Chapter 3
"Arggggg is this some sort of sick joke!"
Igneel, with annoyance clearly etched on his face stormed down Magnolia Street with Lucky hot in pursuit.
"First I'm late for the S-class tournament and to make it worse I ran into mom he said all the while slowing down to an abrupt halt.
"Lucky halted to, nearly colliding with the back of the blonds head.
"Eh, Igneel why did you stop." she chirped.
"Igneel casually scratched his head in a nervous manner which was definitely out of character for the small fire-mage before letting out an exhausted sigh. "Lucky….don't you find it weird…."
Sensing something severely wrong the sky-blue she-cat looked earnestly at her friend with a questionable gaze.
"Each and every year it's the same thing, he muttered darkly."
"What is?" the young Exceed chirped innocently.
Igneel turned toward his friend so that his eyes locked with the small kitten, his eyes brimming with frustration & worry which clearly meant something was weighing heavily on his mind.
And trust me. It takes a lot to make Igneel think.
"I work my butt off EVERY YEAR for the S-class Tournament! I've trained and slept and…and trained some more for this day! But something's always getting in my way."
Lucky gave him one of his most sympathetic heart-warming smile that would make anyone's heart melt.
"The World haaates you~ she giggled ominously."
Igneel continued as if he never heard her.
"I remember last year when I was real close to defeating Jay in the preliminary match. At the last second when I was going to finish him off something stopped me.
Lucky gazed at him suspiciously.
"Are you sure you're not just trying to make an excuse for your failure", she snickered.
"NO!" He stared at the exceed; angry that his close friend would accuse him of something so cowardly.
"Sorry she muttered, it was just a joke."
"Forget about that. Don't you see the big picture I'm trying make", he said with hope-filled eyes.
"What picture?"
Igneel let out an impatient growl resisting the urge to give the Exceed a good hit upside the head.
"I'm saying that it's no coincidence that every year I happen to oversleep, run into somebody ,or when I'm fighting against others I happen to just suddenly lose strength. Someone's trying to make me lose he emphasized crookedly.
Lucky gaped in shock. Her cute little kitten whiskers twitching in disbelief. "Then that would mean-
"THAT MY OWN GUILD HAS BEEN TRYING TO HOLD ME BACK FROM BECOMING AN S-CLASS MAGE FOR ALL THESE YEARS"! Igneel's whole frame was trembling with uncontrollable anger and his eyes had begun to glow fierce with fury.
Lucky body went tense. The young she-cats once playful and innocent gaze began to flutter with brief annoyance.
"How could you say something like that!? Fairy Tail would never do that to you! Were family! Nakama! If they ever did something like that it had to be for a good reason!"
Igneel paused to retort a snide comment but froze when he noticed the hurt look in his companion's chibi eyes that had begun to swim with unshed tears.
He was giving him THE look again.
Against his own will, deep guilt and regret began sinking into his heart at the accusation of accusing his own guild of something like that. What mortified him the most though was Lucky's gaze.
Lucky was looking at him like he would do a stranger.
Instantly his whole body went stiff and he thought of apologizing for his actions, however having his father's stubbornness and his mother's determination made him nudged back his rising emotions fiercely, stubbornly refusing to give in.
But…if my stubbornness is going to hurt Lucky... then…
"I-Im sorry he said quite suddenly. This S-class tournament really means a lot to me…sorry for yelling, he added awkwardly while scratching the back of his head just the way A certain fire mage would do.
This whole apologizing thing is definitely not for me.
"Igneel…Lucky whispered gratefully.
Its Rare to see Igneel apologize for anything she thought with amazement. That just shows how much he cares.
Calming down Igneel began to squat down on the dirt road.
"Maybe…Maybe I was wrong." he said more to himself while looking down. He allowed his blond locks to cover his eyes obscuring his vision.
"I guess it's just my imagination but…
He swallowed hard as if trying get something bitter and distasteful out his mouth.
He finally looked up from the ground his eyes desperately begging his friend to believe the words that he was about to say next.
"It always seems that just as if I'm about to reach my goal Master Gildarts, Erza-Neesan, Gray, Wendy-Sempai, Laxaus-Semapi….even Levy-Chan are ALWAYS there to hold me back, Or make up some dumb excuse for me NOT to become a S-class mage!"
"It's-It's as if they're hiding something! Like...Like the whole guild is against me!"
Igneel face automatically began to flush hot with shame and regret. His body heating up in embarrassment at the thought of letting out his greatest fears. Something he has never told anyone yet. Not even his mother.
Of course Lucky wouldn't understand. He too innocent. Too Trusting. To Hone-
To his absolute surprise Lucky gave him an understanding nod rendering the young fire-mage speechless.
"I understand" the exceed chirped honestly.
"…"
"Wh-What? H-How can you just believe me so easily." he spoke softly, each word flowing from his mouth with disbelief.
