The Ouroboros Potioneer - Book 2: Chapter 18 (Patreon)

AN: 2nd chapter for October for Tier 1.

Book 2: My Life With An S&M Maid Teacher

Chapter 18: Cerberus’s Lullaby

The office was dim, the sole glow coming from the desk, where a hand dipped an enchanted quill in ink before drawing an elegant signature across the bottom.

Toma E. Fiore

‘Another petition for foreign production facilities.’ A sigh left the diminutive man’s lips. ‘Do none of them understand how to see long-term?’

He pushed the document away with a noise of disgust, sitting back in his chair to rub his brow.

Toma E. Fiore. 7th King of the kingdom of Fiore. The man who took disparate lands torn up by selfish squabbling nobles his father struggled to appease, and ruthlessly ate away at their power like waves against stone, slowly but surely solidifying his hold while redirecting resources into making the single most prosperous kingdom of Ishgar.

Fiore, the kingdom of flowers, where hope and opportunity exist for all citizens within its borders.

Where mages bloomed in greater numbers than anywhere else, to both the betterment and harm of the kingdom.

‘I really need a way to integrate the mages better into the economy to curb the rogue elements.’ Toma tapped his desk in consideration.

He knew that the large population of mages stirred up both competition and pressure, and the current environment bred discontent among weaker mages, who then often turned to crime.

But if he could make them feel more connected to Fiore and its people, they might turn away from the darker and easier paths in life.

‘Perhaps an event of some sort.’ Toma rubbed his chin, feeling that tingle of a profitable idea rising up. ‘I’ll have to think that one over.’

Change had to be gradual, and opportunities had to be made.

A soft knock on a hidden side door stole the king’s attention, and he habitually shifted his hand to a set of runes, pressing one to block sound from escaping. “Enter.” 

The door barely slid open before a shadow was kneeling before his desk. “My liege.”

"Ah, Kama." Toma smiled down at the man, a look of appreciation crossing his face at his finest agent. "Please, stand, stand; you know I don't demand formality in private." The king waved him forward. “I hope you have good news for me.”

“The Hunter has arrived in the city.” Kama stood, yet kept his head low in respect.

"Good." Toma's gaze drifted to a stack of eleven petitions on the corner of his desk, an ugly expression appearing at the reminder. "I hate to rely on a young unconnected mage to clip this thorn, but needs must.”

The king’s deep sigh spoke of how tired he was of the issue.

"I shall personally oversee the operation; Blackvein will be uprooted and removed before the end of the week, one way or another." Kama assured. "Our agents are standing by at every facility throughout our lands."

“You have my full confidence, Kama.” Toma sent his soldier an appreciative smile before his expression firmed once more. “With that young man moving on their headquarters, we will have a legal scapegoat, no matter how these aphids try to eat away at our petals.”

Blackvein’s reveal didn’t completely take them by surprise, but the sheer manpower they held certainly took them off guard, as well as the fact that the majority of mercenaries under their employ had records in other kingdoms and nations throughout Ishgar.

Toma quickly tried to contact the royals of Minstrel and Caelum for further confirmation, yet Minstrel was lost to another civil war among its nobility after the last king was assassinated.

And the whale of Caelum was as frustrating as always, having attempted the same results Toma did with solidifying royal power over the nobility, but having far more mediocre results.

‘I’m thankful to avoid maritime pirates among my endless list of issues. Still, Adam’s issues with Blackvein run deeper than mine.’ Toma mused.

The king of Caelum was all too eager to see Blackvein take a hit, weakening his opposition. Still, the information he could provide was useless.

'What do I need locations, operations, and confirmed targets within Caelum for?' Toma grumbled at his fellow ruler. 'I need them out of my lands.'

Thankfully, his agents were competent enough to gather what they needed, and soon they would strike and remove them once and for all.

As all weeds must.

“Do I have permission to restrict anyone who attempts to forestall our operation?” Kama asked, breaking the king from his thoughts.

“Do so, and then investigate for any alternative motives.” Toma narrowed his eyes. “And I want whatever we can find within their headquarters. I need to narrow down the corrupted roots.”

Simply blaming everyone who petitioned him to back off Blackvein was naïve. Far too many nobles could be bought, convinced, or reasoned to support a motion without intending to betray or break the law.

However, key figures remained, and if Toma had direct proof, he could remove them.

“The Hunter has been warned in advance.” Kama made sure that was included in the initial information provided. “He shows no sign of being uncooperative.”

“You have a high opinion of him.” Toma observed in amusement. “Rarely do you hold such confidence.”

"He is highly trained." Kama's voice lacked emotion, but Toma knew him well enough to hear the tone of respect. "A worthy consultant to associate with."

“By this Ouroboros fellow.” Toma hummed, rubbing his chin as he felt that itch of potential profit once more. “A brewing mage would be a substantial economic support, especially with Blackvein leaving an opening.”

