Heavy Decisions (Syana)

[Jimmydalad]

Kasumi's movements were lethargic and her eyes were heavy. She had thought that she would have a moment to rest once she came back from Mount Hakobe with Syana and Maddox. Unfortunately for her, it seemed like Marika had pulled a Riley and had disappeared. The members of Fairy Tail were also starting to dwindle due to that, leaving Kasumi and the other members who had stayed to put in twice the work to make sure the guild could stay afloat.

Taking one of her only brief moments of freedom to relax, she headed towards one of the local café's and sat down, resisting the urge to completely slump into the chair. She had heard through the grapevine that Riley had rebuilt Griffin Wing and a part of her wished she could return. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she couldn't leave Fairy Tail behind. At least, not in the state that it was in.

The waiter came and Kasumi made her order, her voice trailing slightly as she tried to string the words together to order an Americano. Once that was over, Kasumi closed her eyes, listening to the bustle of Magnolia and trying to let her worries flow out. Her moment of respite was distracted by the sound of a voice calling out to her.

Kasumi turned as a young mage she recognized from Fairy Tail came running towards her. Raising her eyebrow, Kasumi stayed quiet as he mumbled about something really important before handing an ornate envelope to her. Before she could ask any more questions however, the man had run off again.

Kasumi turned the letter around in her hand as the waiter from before delivered her coffee. Thanking him quickly, she came to the conclusion that it came from a Magnolian Official. At least, that's what she assumed. Opening the letter, she slowly read through the contents, her face turning paler the more she read.

"Guildmaster?" Kasumi repeated in disbelief. It seemed that Fairy Tail had come to a solution to the problem of Marika being absent. Make her the guildmaster.

[Rii <3]

Swinging side to side while admiring her new robes, Syana gazed at herself in her reflection. With new power came new responsibility. Her family had sent her the box with this new gear in and she definitely had to try it out. Placing on everything and adjusting the final pieces of her ensemble before swinging her body around and grabbing her bag, swinging it over her shoulder.

Life for herself had been really busy. Ever since returning from Mount Hakobe it seemed that one event had happened after another. Syana ended up with the same forlorn expression on her face as she recollected every single thing that happened chronologically. 
First off, she got home just to find it had been burnt down and she ends up finding a new home to stay temporarily, next Maddox asks to take her out and she ends up becoming his significant other and then almost assassinated by one of the people she trusted with all her life. As that memory snaked its way into her head, she lifted her gloved hand and pressed it to the mirror while her eyes focused on its reflection. A sad expression covered her face and she leaned close, forehead touching forehead.

Adjusting her bag straps so they fit snugly against her slender shoulder, she made her way out the door. She needed to get out and relax. So much had happened and she felt glad that her strength had increased due to it all. Now she needed to rejuvenate herself mentally. Physically she felt stronger, but mentally she felt defeated.
Making her way to the coffee shop she liked to visit when she wasn't working at the patisserie, Syana's green eyes caught sight of the familiar red-haired girl she had grown close to very quickly.


Walking silently over to the girl, Syana noticed that she seemed stressed. Looking at a piece of paper, Syana pulled the chair and sat down. Looking at Kasumi for a few seconds; she pursed her lips before finally speaking.
"Rent due?"

[Jimmydalad]

Kasumi was so focused on the paper that she didn't even hear Syana coming. It was only when she spoke that Kasumi even realized she was there. Kasumi jumped a little, her coffee spiralling around the cup as she disorientatedly looked around to see where it was coming from.

"Oh. Hey Syana." Kasumi said, chuckling softly at the sight of her new friend. Putting down the letter, she tried to put on a big smile, though anyone watching could tell that it was forced. Taking a sip from her Americano to try and wake up, she looked down at the letter before turning back to Syana.

"I wish it was just the rent." She mused, using a teaspoon to spiral the coffee around inside the cup. "Things have been super crazy back in Fairy Tail. Our guildmaster has gone missing and people are leaving because of it. The members who have stayed are working hard to try and keep the guild afloat."

Taking another sip, Kasumi's eyes looked distant. She couldn't help but notice the similarities between how Griffin Wing fell apart and what was now happening to Fairy Tail. That thought alone was enough to keep her awake at night. Biting her lip, she drank from her coffee again, trying to use the caffeine to reinvigorate her.