"Are…Are you just saying that to make me feel better" he said while scrunching his face in confusion and displeasure at the thought of the Exceed lying to him.
"Of course not" she chirped indignantly.
"I believe in Igneel. Igneel would never lie." Lucky flashed Igneel the most Honest and Sincerest grin a talking cat could muster.
Igneel stared silently at the Exceed quietly observing him.
For some reason which he never pondered on he had always been good at feeling or more like sensing emotions. Which meant he could tell when a person was lying. He could also hear and smell real well too. Never worrying about this special hereditary traits He just assumed it to be normal. His mother had told him it was a special gift and to use it well.
Finally coming to the conclusion that his close friend was telling the truth he exposed the she-cat to one of his rare sharp-toothed grins.
"Thanks Lucky…you're a real good friend."
"Aye Sir" she chirped.
Igneel, feeling his heart swell with friendship and warmth suddenly came to a silent resolve his eyes silently brimming with determination.
"Lucky…Ive known you for a long time….ever since we were toddlers…he trailed off."
Lucky softly gazed at the boy with a questionable look.
"It's weird but...well…" he scratched the back of his head in a shy manner.
"Igneel?"
"We both don't remember are dads very well…since they abandoned us when we were little he said with a hard edge to his voice unsettling the small Exceed. "I barely even remember my fathers face or scent...What I'm trying to say is-
THAT'S NOT TRUE~~~ Lucky squealed.
"My papa never abandoned me. Mama and Pantherlily told me so. They said he left on a loonng~ journey with his best friend and would be back. They PROMISED he would be back!"
Igneel gazed confusingly at his friend. "What friend?"
"I don't know!" Lucky gave a heartwarming smile.
Igneel growled in frustration.
For some odd reason his gut wrenched painfully with an unknown feeling at the word friend. As if he was supposed to already know who that said friend was. Even though he had no idea who...
"I don't get you sometimes" he growled out with annoyance. He had no idea were these wild and untamed emotions came from but they just came bursting out from his mouth. A jumbled mix of anger, grief, sadness, and rejection.
"How can you have faith in a cat you never even met! You wouldn't even notice him if you saw him!" he snarled uncaring if he hurt his friend feelings.
He felt his chest begin to tighten up with some unknown feeling of pain. His eyes stung.
He knew he should stop. He knew it was wrong, However his mouth betrayed him. Adding this with his assertive personality and fiery temper his words came tumbling out of his mouth unwillingly. His words were screaming one thing yet his heart said another.
Unbeknownst to the Blond mage, in his fellow companions ears the way Igneel had spoken sounded as if he was referring with himself rather than her.
Lucky blinked slowly at him as if the answer was obvious.
"What do you mean Igneel? Of course I trust papa. Because I believe in him."
Igneel tiredly exhaled through his nose. Sometimes he wish he had enough faith to match his fellow partner.
"Well whatever." he said dismissing the whole subject, secretly grateful Lucky didn't take it the wrong way.
"...As I was saying before, I-
"Hold that thought!" Lucky squealed.
"Grrr dammit what is it now!" He growled out through bared teeth.
"How do you know he's a cat?"
"...what...?"
"You just asked how could I have faith in a cat. How do you know my father was a cat? You or I never seen him." she said smugly as if she won a bag of cat-nip.
Igneel was flabbergasted.
"Th-Th- That's..."
"For all you know he can be a pig she continued. Or…Or a bird! That's it. A BIRD! That's why I have wings~" Lucky began swirling mid-air and doing 360-s as if rejoicing the fact she found her father.
"THAT'S NOT IT YOU IDIOT! HOW CAN YOUR FATHER BE A BIRD? ARE YOU SAYING CARLA MATED WITH A BIRD!" steam began to smoke through his golden hair.
"What does mated mean?" she said with a curious glint in her eyes.
Ignee slightly turned red and look down bashfully towards the ground, suddenly finding interest in his sandals.
He may be 12 but that didn't mean he was that stupid of the things that went on between a man and a woman.
"I-I don't want to talk about it." he said while turning his head to the side implying his decision was final.
Lucky feigned disappointment.
"Oh…okay… now what were you saying again~ she asked decently."
Igneel resisted the urge yet again to hit the Exceed but seeing her flashing her cute little chibi eyes at him made his rage falter.
Dammnit…Whoever her father was must have been quite a charmer.
Igneel then let out a weary breath suddenly feeling tired and finally beginning to notice the fatigue in his joints and sore muscles.
Since when Have I last ate…Let alone had a good sleep.
For the last 3 months he had trained tooth and nail.
Not stopping for a second he had shed sweat and blood and vigorously trained for the tournament, stubbornly refusing to take any breaks and desperately training to get stronger in his magic and strength.
With the help of Wendy and Laxus his powers had flourished extraordinarily causing his guild mates to worry about him over exerting his body.
