with Ben and an anxiety-ridden afternoon due to his arrest (which, fortunately, ended with just a warning), Lucy was more than ready to wind down for the evening.

Unfortunately, her plans for a quiet night were dashed the moment she stepped back into her apartment. To her dismay, she found Natsu and Happy had somehow broken in and were in the midst of an impromptu workout session right in her living room. Lucy expressed her displeasure in the most direct way she knew how—with her signature "Lucy Kick."

Once the dust settled, Natsu and Happy explained their intrusion: they had come to invite her on a job, an S-Class one at that. It turned out Happy had sneakily snagged one of the request flyers from the guild's restricted second floor when no one was watching.

Despite the tempting offer of a seven million jewel reward, Lucy was hesitant. Her recent conversations with Ben, Mirajane, and Cana had made her wary of embarking on an unauthorized S-Class quest, especially one that involved a haunted island. Needless to say, it wasn't a difficult decision for her to deny the offer.

Realizing their efforts were futile, Natsu and Happy prepared to leave her apartment, choosing the window as their exit over the conventional door.

"Fine. We're outta here," Natsu conceded with a hint of resignation.

"Aye," echoed Happy, wings ready for departure.

Lucy couldn't help but comment, "That's the best idea you've had all day." Yet, her admonition for them to use the door went unheeded as they jumped out the window.

Left alone, Lucy let out a heavy sigh. 'I should ask the landlady to put locks on the windows. I really don't want this becoming a regular thing.'

Her frustration soon gave way to curiosity as she spotted the abandoned S-Class flier on the floor. "Oh no! They left the job request here!" Panic set in as she considered the implications. "Now everybody's gonna think I'm the one who stole it! What'll I do?!"

But as she scrutinized the flier further, a new detail emerged—a reward that included a Gate Key labeled "Black."

Lucy was intrigued. 'Black? Is that a misprint? I've never heard of a Black Celestial Key… Maybe this can give me the edge I need to get stronger.' A determined smile crossed her face.

From there, Lucy scrambled to change clothes, prepare a small travel back, and write out a brief letter on her door before running outside. "Wait up, you guys! I've decided to come along!" She called out, rushing to catch up with Natsu and Happy.

…

The next morning, Ben awoke feeling rejuvenated, his mind clear and his body ready to shake off the remnants of the previous day's events. Eager to start the day on a positive note, he stepped outside into the crisp morning air and began his workout routine in the open yard, stretching and moving through various exercises including pushups, situps, squats, and burpees.

As he was in the middle of a set of push-ups, Elfman emerged from the house, his steps heavy with the sleep he was still shaking off. Observing Ben's workout, Elfman gave an appreciative nod. "Nice routine you've got there," he commented. "Manly!"

Ben paused, pushing himself up to a standing position, and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "Thanks," he replied. "Gotta stay in shape."

Elfman nodded in agreement. Without hesitation, the muscular man joined in, matching Ben's energy with his own vigorous set of exercises. After a few moments of working out in companionable silence, Elfman's voice broke through, carrying a note of sincerity. "Listen, about yesterday... I'm sorry again for jumping to conclusions and challenging you. It was out of line."

Ben shook his head lightly. "It's fine, really." He dismissed with a shrug. "You were just looking out for your sister. I get it."

Elfman nodded in appreciation as the two continued their workout, the morning sun climbing higher as they moved in rhythm.

Later, feeling refreshed and energized after a good workout and a cool shower, Ben decided it was a good time to head to Lucy's place. They were supposed to take a job yesterday before the ordeal with the council.

He headed into Magnolia, making his way to Lucy's apartment with a light step. When he arrived, he noticed a piece of paper pinned to her door. Curious, he stepped closer and saw that his name was written on it.

Plucking the letter from the door, Ben unfolded it and began to read it, only to remember…

'Right…' Ben slumped his shoulders. Although he could read the titles without issue, the descriptions remained elusive, much like his struggles with books. He exhaled heavily, a frown creasing his brow. 'This is really frustrating. I need to learn how to read this stuff at some point…'

Tucking the letter into his pocket, Ben started heading for the guild hall.

Moments later, Ben arrived at the guild hall to find it unusually quiet for that time of the morning, with only Mirajane bustling about, methodically wiping down tables. Without hesitation, he grabbed some clean rags from behind the bar and joined her in the task.

Mirajane looked up, a surprised smile touching her lips. "You don't need to help with this, Ben."

"But it'll get done faster if two of us are on it," Ben argued, spreading his rag over the nearest table.

Mirajane chuckled and nodded, conceding to his point. Together, they moved smoothly around the room, their combined efforts quickly bringing the shine back to the guild hall. Once the last table was set and the floor swept, they stashed their cleaning supplies away.

Catching his breath, Ben took a moment with Mirajane. "Mira, about last night—"

Mirajane interrupted him. "It's okay, Ben. Really."

From her tone, Ben wasn't sure if Mira was sincere or not, but thought it best not to push. "Okay…"

He then remembered the letter from Lucy. "Um, by the way," he pulled the letter from his pocket, "I went to Lucy's place and found this on her door. It's addressed to me, but…I can't read the rest."

"Oh?" Mirajane turned to him, eyebrows rising slightly in surprise. "Don't take any offense, but are you by chance illiterate?"

"Well, yes and no," Ben replied. "I can read titles just fine. It's just the language used in the descriptions I can't seem to understand. Strange, right?"

"I see. Perhaps where you're from the common language isn't the primary one." She briefly speculated before giving him a warm smile. "Here, I'll help you."

