To any Mary Sue haters, don't worry: Rollerskater girl is not a huge part of the story. She won't be joining the main cast, and we'll only occasionally see her.
Also just in case people are wondering. Makarov and everyone in Fairy Tail knows who Zeref is, but the general population (meaning normal people or other guilds) and the Council doesn't know Zeref is THAT Zefef the Black Mage.
Chapter 3: Departure
"Everyone, this is Zeref." The Guildmaster led me through the gaggle of onlookers and through the front doors of the Guild. " He will be joining us from now on. You will all treat him as you would treat another member of the Guild."
Immediately there were shocked mutters of protest and faces of disbelief amidst the members. It seems that I was not welcome here. It was no surprise to me at all, because of my reputation and my power, I was more likely to kill them than join them.
"Gu-Guildmaster! Is this really a good idea? To let such a-"
"You know what he's done in the past! Are you still going to-"
"I mean, come on, he's Zeref! The most darkest and most evil-"
"I knew the rumors about Guildarts bringing back someone was true!"
"You can't-"
"He's not trustwo-"
"ENOUGH!" Makarov bellowed and instantly the people in the guild quieted. I couldn't help but envy the respect and admiration he held in this Guild. Was that what I missed out on over the years? This strange aspect of life called "friendship"? When people can speak freely to you and make accept you?
"That's enough," Makarov repeated in a calmer voice, "You all are the mages of Fairy Tail! When have we ever let someone's past get in the way get in the way of welcoming a new member? Do you think I would have accepted him into the Guild if he is a danger to us all?"
That seemed to calm the Fairy Tail members down slightly, but another person stepped forward, his body taut with anger.
"Guildmaster! Did you forget what happened to my village? My parents and my mentor was killed-" the person growled, pointing at me, "- by Deliora, a demon HE created!"
I froze as my reeling mind took in this new information. It was so obvious now, whatever stupidity my rash decisions in the past made me do. I was desperate for death - yes - so I had created countless demons to kill me. It didn't work, of course, and they were either sealed or they continued to roam free in the land! My actions have once again taken innocent lives away. Many families were shattered, villages destroyed, destruction caused to the land, without my knowledge. I was just as much as fault here, because if I hadn't created these demons and studied for a way to die without repercussions to the rest of the world...
No, but then Natsu wouldn't be alive, if I hadn't done everything I could to perfect my skills in the creation of my Etherious... But was it worth all the lives they have taken?
"I'm sorry..." I whispered, looking down.
And then he was there, the person whose suffering was caused by my hands was standing directly in front of me with his arms crossed. He wasn't wearing anything except his boxers, and his Fairy Tail tattoo was splayed across his chest proudly. He frowned at me.
"Tch! Don't make such a pathetic looking face! How am I supposed to hit you if you look so sad like that?! It's- it's not like you killed them with you own hands or anything! OI, STOP LOOKING AT ME LIKE I KILLED YOUR PUPPY GODDAMMIT!"
What was this development? Now instead of hatred he was looking at me with pity. An awkward silence settled in the wake of Gray's declaration. My bewildered mind said out loud the first thing I could think of:
"Deliora wasn't my puppy."
That earned some chuckles from the people around me. The thick tension created by my arrival earlier have dissipated - and since nobody's died yet, the members of Fairy Tail are becoming more relaxed in my presence. There were still wariness in their eyes, and none of their hands strayed from their weapons that were ready to be called up at a moment's notice. But the ice was broken.
"Bastard..." there was a distinct lack of bite in his words now, and the boy just looked annoyed. "I still owe you a punch, okay? But you'll have to start living up to your legend first before I can finally avenge Ur. So... for your own benefit, don't betray Fairy Tail! My name is Gray Fullbuster, and if I ever see you do something you'll regret, I'll remember my promise to punch you in the face!"
"Mr. Moe! Wake up, the sun's high in the sky!"
Bright light pierced through my eyelids
"Are you ignoring me, Mr. Moe? Shall I sing you a song? Here it goes..."
"Don't!" I sat up quickly, rubbing my eyes. Sure enough, it was noon already. People walked by in the busy road as they continue on with their day's business. The streets were normal, except for several craters in the streets (Oops). I fumbled through my clothes and wrapped Natsu's scarf around my neck once again before my magic gets set off.
"You should have ran away when I told you to!" The girl from yesterday huffed. I noticed she still have her rollerskates on. "I found you lying on the streets this morning. Did they beat you up? I don't see any injuries, but these are some scary craters beside you."
