Chapter 1: Mage of the Four Seasons
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A ghastly orange grin tore through the once beautiful village situated in the middle of the forest. The relentless inferno continued to lick hungrily at the burning houses. Fire had tainted the earth with grey, illuminating the charred bodies of animals, trees and the sad remains of the residents of the Kisetsu (Season) Clan.
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"Papa! Mama! Where are you!?" A small boy cried out as he wandered through the burning wreckage of his village. He was a child not older than 7 years old, brown hair with black eyes. He wore a sleeveless shirt and knee-length pants. He walked around aimlessly, not caring where he was heading due to constant tears obstructing his vision. Ignoring the screams around him, he finally stopped walking from fatigue, sat down and began to wail. He thought back on what happened earlier that afternoon. Some travellers approached the village in order to seek refuge and food for the night. However, as soon as night fell, and smell of burnt wood and ozone woke him up. The village soon found itself at the mercy of a few dozen men dressed in dark robes. Much to the villagers' horror, they recognised the three travellers they invited earlier in the afternoon at the front of the raiders' group.
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As he continued to cry, he did not notice the unstable pillar beside him, its foundation weakened from the inferno. As the unstable structure threatened to collapse, a voice cried out from behind the unsuspecting boy.
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"Ryouma!" The boy found himself pushed away and tumbled down onto his face. As he groggily stood up and turned around, he saw that the entire structure had collapse on where he was standing moments ago. To the boy's horror, a familiar middle-aged man about 60 years of age was lying underneath the burning wreckage, his lower half of his body trapped and blood slowly oozed out. He had an eye half-closed and there were several gashes on his face.
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"Grandpa…" Ryouma muttered in shock. "NO! Grandpa Zen!" Ryouma scrambled towards the man while crying again at the fact he was so careless. He started to claw at the fallen wood structure in an attempt to free him, but quickly yelped and pulled back as the extreme heat caused burns on his fingers.
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The man called Zen, upon seeing this, quickly stopped his grandson with one hand and forced a smile. "It's okay! I'm fine, grandpa's just not going to move for a while."
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Suddenly, the both of them heard a shout from one of the assailants in the distance. The elder Zen quickly pulled his grandson closer and hurriedly whispered. "Listen Ryouma, you have to escape on your own. You'll have to hide in the Spectre Forest. Remember the big tree by the lake where you hide during hide-and-seek? You're be safe there."
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"B-But what about you?" Ryouma stammered.
"I'll be fine!" Elder Zen answered back. "Here, put this on your neck." He quickly fished out a circular Talisman from his pocket and placed it around Ryouma's neck. It was a brown talisman, decorated with intricate carving with 4 gems embedded on it: Emerald Green, Ruby Red, Ember Orange and Sapphire Blue. Despite the current situation, Ryouma could not help but gaze in wonder at the treasure hanging off his neck.
"Grandpa Zen, t-this is…"
"The sole treasure of our Kisetsu Clan." Zen answered. "I believe I have told you before even thought I've never shown it to you in person. This is a scared artefact with the power to bestow any user with the power of the elements. It is also known the Amulet of Nature. It's yours now."
Zen then caressed the cheek of Ryouma as a tear dripped down from his opened eye. "I'm sorry Ryouma, but you have to go now."
"SEARCH MORE!" A gruff voice roared from a distance. "THE ELDER SHOULD HAVE THE AMULET!"
"We have no more time!" Zen coughed out. "But, this is the least I can do to ensure you can escape safely…"
Zen extended his hand towards the jewelled amulet and manifested a rainbow magic circle.
"First Seal Released! Activate Homura (Flame), Shirin (Forest), Kaze (Wind) & Yuki (Snow)!"
At Zen's command, four rays of light burst forth from the amulet. The four rays of green, red, orange and blue light danced and intertwined with each other before forming four strange beings. They were humanoid in shape, but lack faces or any distinctive features. They looked as though they were made of pure swirling energy, from their hands all the way to their feet. The only difference was the colour of their bodies.
"Take the boy!" Zen ordered. "Do everything in your power to protect him and teach him the ways of this world!" The four energy beings silently nodded and extended their hands towards Ryouma. Much to the young boy's surprise, he was levitated and flew off the ground together with the four beings.
"You know where to go." Zen confirmed with the blue energy being. "Goodbye Ryouma, just remember that you will never be alone"
"GRANDPA NO!" The boy's cries slowly faded as he flew away from the area.
Zen heaved a sigh of relief as he closed his eyes. This was not the way I wanted to end off… he thought. But at least, he has protected the sacred treasure of his clan, and his beloved grandson.
