Katana POV
Life is a chess board.
You need to sacrifice someone to get another.
Let the game began.
...
I remember it all, just like it was just yesterday.
How could I not?
Going to Fairy Tail was the greatest choice of my life and yet, it was the shortest.
Meeting Flame Brain and Ice Princess, two people who were a lot of happiness in my life. I definitely cherished the time that was spent with them.
Lucy becoming my aunt, along with Levy, Mira, Cana and Evergreen, it was fate and yet, it was all swept away, in a blink of an eye.
The memories I have made and the love I hold for them is extensive, I don't think that it will ever fade away.
Defeating Erigor and successfully killing the monster from the book of Zeref.
Following Natsu, Lucy and Happy into Galuna Island. Finding out about uncle Grays' past and then defeating Deliora as well as Lyon and his minions.
The Fall of Phantom Lord and the revealing of aunt Lucy's' past.
Discovering that uncle Loki was actually Leo Lion, the king of the Zodiacs.
Erza being kidnapped by her old friends and then others' finding out about her past. Using part of my magic was part of the fiasco as well. Then confronting Jellal, and sad farewells. That was also the first day, I called Erza mother.
Uncle Gajeel and aunt Juvia, joining the guild.
Then came The Battle of Fairy Tail. That was the day that my magic went out of control. That was the day that uncle Laxus' past came into view. Master Makarov, then banned him from the guild.
Then came the Oracion Seis Arc. That was probably the worst battle that mother and I had to fight, back then. Meeting Jellal again, was also quite a shock for us, but I immediately forgave him, along with my mother. This was the day I managed to fight full on with my power source. I got a new sister, named Wendy and it was this day, that I realized the true meaning of Love and Friendship.
Then came Daphne, it was quite a shock for us to think that uncle Gray would betray us. Thankfully, it was settled later on.
Edolas. It was frightening to say the least because not only did the king want our power, I found out that I didn't have another counterpart. That was when I started to get curious about my past. That adventure was also when we found out about Carla, Happy and Mystogans' past. I also saw my own mother, fight herself. It was...educating to say in the least.
After that, it was about my magic acting up. Random fizzes of pain and shock of electricity; I didn't really tell anyone in fear that they would throw me out. But mother somehow found out. That was the day I found out about my 'disease', called bloodlust. I was certain that mother was going to kick me out after she found out, but instead she just promised to stay with me and help go through it.
She lied that day.
It was only a few days later when she was pulled from my grasp.
The S - Class trials were the cause of that. When I first heard of them, I was quiet joyous for my nakama to have been selected. I had stood at the dock, waving goodbye to the members while holding Romeos' hand. Mother had promised to come back, but it was only a week later when we heard the news.
Tenrou Island Blown Away by A Dragon: Fairy Tail Members Dead.
From that day onwards, things only got worse for Fairy Tail. People started to leave and our reputation dropped from the best, to the worst guild in Fiore. Our new guild master Macao, had taken a loan from Twilight Ogres', but it only served as problem because they expected to be paid back in double. Anyone hardly smiled anymore and the guild was falling in tatters. On the plus side, we received a new member with the name of Kinana, who had lost her memories and Jellal had managed to bust out of jail. When I had originally heard of his great debut, I cannot say that I wasn't happy, but I was still very cautious. I met up with Ultear, Meredy and him a couple of times and became close companions with them, even helping them over the span of six years. As for myself, after the Tenrou team left, I became...distant although never once moving from my joyful spirit. In power terms, I worked harder than ever and rose up to the position of a S - class mage, which brought extra money to the guild. As for my magic... It proved to be problematic and often caused strange pain and whispers that would control my head.
What do you want to do...
That was a question that was often asked.
I never replied.
X791. That was the year that the gods had given mercy on us. I had just finished destroyi...I mean defeating a Dark Guild called Blood Skulls and was heading back to my guild when I heard the news.
"Did you hear? Team Tenrou has finally come back."
"After so long, really?"
My heart had sped up at those words and I had sprinted back into the premises. When I got their to say I was shocked was an understatement. Standing in front of me were the people who disappeared seven years and who still look the same. They were also shocked that I was 13, instead of a meek six year old. After fights and crying we all finally got back together.