"Oh, I'm very durable." White lie - I am practically impossible to kill, though I shouldn't be implying that I nearly killed several men last night. There's also no sign of the mage with Lullaby from. Did my magic kill him? Or did he escape?
"On the roof above me," I told the rollerskater girl urgently, "Is there anyone up there?"
She gave me a look, "Did you hit your head or something? Maybe I should take you to a hospital..."
"No need. I was just wondering because I might have injured one of them and if they escaped..." I trailed off while feeling guilty for lying right in her face.
"...They might have left a trail?" She finished. "Sure, I'll go check."
She jumped up, her magical rollerskates leaving sparks as she raced up the wall and landed on the roof.
"Nope, nothing! Not a trace!" She answered.
I sighed in relief. Last night I didn't kill anyone. That was more than I could've asked for, considering the devastation I caused to the Eisenwald group... The crunch of bones and the sound of their screams still grated against my conscience.
"What exactly did you do to get these people to chase after you?" I asked. I knew she overheard something about Lullaby, but to what extent? Hopefully it wasn't enough to get her dragged into this mess. I need more information, because I will be taking on the Dark Guild Eisenwald to retrieve Lullaby. A demon in the hands of a Guild that kills people is just a recipe for disaster.
"I dunno," she shrugged, "Just some babble about a flute they found somewhere. I was only passing by. But they thought I was eavesdropping and started to chase me. I'm sorry if you got hurt because of me..."
"It's no problem," I assured you, "You shouldn't be out at in the streets that late. I don't think these men will be bothering you anymore, but it doesn't hurt to be careful."
"Huh, did you do something to them after all, Mr. Moe?"
"Call me Zeref please," I shuddered, "Anything but Moe."
"Alright! Whatever you want, Mr. Moe."
"It's Zeref..."
It was noon when I arrived back at the Fairy Tail Guild entrance alone. Rollerskater girl left a while ago and I was unable to correct her about my name. The Guild was bustling with activity, some are drinking and some are looking over the job bulletin board for missions to take. I came inside and Mirajane greeted me.
"Zeref! Where did you go last night? We were worried because you never came back!" She exclaimed as she came over.
I have a room upstairs in the Guild where I usually stay for the night. It was small and barely had any furniture in it. There was one bathroom, a bed, and a desk with several books about spells stacked upon them. I don't usually go in unless I need to sleep or if I'm in the need of some reading material.
"I was occupied with something last night," I gave a vague answer, "Mirajane, do you know anything about a Dark Guild named Eisenwald?"
Her expression turned serious, and I suspected that she knew exactly what I'm up to now. "Honestly, Zeref, you shouldn't get associated with these shady bunch. I heard Erza's doing a mission somewhere around where their Guild is located, so she might have some information for you when she gets back. Also, Natsu came here this morning to get his scarf back, and when he heard you were missing he set out to find you."
"ZEREEEEEEF!" There was a sudden shout as a blur of pink burst through the doorway, "GIMME BACK MY SCARF!"
"Well, there he is," Mirajane said with a smile as I was suddenly tackled by a hyperactive dragon-slayer.
"Zeref!" Natsu said, "You were taking so long Lucy and I went on a mission without you!"
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow, "What was it about, Natsu?"
"Ehh, it was to destroy a book-" he noticed my flinch "OI, not all of us are book-loving reading worms like you! Or was it reading-loving book worms? SO ANYWAYS, this guy wants us to destroy his dad's book, so we sneaked into the rich guy's mansion where the book was kept - Lucy was no help at all - and then we fought some guys, and the terrible book turned into a better book after we got the book back after the guy who hired us started to read it..."
Natsu continue to ramble on for quite a while, with Happy inputting parts at times (he also said something interesting about a key). He tend to go off track at times but I've got the gist of it.
"Daybreak, and when unscrambled it is read as Dear Kaby..." How interesting, to simultaneously write the worst book in existence, and the best book in existence at the same time. And furthermore, the spell keeping the letters scrambled never showed any signs of fading, even so many years after the man's death. "May I ask Lucy if she could take me to Kaby sometimes? I would like to read it."
"Yeah, sure." Natsu fastened his scarf back on to his neck where it rightfully belonged. He left while muttering about weird people who likes books. Happy trotted after him while demanding food. At the same time, my stomach rumbled.
"I know! Let's all go to Lucy's house to get something to eat!" Natsu cheered.
"Free food? Count me in." Another person joined in.