They sat down at a bench and her finger traced Lucy's neat handwriting, reading aloud, "Dear Ben, I decided to go on a last-minute quest with Natsu and Happy. I'll talk to you about it more when we get back. Should only take us a few days to complete, hopefully. I apologize for such short notice. Don't worry, though; I promise we'll go on a quest together soon! Your friend, Lucy"

Concluding the letter, Mirajane couldn't help but chuckle inwardly when she noticed that Lucy had started to write "love" before crossing it out on the note. 'Almost slipped up there, didn't you, Lucy?'

"Last-minute, huh? Guess Natsu must've taken a job with a big reward then." Ben guessed. "Lucy mentioned she needed to pay rent soon."

Mira's amusement then turned to confusion. "Odd," she murmured, her brows knitting together in concern. "I don't recall Natsu and Happy picking up any requests yesterday. Though, Natsu might have convinced Master Makarov to approve something last-minute."

Ben shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze lingering on the letter. "I'm sure it's fine. Speaking of jobs," he turned to the job board. "I should be taking one too."

"Need help with any more reading?" Mira offered.

He looked at her sheepishly. "If you wouldn't mind…"

Approaching the request board, Ben and Mira scanned through the myriad of job requests pinned up. One flier's title caught Ben's eye:

Drainage Construction Needed! Town Flooding!

Reward: 10K Jewels

Ben removed the flier from the board, examining it closely. "This one sounds urgent."

"This one just came in this morning, actually." Mira looked over the request. "It says here: On behalf of the town of Seablossom, I'm seeking out any wizards that can dig out new drainage ditches. Our town has experienced far more frequent flooding than usual this time of year. We require the assistance of mage(s) to improve our drainage system. Please, help! Water could soon flood into people's houses! Signed, Mayor Thorton Gale."

"I'll take this one." The urgency of the request resonated with Ben, and he didn't need further deliberation to make his decision.

Glancing over the letter, she nodded approvingly. "Do you have a Take-Over that can handle this job?"

Ben shrugged. "Eh, I'm sure I'll figure it out."

Mirajane led Ben further down the bar, where they paused to complete some paperwork for the job request. As Ben glanced over the flier again, his eyes caught on a stamped 'D' at the upper edge.

"Hey, Mira. What does the 'D' stand for?" he asked curiously.

Mira looked up from her paperwork, her expression thoughtful. "That's the request's level of difficulty," she explained. "Remember when we talked about S-Class quests last night?" Ben nodded, and she continued, "Well, there are other levels below that. It goes from easiest to hardest: F, D, C, B, and A, with S being the most difficult. The harder the quests, the greater the reward and greater the danger."

"So this request wouldn't be seen as particularly challenging then," Ben remarked.

"No, but it's still important work that'll help a lot of people. Actually, ten-thousand Jewels is on the high end for what a D-Class quest typically pays."

Reaching into a drawer, Mirajane pulled out a stamp and pressed it firmly onto the flier. A green seal with the Fairy Tail insignia appeared, labeled "In Progress by Fairy Tail."

Ben, intrigued by the process, asked, "And what's the deal with the stamp?"

Mirajane smiled as she neatly placed the stamp back in its drawer. "This request is listed in many magical guilds across Fiore. Once stamped, a magical imprint appears on all identical requests' flyers throughout the kingdom. It lets other guilds know that the request is currently being handled by Fairy Tail members."

Ben nodded, impressed by the system. "That's pretty clever. I guess it helps prevent multiple wizards from taking on the same job."

Mirajane nodded in acknowledgment and then handed him a basic map of Fiore, her finger tracing down to a red mark in the south. "Here's Seablossom—it's located on the mouth of the St. Lilaque River. If you take the train, you should be able to make it there by tomorrow morning."

"Sounds straightforward enough," Ben said as he took the map. "I'll head out now then. Thanks for everything, Mira."

Mirajane offered him an encouraging smile. "Safe travels, Ben. And don't worry, I'll let Cana know where you went, and Lucy too if she gets back before you."

"Always appreciate you, Mira," Ben expressed his gratitude, somehow making her smile brighter.

Later, Ben returned to Mirajane's house to pack a small bag before stepping back outside. He paused, considering his travel options. "I know Mira suggested I take the train." He activated the Ultimatrix and scrolled through the holograms.

Locating the form he wanted, and with a determined slap down on the core, he was enveloped in emerald light. When the light faded, it revealed a transformation: he was now a red, humanoid, manta ray-like being with black, lightning bolt-like stripes descending from each shoulder to converge at the Ultimatrix dial on his chest. Yellow lips connected to yellow horns above his eyes that resembled large, upward-pointing eyebrows. He spread his arms wide, displaying the striking yellow patagia beneath them.

"But Jetray is so much faster!" he exclaimed with a burst of enthusiasm.

Crouching low, Jetray then propelled himself into the air, quickly ascending several hundred meters. He paused to orient himself, then began flying southwest, following the railway line toward Seablossom. His excitement was palpable as he soared through the sky, eager to embark on his first official job as a Fairy Tail wizard.

…

Meanwhile, Mirajane's curiosity regarding Lucy's letter to Ben about joining Natsu and Happy on a job had prompted her to investigate. She thoroughly searched the recent stamp logs for any record of their job, but found no trace of anything mentioning Natsu, Happy, or Lucy.

With growing concern, the beautiful barmaid realized there was another set of jobs she hadn't checked yet. 'Oh no… They didn't?!'

Heart pounding, she hurried upstairs to where the S-Class jobs were displayed. A sinking feeling overwhelmed her as she noticed the empty slot where the request for Galuna Island should have been. Her eyes widened in horror as the reality of the situation dawned on her: Natsu, Happy, and Lucy had embarked on an unauthorized S-Class quest.

