At War With Love

Part 3

"What's the fuss about?" Zeref comes in with Erza closely behind.

"Team Aventurine, Howlite, Larimar, Tanzanite, and Tourmaline didn't make it. They're all gone."

The two other adults in the room stood there in shock.

"None of them made it?" Erza questions "But there were five teams!"

"Yes, but we should still send out a team to make sure and check out the area." States Natsu.

"But we only have six teams left! We can't spare any of them."

"I agree with Erza, we can't afford to lose a single soldier."

"Yes, I understand that but..." Natsu pulls out a map from one of his desk drawers and laid it out on the wooden surface. "I've been tracking where our ships are disappearing and where they come back. This previous fleet disappeared in the area that is normally tame. I think we should send out a team or two and tell them to capture a mermaid, but to not attack."

Erza and Zeref look at each other "That...sounds smart, actually." Zeref states.

"Yeah...not half bad." Erza agrees.

"Gee, thanks. Anyway, any idea as to which team we should send out?"

"How about Team Zircon? Zinan has been practically begging me to send him out." Erza suggests.

"Shina is still in labor and Arakan is there taking care of her." Zeref states "We should send out Team Bloodstone, Wakumi could teleport to a mermaid, trap it, and go back to the ship in a matter of seconds. Plus, Eritity could test out that forcefield spell while they're out there."

"That's a great idea Zeref but, they should probably leave a member or two behind in case the mermaids attack, we might need them." Natsu says.

"They can leave Yato and Kashi behind. They could use Wakumi to get the mermaid, Eritity could try out the forcefield and if it doesn't work, Yoko could be there to help her fight off the mermaids." Erza suggests.

"Yes, that's perfect. But, I feel like Zeref should go with them, to direct them and observe their mission." Natsu compliments, adding a suggestion in.

"I agree." Zeref remarks.

"It's settled then." Erza says.

"Coco!" The pink-haired male calls.

The little girl comes running in. "Yes, sir?"

"Bring Wakumi, Eritity, And Yoko into my office and escort Zeref and Erza back to their stations please."

"Oh, please Natsu. We can go back ourselves. Come on, Zeref." Erza claims walking out with Zeref trailing behind her.

"I'll be right back sir." Coco bows and runs out.

<><><>A Few Minutes Later<><><>

"What do you need, Sir?" Eritity asks coming into the office with Wakumi and Yoko close behind.

"We're sending you three out on a mission. I need you to capture a mermaid, but don't attack. Do not provoke them. Just use Wakumi's teleportation. And Eritity, try out that new force field spell while you're out there. Yoko, you're there for backup and in case things get a little violent. But let's try to not let it get there. You'll be leaving in an hour or two. Sir Zeref will be accompanying you." Natsu states.

The three nodded and bowed. "Understood, sir." Wakumi says politely as they all leave.

<><>20 Minutes Before Mission<><>

"I'm so excited! I've been meaning to try out the forcefield spell for so long! Plus, it might give you some alone time with 'you know who'" Eritity teases, wiggling her eyebrows at Wakumi.

"Stop it! You know he doesn't like me, and this isn't a romantic getaway. It's a serious mission! We can't joke, this could be the difference between life and death!" Wakumi whines.

"I know, I'm just REALLY excited is all! You're right though, it is serious. So let's get going so we can actually be there! We need to help prepare the ship."

"Right! Let's go!"

The two females run off to the ship, to help Zeref and Yoko finish preparing.

<><><>On the Ship<><><>

Zeref gathers all three mages to the wheel so he can talk while Yoko steers.

"This is the map Natsu gave us. We need to head North-West for a while and then go more West. You'll notice once we get into mermaid territory. We're looking for a lot of rocks. Once we get there, we'll have to go out on the rocks and look into the water. The second you see a mermaid capture while trying your best not to make a sound."

"Right." Wakumi said in understanding.

"Once we have the mermaid, other mermaids in the area will attempt to help, that's when Eritity will come in with her forcefield spell. If it fails we'll have Yoko attack along with Eritity using her combat skills while Wakumi and I watch the mermaid. We'll leave as soon as possible and get home quickly. We don't want the mermaid to die, remember that." He finishes.

"Got it." The three say in unison.

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Word Count
823