Toma never liked how ruthless Blackvein's expansion was, but he set aside his bias, since competition was healthy for the market.

With them gone, it would be as if a tree fell, letting sun, water, and nutrients reach the seeds waiting to bloom.

“My capabilities are still lacking, my liege.” Kama seemed genuinely bothered. “I have been unable to find word or record of such a mage throughout Ishgar.”

“I told you not to go to any extremes.” Toma waved off the man’s concern. “It is not uncommon for hermits to exist; we still find them from time to time.” He had been king for decades by then. He could clearly recall a few instances, especially the time they found an aged blind woman who spoke to metal, increasing their kingdom’s ability to find rich ore veins. “Some simply take on new names with the passing years, and others still only rise to their heights through long immersion.”

A substantial investigation into the name Ouroboros had found nothing linking it to a human alias.

The mage had appeared out of thin air, only exposed by their apprentice.

That, or there simply wasn’t a teacher at all, but that would only open more questions that were equally as hard to answer.

“We shall use civil channels.” Toma decided after some thought. “Utilize their connection to The Hunter, offer them trade opportunities that shall rise with Blackvein’s removal.” 

“Understood.” Kama accepted easily.

“And remember, I want no direct connection attributed to us in this raid.” Toma gave the man a meaningful look.

“A scheduling error in the guard rotation is common.” Kama simplified.

“Good man.” Toma waved him away, already returning to his work. “Go, protect our lands.”

“My liege.” Kama saluted, his shadow vanishing as the hidden door slid closed.

A bloody night was coming, and soon, the weeds would be pulled root and stem.

Letting the flowers flourish, to dance in the breeze.

So says the king; Toma E. Fiore.

0000

“Drink.”

A glass skated Dante’s way, the rocks glass glittering in the dim light as the enrapturing ruby red liquid sloshed against the cubed ice.

An audible gulp echoed from Dante’s throat as he looked up from the glass, meeting the expectant gaze of the woman who held his heart.

“Virgo-.”

“Drink.” She commanded once more, eyes daring him to deny her royal decree. “So says your teacher.”

A grimace crossed Dante’s face, not so much giving in to her order as much as he recalled how much fun she had making it.

‘The things we do for love.’ He straightened his spine, raised the glass to his lips, and downed half his glass like a shot, irregularly crushed ice and all.

Only his extensive experience drinking could prepare him for the will needed to keep a straight face as he displayed a thumbs-up. "Lovely."

“I’m glad to be of service, Master.” Virgo hummed happily, turning to look for more bottles to play with as her hips swayed to convey her joy.

‘She’s too enthusiastic these days.’ Dante shook his head with a wry smile, idly spilling the rest of his glass into a plant that wouldn’t survive the night. ‘Not that I can blame her.’

Virgo had been practically shining since they left the Heartfilia estate, the woman far more affectionate than normal on the way to Crocus.

Dante rolled his sore jaw without an ounce of regret, turning to admire the skyline of Crocus, the capital of Fiore.

A vast circular formation of buildings stretched to the horizon, each maintained with an orderly degree of care, with the eastern part of the city running up against the edge of a small crag.

It was by far the largest population center Dante had seen so far, made even better by the rich blanket of colors decorating the city.

The epithet Flower Blooming Capital was well placed, as the array was tastefully organized to make every street vibrant and bright, matched by artistic mosaics painted on the odd building wall.

And at the city center, the crown jewel of the kingdom, the royal plateau rose high above the city, surrounded by an expansive lake.

‘The history of this land must be impressive.’ Dante leaned his head on a palm. ‘I should dig into it sometime.’

The sound of clinking bottles made his face scrunch up, and he only took one side-eye at his lover committing heresy on a Negroni by using color theory over flavor before rising from the luxurious bar and approaching the floor-to-ceiling window.

'But that's for a later time.' His gaze dropped to a certain building, the line of sight clear from his current location. 'These King's Agents work fast.'

The moment they stepped off the train, Dante had only mentioned finding a place to scout their target before he was given an address.

An address that led them to a sky lounge overlooking their target, Blackvein’s Fiore branch Headquarters.

‘Hm.’ Dante rubbed his chin, easily spotting each of the lookouts, a frown crossing his face at the sloppy attempts at camouflage. “What do you think?”

“Hm.” Virgo verbalized his thought, hugging him from behind as she rested her head against his shoulder. “Too easy?”

“Yeah. I’m not sure how to feel about it.” Dante considered their situation. “Think they’ll betray us?”

“A thought worth considering.” Virgo’s entire focus was now on Dante’s safety and growth, and nothing that moved in their vicinity was outside her gaze. “So far, they have kept their distance.”

“Anyone spying on us?” Dante’s eyes flashed with his spell, not finding a rune within the bar.

“The closest watcher is three floors down, as well as another two on the next street.” Virgo’s own sense pulsed outward, the city of Crocus a growing map within her mind. “And another six spread across three rooftops.”

