God of War: The Descendant, 19th Chapter

God of War: The Descendant


19th Chapter: Symfoníes

The end of the week signified that it was time for the Council to pay a visit to the guild. With its usual representatives, namely, the captain and his platoon, the guild master silently prayed that they would only do business that was solely assigned.

       At this time of the day, Adia was already out in the town scanning the area. But since the old man told her to stay put for once, just at the end of each week, she smoothly obliged. Besides, her pursuit was almost over. There was only one area left to explore before she was done with her hunt through Magnolia.

       At a corner table at the far end of the room, the brunette sat alone, waiting patiently for the council members. She hoped that now, maybe they would give her sword back. For days, she hadn't had any training in swordsmanship, and she didn’t want to be out of practice. And it’s not like the old man would allow her to carry a weapon, either.

       Guild members swarmed about and it was a total ruckus. Some had already grown accustomed to the new girl’s presence, and her not talking, but many was still having a hard time adjusting. And those were the ones who were willing to make her talk.

       Through the corner of her eye, Adia noticed the same group making their way towards her. With a sigh, she did the same—after they gathered around her, she spared them an unfazed glance, and then looked away. Normally, she’d already left for her run, but this time all she could do was ignore them and hope they would leave her alone.

       But the team was determined to have their way. They believe that no one was entitled to be alone, and even though the new girl was regularly rejecting them, they remained insistent.

       The group took their seats and the brunette gave them her usual bored look. “Hn.” With an indignant grunt, she turned her head sideways and stared out the stained glass window, blatantly refusing to acknowledge their presence.

       The pink-haired boy was the first to speak. “Now you can’t get away!” The blonde beside him hit him in the shoulder, “What was that for?”

       Lucy crossed her arms and looked apologetically at the new girl. “Sorry about that. What he really meant was that now that you’re here, we can finally talk to you! Even though you were just imposed to stay..”

       Once again, they did not receive any response, but they were stubbornly unshakeable. The blonde decided to speak again. “So, Master told us that we should behave every end of the week, he said that the Council will visit at those times. Don't you think that's a little bit weird?”

       What she said made the brunette turn her attention to her. “Makarov didn't tell you?”

       An inner smile formed on Lucy’s face but she didn't let it show. Instead, she stared with a confused look. “Tell us what?” She honestly didn’t know. But she was glad she finally earned an answer.

       Adia saw the blonde’s eyes light up with sudden enthusiasm, but dismissed it. The old man didn’t tell them the reason? She chuckled. Maybe they also didn’t know why she’d been captured in the first place. She decided to confirm it. “You,” She directed her gaze at the woman opposite her. “You’re part of that squad that captured me. Do you know any reason why the council was in pursuit of me?”

       Erza’s eyes narrowed. She didn’t answer. It was clear from her face that she was deep in thought. Should she tell her? Her own battle with her thoughts was interrupted by another chuckle.

       “I guess he didn't tell you.” Came the brunette’s cold, mocking voice. “No wonder you’re not afraid.”

       “Afraid of what?” Lucy asked innocently. “And why did the council want you?”

       Though the group couldn’t see it, there was a twinge of sadness in Adia’s eyes. She remained silent and just continued to stare blankly out the window. From where she sat, she could see the familiar division leader a short distance in front of the guild. She ‘tched’ and stood up. Might as well greet them before they come looking for her.

       The group watched as the new girl went to the door. They eyed her every movement. They were confused. And the previously unanswered question started to resurface in their minds. Why was she arrested? Of course, they knew now that it wasn’t because she was a person to be protected. In short, the question now was: What was the crime she had committed?


“It's been a while, Adrestia.”

       Silence was the girl’s reply as she stared cooly at the man who was in charge of keeping an eye on her. Makarov walked beside her and offered a courteous smile.

       “Welcome back to Fairy Tail.” He laughed, “Remember, you're only here to check Adia out.”

       “Adia?” Lahar mockingly chuckled. He looked at the brunette and then back at the old man. “That was the nickname you gave her?”

