One week later, Laxus rolled out of his tent bed for the last time. “I am done with resting. I have enough power to go now. Tell the giant that I am ready to fulfill my promise.” He said to the healer as she entered.
The healer nodded, and rushed out of the tent. As Laxus waited for the giant, he pulled on his clothes. He cracked his knuckles, and grinned. “It’s about time! I must have been in that bed forever!” He said to himself.
His shadow pulled itself from the floor. “Quite right! I should hit you, you could have killed us! You fool, tricking me into giving you the Key. Give it back now.” The shadow said.
Laxus nodded, and handed the shadow a black key. The shadow took the key from Laxus, and grinned. “You understand you must earn all of the keys to be able to use them without hurting yourself, right?” it asked.
Laxus shrugged. “I hope I will never have to use a key again. That power… it was just crippling.” He said.
The shadow laughed suddenly. “Oh man, you are really going to like this.” It said.
Laxus glanced at it warily. “What now?” He asked.
“Did I mention that using a key without its others causes you to forget your spells?” It cackled.
Laxus’s mouth fell open. “That isn’t funny. Shuriken” He said.
The shadows began to form in his hand, but they melted away. Laxus plopped onto his bed. “You have to be kidding me. I have to relearn all my spells?” He asked
The shadow shook its head.
“No, it will be a week before you can use them again.” It said.
Laxus groaned. “How do I beat this Jester without knowing any spells?” He asked
“I may be able to help you there.” The giant said from outside Laxus’s tent.
Laxus opened the tent flap, to the giant squatting next to the tent. “I heard everything.” He said.
Laxus nodded sadly. “So, you know I can’t fight now?” He asked.
The giant grinned. “Not quite. I have an rare artifact, that will allow you use shadows. Not quite what you used before, but still useful.” He said.
Laxus looked up hopefully. “Can you show me?” He asked.
The Giant reached into a pocket, and gently pulled out a silver ring. He put it in Laxus’s hands. The ring had a thick band, with a large black gem at the top. Laxus hesitantly slid it on.
Suddenly, he felt several spells rush into his head. He mentally scrolled through them. A grin came across his face. “This ring, it has somebody’s shadow in it, doesn’t it?” He asked.
The giant let loose a huge laugh. “Right on, boyo. That ring is Hellstone. If somebody dies, touch their body with that stone within five minutes of their death, and their shadow will go into that stone. All of their power and experience will be yours. Remember, you will still only be able to use shadows.” He said.
Laxus grinned. “In that case, I am ready. I fell empowered.” He said.
The giant nodded. “Roranora will be your guide to the camp. I wish you only the best of luck.” He said.
Laxus grinned, and headed out of the tent. At the edge of the bandit camp, He saw Roranora waiting for him. With a swift nod, the two headed out of the camp.
As the duo ran through the forest, Roranora turned to Laxus. “How does it feel, to control another’s shadow?” He asked.
Laxus just grinned. “This power, it is amazing. I honestly can’t wait to try it out. This is just one thing the owner of this shadow could do…” Laxus trailed off.
He pulled two swords from their holsters on their back. Roranora frowned. “I don’t remember you having that.” He said.
Laxus grinned. “Ah, but I do. In fact, I have any sword I want! This man was called “The Molder.” He said.
“The molder could change an objects appearance, and texture.” He continued.
“I turned two tree branches into these swords. It is too bad Molder couldn’t change more than a few things without running out of power.” He sighed.
Laxus flicked his swords, and their shadows reached out, and rose. Soon, the shadows formed an aura around the swords, like an extension. “He could also change the reach of an object, so my swords can cut things, but not even be seen. Unless you happen to see the shadows.” Laxus said.
Roranora nodded. “We will stop here. We are nearing the camp, so we will rest to eat, and then charge the camp.”
Laxus nodded, and sat down. Roranora grabbed a few sticks from the ground, and slashed his swords together. They sparked, and the spark lit the sticks. Roranora sat down next to Laxus. He pulled out a bag of jerky, and gave a few pieces to him.