“Enough to keep an eye on us, but keeping their distance.” Dante agreed with her earlier words. “I don’t like how eager they were to help us, nor how much influence they have over this hunt.”

“You can’t hunt within the bounds of a forest forever, my love.” Virgo kissed his arm. “The world waits for no one.” Her smile dimmed as she tightened her hold. “No matter how much we might wish for it.”

Dante felt her emotions, lifting his arm to pull her around and draw her close, pressing a kiss to her head. "We will make our wishes our reality."

His confidence flowed back, causing her smile to return with a chuckle. “You are still young, my love.” She looked up at him, her heart in her eyes as she ran fingers along his jaw. “You must grow far more first.”

Dante caught her finger between his teeth, lips curling up around the trapped digit. “Then it’s good that I have a decent teacher.” 

“Decent?” Virgo leaned in, a reminiscent smile on her face at his action. “Is that all I am to you?”

“I wouldn’t say all.” Dante matched her, pressing his forehead to her own, eyes alight with mirth. “But it’s enough for me.”

“Cheeky.” Virgo tugged her finger free and sealed his lips, arms circling his neck and pulling herself closer still.

The two melded together in body and soul, lost in the other until the doors were kicked open with a bang.

“LET’S GET WILD!” Bacchus threw his hands up in a cheer, only to blink at Dante with a pink-haired woman in his arms, a woman who was glaring at him. “Oh shit, did I cockblock ya?”

“Master, may I bury this insect?” The building shook as she asked.

Dante snorted and kissed Virgo’s head. “Maybe later, love.”

"Ey, am I supposed to ignore that the building just shook?" Bacchus cackled as he stepped inside with a wink to Virgo. "Babe, there ain't enough ale in the world to bury me."

"I wouldn't challenge her, man." Dante grinned over at his oldest friend. "Virgo, meet Bacchus, genius martial artist and alcoholic bloodhound."

“Got it in one.” Bacchus waved, already zeroing in on the fresh cocktail sitting on the bar. “Mine.”

Dante rolled his eyes as the guy beelined for it. “Mangy mutt, meet Virgo, my girlfriend.”

“Cheers.” Bacchus raised the drink in a salute.

“And my teacher.” Dante finished perfectly on cue with him downing it, drawing a perfect spit take.

“Ya are nailing your teacher?!” Bacchus coughed to clear his airways. “And the fuck did I just taste? Is that the color red? Red has a flavor?”

Virgo puffed out her chest proudly at the perceived compliment.

“Yes, and yes.” Dante chuckled, dropping his hand to Virgo’s waist as he guided them to the bar. “She’s quite talented.”

Virgo looked at him in appreciation before moving behind the bar to give them space.

“Hell of a flex.” Bacchus wiped his chin and laughed. “Better than going for Ole Tammy, anyway.”

“Would you let that go already?” Dante’s face went green at the memory. “I was going through growing pains.”

“Growing pains.” Bacchus mocked. “Sounds like weakness to me.”

A vein pulsed on Dante’s forehead. “Been a while since I kicked your ass.”

“I’m ready anytime, bitch.” Bacchus waved a hand to bring it on. “I’ve missed beating you into the dirt.”

The two glared challengingly, then smirked and pounded fists together.

“Good to see you, bro.” Dante took in the martial artist. “You get fat? I don’t remember you being this big.”

Bacchus was taller, his shoulder armor larger and heavier, yet for all of that he still didn't wear a shirt. Long black hair pulled back in a bun, shin-length baggy pants, and a gourd hanging at his waist.

"Fuck off, this is all muscle." Bacchus raised a brow at Dante's changes. "What's with all the green? Ya going through a phase?"

Dante flipped him off. “Mana Conversion. It gets crazy when you hit 35%.”

“35%?!” Bacchus choked on his spit and grabbed Dante’s collar. “Ya bastard, how?”

“Who knows?” Dante smirked smugly, shifting his gaze to a smiling Virgo forging a new creation of colorful blends. “Maybe you just haven’t tried hard enough.”

"I will punch ya." Bacchus's eyes twitched violently, and he let him go. "What's with the message and express train? You working for Fiore now?”

“Nah, that’s too much effort.” Dante brushed himself off and sat at the bar, gesturing for the martial artist to sit. “It’s more that we had a mutual interest in punching someone’s face in.”

“Heh, I can get behind that.” Bacchus joined him, about to reach for a bottle before a cocktail was sent his way. This one blue. “Uhh.”

It said something that even Bacchus hesitated to pick it up, raising his eyes to meet the challenging ones of Virgo.

“Too much for you, Sir?” She asked in her normal monotone.

Dante restrained himself from laughing at the guy’s murderous look.

“There ain’t nothing I can’t drink.” Bacchus grabbed the glass roughly and downed it. His face immediately screwing up in pure confusion. “And now I got questions.”