       Makarov ignored his disrespect and retained his smile. “Why, yes. Is there a problem?”

       The laughter abruptly stopped. A sly smirk grew on Adia’s face as she saw the man tense. He regained his composure, forced a smile, and donned a mask of obedience. “We’re here to make sure you're abiding by the agreement. Because if you’re not, then yes, there would be a problem.”

       The old man flashed a triumphant smirk but kept his face calm. “I assure you, there wouldn't be a problem. Adia had been staying since she came and had never participated in any job offered.”

       “The words you speak could be lies, Lord Tenth.” Lahar meekly bowed. “I hope you don’t mind if me and my knights come in and check some logs?”

       “Go ahead.” Makarov gave his consent and watched the knights march into the guild. Once out of earshot, he nervously bit his nails and cried. “I hope those brats do not get into any trouble.. If they do, I’d have to write another apology letter and out comes my savings..”

       Another silence hung as the brunette let the old man sulk. She stared off into the guild. No wonder they were surprisingly friendly to her, they didn’t know her fault. Undoubtedly, if they figured that out, they'd avoid her. But who cared if that happened? She doesn't care what they think about her. As long as they all left her alone, then she could get on with what was left of her life.

       “Child, something seems to be bothering you.”

       Adia’s reverie broke and her gaze whipped to Makarov. She thought the only group that was clueless of her wrongdoing was that from Sabertooth. She remembered them acting wildly when she was taken away. But it turned out Fairy Tail was unaware too. Maybe there was a decree? But if so, then who were the only ones allowed to know?

       “Makarov, those people you call ‘family’,” She started, “They’re all clueless, oblivious.”

       As if he already expected, the old man nodded and forthrightly answered in the affirmative. “Yes, and so are the other guilds.”

       So it was an official order. “Why?”

       “I believe this isn't the right time to speak on the matter,” Makarov disregarded and right after that, the pink-haired dragonslayer came running out the door along with some knights. “Natsu?”

       The knights threw the boy towards the pair then went back inside. “Hey, you can't do that!” Natsu protested while raising his fists in a gesture of refusal.

       “Why are you outside child?”

       “That guy with the glasses kicked me out.” Natsu plainly said. Makarov’s expression dropped and paled.

       “What did you do?”

       “I punched him because he won’t tell me the truth.”

       Each word seemed to pierce the old man through and through. He just punched a division leader.. He was proud of him, but now he had to write an apology letter. Again. And make an appearance in the council. Again.

       “The truth?”

       The two men looked at the brunette who suddenly spoke. Natsu had his eyes wide open, this was the first utterance that had left the girl’s mouth in response to him. Well, excluding that time they fought. After that, she hadn't really spoken to anyone.

       “I asked him why he was here, and he said it's none of my business.” The dragonslayer explained, amusement in his voice on the last sentence, “And so I punched him, then got dragged out.”

       “Why they’re here?” Adia’s voice raised, challenging, as she directed her gaze to Makarov who had his eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought.

       “Yeah, you have any idea?” The boy threw back and a blank stare was all he got in return. He let out a big sigh. Just when he thought she was finally opening up..

       Just then, the guild’s front door opened. Standing there, in their usual uniform, were the knights of Fiore and their captain. They began to make their way back where the previous pair had been. The knights stopped dead in their tracks four or five feet away, while the leader continued to draw near.

       “It seems that the records are clear, and so far, Fairy Tail’s abiding by the rules.” Lahar declared then gave a sideways glance at Natsu. “However, I also saw that you still have some unpaid items and unpaid damages. When do you intend to pay them?”

       “As soon as possible, just give us some time.” Makarov opened his eyes then gave a smug smile. Though incoherent, the dragonslayer heard perfectly, “Fairy Tail will never follow your rules,”

       “Well then, I have something important to say,” The captain’s words lingered as he took a quick glance at the boy, then back at the old man. Natsu seemed to understand, because he retaliated.

