Notice: This story contains plot elements from the manga that have not yet been revealed in the anime. If you are waiting for the anime continuation (next year...) and do not wish to be spoiled, do not proceed. You have been warned. If this notice doesn't affect you then welcome! I hope you enjoy this fanfic!
Fairy Tail and its characters are owned by Hiro Mashima. Thank you for allowing us to create amazing fanfics! =D
-1/ Before the Storm-
It is a quiet, rainy day here in Fairy Tail. We are in our third new guild hall that the citizens of Magnolia were so generous to build for us after the Grand Magic Games… now that I think about it, this would be our fourth guild hall if we include the shack we had after the Tenrou Incident. … Seven years went by just like that, like a flick of a light switch. The feeling still hasn't settled… and I never got to say goodbye to dad… I'm thankful though. Thankful that we are not dead, that I still have my friends in Fairy Tail to keep my sanity. We owe our lives to our first master who protected us from Acnologia; Mavis, if I remember correctly. She showed up at the games too and pretty much handed us the victory, and it's a good thing only those who bare the Fairy Tail Emblem could see and hear her, otherwise we would have had some explaining to do. I only wish I could find out more about our first master, and why her spirit is all of a sudden interacting with the guild. Oh, and you'll never believe this! After the games, dragons attacked! It turns out that our dragon slayers didn't stand a chance, but Natsu, being Natsu, went and overdid it; hurling a dragon at the Eclipse Gate! Ultimately sending the dragons back to their time, but we will never let them live that down. And the spirits went out of control too, but we saved them….. *sigh* but mom; I'm doing well… Take care of dad for me please. I know you've missed him after all this time. –Lucy Heartfillia
-At the Fairy Tail Guild Hall
"Sorry Lucy, there hasn't been any jobs posted for today." Mirajane said disappointingly. "It's rare for there to not be any job posts. But this can happen on rare occasions." She continued to wash the wine glasses as Lucy desperately begged for any possible jobs.
"Aww, I need only 5,000 more jewel to pay off my rent. Are you sure there is nothing?" Lucy questioned, only to be reassured by Mira's shaking head.
"I'm sorry Lucy, hopefully a miracle happens soon."
-Meanwhile-
Happy approached Carla who looked busy reading a book. "Hey Carla."
*sigh* "What do you need Happy? I'm kinda busy at the moment."
"Oh. What are you reading?"
"A book about the use of Transformation Magic. Mirajane lent it to me from the guild library. I've been thinking about learning a few transformation spells…" *reveals the pages to Happy* "…this is a spell that allows a human to transform into animals; however, if I can perform the spell correctly, I can turn myself into a human… temporarily."
"But why would you want to do that? I like you as you are now."
"This isn't about you tom-cat. It is to allow me to assist Wendy much more effectively in combat. In human form, my magic power will be increased at the cost of it draining over time, allowing me to actually fight like the others can. It's almost, if not exactly, the same as how Lily's transformation works."
"…I guess I understand. Maybe I need to get stronger as well…"
-Meanwhile-
"Natsu."
"Wendy." The two dragon slayer's eyes fixated on each other with a hintful lust.
"It's just you and me now, Natsu." *Wendy smirked* "I hope you're ready for my next move."
"Bring it Wendy." *he smirked back*
A moment passes.
"CHECKMATE! I WIN!" Wendy boasted!
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!" Natsu immediately flipped the game board in a bit of rage!
"What the hell burnt brain! Can't handle a loss!" Gray interjected.
"I play to win flashy popsicle!" Attention now focused to Gray.
The two immediately start fighting, leaving Wendy with no surprise.
"Clever strategy and battle awareness are the two most vital traits in battle." Erza reassured to Wendy. "I'm very impressed that you've grown to understand…" *SMACK* The game board nailing Ezra square in her face as she hits the floor.
She gets up with her signature, murderous look. "You're days in this world ARE NUMBERED!" She screams entering the fight as well.
"Y-Yeah, 'awareness'." Wendy giggles to herself.
-Somewhere in an unknown, yet mysterious location
There stand two hooded figures in the middle of a deep dark forest, discussing a rather grim situation.
"Faust found it."
"I see. That explains why the animas to this world have reopened, but how he is keeping them open…"
"Not even I know. I personally threw the world's magic in reverse to forbid any future connections to Earthland."
"I knew something happened when this world was disconnected from yours nearly eight years ago. After a city, Magnolia was it, was absorbed and reappeared within a week. I admit I am still surprised there was no distortion or deletion of any life there considering how much power was transferred."
"My fear exactly, I cannot allow a similar incident to happen again."
"I share that fear. As an observer to this world, I cannot allow the animas to destroy it… or allow him to obtain that. Add that with the fact that you cannot return to Earthland means I have been suppressing them alone."
"The biggest question I have is how Faust found out about the Infinium Rift."
"Fairy Heart." They both muttered.
"From what I gathered while I was a member of Fairy Tail, the Infinium Rift also known as Fairy Heart is a supply of an endless amount of magical energy. It is an extremely classified subject to the entire guild, if not the whole world. I only found out about it by accident so I don't know much more on the subject."