Just when we thought it all fine, we had to deal with another another problem. This one included aunt Lucys' own past and history. Another girl, Michelle Lobster was also added into the fray. The Key of the Starry Night was definitely a long adventure, one that ended in betrayal and angst.
Then started the GMG games, those where eventful. It was quite a shock though for me to be chosen as well. I was absolutely seething throughout the events, due to the fact of Raven Tail and Sabertooth. When Lucy got hurt, it took both uncle Gajeel and Gray to hold me back. Thankfully I managed to express that anger onto my rival.
Minerva Orlando.
Then the worst thing happened. Aunt Lucys' spirits stopped responding her calls. It was quite the trouble to find out what was going on. The rebellion of the Golden 12 keys did put us at a difficult position.
The Dark Guild Tartaros caused the most awful fight that I ever had to stay in. Blood and gore, littered the lands as people were falling left and right. Fairy Tail and all the other guilds were fighting for their lives. The face clock was ticking and putting us all on edge. That was the very day that I was tortured by Kyôka. In the end however, while mother was able to defeat her, I managed to defeat my pastime rival, Minerva Orlando and cause her to become good again.
Mother was solemn after the huge fight, I was worried about her, but didn't say anything. Sometimes you have to deal with things on your own. Although after a quick chat with Jellal, she was fine again. It amazes me how much they are meant for each other.
It was a shock when Master Makarov disbanded the guild.
For a year, mother and I traveled with Crime Sorciere and she got to know more about my magic and how I fared during the seven years. She also learned about my suspicions on my past and promised to help me out after it was all over.
Then came the war of the Alvarez Empire. It was a horrid war, one that reached into the depths of my soul and caused me to be in excruciating pain. Every step, every hit I made, was all for one thing.
I had to make sure that my family would stay alive because I somehow knew, that this would be my last battle.
I died in that battle.
I died at the hands of my mothers', mother.
I died at the hands of Eileen Belserion, the Queen of Dragons.
...
Katana POV
A soft dripping sound emmits in my ears as I gain consciousness.
Drip. Drop. Drip. Drop.
My mind feels as if it is made up of ice. It pulses slowly, thawing while causing pain at the same time. My muscles are unmoving and straight, laying limply at my sides. My ears are clogged up so I can't really hear anything at all.
Where am I?
Who am I?
"You are in the netherworld," a soft voice calls in my head.
Panic clouds my mind, as I struggle to move my limbs. This is bad, if the person were to attack me now I would easily fall prey to death or even kidnapping.
"Calm down, i'm not going to hurt you."
Miraculously my muscles relax and my mind is put to ease.
Who is this person?
"I am life." The person responds softly.
What do they mean? Life isn't a person.
"Who said I was a person?"
Can they read my mind?
"Of course I can, considering the fact that your mind is connected with me. Every life source is connected to myself." The person answers back cheerfully.
Muscles straining, I force my eyes open try to adjust to the light that is shining on me, but instead all I see is a girl.
A small girl with white hair and blue eyes stare at my own. Her hair touches my face and her soft blue eyes clash with my icy ones. Sitting, up I peer at the girl and at my surroundings. Although there isn't much to see, everything is just white.
"W-Where am I?"
The girl smiles at me, before just reply happily, as if we were having some normal conversation.
"Like I said, we're in the netherworld."
"Netherworld..."
She nods once, before speaking again, her blue eyes twinkling in mischief,
"Your body was in deep trauma, so your mind was sent here."
"I see." I speak softly, my voice echoing off of in the distance; confusion hits me suddenly and I strain to remember how I got 'here' in the first place. Suddenly me memories hit my like a freight train and I jump up, shocked.
The fight!
"Calm down, the war is already over. Your side has won." The white haired girl speaks, her eyes holding concern and wonder.
My heart stops racing and my brain freezes for a few moments. Shakily sinking to my feet, a small smile graces my face, as I exhale softly.
We really did it...we won.
That smile slowly fades as I turn to the girl.
"Did anyone die?"
The white haired woman hesitates before saying, "No, nobody died."
