Dracorde: Prologue - Memories

X716

"Millions and billions of years ago, before this very universe existed, the four gods of Ishval created light and dark. From light, life was created. They were the angels, and minor gods. However, life was also created in the dark. These were the demons, and the serpents.

"At first, the race of light and the race of darkness lived together in harmony. Then, the neutrals were formed from the lights and darks, and they were creatures of neither light nor dark. These are the dragons, celestial spirits, mermaids, fairies, and mages. They were happy.

"Their happiness ended when a selfish little demon wanted the planes of the universe to himself. He waged war against the other races. The battle took thousands of years. Slowly, the balance of light and dark was disappearing, so one of the gods, Walrod Cken, created planes for each race. Akuma for the demons, Hebi for the serpent-kinds, Tenshi for the angels, Kamigami for the minor gods, Riyu for the Dragons, Kyohaku for the spirits, Ningyo for the mermaids, Yosei for the fairies, and Earth for the mages. Then for each of those planes was a parallel world, a back-up, opposite world called Edolas.

"In Riyu, there are only seven dragons left. There is Bruciare the fire dragon, Flusso the water dragon, Salire the earth dragon, Colpo the sky the dragon, Lucido the light dragon, Velare the shadow dragon, and Regnare Pace the bringer of peace.

"A few hundred years later, the populace of Riyu grew from seven to seven thousands. A decendant of Regnare Pace named Primo saw that without a ruler, the dragons will fall apart. So, Primo chose the best fire, water, earth, sky, light and shadow dragon. He appointed them as the ruler of the dragons in their respective clans named from the first dragons. In turn the seven dragons appointed Primo as king.

"Time went on and by crossbreeding; dragons with different power were born. There were lightning dragons, star dragons, moon dragons, and even cloud dragons. However, a purebred dragon is always the strongest. Therefore, when one ruler dies, the strongest of his kind will replace him. The cycle goes on and on.

"Along the way, some of the dragons came to Earthland, a world filled by humans made in the gods' likeness. The dragons taught them their 'magic' as did the other races. These people are called mages and those who practiced the dragon's magic called dragon-slayers for only dragons can defeat other dragons. Training to be one takes years of practice but the results pay off. When a slayer receives lacrima, a physical form of magic, from his or her dragon, the slayer will be stronger and be more like a dragon.

"Dragon-slayers are classified into three kinds: the first generation, second generation, and third generation. The first generations are those who are just trained by dragons. The second generations are those who only received a dragon lacrima implant. The third generations are those who are both trained and have received dragon lacrima." A brunette, who looks around the age between eighteen and twenty, read aloud to her daughter from a book. Then she kissed the nose of the young girl and bid her good night.

She is Pinna Dreyar, the wife of a young S-class mage of Fairy Tail. Despite her looks, she's actually forty years old, but no one knows that, not even her husband. Pinna has another secret though. She's a dragon, but not just a regular one. She is the princess and future ruler of Riyu. And... She's not a major character and that's all you really need to know.

"Mama, why can't I tell Papa your lessons?" Black eyes met Chocolate ones.

"Because it's a secret and we should keep secrets. Now go to sleep, Nora. Mama has to cook for Papa." The brunette princess tucked her three year old daughter goodnight and left for the kitchen. On her way down, a tall white-haired man appeared. His appearance shocked Pinna. After all, wouldn't you be surprise too if suddenly a (hot) man whom you never invited to your home before is in front of you?

"Lady Pinna, your presence is greatly requested in the Courts. Your father, King David, has passed on and no one but you can take his crown. Please make haste before the dragons rally for their queen," the man said monotonously. His face passive and void of any emotion.

"But how about my daughter? She's far too young to pass through the portal. I shall not leave without Nora!"

"Lady Pinna, it has all been prepared. The Dragon of the Sky and Dragon of Shadows have ensured that the portal will be safe for the young princess to pass."

"And my husband?" Despite the twenty year age difference and the fact the she's a dragon, Pinna loved Makarov Dreyar from the depths of her literally gold heart. He was hers and hers alone. A set of skin-colored scales, barely visible, by his neck marks him as Pinna's mate, whether he knew or not.