"I wouldn't say 'endless,' that's impossible; more like regenerates faster than it can expend, creating the illusion that it is endless."
"Hmm, well you know more than I do about the first master. Unfortunately, she has been dead for about a century now."
"She still sleeps in the crystal... It is ironic that she created a guild of trust and family, yet now she uses it to protect her secrets."
"I'm sure there is a good reason; I wouldn't go bashing the masters for protecting such a dangerous phenomenon."
*sigh* "You're right. So tell me Mystogan, what do you wish for me to accomplish?"
"Chances are he will target the Dragon Slayers first, as they still stand as the immediate threat; therefore I need you to go to Magnolia and find the Master. If Faust manages to take the Infinium Rift… I don't need to tell you the consequences."
"I'm fully aware. An event so dangerous that it requires my intervention is truly a nightmare… Very well, I shall go visit my old sleeping friend once again."
-Later that day, back at the Fairy Tail Guild Hall
"I'm so bored…" Lucy sits at the end-table staring outside at the endless rain.
"You might want to take advantage of this day off as they are few and far in-between." Erza says joining her. "But if you must need something to do, there are many chores here that need to be tended to." *pulls out a long list* "Would you like to take a look?"
"Will any of them pay off my rent?"
"No, but they do keep the guild hall in pristine condition."
"I don't know…" Lucy sighs in a depressed manner.
"Clearly, something is troubling you, isn't there."
"It's just… do you ever get the feeling that we are left in the dark? Like there is something going on and we are not being told about it."
"Hmm, the thought has never occurred to me, nor have I ever doubted Makarov's leadership. But I can understand how you feel due to our first master's reappearance. I cannot fully give you a definitive answer; however, I ask you to please have faith in our masters."
"Yeah, you're right. Thank you Erza." Lucy begins to feel more at ease.
"Not a problem." *getting up* "Before I forget, Makarov's holding a meeting in a few." Erza turns and walks off.
"A meeting? Probably another lecture about causing major destruction on a job." Lucy wondered on the advice Erza gave her. Have faith in our masters… Yeah, we are a family after all. Gaining courage, Lucy got up and headed to the crowd now forming in the center of the guild hall.
Everyone gathers around the master awaiting the news that he wishes to share. Meanwhile a hooded figure is making its way through Magnolia's streets toward the Fairy Tail guild.
"Ahem, attention everyone." Silence takes over as Makarov speaks. "I have important matters to discuss with you all. There have been strange disturbances reported over Fiore." The guild members become concerned by this news. "The Magic Council is still looking into the cause of these disturbances and has advised all guilds to be cautious."
"Master, what do you mean?" Erza questioned. "Should we be ready for something big?"
"As I said, neither I nor the council knows what is causing these disruptions and thus we are unsure if we should be worried about them."
As the discussion continued, Gageel whispered over to Natsu and Wendy, noticing that they are sensing something powerful, "Salamander, brat, can you hear me?" To which both dragon slayers acknowledged. "Are you feeling this right now?"
"Yeah." Wendy whispered back. "The air has been filled with a lot of magic and is continuing to grow rapidly." Her eyes are widening to the growing magic.
"It's very heavy. I'm surprised no one else is noticing this!" Natsu whispered in shock. He looks around and sees that no one, Erza, Mirajane, not even Master Makarov is aware of the intense magic growing around them. Now thinking about it, it appears not even Laxus is affected.
Recognizing where this magic is coming from, the three dragon slayers turn slowly toward the main door, trembling at the endless growth of magic.
"Finishing up with our meeting, I highly urge all of you to… Is something wrong you three?" Makarov noticing the three dragon slayers fixated on the door in fear. Everyone else looks at them in confusion.
*BAAAM!* The guild doors slam open, throwing disbelief amongst all the members as a hooded man enters the guild hall. The guild gets into a battle ready stance while the three dragon slayers realize that this source of power is from him.
"WHO ARE YOU TO BUST INTO OUR GUILD HALL!?" Erza demanded as her blood boils with hostility.
"My apologies, I did not mean to interrupt." He pulls out a book, speeds through it in a second and puts it away. He then waves his hand and the doors repair and close themselves. "I sometimes forget how to properly open human doors. That aside, I have come here to speak with…"
"Silence!" Erza interrupted. "You barged into our guild hall unannounced! You will turn around and leave, or you will face the wrath of Fairy Tail!"
Everyone gets ready while the dragon slayers slowly back away. Makarov is still standing in the same location, beginning to understand the magic power that the dragon slayers felt moments ago.
"Erza. Everyone." Wendy fearfully said "We will not win this!.." Demoralizing a few members as the man still stood in the same place.
Wait. Did he say 'human doors?' Levy thought as Wendy's words demoralized her.
Erza began to rally, "Don't be afraid! If we stand together…"
"Erza! Stand down!" Makarov commanded. Shattering what was left of her confidence.
"Master?"
"I wish to hear what urgency required this man to enter the way he did."
"But…"
"No buts! Let him proceed."