I stare at her for a moment, in hesitation, before asking another question; "How many people were injured?"
"Hmm, all of you were pretty much injured." She says immediately.
I frown slightly, before opening my mouth to ask her another question; However I am cut off.
"The one who was most injured was probably yourself." She then moves to place a hand on my arm.
I sigh once more before staying quiet. It suddenly hits me that while my mind might be here, my body is still back on Earthland, meaning that I'll be asleep. But how to wake up...?
"I am afraid you can't go back."
"What?" I exclaim, as the words hit me.
The woman sighs, before standing up and turning around her eyes searching over the horizon of white.
"What do you, what do you mean?" I ask, slightly confused and shocked.
"You can't go back," She repeats, her voice laced with sadness and regret.
Anger clouds my eyes and my fists clench together.
"W - what!? Why!? Is something wrong with me?" I ask quickly.
The woman hesitates before turning around to face me, tears glowing her crystal eyes. She smiles sadly, before speaking,
"You...you think that Fairy Tail, Fiore is your home?"
" Of it is ! " I speak, my voice rising ever so slightly.
Fairy Tail is the only place where I have felt like I belong. It is the only place that made me feel like a normal person. I have experienced so much happiness from it, surely it is my home.
No.
Fairy Tail isn't my home, but the people inside of it are. Every memory that i've spent with them shows me how much determination and love they hold inside of their body. I am fortunate to be able to call myself a Fairy Tail mage.
Natsu, Gray, Lucy, Levy, Cana, Mira, Evergreen, Master, Laxus, Mother. All of them, are my one and only family.
Even Crime Sorciere is part of my family.
The woman looks downwards, trying to escape my glaring eyes. She then sighs and speaks,
"The love you hold for friends..."
"Nakama," I interrupt. They aren't just any normal friends.
"The love you hold for your nakama," The woman corrects herself, "It is unfathomable, but if you don't want anything to happen to them, you might as well listen to me."
My anger increases tenfold as I glare at the woman in front of me.
"Are you threatening me?"
"No! That's not what I mean!" She shouts, before righting herself upwards.
Her eyes are frantic now, as she stares at me, in both fear and worry. Her next words and louder and much more rushed; as if trying to make sure I don't intervene. " You need to understand, you're not supposed to be in this original timeline!"
Timeline, what does she mean?
"So?" I ask, not knowing how to answer.
"SO!" The woman screeches, her face contorted into one of full shock and confusion.
"Do you not know the problems that you have caused?!"
"No. I don't really understand what's going on, all that I know is that your not letting me go home." I say again, quite confused by now.
The woman moans before mumbling, "Okay i'm going to take this in another route."
She sighs and says, "Have you ever wanted to know about your past?"
My heart stops and my hands freeze. I start to adapt a feeling to numbness as the question hits me.
My past.
"You, you know of my past?" I whisper, my voice weak and fragile.
The woman nods, before speaking,
"I was one of the few that was enclosed of the secret of your birth."
Although her wording was a bit strange, I got the gist of it.
"So, so could you tell me?" I ask hesitantly - hoping.
"No, that you need to find out for yourself," The woman - Life - replies.
The hope that was growing in my heart is crushed now and frustration causes me to clench my fists crossly. I then repeat my question, "That doesn't explain why I can't go home."
The woman nods, before asking thoughtfully, "Have you ever heard of the multiverse theory?"
I pause before contemplating her words. I remember aunt Levy telling me about it, but I don't know it in depth.
"I suppose so.." I say slowly, I really don't see how this relevant.
"The multiverse theory states that there are multiple universes that are living in different cosmoses, right?"
That woman absentmindedly nods, before saying, "The multiverse theory does say that there are different dimensions, that are residing in different cosmoses. It also states that if more than one dimensions in the same cosmos, then their will be the same people, but the opposite characteristics in both of them. An example of this is Edolas and Earthland."
I close my eyes and unclench my fists, before the woman starts to speak again.
"There are certain rules to the Multiverse Theory, but most important one is rule number two."
"What is that then?" I ask, slightly intrigued. The faster I listen what she has to say the faster I can return home.