A hand on his shoulder made him turn to Dante, softly shaking his head.

Bacchus opened his mouth to argue before the doors were once more pushed open. "Why is there a foot-shaped dent in this door?"

Beach-blond hair swayed with her movement as Jenny walked in with a questioning tone.

A snort came from Bacchus, but the mutt only whistled as he saw who walked in.

"Hey, Jenny." Dante waved from across the room, a smile on his lips.

Jenny zeroed in on him with narrowed eyes, long legs flashing through the cut of her long skirt as she took quick steps around the room.

Mana pulsed off her, and Dante's smile wavered as she marched up to him.

“Jen-?”

He was cut off as she slapped him across the face, his eyes meeting Bacchus’s smug grin. “Performance issues?”

“I’m not sure if I deserved that.” Dante turned back with a red cheek, brow raised in question.

“You disappeared for a year.” Jenny glared, hands falling to her hips. “A year. What the hell, Dante?”

“I was a bit busy.” Dante rolled his jaw. “Damn, did you get stronger? I felt that.”

“Of course I did.” Jenny huffed and stepped forward, hugging him tight. “I’m glad you’re not dead.”

Dante’s expression softened as he returned the hug. “Thanks for coming, Nosy Cat.”

“You should be grateful.” Jenny stepped back and brushed her hair over her shoulder with a haughty expression. “Not just anyone can make Jenny Realight drop everything to run over.”

“Says a prickly Pegasus flower.” A scoff came from Bacchus at her haughty tone, who had managed to secure a bottle of something while Virgo was crafting a new cocktail.

“Oh?” Jenny took in the martial artist. “I didn’t know you were inviting a Quatro Mutt, Dante.”

“Quatro…” Bacchus swallowed a mouthful of liquor as his face darkened. “Bitch wants to throw hands.”

“Puppy, I don’t ‘throw hands’ like some uncivilized animal.” Jenny dismissed him uncaringly and leaned on the bar, smiling at Virgo. “But I can take you to the pound.”

“This bitch…” Bacchus was halfway to his feet when Dante wrapped an arm around his neck and restrained him. “Ya better hold me back, Dante!”

"She's just fucking with you, dude." Dante laughed even as he struggled to hold back the guy’s strength.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met.” Jenny openly ignored the struggling boys to extend a hand to Virgo. “I’m Jenny Realight, Dante’s friend.”

“Virgo.” Virgo smiled back, shaking the hand as she slid over a shiny silver cocktail. “Dante’s maid.”

“Maid?” Jenny looked over at Dante as she took the drink with a sharp smile. “Dante dear?”

"A little busy." Dante was wrestling and losing to Bacchus, who reversed the headlock. "Put away the cannon, Jenny; she's my girlfriend."

The blond huffed as her arm mecha shifted back into soft flesh. “That’s ok then.” She noticed Virgo’s amused smile. “Oh, you’re bad.” Jenny laughed and let it go, then sipped her drink and turned away to cough. “Did I just taste silver?”

Once more, Virgo seemed proud.

"HA!" Bacchus cheered, dropping Dante like a sack of bricks as he immediately felt better. "Pain is only real if it's shared."

“Speak for yourself.” Dante shook off his numb arms and hopped to his feet, punching Bacchus’s shoulder. “Virgo, this is the Jenny I was telling you about. Jenny, this is Virgo, my girlfriend and teacher.”

“Charmed.” Jenny was drinking from a water bottle she pulled from a Re-quip space. “I wondered what your type was, Dante.”

“I am his type.” Virgo responded, already working on her next drink. Although she managed to send Jenny a look. “His only type.”

“Noted.” Jenny laughed lightly, unbothered by the warning message. “Dante’s a dreamy one, but I knew we wouldn’t be a match.” She winked Dante’s way as he retook his seat between the two mages. “Too wild for me.”

“WILD!” Bacchus cheered with a cackle.

“Not like that.” Jenny deadpanned in disgust.

“Stop doing that.” Dante rubbed his ear and glared at the ass. “Even at the guild you didn’t yell in my ear.”

“Ya, well, it’s been a while.” Bacchus was all too happy to share the love. “Gotta make sure ya didn’t get weak.”

“Ugh, this is why no one likes you mutts.” Jenny almost made the mistake of sipping the silver cocktail again before putting the glass back down. “Too noisy.”

“You think you flowers are any better, princess?” Bacchus fired back. “Boo hoo, I got mud on my boots and the humidity is ruining my makeup.”

“First off, mud is motivation for learning how to use mana to walk.” Jenny counted off, much to Virgo’s approval. “And secondly, humidity IS terrible for makeup.”

“Don’t you live in a rainy city?” Dante asked curiously.

"Yeah, that's why we get waterproof products." Jenny smirked. "If you need a hookup, I can recommend some. Although your skin looks unfairly smooth." She looked at Virgo with slight envy. "And you are practically shining. What are you using, girl?"