"…Very well." *Turns to the man* "Our master has graced you; you'd do well to remember that."
They all back down and open a path to Makarov. The mysterious man walked towards the master.
"Now that the farce has settled, I bring extremely important information." The man's words immediately sparked the master's interest. "In fact, the very reason I have to be involved as well is proof alone how vital this information is." The members gaze confused at this news.
"And how is your involvement proof?" Makarov questioned.
"A former member of your guild contacted me through astral projection explaining to me what is occurring between our worlds. His name was Mystogan." The master as well as all the guild member's jaws opened at the sound of his name.
Jellal… Shocked to hear his name, Wendy started remembering her past with Mystogan. 'Anima! / It's too dangerous to come with me! / I wish I let you follow me. / You need to get as far away from Magnolia as possible, the anima has grown too large and very soon everyone will die!'
"No." Wendy whimpered clamping her ears, piecing the current situation together. "N-No..."
Memories with Carla take over. 'They have been taken by the anima and therefore no longer exist. / How I know about all of this is that I am from there… as well as the one you call Happy.' Is that what the disturbances are? Is that why he's here? Am I going lose my family again?
"Wendy, are you ok?" Lucy noticing tears fall down Wendy's face.
"I'm glad to know that Mystogan is doing well, but what grave importance do you need to discuss with me? Come to think of it, how do you have contact with Mystogan if the worlds were separated eight years ago?" Makarov implied.
"I need to see Mavis." The man stated, ignoring that second question.
"The first master!? But I'm afraid I can't help you there, Mavis has been dead for almost 100 years now!"
*sigh* "Makarov, I would appreciate it if you did not lie to me."
Red veins burst in Makarovs eyes. What! How does he know about that? Did Mystogan know? What do I do? Is this 'grave importance' he keeps going on about more important than Fairy Tail's greatest secret!
The man sighs again and looks toward the top balcony. "Mavis, I know you're up there watching all of this."
To everyone's disbelief, the young fairy ghost, Mavis, reveals herself and descends into the crowd.
"Hello James." Mavis said coldly, staring him down with her thick, scornful eyes.
"Hello Mavis." The overall tone becoming hostile immediately.
"First master, you know him!?" Makarov surprised by her appearance.
"Very much so, I was curious to see how much sensitive information he would spill to the guild."
"And I am even more curious to see how long you're willing to keep secrets from your own guild." James remarked.
The feeling in the room became incredibly dark and hostile; a gold aura encircled Mavis, while a lime aura encircled James. The guild members were backing away in fear of being caught in the incoming cross-fire. Even Erza, who threatened him mere minutes ago, was beginning to understand that both he and Mavis are in an entire class of their own.
"So tell me this information that you refuse to tell the current master." Mavis demanded.
"You should already know. You felt it in the Infinium Rift right?"
"I have noticed the disturbances; however, I do not know what they are myself."
"The disturbances you feel are really the…"
"Anima!" A young girl's voice interrupted.
Both Mavis and James along with the entire guild, were surprised to see that the young dragon slayer had stepped in-between them, interrupting the two's clash. Both of their auras quickly diminished and the tone lightened as Wendy demanded an answer.
"I'm right. Aren't I!" Wendy, looking at James, is trying to hold back the tears as she recalls the inconceivable destruction that was caused in the past. "The disturbances; they are coming from the sky. They're animas aren't they! They are the gateways to Edolas… and… and they will kill us and turn us into magic. power.. lacrimas…" Wendy breaking down into tears spreads horror amongst the other guild members who fell victim to it in the past.
Even Natsu, Lucy and Gageel who survived it the first time around had a flashback to that awful experience. Makarov remained calm; though he too was also a victim of the anima.
"…You are absolutely correct, maiden of the sky." James answered.
That was not the answer Wendy had hoped for, but it was an answer no less which calmed her down a bit. Maiden of the sky? How does he know that?
"Mavis, I apologize. I didn't know how I was going to explain this ordeal without violating your sacred rules." James is now facing Mavis who is also feeling guilty.
"I have to apologize as well, in fact I don't believe an apology will be enough for the lies I enforced over the years, but I hope everyone can forgive me. However, what's important is that right now Fairy Tai.. no, all of Magnolia is in mortal danger and we have to be the ones who save it! We've protected our home many times! And we can do it again!" The emotionally weakened guild is now gaining hope. "I don't know who our enemy from this other world is, but they will regret making an enemy out of Fairy Tail!"
Cheers erupt from the Fairy Tail guild hall as the members build their strength for the battles to come... Little do they know that they were already a step behind.
-In Edolas, inside a dark throne room
There sits a familiar character who just received a letter from one of his servants. He reads it with the light from a candle.
"Hehehehehe." *reading the letter* "So, Earthland Fairy Tail is already aware then huh. I admit I didn't think you've already snuffed out my initial plan son! But this is only the first move! I will restore this land to its full glory and provide Edolas with an infinite supply of magic power that it rightfully deserves! Hahahahaha! So you just sit back in your little throne chair, Mystogan… BECAUSE YOU WON'T HAVE IT FOR LONG! HahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHA!"