Slow Motion

by Acharya

For years Natsu has been hiding his true nature as an Omega; Lucy is the only person who understands. Now things are out of control and as much as he resists he may just need someone to save him from himself. Gray steps in out of necessity but with Natsu fighting him every step of the way is it actually worth the fight or would it be be better to let Natsu implode on his own terms.

1. Dynamics for the Growing Wizard

Don't own Fairy Tail or any of the characters herein.

Notes: Something I started before then took down to clean up. Unbetaed, so all mistakes are my own.

Excerpt from "Dynamics for the Growing Magic User'

In the world of magic there are those who work it innately and those who simply live in world shaped by it. Mages, Wizards, Witches...all names placed on those who work magic to some degree; within the society of magical users there are levels and while these levels do not dictate power level they do influence social standing and possibility to a degree.

The Levels are as followed

Alpha: The top of the dynamic ladder, thought to make up about 13% of the wizard population. A true Alpha will be strong and forceful in nature, always the dominant person in their relationships, able to command a room, demand respect, and lead when needed. They can been seen as cold and calculating, so in control it's almost unhealthy. They are known to be single minded and while others will always place faith in the Alpha the Alpha's greatest weakness will be faith in himself.

The Alpha will posses the ability to identify the 'status' of other Mage's based on scent alone. An Alpha will try to form familial bonds whenever possible, as they tend to not do well on their own or without a 'pack'. Alphas' rarely mate with alphas.

A surprisingly larger number of the worst atrocities in history have been committed by Alphas.

Beta: The second level of the ladder and most common; thought to make up 75% of the wizard population. Betas are well rounded with no inherent weakness or issues. They don't go into ruts like alphas do or into heats like gammas and omegas, and are capable of mating with any dynamic, including their own.

Gamma (Also called Lesser Omegas): The third level on the ladder and second most rare at 7% of the wizard population, a Gamma is the first step onto the submissive side of the spectrum. Natural followers and helpers. Those on the Dominate spectrum will find themselves drawn to Gammas and take comfort in their (usually) sunny and calming personality. Mild tempered, mild personalities...they make the perfect mate for just about any rung of the ladder.

A Gamma has none of the Alpha control and identification ability but will possess keen insight and observation skills, in most cases. They can sway people to their side not through command, but by request. The difference between an Omega and a Gamma lies in heat cycles; Gammas have a relatively mild heat in comparison to Omegas; with the use of birth control and suppressants Gammas are able to continue their usual day to day activities. Beyond this there is no notable difference and often Gammas will benefit from the same classes and training as Omegas participate in.

Gammas throughout history have often been pegged as manipulative and selfish, using their natural abilities to push events into their favor.

Will mate with alphas and betas and occasionally other gammas but rarely with omegas.

Omega: The fourth rung on the ladder and most rare dynamic at 5% of the wizard population, an Omega is on the most extreme end of the submissive spectrum. They are often emotional and prone to being driven not by logic but by their feelings, They have extreme highs and extreme lows and are considered forces of nature, sweeping up those around them and changing the world around them to suit their needs. An Omega on a rampage is all but unstoppable. As such they are perceived as volatile and dangerous (depending of magical power level) as well as weak minded and willed. They are the only 'protected' rung and as soon as their reach the age to go into heat a search for a proper mate will begin.

Unmated Omegas are, as they get older, prone to violent and self destructive behavior when they go into heat. For this reason it is suggested that Omegas mate early and without delay for their own well being..

Omegas rarely mate with other omegas.

Upon coming of age (Usually around the age of 11 or 12) a Mage will be assessed by their areas head of Status and informed of their status. Alphas, Betas, and Gammas will proceed about their lives as normal with only occasional classes to ensure that their natural gifts aren't abused or used improperly, where Omega's will be cataloged, marked, and placed into protection until a mate is found.