Mirajane clasped a hand over her mouth, a wave of dread sweeping through her. She whispered to herself, "Oh no… This is not good at all." The potential danger of their undertaking without proper clearance hit her full force. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she knew she needed to inform Master Makarov immediately.

…

At supersonic speeds, Jetray sliced through the cloudy skies of southern Fiore, his sharp eyes scanning the terrain below. Following a railroad track that snaked through the rolling landscape, he soon spotted its terminus: a quaint coastal village perched on a peninsula at the mouth of the St. Lilaque River.

'That must be Seablossom,' Jetray deduced. From above, the recent storm's impact was unmistakable; erosion scarred the landscape, and swathes of flooding disfigured the streets and fields. 'Definitely has seen better days.'

As he neared the village center, Jetray descended towards a large open courtyard where a small crowd had gathered around a sundial monument. In a burst of emerald light, he transformed back to human form, just a few feet above the ground. His sudden appearance startled several onlookers who recoiled and stared in bewilderment.

Ben raised his hands in a calming gesture as he touched down smoothly on the cobblestone square. "Hey, hey! It's alright," he reassured them with a friendly smile. "Name's Ben. I'm a Fairy Tail wizard."

His reassurance did little to ease their concerns; the townsfolk shot him wary glances and murmured among themselves before dispersing. A grizzled fisherman, his face weathered from years at sea, approached Ben with a cautious expression. "This town doesn't see any wizards favorably," he said in a thick Scottish accent, his voice gruff. "Particularly Fairy Tail ones."

"Why's that?" Ben inquired, genuinely curious.

"Property damage. What else?" The fisherman's eyes flickered with a hint of irritation. "Word of advice for you, lad—whatever brings you here, I suggest you finish it quickly and leave. We've already had enough heartache around here." He glanced at the monument before walking away.

Turning to the monument, Ben studied the green copper sundial that stood proudly on a stone pedestal. Around its base, dozens of names were etched into the surface, each accompanied by dates. Ben soon recognized the monument as a tribute for lost fishermen.

'Guess fishing is a dangerous job here,' he thought.

Leaving the courtyard behind, Ben headed towards the small courthouse. The building was modest with aged wooden panels yet well-maintained, proudly displaying the town's crest above the entrance. As he stepped inside, he was greeted by a middle-aged man with robust features and keen blue eyes that studied him curiously. His black hair, peppered with gray, was neatly combed back, and he was dressed in a heavy brown fisherman's sweater paired with durable navy trousers.

"Mayor Gale?" Ben asked, extending his hand.

"That's me," the mayor replied, grasping Ben's hand with a firm grip. His voice carried a distinct Norwegian accent. "You must be the wizard from Fairy Tail, yes?"

Ben responded by lifting his left hand to show the green Fairy Tail mark. "That's right. Ben Tennyson, at your service."

"I must say, I'm surprised at how quickly ya made it here. I was just told that yer guild accepted the request," Mayor Gale remarked, mildly surprised.

Ben grinned slightly. "Let's just say I have my ways of getting around."

"Well, in any case, we're grateful for any assistance you can provide," Mayor Gale said, motioning towards an open door. "Step into my office, and I can explain the situation further."

Ben followed Mayor Gale into a sparsely decorated office, where they settled opposite each other at a sturdy wooden desk.

"This town's no stranger to storms, but the past few weeks have brought an unprecedented amount," Gale began, pulling out a set of worn blueprints for the town's drainage system and spreading them across the table. "We're a fishing town, so our infrastructure primarily supports that industry. That's why I'm seeking assistance from any magical or construction guilds."

Ben studied the blueprints intently, his mind already turning over possible enhancements. "Would you be opposed to me making improvements to the existing system?" he asked, looking up from the papers.

Mayor Gale shook his head, his expression earnest. "You do whatever you think is best, son. Just make sure it's quick. We can't afford much more flood damage."

"Sure thing, I'll get right on it," Ben promised, his eyes once again scanning the blueprint. Ideas began to crystallize, forming a solid plan of action.

…

Ben stood at the lower elevated part of Seablossom town, surveying the weathered drainage pipes as they emptied into the churning sea. The relentless assault of water had taken its toll on the town's infrastructure, eroding the soil and fraying the edges of the pipe outlets. Above, the gray skies mirrored the tumultuous ocean, setting a somber scene for the task at hand.

Clutching the town's drainage blueprints, Ben muttered, "I wouldn't know where to start with all this." His gaze shifted to the Ultimatrix on his wrist. "But I know a couple of people who would." He scrolled through the playlist until the silhouette of the desired Take-Over appeared.

With a firm press, Ben was engulfed in a flash of green light. His form shrank dramatically, and when the light faded, a small, gray-skinned humanoid stood in his place. This new form had a bulbous head, two green eyes with rectangular pupils, and wore a white jumpsuit with a black stripe down the center, adorned with a smaller Ultimatrix symbol on the chest.

"Grey Matter!" he announced in a high-pitched, raspy voice.

Perched atop a rock, Grey Matter spread out the blueprints before him. His large eyes scanned the documents at incredible speed, his brain ticking away furiously. "Rather crude and basic," he critiqued the original design. Within moments, his intelligent mind had devised a new, more efficient blueprint for Seablossom's drainage system.

He began sketching the new design, the pencil comically large in his tiny hands. "With this alternate system, the water flow should be more effectively rerouted to prevent future flooding," he muttered to himself. His fingers moved swiftly, drawing up simplified instructions that even his less intellectually-focused transformations could follow.

Satisfied with his revisions, Grey Matter set down the pencil. "Piece of cake. Now, for the muscle." He tapped the miniature Ultimatrix dial on his chest.