“This and that.” Virgo’s gaze shifted to Dante, a knowing smile on her lips that he matched. “It helps to have a real man.”

Dante only winked.

“Ugh, now I might be regretting not snagging him sooner.” Jenny pouted, siding up to Dante with a brushing shoulder. “Know any other ‘real men’, Dante?”

A cough from Bacchus’s end made her face scrunch up. “Slut.”

“I think your dog barked, Dante.” Jenny’s brow twitched as she smiled with a tilted head. “Why don’t I neuter it for you?”

“Oho, I ain’t afraid to punt a bitch.” Bacchus’s hands glowed white around his bottle, the glass cracking.

“You should watch what you kick, puppy.” Jenny’s skin began splitting with the sound of turning gears. “Might end up hitting metal.”

Dante sighed between the two, wondering if he should just let them fight it out before the doors once more snapped open.

Bacchus and Jenny both froze, swiveling to the door at the wave of raw mana pressure pressing down on them.

A pissed-off blond-haired young man stood at the door, spiked headphones around his neck and a yellow shirt wrapped in a thick coat.

“And that’s Sparky.” Dante was turning in his chair with a relieved breath at the distraction.

Only for a flash of electricity to appear before him, and Dante to watch in confused slow motion as Laxus’s fist connected with his jaw.

Thankfully, without mana.

The bar cracked as Dante’s head snapped back to Virgo.

“I probably deserved that.” Dante admitted.

“You have fun friends, Student.” Virgo complimented.

“Thanks, love.” Dante’s hands snapped out to pat Bacchus and Jenny’s shoulders as he felt them preparing to strike.

They paused as he looked back at a pissed-off Laxus. "Miss me, Sparky?"

“You got a lot of fucking nerve, jackass.” Laxus huffed and threw a completed job flier in Dante’s face. “And you still owe me 800K Jewels.”

“Don’t blame me for forgetting while trying to look cool when you left.” Dante rolled his jaw. “Bacchus, Jenny, meet Laxus, a decent lightning mage.”

“Ya look tough.” Bacchus casually waved with a cracked bottle. “Want to go a few rounds, lightbulb?”

Laxus raised a brow at the martial artist being unbothered by his mana pressure, scoffing at the invitation, yet his pressure did recede in a silent show of respect.

“Laxus Dreyar.” Jenny breathed in surprise as the new blond’s eyes locked onto her at the use of his last name, narrowing at what she would say next. “Sorcerer magazine’s #1 bad boy mage.”

His electricity winked out like the plug was pulled as Laxus leveled a dry gaze on Dante. “Really?”

“Welcome to the club.” Dante chuckled and stood up, holding out a hand. “Wasn’t sure if you’d show up.”

“I’m not bothered you called.” Laxus met the clasp and bumped his shoulder against his. “I was home a day before I got the message.”

“Ah, my bad.” Dante smiled apologetically. “I kinda got jumped with the job right after we split.”

“Understandable.” Laxus wasn’t really mad; he just wanted to punch Dante at least once. "You save the maid’s friend?”

“It worked.” Dante nodded with a grin.

“Good.” Laxus looked over at the maid. “Maid.”

“Hired lightning mage.” Virgo returned the greeting as she slid over a bright gold cocktail. “Welcome back.”

"I feel so welcome." Laxus grumbled, eyeing the offering with interest at the enchanting color, and took it. "Thanks."

None of the other room’s occupants said a word as the blond lifted the glass, eager gleams in their eyes at sharing their pain, before electricity sparked and Laxus flipped the glass through the air. “YOU THINK I’M A DUMBASS?”

The golden liquid flew through the air, only for Bacchus to leap up and suck it up like a vacuum. “No wasting booze.” He keeled over with a groan right after, his face scrunched up. “How is she doing this?!”

Dante snorted and decided enough was enough. “Alright, Virgo, you had your fun.” He hopped over the bar. “I’ll make the drinks now.”

“Boo.” The maid pouted, having been enjoying listening and making drinks, only for Dante to wrap his arm around her waist and kiss her in full view of the others. “Objection retracted.”

“I’ll make your favorite as well.” Dante pecked her forehead.

“Mn.” Virgo hugged him back with a happy smile.

“Talk about adorable.” Jenny whispered aloud teasingly.

“Makes my teeth rot.” Bacchus looked away in disgust.

“Feel my pain.” Laxus grumbled, already turning away to hop over a plush couch. “At least he makes good drinks.”

“Praise that!” Bacchus joined him a second later.

"Don't take too long, you two.” Jenny giggled at Virgo’s flushed look and joined the boys. “I want a Cosmo, Dante.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Dante was already making them, playfully slapping away Virgo’s hands when she tried to sneak another bottle. “You drink what you make.”

Virgo silently protested, eyes glued to the colors.

"Begone, woman."