The only sound pervading the air was the bright chirping of the birds. A small breeze rustled the leaves on the neighbor's trees, delivering a sweet scent and a shade for the hot summer day. I treasured the refreshing draft for a moment, mindful of the leafy bushes concealing me from sight, prickling at my skin.
My eyes caught a glint of movement - the signal. My hands left the soft blades of grass and rifted through my pockets to find something else. I moved, silent and deadly, through the open area for threats. There were none. Perfect.
The window was high, too high for me to reach. But the wall was rough enough for my climbing skills to do the trick. I grasped the window sill tightly, sweat running down my face as the blazing sun glared mercilessly upon me. The cool metal window only made my hands slipperier with sweat, I kicked with my feet to haul myself up, sitting precariously over the edge.
FLASH. The second signal - the area is clear. I turned around and used my lock-picks in my hand. It wasn't an advanced lock - only a simple security latch to keep robbers out. But it couldn't keep me out. The window opened with a crisp 'click'.
I climbed inside carefully, minding to tiptoe over the carpet. The owner of the house was showering in the next room. I stretched my head out the window again, giving them a gesture for them to move up.
They didn't hesitate, hurrying climbing up and landed beside me silently. I winced as I saw mud all over the bedroom carpet - leaving no evidence of ever being here? Yeah right.
"Why couldn't we just pick the lock on the front doors?" I muttered to myself. The stairs were creaking with every step I took, and sounds of the shower were gone.
Downstairs was very spacious. Rows of books were stacked neatly inside a bookshelf next to the wall, a light blue clock hung on the wall above the door, and in the middle was a large black couch with a tea table in front of it. We made our way over to the comfortable leather sofa. It felt cool to the touch, the quiet whirl of an air conditioner could be heard. The room was quiet, save for the owner of the house's footsteps making its way downstairs...
"What are you guys doing in my house?!" Lucy shouted wearing nothing but a towel. Gray had convinced Happy to use his swing his wings around like an electric fan, Natsu was eating some snacks on the table, and I was rummaging through the contents of her refrigerator because I haven't ate all morning. "How did you guys get in here anyways? I thought I bought a magical lock to keep out intruders this time!"
"So that's why you wanted to go through the window," I commended Gray, "You're smarter than I thought."
"Hey! Is that a compliment or an insult?!"
"Lushy," Natsu said between bites, "Do yoo haf chocolate ishcream?"
"This isn't your house! And why are you drinking my soda? Get out!" Lucy huffed, "And Gray! Wear some clothes!"
"But it's too hot even if I want to wear it... and besides, I could say the same for you," said Gray.
"I don't know you guys are going to break in! And Natsu! You're spilling crumbs on my new couch!"
"You got a new couch?" I blinked, "I was wondering where our mission pay had gone to from rescuing Macao..."
"That was to pay for my rent!" Lucy exclaimed, "And leather couch was on sale, so..."
"Lucy... I need to pay rent too."
"Huh? Where are you staying?"
"Me too," Gray added in.
"And me," said Natsu.
"You guys just wanted the money, don't you?" Lucy sweatdropped. "I'm sorry for taking all the money last time. Let's do a mission together."
"That's a good idea," Gray agreed, "However, there's a problem..."
"I DON'T WANT TO BE TOGETHER WITH THIS GUY!" he and Natsu shouted while pointing at each other. They stood up at once, ready to brawl inside the house, but their sudden movement caused a potted plant to crash to the ground, and it broke with a 'snap' by two pairs of unconcerned feet.
Lucy narrowed her eyes.
"Zeref, what on earth happened to those two?" Mirajane asked curiously as Lucy and I dragged in something resembling cat food. Happy himself was trailing behind us while avoiding the occasional bloodstain.
"Lucy happened," I said drily. Her house was fixed up nice and clean, save for the muddy footprints upstairs that none of us wanted to tell her. We walked all the here while ignoring all the stares directed at Natsu and Gray.
"She...she's as scary as Erza..." Natsu mumbled from the ground.
"Almost..." Gray choked out.
"Who's Er-" Lucy asked, but she was cut off by a sudden yell.
"OH CRAP! NATSU AND GRAY! ERZA'S BACK!" Somebody shouted excitedly, which instantly incited some panicked reactions. It was amusing to see the strongest Guild in Fiore tremble in fear of the mention of a single Mage, and I admit that Erza Scarlet is indeed scary enough to even give my demons a run for their money.