In another burst of green light, his body expanded and transformed. Nanoseconds later, Grey Matter was replaced by Armodrillo, an armadillo-like humanoid with bulky, yellow-armored body, grey bolts with black markings on his shoulders, and jackhammer parts on his elbows, wrists, and hands. His head resembled a Greek Corinthian helmet with two long, grey ears protruding. The Ultimatrix dial now sat prominently in the center of his chest.

"Armodrillo Construction Inc, ready!" He picked up the new blueprint, which now looked ridiculously small in his large, mechanical hands. "Looks simple…I think," he chuckled, his voice deep and resonant. "Well, time to get my hands dirty, or well, my drills dirty," he remarked, glancing down at his powerful drill-like hands.

Without further ado, Armodrillo positioned himself where the main drainage pipe met the ground. He revved the drills at the end of his arms and began to burrow into the earth, sending soil and rock flying as he made quick work of the land, his body vibrating with the raw power of his machinery.

…

Seablossom's railroad station, primarily utilized for exporting its rich marine harvests and importing goods across Fiore, echoed with the rhythmic sound of freight trains interspersed with the cries of seagulls. A smaller train, less common at this predominantly cargo-oriented station, rolled to a stop, carrying only a few passengers. Among them was Kagura Mikazuchi.

Kagura stepped off the train onto the platform of the small, modest station. She was dressed distinctively in a purple kimono adorned with white wind blade-shaped accents, a bright pink ribbon cinching her waist into a bow, and a dark violet skirt that ended just above her knees. White stockings tucked into wooden sandals completed her outfit. A white headband with a vertically tied ribbon crowned her head, while a katana in a white, gold-trim sheath hung from her waist, subtly pulsating with an aura of power.

'This is the only town for many miles, so those miscreants should be stationed here… somewhere,' Kagura thought, scanning her surroundings with a keen eye.

Seablossom's architecture—a picturesque array of wooden shanties and salt-stained houses—was painted in a palette of pinks, blues, and whites that echoed the ocean's hues. Inhaling the salty air deeply and exhaling slowly, Kagura's expression turned solemn.

'This little town… it brings back memories…' Memories of her childhood spent with her parents and brother Simon in Rosemary momentarily clouded her thoughts. Shaking off the nostalgia, she refocused on her current mission.

As she walked through the town, Kagura noticed the curious stares from the townspeople. Dressed distinctly differently, she understood their curiosity but also sensed a hint of distrust in their gazes.

Observing the mud and erosion damaging the streets, where crews labored to fill gaping holes and residents stacked sandbags around their properties, it was clear the town was grappling with severe flooding.

Kagura then directed her attention toward the town's harbor. Lines of rugged docks stretched out into the sea, where rows of weather-worn boats bobbed gently on the waves. 'I should start there. Perhaps the fishermen have noticed something off,' she decided.

As she made her way toward the harbor, she could've sworn she felt a series of minor trembles in the ground.

She walked purposefully along the rugged docks, her eyes scanning the array of worn boats. As she approached a particularly sturdy-looking vessel marked "Andrea Gale," she noted the crew busily loading supplies, preparing for what looked like an imminent departure.

Finding the captain overseeing the operations, a burly man with a grizzled beard and a weathered face, Kagura cleared her throat to catch his attention. "Captain, may I have a moment?" she asked, her tone polite but firm.

The captain turned, his gaze appraising the woman before him. "What can I do for you, Miss...?"

"Kagura Mikazuchi," she introduced herself. "I'm a wizard from Mermaid Heel. And I'm here investigating potential activities that might involve dark guilds. Have you noticed anything unusual, perhaps related to such groups?"

The captain chuckled, a deep sound that seemed to rumble from his chest. "We don't get many wizards around these parts, lassie. Dark guilds will find nothing of value here outside of the fresh seafood."

"Are you certain?" Kagura pressed. "Has there been nothing out of the ordinary occurring?"

"Well, does Mother Nature having a twitch in her britches count?" the captain quipped.

"Pardon?" Kagura's brow furrowed, not catching his meaning.

A younger deckhand, overhearing the conversation, piped up from his work. "What Captain Thornley is referring to is all of the storms, ma'am."

"Ah, yes," Kagura nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "I've observed the flooding damage in town."

"It's more than that," the deckhand, a lean young man with sharp features and alert eyes, continued earnestly. "The storms have been outrageous this season. Just last week, we lost a couple of boats, and all their crew along with them."

"I am deeply sorry to hear that," Kagura responded, her voice tinged with genuine sorrow. "With such severe storms, why does it appear you are preparing to head out again?"

"We have to make a living, lassie," Captain Thornley interjected, a defiant spark in his eye. "We can't just run from danger. We live by the sea out here, not by magic."

Kagura nodded, respecting the resilience in his tone. "I see."

Thornley paused for a moment, then leaned in slightly as if sharing a confidential matter. "Although, I do find it a bit strange how Stroud's managed to upgrade his vessel despite the weather troubles plaguing the rest of us."

Before Kagura could inquire further, the younger deckhand added, "He's referring to a boat called Time Bandit. Stroud's their captain. They're out at sea right now."

Thornley snorted lightly, his voice carrying a hint of jest mixed with underlying tension. "I wouldn't be surprised if Stroud was dabbling in some dark magic to boost their catch."

The deckhand leaned closer to Kagura, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Don't mind him much. Captain's just a bit bitter since his younger son decided to join the Time Bandit crew instead."

Kagura absorbed this information, her mind racing with the possibilities. Could the unusual upgrades of the Time Bandit be connected to dark guild activities? Or was it merely local rivalry and bitterness speaking? Either way, the thread was worth pulling.