"My lady, that is not possible. Not only is it against law, but it might also start an uprising if the dragons find out that there is a human in Riyu." A slight hint of sympathy and pity laced his eyes and voice, "Sed lex pura lex. Law is hard, Lady Pinna, but it is law." The white-haired man offered his hand, "The dragoness of fire will stage an accident so your husband won't question your disappearance. Please come with us. Your coronation awaits."

The queen-to-be sighed. She knew that one way or another she will be crowned and she'll have to leave the happiness she found in Earthland. Pinna only hopes that her little Nora will keep her sane. She took the man's hand and they both vanished to their home realm.

That night, the Fairy Tail S-class mage came to home to a burning two-story house and charred bodies of a woman and her child. It was night Makarov lost his beloved family.

X717-X777

Eight and half months after Pinna was crowned Queen of Dragons and have left Earthland for good, Layla Dreyar was born with the choco-caramel orbs of her mother and tuft of blond hair of her father. She was the night to her older sister's light and for Pinna, a constant reminder of Makarov Dreyar.

Layla grew up with only the company of Nora. Her mother avoids her like she's a plague. The maids and manservants were always scurrying around the castle following orders and no time to play with the princess. Her nanny once tried to assasinate both her and her sister, so that's a big no-no. The dragons and dragonesses of clans are kind to her but are always busy with the feuds normally between the Salire and the Colpo clans.

When it comes to princess training, all she'd hear was "Nora this," "Nora that," and "Layla, you should be like your sister." Then in the dining room, all she would eat are the scraps and bits that her sister gives when she can for the number one motto in Riyu is "Only the strongest survive."

Nora had a different dilemna from Layla. She too is also ignored by everyone around her however, she was better in training than her sister, fiercer, more ferocious, more like a dragon should be, while Layla was good but much kinder and gentle, more human. She would always give Layla the best parts she could get and a few for herself but it wasn't enough if you were thirteen and the rest were seven hungry grown-ups with appetites thrice their size. Then she had to deal with those mini heartbreaks that she get everytime her onyx eyes meet Layla's, beautiful yet tragic at the same time. So when her little sister have turned sixteen, the age of maturity or when a dragon's growth slow down tremendously, both have packed up and left Riyu. Damn it all if the dragon realm has no heir! She will not stand for the emotional pain that she and her sister get in their "home". They morphed into their human forms and passed through the portal connecting Riyu and earthland.

The older princess is determined to show to Layla that there is life outside the skies of Riyu. She will show her the kindness and mercy found only with humans. Nora will train her and make sure she will be the queen. The ways of the dragons have been cruel and far too long, and the pale yellow dragon princess believe that Layla will be the one to pave the new ways of the dragon.

For the first few decades, the two travelled, learning different forms of magic and different ways to initiate theirs. They lived without worry because surely, Pinna (they refuse to call her their mother) would like them to be as faraway as possible. Also, Layla and Nora was able to steal a bag of dragon diamonds and that was enough for them to live a long, luxurious life in earthland. However, for experience' sake, they worked for the council as rogue mages. The sisters exposed themselves to the culture of the world and through those years, the very woman who brought them to existence or those kind folks who would pat their heads in the passing haven't even tried searching for them.

Sometime in between those decades, Nora and Layla decided to finally meet their father, Makarov Dreyar...

Today was early May 5, x753. Rain pounded against the roof of the train as I stared out of the window. My sister, Nora, leaned on my shoulder, fast asleep. Currently, we're on a train to Magnolia, a seaside town in Fiore where my supposed father lives in. I sighed. Honestly, I don't know if I should feel excited or nervous or passive. I mean, I've been alive for 36 years (even though I look 18) and not once did I see him nor feel his presence. Nora said that both of us look like mama except I got his blonde hair and she got his dark eyes and that did a lot of help in getting a good concept of what he looks like. Sense the sarcasm, anyone?

"Dearest passengers, I would like to inform you that we'll arrive in our next stop in Magnolia in 5 minutes," said the conducter via magic speakers.

I tapped my sister's shoulder, "Wake up, Nora. We're almost there." Of course, she awoke and sat straight. "Do you even know what he looks like now? Or where he is? Shouldn't he be like 60 or something?"

"Relax, Layla. We'll be fine. I can find him with my nose but it may or may not take a while, no promises."