“You have any strategy?” He asked.
Laxus shook his head. “No, not yet. I need to see the camp. Do you know what power the Jester has?” He asked.
Roranora shrugged. “Nobody accept the Second commander does.”
Laxus frowned. “Isn’t that a little strange?” He asked.
Roranora shook his head. “Don’t ask. But, beware of one thing. The Second Regiment commander has a strange skill, trans dimensional movement.” He said.
Laxus frowned. “Never heard of it. What is it?” He asked.
Roranora grimaced. “A foul magic. It allows him to take objects along with himself to a trans dimension. He has a passion of taking his enemies to a warring dimension where he pits them against each other. Because of this, nobody has ever bested him.” He said.
Laxus shuddered. “A powerful magic indeed. Is there any counter to it, and do we have to go through him?” He asked.
“No, and Yes.” Roranora said.
“We have to take him down after we beat Jester, or he will kill us later.” Roranora grimaced.
“Bah, I hope your skills with the sword have increased with that shadow of yours. The second regiment commander is a master of the Katanna.” He said.
Laxus shrugged. “Not sure. We will find out. Isn’t it about time to head out now?” He asked.
Roranora nodded. “Very well. Here is what we will do. I will go in first, and remove the rabble. You will guard my back, and we will make our way to the Jester. After he is defeated, we will go after the Commander. Okay?” He asked.
Laxus nodded. “Lets go.”
The two packed put out the fire, and ran off towards the camp of the Second Regiment commander. As they drew near the camp, Laxus unconsciously ran his fingers over his ring.
There were several cries as the two neared the camp. Soon, many of the bandits were watching them near. One shot an arrow at Laxus, but Laxus slashed it with his shadow sword.
There were cries of alarm from the bandits, and they all charged Laxus and Roranora.
The two easily cut through the ranks of bandits, but for every one that died, another took his place. “Go! I’ll keep the rabble busy!” Roranora called to Laxus.
Laxus nodded, and sprinted around the bandits as Roranora kept them busy. He found the largest tent there, and ran into it. Inside, a man sat on a small wooden stool. He had a hat on with a bell on top. “Jester.” Laxus muttered.
The man grinned at Laxus. “Quite so! I must assume you are here to fight me?” He asked merrily.
Luke just swung his swords. The Jester giggled, and vaulted over them. “How cute!” He called mockingly. Laxus growled, and slashed through the tent with his sword.
“Hey, that cost me a few Ryu, you brat!” The Joker snapped.
Laxus growled, and flicked one of his swords in the Jokers direction.
The Joker pulled a small dagger from his shirt and blocked the edge of Laxus’ sword.
Laxus cursed. “Blast, he is too close for me to use my disappearing blade” Luke hissed.
The Joker giggled madly. “How strong you would be, if only you could harness your power!” The Joker cackled madly.
“Hop, skip, jump! I’ll hit you on your rump!” The joker called mockingly.
Laxus growled. “Don’t screw with…” He started.
A black spear erupted from his side. Laxus staggered, and fell to his knee
s. “How on earth?” He staggered.
The joker cackled. “You are no match for me!” He giggled.
“For heaven’s sake, stop giggling!” Laxus snapped.
The joker frowned. “Why should I do that?”
The joker smiled darkly. “Endgame, Laxus.”
Laxus frowned. “How do you know my name?”
The joker pulled off his facemask. Laxus took a step backwards, his hand on his side.
“Instructor?” He asked, shocked.
The Joker nodded. “Yes, quite so! You left Black Dragon- It’s time to die!” He called mockingly.
“Then is the Second Regiment Commander from Black Dragon as well?” Laxus asked.
The Joker giggled. “Kill me, and I’ll tell you!” He said.
Laxus shook his head. “How do you tell me anything when you are dead?” He asked.
The Joker’s eyes went to Laxus’s ring. Laxus nodded. “Oh, right I forgot about that.” He muttered.
The Joker giggled. “Doesn’t matter anyways! Time to die! The Joker pulled back, and the dagger began its decent.