Suddenly, the entire structure trembled, causing nearby fishermen to grab onto anything stable. The sea beside the dock churned violently, and without any warning, a massive figure with yellow armor burst through the rocky lining of the coast, sending water and debris flying into the air.

"There." The figure—Armodrillo—clapped his metal hands together, a satisfied grin on his mechanical face. "That should be the last tunnel."

The sudden appearance of this giant, armored creature caused a wave of panic across the docks. Kagura instinctively took a defensive stance, ready to attack, until she noticed a familiar symbol glowing on the creature's chest.

"Ben?" she called out, her posture relaxing slightly. "Is that you?"

Armodrillo turned at the sound of his name, his own surprise evident. "Kagura?"

Before more could be said, Captain Thornley, already on edge from their earlier conversation, picked up a spear from his boat. With a fierce scowl, he aimed it at Armodrillo, his intentions clear. "Damn monster! Stay out of our town!"

Kagura quickly stepped in. "Wait! He isn't a threat," she insisted, her eyes firmly on the captain.

"Is he now? Look what he did!" Thornley gestured broadly at the docks, where Armodrillo's emergence had dislodged several planks and destabilized part of the structure.

Armodrillo, following Thornley's gesture, turned to survey the damage. His expression faltered behind his helmet as he realized the extent of the disruption his drilling had inadvertently caused. "Uh, s-sorry. I'll fix that!" he stammered, the robust confidence in his voice giving way to embarrassment.

Thornley shook his head, his expression a mix of anger and resignation, as he turned back toward his boat. "Damn wizards. They just don't care..." he muttered under his breath, dismissing the armored giant with a wave of his hand as he walked away, his frustration palpable in every step.

Kagura watched the captain retreat, then turned back to Armodrillo. "Looks like you've made quite an entrance, Ben," she remarked dryly.

"Yeah, not exactly how I planned it," Armodrillo said with a hint of regret in his voice. He glanced down at the damaged dock, then back at Kagura. "Just give me a moment to fix this."

Kagura nodded, and Armodrillo plunged into the water. With deliberate and precise movements, he began to realign the dislodged planks and stabilize the dock's foundation. As he worked, he carefully avoided causing any further damage. Internally, though, he couldn't help but notice the age and decrepitude of the docks. Even before the accident, the structures were evidently on the brink of collapse, and likely would have succumbed soon regardless of his intervention.

After completing the repairs, Armodrillo climbed out of the water and made his way up the rocky bank to where Kagura waited. Tapping the Ultimatrix on his chest, he transformed back into his human form in a flash of brilliant green light.

"Good to see you again, Kagura," Ben greeted her with a warm smile.

A slight smile softened Kagura's usually stern expression. "Likewise." They took a seat on a bench overlooking the newly repaired dock.

"Quite the coincidence running into you here," Ben remarked.

"I could say the same." Kagura replied.

"Fair. What brings you here?" He asked, genuinely interested.

"I'm investigating potential dark wizard activity."

"Really?" Ben cocked a brow. "Around here?"

Kagura nodded, elaborating, "There's suspicion of black market dealings happening in this area. A group of knights have commissioned me to investigate the matter." She directed her gaze to the harbor. "I was hoping those fishermen could possibly shed some insight."

"How'd that go?" He asked, intrigued.

"Well, before I was interrupted," Kagura mildly glared at Ben, making him a bit sheepish, "I found one thread I believe is worth pulling, but it'll have to wait. I'm curious, what brings you to Seablossom?"

"I took a job to help improve the town's drainage system, to prevent any more flooding," Ben explained.

"I wouldn't have pegged you for someone to take such a mundane request," she commented.

"Why not? If I see people in trouble, I have to help," Ben responded simply, his tone earnest.

Kagura's thoughts briefly flickered to the events in Freesia and how Ben had helped her then. She looked away, a small smile playing on her lips. "You've certainly made a name for yourself since Freesia."

"Yeah, well," Ben rubbed his knuckles on his chest proudly, "it was bound to happen sooner or later."

Kagura chose to overlook his slightly cocky response. "And you've joined the mighty Fairy Tail guild," she noted, a trace of curiosity in her tone. "Have you met Titania?"

"I have. She and I are actually friends now," Ben said, unable to hide a hint of pride. "Jealous?"

Kagura maintained her composure, looking away with a hint of amusement. "Not in the slightest."

"I think you two would get along well. Heck, I could even see you training together," Ben suggested. "Maybe you should stop by Magnolia sometime?"

Kagura considered the invitation briefly until the atmosphere shifted abruptly. The wind picked up, ushering in a menacing wall of dark clouds from the sea. Within moments, the calm was replaced by a roaring wind, and rain began to pour, pelting the dock and its surroundings with heavy drops.

"Where the heck did this come from?" Ben shouted.

From the deck of the Andrea Gale, Captain Thornley's voice carried over the storm, ripe with frustration. "Bloody hell, not another storm!" he cursed, securing gear and barking orders to his crew to batten down.

Kagura, noticing the rapidly deteriorating conditions, stood abruptly. "Ben, we need to find shelter," she urged, her voice barely audible over the howling wind.

Ben, however, was fixated on the chaos unfolding at the harbor. He saw the waves growing larger, violently tossing the boats as if they were mere toys. 'No way that dock can withstand this storm.'

An idea sparked in his mind. "Just a second, Kagura!" he shouted back over the noise, already sprinting towards the edge of the dock.

Kagura called after him, her voice laced with concern, "Ben, wait! It's too dangerous!"

But Ben, determined and focused, reached the end of the dock and stared out at the turbulent ocean. He was acutely aware that the aging infrastructure could not endure much more punishment. Knowing time was of the essence, he quickly activated the Ultimatrix on his wrist, scrolling through the holograms until he found the desired form. With a firm press, he transformed.