She was physically tossed out of the bar to land on a loveseat. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Virgo bowed her head to the group of mages as if she intended to walk over. “I am Dante’s maid, Virgo.”

"Hi, Virgo." Jenny prowled closer on her couch, eyes nearly feline in curiosity. “Tell me, how did you meet Dante?”

“Fufu.” Virgo covered her mouth with a monotone laugh. “He stole me away from another man.”

Jenny’s face lit up at the juicy details. “Tell me more.”

“So ya are from Fairy Tail, eh?" Bacchus kicked his feet up on some pricey coffee table. "I heard you guys know how to party."

“More like how to never shut up.” Laxus lounged with his arm over the couch. “Quatro Cerberus, right? How’s that old bastard Goldmine doing?”

“Still kicking ass.” Bacchus cackled, knowing his uncle used to be a Fairy Tail mage. “He’s got tons of stories of getting wild with his old team.”

“Tell me about it, my gramps used to never shut up.” Laxus rolled his eyes. “Old men and their heydays.”

Dante idly listened to them all mix, a smirk on his face as he topped off another drink. ‘I was 50/50 on this working or imploding. So far, so good.’

He lined the tray and stepped out of the bar. “Order up.”

Cocktails skated along the coffee table.

A vibrant pink Cosmopolitan in a martini glass with lime, flowing with a twisting green serpent within, landed before Jenny, the woman humming in appreciation.

An Old Fashioned in a rocks glass, clinking with ice, submerged in dark amber liquid with fluffy green smoke steadily rising off its surface, and garnished with a twist of orange peel, stopped in front of Bacchus, the guy's smirk growing wider.  

An electric green, sweet-tart lemonade, and a shocking citrus fizz glass dropped into Laxus’s hand, literal sparks flying off the Electric Lizard, making Laxus’s brows rise in surprise.

Finally, a sugar-rimmed margarita glass was gently placed before a hyper-focused Virgo, her smile impossible to hide as the Galaxy Margarita shifted through vibrant pink and green.

"Cheers, guys." Dante plopped into the loveseat with Virgo, the two perfectly fitting into the space like it was made for them. He raised a sharp, emerald-green glass holding a balance of herbal gin and sweet lime. “Hope you like my additions.”

Virgo was the first to sip her drink, a shiver of pleasure rolling down her spine as she leaned into him, their bond telling him exactly what she was feeling.

Jenny was next, sipping her pink Cosmo with a small moan escaping her lips, her spine stretching like a feline and accentuating her chest, much to only one watcher’s enjoyment. “Oh, dear saints, that's good." The beach-blond young woman shook in pleasure that quickly turned into bewilderment. "Dante."

 “Yes, Jenny?” Dante was leaning back with a knowing smile.

"What did you put in this drink?" Jenny wasn't even looking at him, a weird expression on her face as she rapidly shifted her arm into her normal cannon form. Her eyes widened at the shiny metal, knocking her knuckles against it in wonder. "What the hell did you do?"

The two male mages had paused, even Bacchus putting down his drink to observe.

“Virgo?” Dante sent the maid a silent question.

Virgo hummed, closing her eyes as she increased her sensory range. “Our watchers have increased since they arrived, but we still have complete privacy. No invasive measures were taken.”

“Thank you.” Dante ignored the narrowed eyes of his friends and cleared his throat. “I can’t claim to be the best mixologist.” Dante admitted openly. “But I’ve had a bit of an upgrade to my crafting capabilities recently.”

Laxus’s eyes widened in realization, looking down at his drink questioningly.

“As a token of my appreciation for you coming by, I’d like you all to witness the truth of my magic.” Dante’s grin was sharp, the manic brewer within mixing with the hunter who lived on the edge. “I give you a sample of what B-Rank Brew and Potions can achieve.”

Jenny was still rubbing her arm in wonder, yet her gaze was locked onto Dante with the rest. “You gave me a potion?” Her eyebrow raised. “Like a real potion?”

"A real potion." Dante unhooked a vial from his waist; the liquid within glittered with blue light. "Temperflesh Draught. Non-alcoholic. Mainly designed using the shells of Ore Skuttlers from Thunder Mountain to focus on increasing the durability of metal, or in your case, your very flesh.”

He crossed his legs and thought back to their time in Fanta City.

"I remember you complaining about magic, about the difficulty of torque mismatched to load, joints that locked or sheared, and I realized that what you needed was something to smooth the transformation. It will temporarily smooth out the rough spots and likewise strengthen the durability of your forms." He flicked the potion vial over, and the model fumbled with a squeak as she caught it. "The best part is that you can use it for training, showing you the way to properly utilize your own magic."

Jenny’s mouth opened and closed as she held the vial in her hands, the warmth of Dante’s creation like a hearth in her palm. “You remembered me ranting?”

“Of course.” Dante answered directly. “You’re chatty, but I always listened.”

