Hello everyone and I'm back! Don't know how many months took me to post the second chapter and unfortunately can't promise you to update more often. Anyway, the thing that took a lot of my time was re-writing this story and adding OCs. I thought that it make the story much better. I carefully designed the OC, trying to make them as best as I can.
Also, since I started to re-watch the anime to perfectly get the characters. I noticed that I miss the old Fairy Tail where is everything is just peaceful and there was nothing serious. After the GMG events the story became much dark than before and I don't think the current arc is any different. So, I decided to make the story feels like the old FT. I don't know if I succeed or not XD
Reviews:
CopDog: Thanks~! Your guesses are candidates but not only them! there could be others :P
Kori no Koibito: Yeah, I know. After re-reading I felt exactly like you. I changed it but I can't find a better reason xD
Viperhat: You made my day by this review! thank you very much + and yeah, after defeating Mard-something, I believe other demons will be easy for him to defeat them. For Juvia, nah, no romance here. It will be the same as the mange.
PokeTail: who knows~ xD it could be anyone.
KazumaX: Maybe~ but love is not everything.
For the guests, thanks for your lovely reviews :D
NOTE: I updated the first chapter and added new things, so in case you didn't read the newest version. I would advice you to do it.
The current days in Fairy Tail guild were peaceful and quite as the majority of the members were training in preparation for the upcoming Grand Magic Games.
Makarov, the guild master, tried to enjoy the best of these days. He rarely had this calm atmosphere where he doesn't hear about some destruction caused by his beloved members or watch fights between members that would eventually destroy the guild hall.
However, this night, all the guild members were present, drinking, laughing, and talking about each other training.
They were present for only one reason.
The newest release of Sorcerer Magazine has important information about the solo mages.
Lucy was holding the Sorcerer Magazine. She was flipping the pages quickly searching for it.
Levy came closer to her "Did you find it Lucy?"
Lucy was focus, she answered without looking at her "Not yet." After a few minutes, she shouted "Aha" She was having a big smile, happy that she found what's been searching for.
"Look Everyone! The Sorcerer Magazine has an article that features some of the solo mages who will participate!"
Once the members heard her, they immediately dropped whatever they were doing. They gathered around her, interested on hearing about those mages. They need to know their enemy in order for them to win.
"Read it out Luce!" Natsu was sitting in front of her with Happy resting on his head. The other members nodded in agreement. Even the master, who was sitting far with his eyes closed, cracked one eye opened. He too was curious as the others.
She took a breath and started reading out loud "First one is called Soul Crusher."
Natsu quickly talked, interrupting her from continuing. The fire mage was known that he would say whatever comes to his mind clearly "What a lame name."
Gajeel got angry and yelled at pink-haired mage "Shut up Salamander and let us hear the rest."
"You want a fight?" Natsu held his fist only to be stopped by a strong punch from Erza. Her glare was deadly which made Natsu freeze in fear. He bowed his head several time and apologized.
Lucy laughed nervously; everyone was intense especially Erza. She was too interested in the article. Disturbing it will bring out their worst fate.
She continued "They say he is the most famous and oldest solo mage. The council had acknowledged his strength and contacted him several times to help them."
Wendy who was holding Carla "He sounds strong. Can we win against him?"
Natsu patted her head, grinned and with confidence he said "Heh, don't worry! We are much stronger!"
"Wait guys, I haven't finished. They also said that he have a giant sword that he considered it as a part of his body. The sword, even after being used for many years it doesn't even have one crack."
Erza eyes sparkled; her expression shows that she wants to have a fair battle with him. Cana turned to her "This will be troublesome even to you Erza. You might lose this time."
Erza closed her eyes and smiled "It doesn't matter if I won or lost, it's the honor of fighting such man."
"Oh ok, though your face says otherwise."
"Look! Here is a picture of him." Lucy showed the photo to everyone. He was a muscular old man, had a brown hair and beard. His giant sword was hanging on his back. Makarov glimpsed at the photo and said "Ah, him."
Everyone turned their head at their beloved Master, Wendy said "Do you know him, Master?"
"A…ah…yes." The master face had a look of annoyance and was sweating.
"What is gramps? Spell it out!" Natsu jumped at his face.
"He was once a member of Fairy Tail."
"WHAT" Everyone said in unison.
"Since when?" Lucy asked.
"Long before any of you brats joined the guild. But he left shortly after joining."
"Why?"
"He didn't agree on how things worked on this guild. He felt that being solo mage suited him well and eventually left."
Erza crossed her hands "Why the annoyance look then Master?"
Laxus said instead of his grandfather "He was annoying, really annoying. I remember him when I was kid. He would follow you everywhere every day just to tell how important you were in this life."
"He sounds a good person." Levy smiled.
"Laxus was one of the few people who adore his behavior." Makarov grinned. He was teasing his grandson.