In a brilliant flash of green light, Ben's human form morphed into a robust humanoid creature made of rock and crystal. His lower body and torso were composed of indigo rock, while his bulky arms and face shimmered with crystal, and six crystal shards jutted from his back with two shorter ones on the front of his chest. The Ultimatrix dial glowed prominently on his chest.

"Diamondhead!" he announced in a deep, resonant voice that echoed with a glassy timbre.

Shielding her face from the driving rain, Kagura watched the transformation with a mix of shock and curiosity. What powers did this Take-Over possess?

Without hesitation, Diamondhead drew a deep breath, unnecessary yet instinctive, and focused his energy. He thrust his arms towards the sea, and giant crystals surged from the seabed, rapidly growing and interlocking to create a formidable wall around the harbor.

The crystalline barrier rose majestically, effectively dampening the ferocity of the incoming waves and significantly reducing the impact against the fragile docks.

"There!" Diamondhead turned to Kagura, who had followed him despite her initial doubts, and shouted over the roar of the storm, "That should protect the town!"

Kagura, her expression a blend of admiration and concern, replied, "You always have to be the hero, don't you?" Her tone was half teasing, half serious.

Diamondhead's crystalline face split into a slight smile. "Someone's gotta do it."

"Lower that wall!" The pair turned to see Captain Thornley charging towards them, his face red with urgency.

"Hey, you're the guy from the courtyard." Diamondhead recognized.

"Did you not hear me, creature? Lower that blasted wall now!" The grizzled fisherman yelled, his voice hoarse with desperation.

"But the wall's protecting the harbor, your boats," Diamondhead argued, his tone firm yet calm.

Thornley, however, was in no mood for explanations. "I need to head out—my son's out there," he shouted, pointing out to sea, where the storm churned violently.

Just then, Thornley's younger deckhand intervened, grabbing the captain's arm in an attempt to pull him back. "Captain, there's no way we can navigate through this storm, even if he did lower the wall!" he pleaded. "The sea, she is too violent!"

Overwhelmed, Captain Thornley's knees buckled, and he fell to the ground, a mix of despair and fear etching his features. "I've already lost friends to these damn storms this year. I can't—I can't lose my son too," he choked out, his voice breaking with emotion.

Hearing this, Diamondhead's resolve hardened. "How far out is he?"

"Almost twenty miles. Give or take. Why?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Diamondhead turned to Kagura. "Get everyone to shelter, Kagura," he instructed firmly.

Kagura opened her mouth, but Diamondhead was already in motion. He tapped the Ultimatrix, transforming in a burst of light into Jetray. With the grace and speed of his aerodynamic form, he launched into the air and flew directly into the storm.

…

The Time Bandit, a slick, metal forty-foot-long steamboat, was grappling with the fury of the storm, its deck awash with rain and seawater as it heaved and rolled under the onslaught of massive waves. Amidst the chaos, one crew member struggled to maintain his balance, gripping anything within reach as another violent surge rocked the boat.

Jack Thornley, a strapping young man in his mid-twenties with broad shoulders and muscular arms, battled against the storm's wrath. His weathered, tanned skin and damp, unkempt sandy-blonde hair spoke of countless days at sea, and his piercing green eyes were alight with determination. Clad in a life jacket over a waterproof jacket over a faded blue sweater, sturdy jeans, and boots designed to withstand the harsh marine environment, he made his way to the bridge.

Bursting through the door, Jack found Captain Nolan Stroud at the helm, fighting to steer through the tempest. "Captain! We're taking on too much water below deck! We need to dump the cargo now!" he yelled, his voice barely cutting through the howling wind.

Captain Stroud, a lean and fit man in his mid-thirties with a wiry stature, clung tightly to the wheel. His sharp, angular features were set in a determined frown, his intense dark eyes focused on navigating the storm. His dark hair was slicked back under his captain's hat, and his sturdy peacoat flapped against the fierce wind.

"No!" he shot back firmly. "That cargo's worth a fortune. We can ride this out!"

"But the other boats couldn't," Jack argued, frustration and fear mingling in his expression as he glanced toward the perilous horizon. "This isn't worth our lives! If we dump it, we might stand a chance!"

Captain Stroud let out a derisive snort. "You know better than that, Thornley. Facing danger like this is part of the game!" His voice, though strained, carried stubborn conviction.

Before Jack could retort, a monstrous wall of water emerged from the darkness ahead. Both men paled at the sight, immediately recognizing the deadly threat.

"Rogue wave..." Jack murmured. He had heard tales of such maritime monsters, but never had he witnessed one himself. Most sailors who encountered a rogue wave didn't live to tell the tale.

Growling, Captain Stroud clenched his jaw in defiance and slammed the throttle to full. "I'm not going down without a fight! Hang onto something, Thornley! Pray to your gods!"

With the throttle pushed to its limits and smoke pumping out of its stack, the Time Bandit surged forward as the colossal wave loomed even larger, lifting the vessel skyward.

Jack stumbled back to the door, gripping anything he could to maintain his balance. His eyes were wide with a mix of awe and terror as he thought to himself, 'This is it… This is how we die.'

"Come on, baby! Come on! Get over this wave!" Captain Stroud bellowed, urging the boat onward with a mix of desperation and determination.

The vessel continued its perilous ascent up the rogue wave, tilting until it was nearly vertical. For a heart-stopping moment, it seemed to hang suspended. Then, gravity mercilessly pulled the boat backwards. The Time Bandit capsized, swallowed whole by the wave as it crashed down, completely overwhelmed by the mighty force of the ocean.