"Ryuu, my boy…" He let out one final whisper. "Papa's going to see you soon."
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The Spectre Forest:
Ryouma could not stop crying after what happened. As he continued to weep, the four energy beings observed and one of them cried out.
[Oi! How long is this kid gonna to cry like a girl? You're a man aren't cha!? Then man the hell up!"] The red being threw his hands in the air and complained angrily. [All this crying is gonna ruin the mood!]
[Technically, he's not a man, but a boy] The blue being stated while crossing its arms. [While I agree with Homura, could you please stop yelling!? The assailants can hear us, and honestly, you're annoying as always.]
[Hahhhh!? You got a problem, Yuki?] The red being growled at the blue one. [Come on then! Let's take this outside!]
[We're already outside, you twart. In the freaking forest!] The blue being sighed. [Get that through your non-existent skull of yours.]
[That's it. LET'S THROW DOWN, YOU BASTARD!]
[Enough!] The green energy being interrupted, kneeling down and placing an arm around Ryouma. [You are scaring the kid! He just lost his family! Did you two forget Zen's words!?]
At the green being's angry outburst, the other two fell silent.
[Of course not, Shirin] The blue being known as Yuki apologised. [What we need to do now is to figure out what is our next move.]
[Tsk!] The red being called Homura grumbled. [Even if he lost his home, all the more reason he should man up and move on. How the hell is such a weak guy the next heritor of the Amulet of Seasons!? I sure miss Zen…]
[Me too…] The green being called Shirin sighed heavily. [But we have to fulfil our duties as guardians of the Kisetsu Clan, and guide this child.]
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[Fairy Tail!] The orange being suddenly exclaimed, causing Homura to fall down on his butt. [Zen told us about it before! The guild Zen has visited before. He told us it was a fun place where everyone was family and fight a lot, it sounds fun! Let's go there!] The orange being jumped up and down like a little kid while saying that.
[Don't shout so suddenly, Kaze] Shirin fumed. [But you're right…if this boy should grow up to be a mage…Fairy Tail would be the best…but for now we should train him.]
[Always so serious, you're so boring Shirin.] The orange being known as Kaze laughed. [Enough with the sad mood, I want to play with the boy! When there is a time to moan, there's only a time to play!]
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"Wait, you guys can talk?" Ryouma asked timidly after observing their squabble for a while.
[Sharp one aren't cha?] Homura replied sarcastically. [Thanks for stating the obvious kiddo.]
[You can't blame him Homura,] Yuki observed Ryouma. [No one expects a meathead like you to understand human speech or even act like one.]
[You're really asking for a fight aren'cha!?] Homura roared as he grabbed Yuki. [LET'S RUMBLE AND TAKE THIS OUTSIDE YOU BASTARD!]
[We're already outside! When are you going to finally process that simple fact!?] Yuki retorted.
[Ooooo. A fight? I bet Homura's non-existent brain on Yuki winning!] Kaze cheered from the side.
[You wanna throw down too Kaze? I'm feeling extra murderous today!]
[ENOUGH!] Shirin shouted.
The other three turned silent.
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The green being turned back towards Ryouma, [I'm sorry for scaring you like that, Ryouma. Having pointless fights is … common for us. But first, I believe we should introduce ourselves!]
[Hah? Do we have to- Ow!] Yuki elbowed Homura as soon as he complained.
[Yes, we have to, Homura.] Shirin stated. [It is necessary for the next inheritor of the amulet]
[Tsk!]
The green being kneel down on one knee and introduced once more [My name is Shirin, spirit of Spring and Loyalty]
The red being stepped forward. [Listen well kid, cause I ain't gonna repeat it! My name is Homura, spirit of Summer and Bravery! You better man up while we're at it.]
The orange being eagerly approached ryouma and held his hand. [Nice to meet you! My name is Kaze, spirits of Autumn and Playfulness! I can teach you how to get the ladies, but I guess you're still young for that…]
[Don't give him weird thoughts you damn playboy!] The blue being pushed Kaze out of the way and stood at attention. [Greetings Ryouma. I am the final spirit of Winter and Intuition. I'll be taking charge of your development towards a magnificent mage.]
"Um…okay…"
[Great then! Ryouma, this will be the start of your training as a Mage of the Seasons!]
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9 years later
Magnolia, Entrance of the Fairy Tail Guild:
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A group of five were walking towards a tall and large building. The front displayed the he words 'FAIRY TAIL' accompanied by a symbol resembling a fairy-like symbol with a tail.