"Apparently, discussions have occurred about what to do. And the result, was this." Lifting the letter up, she showed the intricate patterns that adorned the envelope to Syana. Setting it down next to Syana to let her read it, Kasumi yawned, frowning deeply as she sat in silence.

"They want me to be guildmaster." Kasumi stated, letting the words hang in the air for a while before talking again. "With Griffin Wing making a resurgence, they think that my connections with Riley and the guild would be a benefit to them. Additionally, having reported that I went on a mission with someone from Lions Heart, they think I could serve as an effective bridge with them as well."

Slumping into her chair, Kasumi rubbed her head as the thought of her being guildmaster rushed through her mind. She could see where they were coming from, but she was a C-rank mage. For one thing, Riley was an S-rank and she didn't even know who the guildmaster of Lions Heart was. How would she even compare to them? She could tell that Fairy Tail was getting desperate, but was she really the answer they were looking for?

[Rii <3]

Having taken a seat opposite her friend without so much as asking, Syana adjusted her head piece and leaned forward with an intrigued expression. With Kasumi looking so confused and frazzled, Syana wanted to know why just so that she could help.
"Oh. Hey Syana." Her friend greeted her with a light chuckle and Syana cocked her head with a warm smile. Kasumi placed down the letter and Syana tried to croon her head slightly so she could read it, but due to her position she could only make out that the font was neatly written.

"I wish it was just the rent." Kasumi's voice seemed to portray something completely different. It wasn't rent? Was it official documents from the government or the things she had stolen from the mountain? "Things have been super crazy back in Fairy Tail. Our guildmaster has gone missing and people are leaving because of it. The members who have stayed are working hard to try and keep the guild afloat." Marika had gone missing? Syana wasn't aware of that. She had heard rumours that the woman had been acting offish, but she didn't quite believe those. She also recalled hearing that Fairy Tail was dying, but that was something she refused to believe. She still needed to rejoin it. Syana watched her friend as she seemed to stare vacantly ahead. 

"Apparently, discussions have occurred about what to do. And the result, was this." Syana went to take the letter as the girl handed it over to her. She let her gaze read briefly over it before her expression turned firm as she took in every written letter. What was said caused Syana's lips to part as a small gasp escaped them. Clearly surprised by the letters contents. 

"They want me to be guild master." Kasumi stated what Syana had just read and Syana looked up at the girl. Why was she looking so confused about it? It was a great opportunity, simply one she couldn't pass up.
"With Griffin Wing making a resurgence, they think that my connections with Riley and the guild would be a benefit to them. Additionally, having reported that I went on a mission with someone from Lions Heart, they think I could serve as an effective bridge with them as well."
Kasumi continued and Syana pondered on her words for a brief amount of time before clasping her hands together.
"I don't see why you don't take up the opportunity, Kasumi. You're smart, intelligent and you have a lot of traits. If Fairy Tail is in this state, I can totally see why they'd rely on you," Syana paused for a few seconds, cupping her friends hands in her own. "You're reliable and you've got a lot of potential power. I see it in your stream." Syana shook her hands slightly before closing her eyes. "If you don't see yourself as suitable for the guild master, then I'll help you find someone who you think will. How does that sound?" 

[Jimmydalad]

"Thanks." Kasumi mumbled abashedly, looking down at her coffee as Syana laid down compliment after compliment. Was she just trying to butter her up? It didn't help that Syana had taken Kasumi's hands in hers. She sank into her seat slightly as she continued to listen to Syana.

Kasumi couldn't help but raise her eyebrow at her friend mentioning "her stream". Though she didn't know exactly what she was talking about, she assumed that at the very least it had something to do with her magic. At the last part, Kasumi thought hard about what she could do. It wasn't as if Fairy Tail was in a stable situation.

"Thanks for the offer." Kasumi said, giving a weak smile to Syana. "Your offer is idealistic at best. We have no idea how long that would take and what if we never find them? Fairy Tail is in dire need of help and if we don't have a leader, it's gonna crumble sooner rather than later."

Her coffee had started to get a little cold, though she continued to drink it. The process itself was a little therapeutic and it helped break the thoughts that seemed to swarm around her head. The loudest thought at the moment was the ironic echo to the old Griffin Wing. The one that Kasumi was painfully living through again.

"It's scary, but it makes the most logical sense. Fairy Tail doesn't need a fighter, they need a diplomat. My connections would be a strong benefit to Fairy Tail in the long run, but it would mean I'd have to take on a lot of responsibility."

