Wings & Mages (Version 2)

Chapter 4: Earlier that Time

Recap:

Immediately, Juvia left and sneaked through the crowd. She made it through the barriers and went in the guarded premises without being noticed by the police, the crowd, and the reporter.

When her path was cleared, Juvia sighed and continued walking slowly to the unguarded area of the museum and concealed herself behind one of the life sized artwork hidden in the darkness.

She glinted her eyes as she patiently waited for the arrival of the phantom thief. She whispered to herself in utmost confidence, "I'll finally capture you, Dark..."

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"So... Daisuke, are you ready for this?" asked Dark as he soar into the early night sky.

"Of course!" Daisuke jubilantly agreed.

The Museum of Ragua was only half an hour away by flight, and since the wind wasn't strong, they could make it earlier than anticipated.

While still in the air, Daisuke asked, "Why do we have to be this early?" His curiosity was killing him because being early is very rare to him.

"I just feel like the guards won't be prepared when I come early," Dark replied nonchalantly. He was looking forward to this event, trying a new strategy to where he could get away easier even if getting away is always easy to him.

"But according to the warning letter you and mom sent out, you'll be stealing the painting at 8," Daisuke nearly complained and exclaimed, "and it is only 7:30!"

"Relax, Daisuke," Dark tried to cheer him up, "It is always best to be punctual."

"And what does that supposed to mean?!" Daisuke retorted, "It isn't like I wanted to oversleep and wake up late just because I have to uphold your reputation!"

Daisuke was right. He has the worst record for the last students because he lives an extraordinary life, which he never asked for and turned out as a burden to him. Daisuke really wanted to live his teenage years as an ordinary schooler. But between him and Satoshi Hiwatari, his classmate, he was luckier. Satoshi carries a burden heavier than Daisuke that could probably cost him his life if left uncontrolled.

"It isn't really that bad," Dark laughed, "besides, I get to enjoy what I'm doing."

"You do, but I don't..." Daisuke said with a pout. He's not looking forward to enjoying this heist, just like so many others. To him, he just wanted to go home and paint, but to give way to his alter-ego, he spares time for him to steal.

"Come on, Daisuke! You can't be like that forever."

"Well... I was hoping that you'd give me more time to rest... even just for today," said Daisuke in a very low and quiet voice as he reminisced what happened earlier that day.

Dark just laughed again.

- FLASHBACK –

The bell finally rang and it was dismissal.

"Okay, class dismiss," said the teacher in her normal, all day long, cheerful manner.

"Yehey!"

Everyone was cheering up, while the rest where stretching their limbs out. School sessions are always heavy, considering that they hols students for more or less eight hours. Besides, not all subjects are exciting. Not everyone goes to school for the main purpose of learning. Some just attend classes for socializing and interacting, which turns out positive as well.