Phoenix

Thanks, Kira

"The Vulcans should be this way."

Everyone followed Kira to the spot that the job spoke of. Sting would look over his shoulder at Emi every once in a while, as she was hanging back from the group. She had her nose in a book about water magic. Her sleeves were rolled up, as it was a hot day, but she continued to wear the cloak. Sting could see black markings that were on her arms. Sting slowed his pace until Emi was next to him and decided to check in with her.

"Are you feeling better?"

Emi didn't look up from her book, speaking monotone, "There isn't anything that would make me feel bad."

"Yeah but--"

Emi sped up and walked beside Kira who held the lead. Kira turned to Sting and saw that he was walking behind everyone else.

"Hurry up, you lazy ass. We have Vulcans to beat."

Sting rolled his eyes before running to catch up. Emi stopped walking and turned to the side.

"They're to the left of us," she stated quickly before facing the emerging group of Vulcans.

Sting stepped up saying that he could take care of them. However, Emi had already stepped in front of him and moved her hands in a twisting motion.

"Tidal wave!"

At Emi's command, a large wave of water struck the Vulcans, knocking them all unconscious. Sting looked at her in disbelief before noticing that she was still walking towards them.

"Hey what are you doing? They're already--"

"Petrification!"

The Vulcans were soon engulfed in stone before Emi kicked them to rubble. She looked from the rubble up to the group who looked on in horror.

"What?"

"Um, we were actually supposed to bring proof that we got rid of them."

"How do they expect you to have proof of a thing that has run away? Now you have proof of their defeat."

"Yeah but--"

"Are we leaving now?"

The group looked at Emi before turning back towards the rubble. Kira nodded and told Sting to gather up all the bags that he had dropped before they all walked back through the forest.

"Emiko, what was that water attack you did? You have got to show me how to do that."

"I read about it in this book," Emi replied while holding up the book on water magic.

Once they arrived back at the house where the request came from, they received their reward.

"Emiko, this is for you," Ayame stated as she held out a pouch of jewel to the girl.

"Why am I getting the reward? I'm not part of your guild, and therefore didn't take part in the request."

"But you did all the work!" Lector shouted.

Emi started walking towards the train, stating that she would not accept the reward of a job that was not hers to begin with. Everyone looked at each other before jogging to catch up to her. Once they boarded the train, Sting's motion sickness kicked in.

"We aren't even moving yet."

"It's the anticipation."

Kira rolled her eyes, muttering, "Unbelievable."