       “Hey! You can say it in front of me!” He shouted, “Right, old man?” He had a hopeful expression until he saw the pointed look his master gave him.

       “I apologize, child. But what he has to say is only between the three of us.”

       Being the stubborn boy that he was, Natsu did not accept Makarov’s dismissal. He started whining and complaining, saying it was so unfair, so the master spoke seriously to him.

       “Child, please understand. You'll find out if it's ever the right time.” Makarov patted his shoulder. Slowly, the boy calmed down. And nodded his head. He trudged back to the guild, looking all glum. The old man felt sorry for him, but knew he would understand.

       Staring after the boy, Lahar became discreet. “I'm not sure if dragonslayers could hear this far, but, to be sure, let's go to our temporary headquarters just here in Magnolia.”

       The old man nodded in understanding, not saying anything more. The brunette followed behind and as they were heading out, Adia grunted.

       “You've only thought about that now? You're more stupid than I thought.”


The group stopped at a small building that didn't seem different from the usual houses in town. It looked like a typical house at first sight. But if someone had looked on the inside, it was totally different.

       The interior was like a conference room. In the center of the room stood a large table with a few chairs around it. It was spacious as it was able to fit the group comprising at least 20 knights, and two mages.

       The leader took his seat behind the table while the two mages came and sat opposite him. The knights formed a circle around the room, with their staffs readied for some sort of attack.

       “Now what are you going to say?” The old man questioned straight forward in slight impatience, “I need to come back quickly, I’m starting to worry that the building will be down in ashes.”

       Lahar straightened himself, nodded his head. “The members of the Council are still deciding when they can allow Adrestia to go on missions offered in the guild. She is still not allowed to participate, however, they’ve already allowed her take on some underhanded work.”

       Adia sent a steely glance. “Hn, I bet those missions are provided by that covetous saint. What are they about?” She crossed her arms, “My participation in these missions is dependent on the mission's objective.”

       The man’s eyebrows knitted in disapproval. “You can’t refuse. It's part of the ‘deal’.”

       “Yes, I can.” The brunette’s eyes darkened and her smirk was firmly in place. “I didn’t say I would refuse. What I said was I would only participate if the objectives are on my terms.”

       “On your terms?”

       “Since the council spared my life, I'll tell you my one and only condition.” Her voice was condescending. “You will be sure to tell those saints so they’d stop expecting.”

       “And what is that?” Lahar demanded. “You're pushing your luck,”

       “It’s simple,” said Adia. “If the mission involved murder, I won’t participate.”

       A smile of pure derision broke into Lahar’s face. “Hmph, why is that? Don’t tell me you’ve grown a conscience. After you've killed so many people, people that had lives.. Don't feign innocence with me.”

       The brunette copied his line. “Don’t push your luck.”

       The leader felt his anger slowly rising to a boil inside. Everytime the girl spoke to him, he had the same reaction. But now he knew better than to argue with someone like her. His demeanor was surprisingly calm as he replied,

       “As you wish, I shall tell the saints your condition.” Much as he wanted to wipe that triumphant smirk off the girl’s face, he restrained himself. “That’s all I needed to tell you.”

       Sitting quietly behind the scene, Makarov was aware of the tension. The moment the young man had addressed the topic of conscience, he took note of Adia’s slight change in personality.  He decided to prevent anything untoward from happening, so he finally nodded.

       “Can we start heading back now?” He inquired, with his meek smile, “It is getting quite dark..”

       Lahar paused a moment before complying. “Yes, you can.”

       The old man stood up slowly and the girl mimicked his actions. While standing at the door, the brunette turned.

       “I want my equipment returned to me.”

       “You’ll get it either at the day of your first underhand mission or by the end of next week. We’re still not done inspecting them, especially your sword.”

       Adia clicked her tongue and moved accordingly. Rune knights ushered her outside and immediately after, closed the door. She felt someone staring at her and looked down to see the old man studying her.

       “What?”

       “Earlier, you visibly tensed. Why?”

       “None of your business.” With that, she disappeared into the night, an irritated scowl on her face.