One of the members laughed loudly as he approached the entrance. He had spiky salmon-pink and spotted a sleeveless black waistcoat with gold trimmings, with white knee length trousers and sandals. He wore a black wristband on his left wrist, and wore a scaled-patterned white scarf.
"KA KA KA! Time to eat!" The teen laughed cheerfully with a fist in the air.
"AYE SIR!"
Another member, a youth with spiky dark blue hair and droopy eyes displayed a look of anger and annoyance.
"It's great you're thinking of food, but whose fault was it that we didn't get paid due to excessive property damage!? AHHHHH?" He shouted.
"What was that popsicle princess!?"
"Exactly as I say Flamebrain!"
The two of them headbanged like a pair of angry rams, veins of anger popping out of their faces. One female member of the group, a blond girl wearing a blue and white vest with a cross pattern, a blue short skirt and knee high black boots tried to stop the fight.
"Please don't fight here guys!" She cried, wailing "Any more property damage and my quota for this month's rent is really going to be in trouble!"
"Natsu. Gray" A red-haired girl wearing armour said while crossing her arms. "Fighting again!?"
"NO! We'll best friends Erza!"/"AYE SIR!" The two males suddenly huddled together like scaredy-cats and changed from bickering enemies to best friends.
"Enough! Lets quickly report back to the master."
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"WE'RE BACK!" Natsu shouted as he kicked the door opened.
"Oh, Natsu! Welcome back!"
"How the mission?"
"Destroyed a lot of stuff!"
"As expected…"
"Lucy!"
"Levy-chan!"
"Oh welcome back!" An extremely short man with a white moustache holding a staff called ou. "Great timing Natsu, I need you help."
"What is it master?" Natsu asked Makarov.
"A new member of our guild," Makarov replied. "He wants to fight you. He's pretty insistent about it…"
Natsu, Gray, Lucy and Erza and saw a new figure approaching from behind. He was about the same height as Natsu, with long spiky brown hair and jet-black eyes. He wore a long cloak to hide his body along with simple sandals. A weird circular amulet with your jewels embedded on it hung from his neck.
"My name is Ryouma Kisetsu, Mage of the Four Seasons." The person stated. "Fight me, Natsu Dragneel."
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Ryouma couldn't help but sighed internally as Natsu himself was shocked by his request.
[Homura you idiot! Why the hell did you take over and request for something like a fight!] a voice screamed in Ryouma's head. [The master was kind enough to let us in the guild despite our background!]
[Don't be stupid Shirin!] Another much gruffer voice shot back, causing Ryouma a minor headache. [It is respectful to show one's strength and worth through combat! We must show the Fairy Tail guild Ryouma's strength as a mage! He will defeat that so called 'Salamander'! As a spirit of flames, I cannot take this lying down!]
[What era do you think you're in, idiot? The warring states!?] A calmer and much serious voice rang out. [Only a power idiot like you would have an outdated way of thinking!]
[What was that, you snow bastard!? Wanna take this outside!?]
[We're in the amulet! We can't get outside you idiot!]
[Umm guys?] A high voice intervened. [Ryouma's going to have a migrane because of us.]
[Oh]
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"Ryouma, are you okay?" Makarov asked. "You don't look so good."
"It's nothing" Ryouma replied while massaging his head. "Just a minor headache."
"Your name is Ryouma, was it?" Natsu slammed his fist together. "I never back out of a fight! You and me, lets fight!"
Makarov turned over to Ryouma, his face in exasperation. "You sure you want to do this Ryouma? You don't have to do this."
Ryouma gave the old man a smile. "Let's do this. It's a great way to show everyone what I can do."
Natsu gave Ryouma a large grin. "Alright! Let's go and fight!"
The members of Fairy Tail began to chatter excitedly. Having a new member joining and showing his magic on the same day isn't something so often.
Lucy sighed as she head outside as well. "Always fighting, can't we ever catch a break?"
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The outskirts of Magnolia, in an open plain:
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A few minutes later, the Fairy Tail Guild and Ryouma arrived at a wide, flat grassy field. The Fairy Tail members began to take their seats around the vicinity of the area. Thanks to Elfman and levy, a temporary makeshift fence was built around the arena.
[Now that it has come to this, we have no choice.] Shirin the spirit of spring said in Ryouma's mind. [Show them the fruits of your training Ryouma!]
[Its time for our debut!] Kaze the spirit of autumn laughed.
[A fire mage…this will be interesting!] Homura the spirit of summer smirked. [A worthy festival of flames and hot-bloodedness!]