"WHAAAAAT?!" Instantly, the two battered and bruised boys sat straight up, a look of horror on their faces. They stayed in that position like frozen statues for a full minute, before jumping as the two large doors of Fairy Tail swung open and a slim figure entered.
A red haired girl in full armor stepped in through the door, a huge horn carried over her shoulders in a ridiculous feat of strength. Every steps she took was magnified into a loud clanging noises from the sudden silence that befell the guild. Erza Scarlet set her load on the ground with an unceremonious 'thump'.
"E-Erza, what's that humongous thing?" Gray asked.
"The local people decorated the horn of a demon I subdued." Erza smirked, as if she was enjoying everyone's stunned reaction, "I thought it was pretty so I brought it back with me. Is there a problem?"
"No, no! Not at all!" One of the mages stuttered. More whispers erupted and some glances went my way - I had created many demons before after all. Some were worried that I took offense to the horn. (I didn't).
"I heard you've been causing trouble again." Erza addressed everyone, "Even if the Guildmaster forgives you, I won't."
Then she began to walk around, exuding the aura of a lioness surveying her prey. Her intimidating aura instantly suppressed the whispers as she gave us all a severe look. Erza Scarlet, also known as the Titania, was the overbearing taskmaster of Fairy Tail. She was strict, unyielding and fair, and would beat up anyone who broke the rules. She was also not afraid of me, which was a breath of fresh air from most of the Guild members.
"Kana, that's an inappropriate drinking posture." Said girl stiffened and set her barrel down.
"Visitor, if you're going to dance, do it outside." The man shuffled near the door.
"Wakaba, your cigarette butts are are all over the floor." Wakaba gulped.
"Zeref, you're blocking the stairs." I self-consciously took a step to the right.
"Nav, are you still hanging around the request board? Pick a job already." Nav only stared at the board some more.
Erza sighed, "You guys gave me so much trouble. I won't say anything for today."
"But she already said a lot...!" Lucy sweatdropped, "Is she a disciplinary enforcer or something?"
"She's Erza," said Happy as if it explained everything.
"By the way, is Natsu and Gray here?" At the sound of their names being called, the two rivals broke out in cold sweat. They slung an arm over each others' shoulder as they shivered visibly with fright. Their pupils dilated comically - a much more extreme reaction than anyone else here.
"H-hey Erza," Gray trembled, "W-we're being g-g-good friends like always."
"Aye," Natsu agreed.
"Natsu became like Happy!" Lucy cried out in shock.
"I see... So friends to fight once in a while," said Erza, obviously not buying it, "But I'd rather see you two be good to each other all the time."
"It-it's not like we're best friends or anything like that!" Gray continued to explain. He was backed up by another "Aye" from Natsu.
"Natsu picked a fight with her and got beaten up," Mirajane explained to Lucy, "Gray was walking around naked so she beat him up too. Loke hit on Erza and nearly gotten himself killed." The three mentioned people had sweat dripping down their forehead, eyes wide in fear.
"I'm glad you're doing well," Erza smiled, "I actually came for a favor to ask both of you. I heard something troubling at work. Usually I would consult Master about this, but the matter's urgent and he's not here."
Natsu and Gray had a look of dread on their face. I could see them work out what Erza was going to say next. I stood at the side and took in what she just said. She heard something troubling? Could it have something to do with Eisenwald? I have to ask her when I have the chance.
"I need some help. You'll come with me, won't you?"
"!" This was shocking news to the rest of the guild as well. Erza never teamed up with anyone before. There were astounded faces from the people around us, milling about chatting agitatedly. My eyes found Mirajane's and she gave me a knowing look, telling me that she already decided to add me to the team. Perhaps it's for the others to keep an eye on my safety, or for me to stop them from getting themselves killed.
"Erza, Natsu, and Gray." Mirajane was talking to Lucy, "I never imagined this but, if they team up the might as well be the most powerful team in Fairy Tail!"
"Impossible..." Gray was saying, "It's annoying enough for him to be around, but Erza too?"
"This team is impossible! Besides, I don't want to go!" Natsu agreed. Then his head swerved around like an owl as he caught sight of Lucy. He quickly descended upon Lucy with a whirlwind of hands.
"What are you doing?!" Lucy shrieked.
"Natsu, you better not be harassing the lady!" Loke yelled from beside a table. I was half-inclined to concur. What he did there seemed inappropriate if you watch it from a certain angle.
When Natsu finished, Lucy was dressed up with Natsu's trademark scarf and jacket. Natsu was now lacking in the upper clothing department, bearing a resemblance to Gray.