Jenny sniffled with a giggle before dropping all pretense and diving at Dante, joining the two in the loveseat as she hugged him tightly. “YOU’RE THE BEST FRIEND EVER!”

Dante laughed even as his airway was deprived of oxygen. “I love you too, Jenny, but Virgo’s contemplating life right now.”

With their angles, the maid's face was prominently placed in Jenny's cleavage, the slit in her shirt giving clear access.

"Oh my, sorry, Virgo!" Jenny quickly let go, switching to hugging the maid, who had a thousand-yard stare.

“Impressively perky.” She whispered.

“Thank you!” Jenny brightened up. “I’ve been doing a new workout routine. I can share the exercises if you want.”

Virgo looked at the blond’s chest for a moment before nodding firmly.

“Oi.” Dante’s focus shifted to the other blond as Laxus sniffed his drink. “Is this what I think it is?”

“Yes.” Dante nodded seriously and met the lightning mage’s gaze. “It’s lemonade.”

A spark launched off Laxus’s shoulder and smashed into Dante’s face, not that it did more than tickle. “Ass.”

“Couldn’t help it.” Dante flicked up a new vial, swishing with a sparkling pale gold liquid, within which a shifting bolt of lightning seemed to be moving like a living thing. "I finished it the other day. I call it the Stormsong Tonic. Also non-alcoholic. I had to play around with the Stormcane bamboo to figure out how to unleash the storm within.”

He flicked over the vial as he explained. “For a limited time after drinking it, your elemental mana conversion will be increased, allowing you a deeper connection with lightning to meditate on and grasp in your own time. How you choose to do that is up to you.”

A trace of envy flashed through Dante's eyes as he watched Laxus marvel at the vial. That single potion was, in essence, a distilled version of the nine months he spent learning to do conversion the hard way.

“Maybe taking that job wasn’t such a bad idea after all.” Laxus was laughing as he sent Dante a meaningful nod, bringing his cocktail to his lips and doing his best to withhold a groan of pleasure as the electrifying citrus flavor rolled over his tongue.

Almost immediately, he felt the raging storm within his core settle, like a frayed wire that was smoothed over with high-quality materials.

“I agree with the woman.” Laxus sighed in relaxation and took another sip. “You just ruined lemonade for me. How much is in this?”

"Only a few drops." Dante gestured to the vial. "I partitioned each vial into three doses. For you as well, Jenny. You two would benefit more from spreading out a weaker effect at this stage."

“Hey, I’m not complaining.” Jenny returned to her seat, hands clamped around her glass like she was afraid a Dark Guild would break in and steal it.

Laxus nodded, and Dante turned his gaze to his oldest friend, who had been silently staring at his glass with an uncharacteristically focused expression.

Upon sensing Dante’s focus, the guy’s eyes slid to him. “If the first thing ya say is some shit about a non-alcoholic potion, I’m leaving.”

“Bitch, do you think I’m stupid?” Dante asked in offense and raised a hand. “Don’t answer that.”

Bacchus closed his mouth with a clack, letting Dante explain.

"I had to think hard about what to make for you, to be honest." Dante scratched his head with a frown. "I already had a deal with Laxus, and Jenny's was something I was aware she needed. But you…"

“I’m too much of a badass, I know.” Bacchus was rolling the glass in his palm with an expression that demanded Dante get to the point.

"You're a pain in the ass, is what you are." Dante grumbled. "You literally just have a simple magic and took it to an extreme through martial arts and physical training. You're the single most hard-working person I’ve ever met in my life.”

Laxus and Jenny blinked, giving the martial artist another look, neither doubting Dante’s words.

“Well, jeez, way to make a guy blush.” Bacchus scratched his cheek with a bashful chuckle. “I’m straight though, sorry, I know how much ya dreamed otherwise.”

“Virgo, don’t bury him.” Dante patted the maid’s head to stop the building from shaking. “For now.”

“Hey now.” Bacchus sweatdropped at how serious Virgo looked.

"It took me a bit to figure it out, but I think I finally landed on something that satisfied me." Dante's expression shifted to genuine appreciation. "For standing by me from day 1, from the moment I woke up a mage in an unfamiliar place, Bacchus, I give you Cerberus's Lullaby."

A new vial appeared in Dante’s palm, shifting and glowing with a green-white smoky liquid that seemed to take the shape of a roaring three-headed hound.

“My first B-Rank brew.” Dante whispered and flicked the vial over, where it was caught by a palm that moved faster than the human eye could track.

Bacchus saw his reflection in the glass, a gulp rolling down his throat as his instincts as an alcoholic were screaming that he needed this.

“I had to brew it in a Darkwood barrel, mixed in a dozen materials rich in nature-ethernano, and then distill something innate in myself into the creation.” He grew excited as he stared at the vial. “Instead of removing the alcohol, I concentrated it. A full dose and this shit will put you to sleep, but not your whole mind. Only your limiters.”

“Limiters?” Bacchus was sitting up now.