"I…I wasn't." Laxus blushed.
Gajeel and Natsu looked at each other. Both of them had a sly look in their face "soooo Laxus, you were this kind of person huh?"
"Man, he was so childish."
Laxus held his fists in anger "Do you want to die today?"
Makarov sighed at their behaviors; they never grow up. He turned at Lucy "Is there something more in the article?"
She nodded "Another solo mage is being mentioned. He is called Alvin. They say he have a healing magic."
"He will be troublesome if we faced him on a battle event. Anything more?"
"Yes Cana. He says that he doesn't rely on his magic. He is a skilled fighter."
"That's doesn't help."
Gajeel smirked "This will be interesting"
"The third mage is called Raskus, she is Alvin's wife. She can defy gravity, decreasing the gravity would make her body float freely or increasing the gravity of her enemies weapons to the point they can't use it properly. She and her husband make the perfect team."
"So the wife would paralyze the enemies and her husband would fight them without problem." Laxus said.
"Last one is called Absolute Zero. He is one of the first people who registered in the games. Everything around him is mysterious, even his magic. They think of him being strong as he formed a team with the three famous mages I mentioned before."
"Hmm so we have nothing about him." Mira held her chin.
"They say that those four are considered the strongest team within the solo mages and the next issue for the magazine will include more. Also, The Grand Magic Games will be held after a week."
"Strongest team huh? No more time to waste. Happy let's do some training."
"Aye, Natsu let's go!"
Cana noticed that Juvia didn't join them and she was sitting alone far from them. She approached her and saw the water mage sad expression "Juvia, is everything ok?"
"Juvia…Juvia just feels something important to her is missing."
"Can't you remember anything about it? "
Juvia shook her head.
"Well, you can't spend the whole moping for it. Try and search for it again, I can help you."
"Thank you Cana"
Cana grinned and with sly expression "Then~, would you tell me who the man you fall for him?"
"Huh? Juvia don't know what are you talking about"
"Don't pretend that you don't know what I mean. We know that you are obsessed with certain ice mage."
Mira joined the conversation from nowhere "I heard it was Lyon."
Erza suddenly poped as well "R-Really Juvia? Lyon from Lamia Scale?"
"No. No. Juvia doesn't feel anything toward Lyon." Juvia said while blushing.
"You don't need to hide from us. We are your family Juvia."
The rest of the night was Juvia denying but the three girls are still convinced that the man she loves was none other than Lyon.
XX
Gray had arrived to Crocus two weeks ago. He didn't have anything to do, so he came to register himself in the games. In those two weeks he was training, he doesn't want to be disqualified at the beginning of the games.
The solo mages system was that most of mages work under a certain code names. They don't want to disclose their real names as it put their families in dangers. Gray wasn't good nor was interested at creating a nickname for himself. He just took his father name.
Another reason is that he hoped that Juvia would recognize the name and somehow remember Gray. After all, she was the one who fought the necromancer and freed his father.
This was his chance. If he failed, he doesn't know if he will live enough to search for another chance. The curse might kill him.
He was walking in the cold night toward the hotel after finishing his usual training. He started recalling that night. Yes, he once tried the simplest approach, by going and facing his friends. In the first place, he didn't believe a thing that demon said.
Flashback
Gray woke up; he rubbed his head and looked around him. He was in the same place. There was no one, the demon had left. He remembered that game the demon said. He wondered if his friends will really forget him. He shook his head "Nah, not going to happen. I better return and report what happened to the master."
.
.
Gray had arrived to Magnolia. He was walking back to Fairy Tail building, only to see Natsu, Lucy and Erza heading to the train station.
He raised his hand to greet them and ask them "Yo, are you heading…"Only to find out that they completely ignored him and passed him. "To…a…mission?"
His eyes grew wider. He blinked few times.
Did they really forget about him? Is the demon as strong as he said?
Still not believing, he walked in front of them "Hey! Stop screwing around."
"Huh? What do you want? " Natsu frowned.
"What the hell flame brain, why are ignoring me?"
Erza and Lucy looked at him in confusion.
"Are you trying to pick a fight?" Natsu held Gray collar.
"Bring it on Fire freak!"
"Knock it off, Natsu!" Erza turned at Gray with a deadly glare on her face "I don't know who are you, but you dare to waste our time. We have a train to catch."
There was silent.
Gray was sweating, afraid of asking the question. He gulped his throat, gathering all the courage he can find and asked "Do…do…any of you know who I am?"
Erza and Lucy were surprised by his question; Natsu answered immediately "No."
His face darkened, he was murmuring to himself "I can't believe you really forgot."
"Have we met before?" Lucy asked him.
"Met? I've been with you since forever. Don't you remember me Lucy? I'm G…" Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his heart. He fell on his knees and clutched his chest.
"Hey, are you ok?" Lucy came beside him. She placed her hand oh his shoulder.
"I am…fine."