"You can be Natsu from now on!" He exclaimed gleefully. Lucy and Happy's deadpan stares spoke their disapproval.
"Oh yeah?" Gray refused to be outdone, "Well this guy looks like me! He can be Gray Fullbuster!" he pointed at me.
"I decline." I said flatly. I could see the the direction he was going in, and there would be three half-naked men instead of only those two idiots. Gray had already left bickering with Natsu while heading outside. Erza was nowhere to be seen, she had slipped off while everyone was paying attention to Natsu and Lucy. The gathered people in the bar had dispersed after the commotion was over, though small groups were still gushing about the possibility of the new powerful team emerging.
"It's true that these three would make a powerful team," Mirajane smiled as she poured us some tea, "But if they don't get along, it would never work out. Lucy, can you tag along and be their mediator?"
"What?!" Lucy asked, though I could see her mind was already made up. "But how could I tame those... those.."
"Idiots?" I chuckled humorously. "You don't have to worry about that, Erza will handle it."
Lucy shivered, looking like she remembered the monstrous horn Erza carried in earlier, "B-But will you be handling Erza-san then?"
"Erza's harder on herself than she is to others. I don't think you need to worry much," I said, "She'll like you if you don't cause any trouble."
"Did you get beaten up too?" Lucy asked curiously
"Of course not," I scoffed, "Do I look like a troublemaker?" There was that one time where she came close to beating me up because I accidentally exploded the kitchen while experimenting with cooking... It's not like it's my fault for being out of touch with cooking technology for 400 years! I had to cook the old-fashion way back on Tenrou Island, with branches and some rocks while positive that Mavis is somewhere behind me laughing at my dilemma.
"...You broke into my house this morning," Lucy sweatdropped, "Actually - nevermind. Let's catch the train before we're too late."
I gave a look at Natsu's retreating form, "Yes, I should get going too."
"Huh? I didn't know you're coming too!" Lucy exclaimed, "Why can't you be the mediator then?"
I shrugged, "I have to stick with Natsu at all times. You'll have to be the one who will handle Erza if she decides to discipline Gray." There's also the fact that I need to hunt down my demonic flute before it kills someone, but I have to confirm it with Erza first.
Lucy broke out in nervous sweat. "Me...Handle... Erza..." She mumbled out the words like it was a death sentence.
We made it just in time.
Erza was carrying a titanic load of belongings that stacked into a mountain taller than herself. Natsu was already challenging her to a fight while Gray stood next to a vending machine trying to get his money back. The train station was nearly empty, most of its passengers dispersed to get lunch in a nearby cafeteria or off to tourism in the streets.
With each step I could hear our footsteps echo on the marble floor. Happy greeted us with a smile, calling out to Natsu and the others that we're here.
"I'm Lucy, a new member of Fairy Tail. Nice to meet you." Lucy gave a little bow to Erza.
"Lucy? I heard about your victory over a monster gorilla," Erza commended, appraising Lucy, "You look promising."
"Eeh, it's all Natsu," Lucy waved her hands, "The rumors are all exaggerated."
"Well then, you should go home. It's going to be a little risky." Erza offered. I could see Lucy jolt in surprise. At this moment I was reminded that Lucy had never been in a truly dangerous mission before. She simply didn't have the experience to go along on a mission that had even Erza asking for help.
Natsu had a look of concentration on his face. "Fine, I'll go with you this time. Under one condition."
"Condition?" the Titania's face was blank, unreadable. "Name it."
"When we return to the guild... I want you to fight me!" Natsu pumped a fist into the air, "I was different than back then."
"H-hey, don't rush into things so quickly! Do you want to die?" Gray demanded quickly.
"Natsu! She killed a huge demon all by herself!" Lucy expressed her concern, "How can you possibly defeat her?"
"Just because you trained doesn't mean she hadn't," I quipped. Erza Scarlet was strong. Very strong. If Natsu fights her, he would get beaten to the ground. With his current level of power, he's incapable of beating her.
"Shut up guys, you're not helping!" Natsu snapped. He didn't back down though.
Erza mulled it over. Then, finally, she replied, "You've grown... Fine, I'm not confident in myself, but I accept."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE NOT CONFIDENT? FIGHT ME SERIOUSLY!"
Erza chuckled, "I know you're strong. I just wanted to say that. Do you want to fight me too, Gray?"
The black haired boy shook his head fervently.
"YOSH!" Natsu was literally on fire. "I'M IN! LET'S GET THIS OVER WITH!"