Meanwhile, Jetray was cutting through the stormy skies above the ocean, his keen green eyes piercing through the rain and mist. Unperturbed by the harsh weather, he moved at supersonic speeds, swiftly covering vast stretches of the turbulent sea. Despite his extensive search, he had yet to spot any boats.

Pushing aside the gnawing fear that the boat he sought might already be lost, Jetray continued his vigilant search. Suddenly, a flicker of light caught his attention. 'Wait! Is that a light?' Focusing sharply, he spotted the distant glow of a boat.

Then he saw it—the massive wave looming menacingly over the small vessel.

Without a moment's hesitation, Jetray dove toward the boat, slicing through the air and plunging into the water with incredible velocity.

The Time Bandit was barely discernible, its form obscured by the churning waters. Jetray surged forward, cutting through the currents with his streamlined aquatic form. As he drew close, the boat groaned under the strain, overwhelmed by the colossal wave.

From above the water, only Jetray's bright emerald flash could be seen. The last visible part of the Time Bandit was its stern, disappearing beneath the storm-swept sea.

…

As the storm began to relent over Seablossom, its initial fury diminishing, Kagura led a group of townspeople from the vulnerable harbor area further uphill into town. They found refuge in a local pub, where many others had already gathered, seeking shelter from the relentless weather.

Inside, the atmosphere was tense but grateful as the citizens huddled together, discussing the storm and the potential damage it could bring. One townsman, looking out the window, noted with surprise, "There's far less water flooding the streets than usual."

Kagura, overhearing this, realized the significance of the observation. "That's probably because of Ben," she interjected, drawing the attention of the room.

"And who's he?" A grizzly man asked.

From a table near the back, Mayor Gale stood up and explained, "A Fairy Tail wizard. I commissioned him to repair the drainage tunnels." He paused to look around the pub. "I don't see him anywhere though…"

"He's out at sea." Kagura said. "He's looking for the fishing boat that's caught in the storm."

At the bar, Captain Thornley, his expression fraught with worry, approached Kagura. "Lassie, that friend of yours, do you think he can save the crew of the Time Bandit?" he asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

Several fishermen nearby, weathered by too many losses at sea, shook their heads skeptically. "Don't set your hopes too high, Thornley," one grizzled veteran cautioned with a weary tone. "We've seen what these storms can do. Not many boats make it back after being caught in the sea's fury."

One of them leaned over to his companion, whispering skeptically, "And if it's a Fairy Tail wizard out there trying to save them, I wouldn't hold out much hope."

"Looks like we'll be adding more names to the monument soon," another added somberly, casting a resigned glance towards the door as if expecting bad news at any moment.

Kagura met Thornley's gaze firmly. "I haven't known Ben for long, but one thing's clear: he doesn't turn his back on those in need," she reassured him, her confidence in Ben's capabilities evident. "If there's anyone who can save your son and his crewmates, it's him." She genuinely stated.

Just then, the door to the pub swung open with a bang, drawing a startled glance from everyone inside. A fisherman, soaked to the bone and breathless, stood at the threshold. "Come to the docks! You need to see this!" he exclaimed, urgency in his voice.

…

As the remnants of the storm began to disperse, Kagura, Captain Thornley, and a crowd of townspeople converged near the docks. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation and anxiety. Suddenly, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd as an unbelievable sight emerged against the backdrop of parting dark clouds and a peeking sun. There, suspended dramatically in the air, was the Time Bandit, as if held by invisible hands.

Beneath the vessel floated an unusual humanoid figure. The creature, known as Lodestar, stood six feet tall with a striking yellow and black skin that resembled armor. It possessed two crab-like claws for hands and broad shoulders that arched over its head, creating a distinctive silhouette. The head itself was skull-shaped, topped with a yellow crest that mimicked an eyebrow, and seemed to hover between the arch of its shoulders. Centered on its chest was the glowing Ultimatrix dial.

Using his powerful magnetic abilities, Lodestar effortlessly manipulated the forces around him, levitating both himself and the Time Bandit with an eerie grace.

The town was stunned into silence, their shock palpable. Kagura's face broke into a proud smile, while Captain Thornley watched with wide, hopeful eyes.

With careful precision, Lodestar gently lowered the boat onto an empty stretch of ground near the harbor. As the boat touched down, Jack Thornley, Captain Stroud, and several fishermen clambered out, visibly shaken but unharmed.

The moment Jack's feet hit solid ground, Captain Thornley couldn't contain himself. He rushed forward, enveloping his son in a tight embrace, relief flooding his features.

In an emerald flash, as Lodestar transformed back into his human form, Kagura approached Ben, her smile broadening. "I should have known you'd manage to save them," she remarked, her tone laced with admiration and slight amusement.

Ben rubbed the back of his neck, his smile sheepish. "It was close. Found them just seconds before they went under," he admitted.

Stepping away from his emotional reunion, Captain Thornley approached Ben and extended his hand, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, lad. I can't tell you how grateful I am."

"I'm just happy I could help," Ben replied, shaking his hand firmly.

"What's your name?" Thornley asked, his voice carrying a newfound respect.

"It's Ben. Ben Tennyson," Ben introduced himself proudly.

Captain Thornley turned to address the gathered crowd, his voice booming. "I know we all have our misgivings with wizards, and rightfully so, but this young lad not only saved our town from flooding but spared us from adding more names to the Mariner Sundial. If anyone deserves a hero's welcome, it's him! Ben Tennyson! Of Fairy Tail!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping and whistling in support of the young hero. Ben, basking in the unexpected praise, stepped forward, flashing peace signs with a broad grin.

Kagura watched the scene, her smile tender and amused. She sighed softly, her eyes twinkling with pride and a touch of amusement at Ben's unabashed enjoyment of the moment.