The train came to halt in the station. A few passengers, including us, went our separate ways as more passengers boarded the magic-run locomotive. Nora immediately put her enhanced sense of smell to use while I just followed, pulling one silver suitcase behind me. I would help her but I don't know what my father's smell is like.

After an hour of going around town, we finally arrive in front of this huge building that's almost as big as my small room in Riyu (you'll need space when you're a giant dragon). There was a huge banner hanging on the top of the building that said 'Fairy Tail' and a cute sign below it that actually reminds me of a fairy. Nora brought her hand to the door and gently pushed it.

"Eeeeeeeeeeep!" Holy dragons! What in Edolas, Riyu, and all realms was that?! Shiz! Is that freaking table thrown at me!? What kind of guild is this!? By the dragons, if this is how they welcome people, I wonder what my father is like?!

Inside it was pandemonium! I have travelled this world for years and I don't have enough words to describe this chaos! EVERYONE is fighting with one another. Shouldn't guilds be helping each other or something? "Ummm, Nora, are you sure this is the place?" I asked. I swear there is that huge bead of sweat comically dripping from my forehead. Okay , that sounds wrong for some reason.

"Positve, Layla. My senses have led me here," she said with a determined look on her face. How can you say that? It's like we entered a not-underground fight club having a free-for-all.

A huge foot literally dropped from the ceiling, squishing the brawling mages. It gave us a clear view of a short old man dull yellow-gray hair and a green-haired barmaid. The old man yelled, "Don't you brats have any shame? We have guests!"

The barmaid then retorted, "Master, you can't really tell them off if you yourself just dropped your foot infront of them." Is it me or is her unwavering smile creepy?

"Shush, Sylvia. I'm trying to be a good and responsible guildmaster," he said then he faced us, taking in our features. Pain flashed on his face for a second until it fade away back to the cheery, crazy grandfather look. "Welcome to Fairy Tail! How can we be of service?"

Nora walked the distance from the door to the bar, avoiding the bodies of unconcious mages and stopping only a few meters away from the man. I stood a behind her gazing past her shoulder. My sister spoke, "We're looking for Makarov Dreyar. We wish to speak to him."

"That's me!" Say what? That guy who apparently owned the giant foot earlier is my father? "What do want to talk about? Do you want to join the guild? Have you come to sue us for damage inflicted by my children?" Oh I hope these barbarians aren't my siblings of some sort. "If that's the case, we won't be payin'. Please leave the way you came in."

I, Layla Dreyar, have decided that like this guy. "

No," Nora laughed, clearly amused, "Do you mind if we talked in private? It's kind of personal and important, to us at least."

"Very well. We can talk in the office, then. Come along," he said cheerfully. Is this guy not worried we could be some assasins sent to kill him? As my supposed father was trying to find the right key from this ring full of keys and what-nots and charms, he sighed, "You know, you both look like someone I loved and cherish." Why is it in past tense!? "I still do though, love and cherish her, but she's gone." Oh. He found the right key and let us in. Makarov sat behind the desk while we are sitted on the plush red armchairs in front of it. "So what is it you want to talk about?"

For a whole moment, Nora just stared into his eyes. They're all awko-taco and stuff. Suddenly my sister mumbled, "I'm Nora, daddy."

All it took are those three words until our father cried and hugged Nora. "H-how? Why are you s-so young?" he said, his voice a bit muffled.

A few more wails and questions later, he calmed down. Nora explained from when they were taken from earthland to this point. She explained how Pinna was pregnant with me before she was crowned. She explained the sadness that our mother's depression has brought to us. She explained everything while stayed quiet.

With tears still glistening on his eyes, our father placed left hand on my cheek and other on Nora's. "My two beautiful daughters. I'm so proud of you and I'm sorry I wasn't around when you were, growing up. I should have tried finding your mother to stop her depression."

Placing my hand over his, I spoke for the first time during our hour in this office, "It's okay, daddy." The word 'daddy' felt natural to say. "You had responsibilities and reasons."

"Will you join the guild?"

Nora answered, "Umm... I was planning to learn more forms of magic with Layla specifically that holder-caster Celestial Spirit Magic. But we'll be sure to visit." Actually, I'm learning CSM. Nora is learning Heavenly Body Magic. So far, I've got two keys, a bronze one called Iris and a silver one called Orion. We spent another hour getting to know each other before we left.

"Layla!" I faintly hear my sister.