A responsibility she wasn't 100% ready to take on by herself. Being a guildmaster, especially for a guild that was slowly dwindling, was not something she could take light-heartedly. She was afraid to say it though. Syana was her friend, but she didn't want her to know her inner turmoil too much.

"I'm probably going to take it. Not like I have much choice in the matter. I don't want history to repeat itself." If Kasumi wasn't as tired, she would've put more effort into trying to censor some of her words with regards to her history with Griffin Wing. She swirled the contents of her drink, even though most of it had been consumed. She found a silly enjoyment in watching the coffee move about inside the cup and she let her mind briefly wander. It was a moment until Kasumi suddenly spoke.

"Hey, Syana. Do you want to join Fairy Tail?"

[Rii <3]

"Thanks." Kasumi spoke with surprise to Syana's brazen words. With a nod, the light mage leaned back and examined her friend thoroughly, her hands still clasped around Kasumi's. It was a relaxing thought to know the guild that she once loved was being given to the person she had grown so close to over a period of days.
Syana's head nodded. She felt sure of herself that Kasumi would have been best for the job of Guild Master.

"Thanks for the offer. Your offer is idealistic at best. We have no idea how long that would take and what if we never find them? Fairy Tail is in dire need of help and if we don't have a leader, it's gonna crumble sooner rather than later."
Kasumi explained and Syana shook her head to the girls words.
"Not if they have a foundation until a much more suitable one is found or until the original Guild Master returns," Syana replied quickly, looking at her friend dead in the eyes while she spoke. "You could fill in until you feel more comfortable taking the role fully or until Marika returns."

"It's scary, but it makes the most logical sense. Fairy Tail doesn't need a fighter, they need a diplomat. My connections would be a strong benefit to Fairy Tail in the long run, but it would mean I'd have to take on a lot of responsibility."
Listening to her words, Syana recollected the things this girl had said previously. She was indeed probably able to make an alliance with both of the other light guilds. Syana slowly released her friends hands as she began to ponder on the responsibility that the girl would need to take on. It's true that people have began to look down upon one of the most world renowned guilds out there just because it had become lax and not many members were known, but that didn't mean that it was going to diminish. Darker ages had come before for the guild and like a fairy they danced through it.

"I'm probably going to take it. Not like I have much choice in the matter. I don't want history to repeat itself."  Syana cocked her head. History to repeat itself? Was she referring to Griffin Wing? Syana had recalled people speaking of Griffin Wing's demise and she had also heard about Riley reviving it. 
Syana's fingers traced the table and she began to lean back, her lips pursed and her everlasting smile seeming to have dissipated. 
"Hey, Syana. Do you want to join Fairy Tail?" Kasumi's question caught her off guard and Syana jumped in surprise, looking at the girl with a look of shock on her expression.


"Me?" She asked quickly before thinking. It was probably a good idea. Looking down at her robes, she pinched the fabric and rubbed her thumb and index finger on it with patent thought. "You know what?" She asked aloud. "How about we run it together until we see someone worthy of it?" Syana's out of character response came to a surprise even for herself. 

[Jimmydalad]

Kasumi had assumed since she met Syana that she was an idealistic person who had her head in the clouds and just seemed to be happy most of the time. She didn't think Syana could be serious. She probably talked her issues with Syana because she just wanted to vent. She didn't really expect Syana to give her own opinion.

That was why Kasumi was surprised at her quick responses. It left her in shock and lowered her guard that she was used to putting up. She had stopped stirring her cup as well and looked Syana in the eyes. Kasumi wasn't used to this Syana. She was responsive and saying stuff that went against what she thought. It was harsh to say, but up till that point Kasumi was treating Syana like a wall that she could talk to to vent her frustrations. She asked her to join partially because she knew Syana was a stronger mage power-wise than she was.

"That could work." Kasumi said hesitantly, shifting in her seat. "It probably wouldn't be like two guildmasters since that isn't a thing and I doubt the Magnolian officials would be happy about that. What I could do is say you are the vice guildmaster or something. Just something to do with the title, but still have the authority to do things. It would certainly help split up all the work I would have to do."

At this point, Kasumi started to meander into a different mindset. She wasn't 100% sure how happy the other guildmembers would be about the decision, considering that Syana was not a current member of their guild. On the flip side though, there was no denying Syana's magical capabilities and she would most certainly be easy to work with due to their amicable relationship.