So that what the demon meant with saying that he can't say his name to his friends.
"I'm sorry" He stood with the help of Lucy "I thought you were another person." Gray started to walk far from them.
"Another person?" Erza was thinking of his suspicious act.
Lucy raised her hand at her chest "but how did he knew my name?"
Happy flied in front of her "You are famous Lucy, he must heard or read about you!"
"Happy is right. Let's go now; we don't want to miss the train." Erza ordered and start walking.
Lucy nodded at Erza and followed her.
Natsu was still standing. His gaze was fixed at the stranger who left. He was thinking of something.
End of Flashback
Gray heard a shouting for him from behind "Yo, are you a solo mage?"
Gray turned to the person who shouted, he was a muscular man with a giant sword hanging "Who are you?"
"Soul Crusher at your service, I'm a solo mage."
Gray recognized him; he was wearing a blue necklace that had a winged shape. This was the mark for solo mages. He showed his necklace for the man. It hurt him for not mentioning proudly that he from the strongest guild in Fiore.
"Welcome aboard. Let me tell you something, you are important in this life. You have a family that cares about you and…"
Gray sighed and interrupted him "They are dead."
Soul Crusher stopped and then said "Friends?"
Gray laughed "They forget about me."
Soul Crusher rubbed the back of his head "Ahhh, I guess I missed in this one. But I can be your friend."
Gray turned "I don't need your pity."
"Ok, Ok, just wait. What's your name?"
"G—I mean Absolute Zero, Silver."
The dump look at Soul Crusher face was turned to a serious look once he heard Gray name. Gray noticed it; the man in front of him knows something.
Soon the dump look returned to him and said "I never heard of you before. It seems you are new solo mage. Come with me, the rest of mages are gathering in a nearby restaurant. It would be good to introduce yourself to them."
Gray hesitated for a bit. He didn't have any interest on meeting those mages. After all, his goal is to make them remember him and he will return as a Fairy Tail mage. However, he remembered that he may need to know them. Some of the games may require some collaboration.
He nodded and then Soul Crusher guided him to the very crowded and noisy restaurant.
XX
"So tell me, why everyone is excited on getting an official place for the solo mages in Fiore?" Gray asked Soul Crusher who was drinking a cup of coffee.
"For different reasons, some says that clients in Fiore pay well, they have more requests. Some have personal reasons."
"And your reason is?"
"I used to live in Magnolia. I want to do requests near what's left of my family." He said with a sad smile "and you?"
"No reason, I just want to participate on the games."
"I see." Soul Crusher noticed two people entering the restaurant; he waved at them and called them.
"You are enthusiastic as always old man." A young woman with reddish hair and pale skin man approached them.
"Hello, Raskus and Alvin."
Alvin was a serious, strict man. From his look, he doesn't care what other think about him, rarely trust anyone. His wife Raskus was the opposite. She was cheerful, friendly with everyone, rarely lose her calm demander.
"Good to see you again old man." Alvin pulled a chair and sat. He noticed Gray presence "who are you?"
"This Absolute Zero, Silver. A new solo mage."
"Hello kiddo." Raskus smiled at him.
"Kiddo?" Gray got surprised, it been long time since someone called him kiddo.
"Anyway, I have been waiting for you two to announce this!" Soul Crusher stood "We - the four of us – will form a team."
"WHAT?" Gray was not expecting so many surprises. He just met the old man and suddenly he announced that he is a part of his team.
"I knew you would say that." Alvin said and his wife giggled. "What I don't understand is why choosing this brat as a member." He pointed at Gray.
Gray got irritated with the way those two talking.
"He is strong. I can sense his magic." Soul said confidently.
"I see, but do you trust him?"
"Yes."
"Honey, why do you even ask? You know that old man trust people easily."
"Yeah, you right." He turned at Soul "I don't mind joining you."
Raskus raised her hand and said cheerfully "Me too."
"I'm not joining." Gray stood; his hands were in his pockets "I prefer to work alone."
"Then you will be disqualified." Soul was serious.
"Huh?" That got Gray attention.
"The organizers asked for teams. If you can't find one, you will be randomly put in a worthless team. You don't want that. Working with a weak team will eventually lead you to a lose and you will be disqualified."
Gray frowned, he got know why the restaurant was very crowded. They were making teams. He sighed and returned to his chair.
"Then it settled!"
"Then, we should come with a name for the team!" Raskus said.
"Let's just name it Soul Crusher team; after all you are the most famous mage among us." Alvin said with his eyes closed.
"I~agree." His wife raised her hand.
Gray covered his face, feeling tired, what a punch of weirdos.
A/N: A lot of things happened in this chapter, Juvia and Natsu were the first persons they felt something. Soul, Alvin and Raskus are my OCs, what do you think about them? and about the chapter?
drop your reviews, it can help me formulate this story for better :)
Until next time~