"Layla-sama!" Orion?

"Miss Layla!" Iris?

"Layla. Stay with me! You'll be alright." I'm alright. I'll be alright. I'm right here. I can't feel my body and my magic. What happened? I feel so sleepy...

I woke up to someone quietly snoring beside me. Nora? Weakly, I tried to touch her, but I can barely lift my hand. An IV was injected to it. I tried to call her. All that came out was nothing. I tried to call her again. Nothing happened. My eyes wander the room and it rested on the bump that was supposed to be my belly. Am I pregnant? What happened? I tried to call my sister and this time it worked, "No... ra?"

In an instant, she awoke. Tears welled up in her eyes. "Layla! You're awake! You don't know how worried I am! I'll never let you out of my sight. I pointed to the bump, silently asking her. She answered, "You went on... a quest... by yourself without... me... You got... poisoned... by a... Dragon's Bane..." The rest was gibberish. The only I understood was 'man', 'advantage', and 'rape'. I put the puzzle pieces together. I sent her another look How long? "Going seven next week." A child was growing inside me. I'm going to be a mother. I'm going to be a mother! Even though this was completely unexpected and unplanned, I felt a surge of pride. Nora laughed at the ridiculous smile that I had on my face. However, her laugh reached its decrescendo and she frowned. "We can't keep him. He'll be in danger. Assasins are after us for the past decades and even though we make it through in the end, my little nephew-to-be won't. I'm sorry Layla-dear but we either drop him, which I forbid you to do, or give to daddy so that he'll raise him for us. Then when the threat is gone we can live happily together."

Months passed, and on April 25, X761, my little free boy was born. Laxus was the name I've given him, a word meaning free. Free from the responsibilities of a prince. Free from the harsh nature of dragons.

On April 26, X761, my baby boy saw his mother for the last time.

Years passed, Nora have left me for the sake of Riyu. Mother contracted Magic Defeciency Syndrome or MDS, a sickness no magic wielder can escape, and my sister has to be crowned queen for the greater good of our kind. I stopped doing quests from Council. I met my husband Jude Heartfilia, and we've got married. Life has been kind to us and has blessed us with a child, Lucem, my lucky Lucy on July 1, X767. The light of the darkness Laxus have given me when I lost him. Laxus. I regret not ever coming back to him but my step-brother, Ivan and her wife have took him and raised him as their own when I couldn't. They made him happy. I would be a horrible mother if I took that happiness away from him. But Lucem, Lucy can't fill the void in my heart reserved for him.

On November 9, X771, Caelum was born, a sky with never-ending possibilities. A son is given to me after ten years. I though I would be happy again but as quickly as he was placed on my arms, he was taken,never to be seen again.

On August 5, X773, the same thing happened. Candor, the brightness that gives people warmth and support, my baby boy, was scorned by his father. The only thing I can do keep him safe was to give him away to someone else. But I can't burden my father or my brother so I gave him to someone I know will raise him well. Weisslogia, a dragon sent by Nora to protect us.

On July 7, X777, was the day I disappeared from the face of Earthland. The Dragon Rulers, came for me and staged my death so I can leave for Riyu and be crowned. Something bad must have happened to Nora. I had to leave behind Lucy so that I can make Riyu a safe place for her and her brothers. Yes, I'll come back for them. I'll change the ways of the dragons so my children won't suffer the way I did when I was young. Determined, I stepped into the portal.

I'm back, people! Merry Christmas! So this prologue is similar to the original. It's all about Layla fragments/important life moments. We also have a two new characters: Pinna, Layla's mother, and Nora! I hope you liked this Prologue. If you're new here and you haven't read the first version of Dracorde, then welcome!

The first chapter: Short, Fast and Loud will be posted in around 10-14 days. See you! (BTW, The chapter titles willmost likely not be related with the chapeter itself. I get the chapter titles from my songs in iTues in shuffle except this one. This one is intentionally named but it does share the name of the song Memories by Panic! At the Disco)

Criticisms, comments and reviews are welcome!

1/1/15: I can't believe I accidentally posted the wrong chapter O.O Sigh... I guess that's what I get for posting two fanfics at once at 3 AM of Christmas day. I sincerely thank users kerippi and Shadowtolight for pointing out to me that posted the wrong story. Thank you!