[Don't listen to that idiot.] Yuki the spirit of winter advised. [Our opponent is a fire type, so don't forget to use me Ryouma!]
"Yeah..." Ryouma thought. "Let's show them the power of the four seasons!"
As both Natsu and Ryouma readied their stances, Makarov arrived in the middle, between two contestants. Putting a whistle in his mouth, he glanced at the both of them.
"First to fall or surrender loses! Are you ready?"
The two of them nodded.
"Then, on the count of three. Three…Two…One…Let the match…BEGIN!" Makarov announced as he blew the whistle.
He backed away quickly as Ryouma and Natsu stared each other down, grinning at each other. The two then quickly rushed towards each other, closing the distance and started engaging in close combat.
Natsu rocked his fist back and lit his fist on fire, causing Ryouma to be slightly surprised. As Natsu slammed the fist towards Ryouma's face, Ryouma quickly used his left hand to deflect the blow upwards while delivering a palm strike into Natsu's gut, causing Natsu to winced a little.
Natsu however quickly recovered and dashed towards Ryouma with another flaming fist.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Lunging forward once more, Natsu aimed at Ryouma's gut but he quickly sidestepped and dodged Natsu once more. However, as Natsu's fist made contact with the ground, a small explosion was created which caused Ryouma to be blown off his feet.
As Ryouma gasped for breath, he frantically look around to find that the Fire Dragon Slayer was nowhere in sight.
[Idiot! Pinky alert at 6'o clock!] Homura yelled in Ryouma's mind.
Ryouma turned around to see Natsu crouching while taking a deep breath with his hands positioned in front of him. "Let's see you dodge this!"
[This is bad! Breath!]
[Use your cloak!]
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
Ryouma's eyes popped out at the burst of fire from Natsu's mouth, but quickly removed his cloak and threw it in front of him like a shield. After a split second, Ryouma rolled sideways while the cloth was burned to nothing.
"GAAHHH!" Natsu complained. "Quit dodging damn it!"
"I would not want to be burnt to a crisp, thank you." Ryouma replied simply.
"Why isn't he using magic?" Levy wondered. "Is he a close-combat mage like Elfman and Mirajane?"
[That's enough close-combat] Shirin ordered. [It's time to show your magic! Let's go!]
"Yeah!" Ryouma yelled. He quickly stood up, clasped his hands together and chanted with Shirin.
"Spirit Possession: Shirin of the Spring!"
The amulet on his neck glowed green and increased in brightness till all Fairy Tail members were blinded by the green light.
As the light died down. The crowd opened their eyes and looked around.
"Who is that?" One member asked in shock.
Where Ryouma was now standing now was a slightly different individual. He has Ryouma's face, but his hair was no longer spiky but rather long and smooth. He had emerald green hair that extended all the way to his neck. His eyes was a shade of deep green and wore a black vest with a long sleeve for his left arm. He gave a smile and bowed graciously at Natsu.
"Allow me to introduced myself Natsu Dragneel. My name is Ryouma the Spring."
"Is that Ryouma?" Lucy gasped. "But his appearance changed…"
"Is it just me, or did he change personalities?"
"Well then," Ryouma continued while ignoring the comments of the audience. "Let us continue with the match. But first, lets do a scenery change."
As soon as Ryouma said that, he slammed both palms into the ground and yelled.
"Spring Magic: Great Forest Germination!"
The ground rumbled and huge roots began to appear from the cracks in the ground. Soon the crowd yelled in surprised when huge trees and plants began to sprout from the cracks in the ground.
"What is happening!?" Erza yelled as she struggled to find her footing within the hundred of plants growing around her.
"That guy! Does he use plant magic like me?" A man in the crowd yelled as thousands of flowers sprouted on floor. He wore a white shirt and green checkered pants. It was Droy, a mage who could use Plant magic.
"Plant Magic? I'm sorry but my magic is that simple…" Ryouma replied. "My magic allows me to tap into the very lifeforce of the earth itself and evoke various extraordinary phenomenons. For example such as this."
"Spring Magic: Great Forest Growth!"
As Ryouma slammed his palm into the ground again, the Fairy Tail members found themselves struggling to stand as another earth shaking occurred. This time, the plants that germinated before began to rise taller and increase in size. They ultimately become huge trees, turning the entire arena into a forest.
"Impossible!" Makarov whispered as he watched his phenomenon." This is on par as Warrod Sequen!"
Ryouma stared at Natsu, maintaining his smile. "Well then, Natsu… are you ready?"
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