…

Later as the sun set and the storm clouds passed over, the festive spirit of Seablossom had enveloped the town, its streets alive with the melodies of sea shanties and the rhythmic stomp of dancing feet. Tables were arrayed along the roads, groaning under the weight of fresh seafood and other local delicacies.

Despite the merriment, Kagura sat alone on the outskirts of the celebration, her eyes scanning the crowd not just for enjoyment but for any sign of suspicious activity.

Ben approached her, a relaxed smile on his face, and took a seat beside her on the bench. "Hey, there," he greeted cheerily.

Kagura glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Where have you been?" she inquired, her tone casual but curious.

"Just talking with Mayor Gale," Ben replied. "He gave me the reward, and an additional bonus for saving those fishermen."

She nodded, her expression approving. "Well deserved," she remarked.

"Thanks," Ben said, then hesitated a moment before adding, "He suggested I stick around for the celebration and can leave tomorrow. But... I have this feeling that I shouldn't leave just yet. There might be more to these storms than natural causes." He looked at her intently. "Would you mind if I joined your investigation? I dunno, maybe the case you're investigating is related?"

Kagura shifted her gaze away, feigning indifference. "I can't control your actions," she responded, a nonchalant shrug accompanying her words.

Ben smirked, looking through her feigned nonchalant demeanor. 'She's so obvious.'

His eyes then fell on the headband adorning Kagura's hair. He chuckled softly. "Glad to see you liked my gift," he gestured towards it.

She looked away, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Well, it does fit my style," she admitted quietly.

Noticing her katana, Ben pointed to it. "That's new, isn't it?"

Kagura lifted the blade slightly, pride evident in her posture. "This is Archenemy. A very powerful blade. I purchased it with the funds you gave me back in Freesia."

"Looks incredible," Ben commented, genuinely impressed.

Kagura nodded. "It is, though it is difficult to control. I admit it is challenging…"

Ben looked thoughtful. "You know, Erza could probably help you train with it."

Kagura smiled slightly. "While that does sound tempting, I'd prefer to grow stronger on my own."

"If you say so," Ben observed her for a moment, then noted her aloofness from the festivities. "Why aren't you joining in the celebration?"

Kagura glanced at the dancing townsfolk. "Dancing and singing aren't really my style," she stated simply.

"That so?" Unconvinced, Ben stood and offered her his hand with a persuasive smile. "Well, why don't we give it a try anyway? It'll be fun, and I'll be right there with you."

Kagura looked between him and his hand, briefly hesitating before taking it. With a gentle pull, Ben helped her to her feet, leaving her sword behind on the bench. Together, they joined a group of townspeople dancing to a lively sea shanty. Kagura initially moved stiffly, but under Ben's encouraging guidance, she soon found her rhythm.

As the night progressed, the music continued, and more drinks were shared, both Kagura and Ben loosened up considerably. The initial awkwardness faded, and soon Kagura was laughing freely, her earlier reservations forgotten.

Surprisingly, she became unexpectedly clingy, her arm looped through Ben's as they swayed to the music, both of them inebriated. Under the starlit sky, with the sounds of the ocean blending with music, Kagura's joyful laughter mingled with Ben's.

…

Meanwhile, as the town of Seablossom celebrated, a shadowy figure lingered on the outskirts of the merriment. His gaze was fixed on the Time Bandit, which lay beached awkwardly on its keel in the street. With a cautious glance around to ensure no one was watching, the man slipped away from the celebration and approached the boat. He clambered onto the deck, his movements hindered by the vessel's tilted angle, making the ascent more challenging than usual. Once aboard, he disappeared below deck, heading straight for the cargo hold.

The dim light of the hold revealed rows of what should have been containers of fish, but instead, there was just a single, large wooden crate situated in the center of the room. The man quickly made his way to it, his hands deftly undoing the latches with practiced ease. With a gentle creek, he lifted the lid and peered inside.

"Good. Still in one piece," he muttered under his breath, his eyes reflecting a mix of relief and satisfaction. Nestled within the straw acting as protective packing was a greenish-blue egg, roughly ten-feet in length, its surface shimmering slightly in the low light.

Closing the lid carefully, he secured the latches once again and murmured, "Thank the gods for that Fairy Tail wizard. Now I won't miss payday." With one last glance around to ensure privacy, he slipped out of the hold and back onto the deck, disappearing into the night.

Meanwhile, just off the coast of Seablossom, the calm sea surface was broken by the emergence of a large creature. Its massive head surfaced, nostrils flaring as it took in the scent of the air. Its eyes, a deep and menacing red, scanned the shoreline and the town beyond with a palpable intensity. After a moment, the creature growled deeply, a sound that resonated through the still evening air, before it silently sank back into the depths of the ocean, leaving behind only ripples to mark its presence.

…

A/N: Apologies for the delayed update! Truly, I am. I was dedicating time to writing "The Man Out of Time" and also taking a temporary hiatus. I also had to go back and rewrite this chapter several times until I arrived at something I was satisfied with.

Initially, I planned for Ben's solo mission to be one chapter, but decided it was best to split it into two parts, especially since I brought in Kagura. Given the location of Seablossom, I originally thought Juvia would be a better choice to use, but considering the Phantom Lord arc is next, I figured giving Kagura another chance to shine and develop her character was appropriate before we switch focus to everyone's favorite rainwoman.

For the record, I'm using the Alien Force/Ultimate Alien designs for Jetray, Grey Matter, and Diamondhead while using the Omniverse designs for Armodrillo and Lodestar.

The next chapter will be more action-packed and will feature appropriately mature-marked scenes. I'm planning to have it out within two-to-three weeks.

Please leave any comments or critique in the review box. Until next time!