"Rule Number Two of the Multiverse Law book: If a person from an universe gets transported to a different universe, they have to be sent back to their universe, no matter how long it takes and what the consequences are. "
My eyebrows furrow and my brain starts put the pieces together.
"Why, why are you telling me this?"
I don't understand.
The female, Life, smiles. Tears start to fall down her cheeks as she speaks,
"Katana, you aren't a stupid girl. Surely you know the reason of why I am telling you this."
My eyes start to blur as I realize the truth. Thoughts travel in my head as my mind processes this new piece of information. I don't even realize it when I start crying. Hot wet tears slide down my face.
I am from a different universe.
It makes sense now. How I look so much different than all the others, how I have a different magic. I never did truly belong with them.
No.
That's not true.
While i'm from a different universe, my home will always be with Fairy Tail, no matter what.
Silence passes over the both of us as I weep silently. After a few moments, my mind calms down and I wipe the tears off of my eyes. I then think about my options and ask, "What would happen if I went back to Fairy Tail?"
The white haired woman hesitates, before saying,
"You have two choices. If you go back to Fairy Tail, someone else will take your place."
"Which means..."
"Yes Katana, if you go back now your mother will die in your place."
"That's not an option." I say immediately, my mind still processing the information.
I don't want to live in a world without my mother.
The woman nods, before continuing onwards, "The second option is that you go to the other world and stay there for the rest of your life."
I stay quite, my heart throbbing painfully. I know the choice I have to make, but it doesn't make it seem easier.
I'll never see them again.
The people who have loved and cherished me for my entire life, the people who I would die for and who would die for, i'll have to leave them and-
It hurts.
Making up mind I sigh softly, before I open my mouth and start to speak. However I am interrupted.
"How about I give you another option."
Turning around, I see a man.
His skin is tan and black hair frames his face. He has a straight nose with a chiseled jaw and sharp cheekbones. His red eyes stare at me, amused.
"What, what are you doing here?" Life asks, her tone becoming slightly cold.
The black haired man just smiles at her, before speaking in a cheery tone.
"Now, now Life - chan, no need to be so harsh now?"
His voice was deep and rough, almost as if it was rubbed against sandpaper.
'Life' growls, her voice low and annoyed. She then speaks, her voice dark, "Don't 'chan' me, what are you doing here?"
The man pouts, which is an odd thing to look at.
"I'm just here to speak with this lovely maiden, no need to be so harsh."
He waved his hand at me to prove his point. I scowl slightly, quite frustrated at this point; this decision is hard enough and I really just want to get it over with. I frown, before asking, "What the hell's going on?"
The white haired woman blinks, as if just realizing that I was there. She then goes back to talking to me, "Katana dear, this is a...colleague of mine. Death meet Katana, Katana meet the irritation of my existence, Death."
I stare at her, shocked at how calmly she said sentence. Then again, I should have expected it. If Life could take a form then Death could take one as well.
Even though I am surprised and slightly scared (I mean, he's Death), I bow at him slightly, to show my respect. Another emotion settles in his eyes as he looks at me, almost curiously.
Interest.
"That's a first." He mutters, but I hear it.
"And why's that?" I ask, my voice calm and bland.
He stays quiet, before speaking, "You have good hearing."
I narrow my eyes before thanking him, my voice unwavering.
"Why are you here?" Life asks crossly, before crossing her hands over her chest.
His eyes dip slightly, before writing themselves upwards. Smiling smugly, he turns to me, his eyes sparkling in mischief.
"You know, most humans would take one look at me and run away screaming," he says, completely disregarding Lifes' question.
His question gets my numb brain circulating. Why am I not scared?
Although it is true, I, like every other human being hate death. Death is a epidemic that takes away the ones you love the most. It is something that goes into the deepest hearts of people and twists, but unlike other who are scared of death, I don't mind dying. Some people even want death, they think that it is the only escape from life.
I knew someone like that..and in the end, they got their wish.
I stay quiet, but somehow it seems that he got his answer as he hums to himself, before nodding and turning toward Life.
"To answer your previous question, I am here because I have another offer to give Ms. Katana here."
"An offer on what?"
The man smiles, his face slightly darkening.
"I offer you a chance to go back to Fairy Tail."