“It removes the biological factors stopping you from performing at your apex. All chattering thoughts, doubts, overthinking, the lag between seeing and moving, all of it will be wiped away as you simply move, relying only on the martial training you instilled deep within your bones.” Dante’s voice grew passionate, his love for his craft coming through clearly. “The beast within will be let off the leash for the length of the effect.”

“Hold on.” Laxus spoke up here, a frown on his face. “Are you saying he’ll go berserk? Do you know how much of a pain in the ass that’s going to be on a job?”

“I’m with bad boy over there.” Jenny winked at Laxus, who Dante noticed didn’t seem annoyed at the nickname. “I’d rather not deal with a berserker.”

Dante was about to explain that the brew wouldn't have the effect they feared, but Bacchus beat him to the point by cackling loudly and downing his cocktail in a single gulp, ice and all.

His eyes flashed open, irises nearly glowing red, as he exhaled a single long, hot breath, smoke trailing from his lips.

Muscles bulged all along his body, mana bubbling up and pressing outward.

Laxus and Jenny moved in a flash, both jumping back and preparing to subdue the crazy Quatro Cerberus mage, but Dante just held up a hand to stop them.

“Stop freaking them out, jackass.” Dante flicked a pretzel at his head. “You drank five drops, not a full dose. And I even partitioned that vial into five mini doses so you wouldn’t chug it all at once.”

The snack was snatched out of the air with a swoosh of shifting wind, and Bacchus grinned back as he crunched it between his teeth. "Taste's wild.”

“Welcome to a taste of my world.” Dante matched the excitement. “Hope you like all the benefits.”

He put emphasis on that last word, a trace of real bite in his vengeance.

“It feels trippy as fuck.” Bacchus was looking around in wonder. “Why can I feel air pressure?”

"Because heightened senses are a bitch to get used to." Dante chuckled evilly as he gestured for the other two to sit down. "I'd offer it to you two, but frankly you need the mutt's insane level of muscle and body control to make this work. It would be deadly for you two."

“Hey, I’m not complaining.” Jenny was still marveling at her vial like a jewel. “Dante, this is still one of the most thoughtful, considerate gifts anyone has ever given me.”

“While I wouldn’t use the same words.” Laxus grunted his own piece. “I’d only accept this gift from you.”

Dante smiled at the two. “You guys can all request refills when you need them, but it might be a while before I’m in a place to fulfill orders.”

“Take your time, man.” Bacchus was studying a potato chip with wonder. “This shit is freaky in high definition.”

“And you called them growing pains.” Dante rolled his eyes. “Now then, everyone happy to get down into why I called you all here?”

“I was waiting for you to start.” Jenny admitted, putting her vial away into her Re-quip space.

"You're too long-winded, Orobo." Laxus likewise stored his vial in a pocket.

“Blame a guy for giving out gifts.” Dante snorted and took the map Virgo handed him, stretching it across the coffee table. “Now, our target is-.”

“I have an objection.” Bacchus raised a hand and cut him off.

"Yes?" Dante looked up, only to be met with Bacchus's palm cracking him across the jaw. Dante's head spun to Virgo, who looked back at him with far too much amusement. "I didn't deserve that."

“No, dear, you did not.” Virgo patted his cheek. Her silence so far had been in a way to take in the full scope of Dante's relationships.

Dante slowly turned back to Bacchus, who was back in his seat with raised brows from the blond duo who were watching the show.

"Hey, I just realized I was the only one who didn't get to do that." Bacchus shrugged innocently. "It looked like fun; the booze helped clear my head and remind me."

“Virgo.” Dante said slowly. “Hold my map.”

The maid did indeed hold the map as Dante swan-dived across the coffee table and tackled the martial artist. “YOU GOT COCKY WHILE I WAS AWAY, YOU LITTLE SHIT!”

“WHO THE FUCK DO YA THINK YA ARE TALKING TO, DIPSHIT?! I’VE BEEN KICKING YOUR ASS SINCE DAY ONE!”

The chandelier shook as the two mages roughhoused, smiles on their faces despite the insults and strikes.

Virgo pivoted without missing a beat and coughed to get the blond duo’s attention. “I shall now begin explaining the plan in my master’s place.”

Virgo stretched out the map and placed a finger on a building. "The destruction of Blackvein Brewery's Fiore branch headquarters."

Laxus and Jenny’s eyes widened, but it was Bacchus whose head shot up like an excited hound. “We’re smashing Blackvein?! Shit, ya should have said that sooner!”

A hand grabbed the back of his head and smashed him face-first into the floor. "I WAS TRYING TO!"

Dante huffed.

His team was a bit rough, but he was sure it was enough.

He kicked Bacchus away and slammed a knife down on Blackvein’s building. “I’ve got a plan.”

Chapter End.

AN: Hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you think. I've been planning this gathering since I restarted the story, and I'm excited to make allll the shenanigans.