"Are you sure you want to do this though?" Kasumi asked, leaning towards her friend and raising her eyebrow. "It's not going to be easy and once Phantom Cloak get wind of our current state, it would only be a matter of time before they try and attack the guild. We're going to have to make a lot of hard decisions, some that we don't like. Fairy Tail is fracturing and if you don't put your effort into the guild, you might as well not bother."

Kasumi's words came off harsh, but she needed to deal with reality. She wasn't going to have Syana join at such a high rank just because she was her friend. An enthused determination was present in her eyes, even though they were slightly bloodshot. Her face adopted the aggressive look she managed to build up after the fall of Griffin Wing. She wasn't playing around.

"Are you in, or what?"

[Rii <3]

Syana's gaze watched with pure interest as the girl spoke. Each word being taken in with great thought. Something as serious as the guild couldn't be put aside and even Syana knew when to state her true feelings despite hiding her real emotion. It seemed Kasumi was surprised by Syana's sudden idea. Syana's gaze burned into the girls back as she watched with pure integrity. She was positive that this would help in one way or another. With her gloved hands placed on the table, Syana knew she wanted this.
"That could work." Kasumi spoke up hesitantly and Syana began to wonder if this was night the brightest of ideas. She looked awkwardly around before facing her friend once more.
"It probably wouldn't be like two guildmasters since that isn't a thing and I doubt the Magnolian officials would be happy about that. What I could do is say you are the vice guildmaster or something. Just something to do with the title, but still have the authority to do things. It would certainly help split up all the work I would have to do." 
She did have a point, but definitely calling it something else would be able to avoid a lot of political issues.


"Are you sure you want to do this though?" Kasumi asked the light mage and Syana nodded her head repeatedly. She wanted to support Kasumi and if helping as a ghost guild master was the best way to do it. "It's not going to be easy and once Phantom Cloak get wind of our current state, it would only be a matter of time before they try and attack the guild. We're going to have to make a lot of hard decisions, some that we don't like. Fairy Tail is fracturing and if you don't put your effort into the guild, you might as well not bother." Phantom Cloak? Syana knew little of this guild, but she had heard that they were a dark guild.

Syana watched her friend with a stern gaze. Her words being processed thoroughly before the mage sighed.
"I'm up for it." She replied with a warm smile that once again snaked its way over her face. She could see the serious expression in her friends face.
"Are you in, or what?" Syana nodded her head once more.
"Yes." 

[Jimmydalad]

Kasumi had to hand it to Syana, that girl kept on surprising her. She didn't even baulk when Kasumi told her the things she had to do and the sacrifices that needed to be made. The smile had returned to Syana's face, but Kasumi now knew that the smile wasn't one of benign vapidness or young naivety. She had thought that she had Syana's personality down pat and that she knew how her friend would act. It seemed to her however that she was the one being naive. The irony wasn't missed on her.

"Well then, we'd best get started." Kasumi stated curtly, putting down exact change on the table and pushing herself out of the seat she had gotten herself comfortable in. There was a sense of reinvigorated energy that was not present in Kasumi at the beginning. She felt a little more confident in the future ahead, knowing that she wasn't going to be alone.

"We're going to have to meet up with Magnolian officials to make sure this is actually a thing. From there, we'll need to have more information into the situation that Fairy Tail is in and what Marika was up to before she dissapearred. After that, we'll improvise with what needs to be done based on what we view as most important."

Kasumi's speech was rapid and her eyes were filled with vigour. She extended a hand towards her friend, looking at her expectantly.

"There's a lot we have to do with not a lot of time. Let's go!"

[Rii <3]

Syana watched her friend with a warm, wide smile. A sincere one that proved she was up for anything. 
"We're going to have to meet up with Magnolian officials to make sure this is actually a thing. From there, we'll need to have more information into the situation that Fairy Tail is in and what Marika was up to before she disappeared. After that, we'll improvise with what needs to be done based on what we view as most important." Kasumi spoke a valid point and Syana just nodded to it. Perhaps a second guild master wouldn't be validated, but definitely a co-owner or something similar.

Taking her extended hand, Syana linked her fingers through Kasumi's and watched her with curiosity. Their hand sizes were so similar and yet Kasumi's felt so fragile in hers.
Maybe after today, Kasumi's opinion on Syana would have changed for the best.
"There's a lot we have to do with not a lot of time. Let's go!"  Syana nodded her head and stood up, pulling her friend with in whatever direction; not really caring if it lead to or away from their designated spot.