"What the heck!" he thought angrily.
Everybody treats me like a big baby. Always fussing like a bunch of idiots. Why are they Always so overprotective anyway!? They're Always worried about where and If I'm using too much Dragon Slayer Magic.
Always keeping me on a leash like some sorta... dog!
Yeah! I know its dangerous with the New Council and all. But why should they care!? he concluded rebelliously.
I'm not stupid he screamed in his head. I know that Dragon Slaying is a lost Magic and I shouldn't be caught with it in front of the Council...
But..But...
"They should have more faith in me." he spoke out loud dejectedly, his body slumping in defeat which earned him a odd look from Lucky. His heart felt heavy at the thought of not having his own guild. His own Family. Not trusting him enough. Especially when he knew they were hiding something.
He wasn't dumb. When he was younger and much more innocent he had always felt at peace and safe among his fellow guild mates. They carried this light and cheerful scent about them. It always made him feel happy and protected.
Especially when his dad left.
He doesn't have much memory of the time but he clearly sensed how it felt due to his growing dragon senses.
When his dad left it felt dark.
Dark and Miserable and a whole lot of other Miserable scents.
Thats all he could remember. All he sensed around him.
Nothing but sadness and misery. He remembered his mothers heavy tears. Her happiness along with her smile vanishing for months until she got over the loss. He remembered his guild mates deep despair and guilt. The usual loud and noisy guild becoming solemn and quiet.
He never knew why at the time. But for some odd reason Fairy Tail had held some sorta guilt after his dad left.
As if they held some resposibility in his absence. Not that he cared he thought stubbornly.
Why WAS that man so important anyway. He never understood why the father he barely remembered was valued so dearly in the guild. Why they held so much respect. So much hope and trust. So much love for a man...he didn't want to admit...admired. Everything he ever wanted From his Guild in return,
He'll let it slip though. Someday. Someday real soon he just knew he'll find out what it was. And until then he was just going to patiently wait it out. Even though he hated waiting.
But that's okay.
As long as the S-class tournament was around he could-
Suddenly an unbearable thought hit him which hurt more than any training method Erza could cook up.
The S-class tournament was OVER so there was no use in even getting angry.
Months. Days. Even Weeks of training and he had missed it. The one day he had to show up he oversleeps.
Feeling another heavy weight added to his chest left him utterly defeated. He felt like crap. Utter, worthless crap. The type of crap that shouldn't be allowed to exist.
Disappointed, he let his eyes drop to the ground silently vowing next year would be different.
I will achieve my dream of becoming an S-class mage… Even if everyone's against me I'm still going to keep trying. "I will never give up... I will never give it up! As long I'm still breathing in this world... As long I'm still standing, I will never give up my dream!"
That when it strucked him. He remembered what he had been about to tell Lucky.
"Lucky!" Igneel looked at his friend urgently causing the she-cat to give him her full attention.
He went straight to the point.
"The…The reason why I'm so caught up in becoming an S-class mage is…to find my father he muttered unwillingly; barely above a whisper as if it was top-secret."
Lucky eyes went round. "WHATTTTT~"
As usual he ignored her reaction.
"I…I've been thinking on this for a while now. I've figured if I become an S-class mage then I would obviously gain more attention and more popularity. If I gain a lot of fame… rumors will spread about me! Ill become such a big-shot that dad will have to come back! He…He has too!" His eyes began to uncharacteristically shine and get all watery with deep desperation.
Lucky gazed fondly yet sadly at the 12 year old boy.
"Igneel she whispered admiringly…you really miss your daddy don't you..."
Surprisingly, Igneel's face turned bright red and he began to grow flustered with his small dragon-like fangs twitching in embarrassment.
Lucky giggled delightfully . Kawaiiii~ so adorable.
Igneel glared through his blond bangs still noticeably turning red.
"Of- Of course not!" he spoke hotly. His brown eyes brimmed with unshakable determination.
"I'm doing this for mother. I….I know she really misses him even though she tries to hide it for my sake and…even though I don't remember the jerk I...I don't want to see her EVER cry over him again. Im going to drag him by his hair if I have to bring him back!
He raised his fist in the air with a triumphant smirk on his face.
"This will definitely make mom happy again!"
Igneel suddenly reverted his eyes toward the ground shifting from foot to foot nervously.
"I...I haven't told mom about this...shell probably be against it." He instantly snapped his head up as if daring anybody to get in his way and try to stop him. "SO DONT GO RUNNING YOUR MOUTH" he added a bit too bratty.
Lucky stared at his friend in Amazement, her eyes twinkling with envy.
Who knew Igneel had such big dreams! He must love his mother very much to do this for her!
As if reading her thoughts Igneel begin to blush.
"I-I KNOW WHAT YOURE THINKING! SH-SHUT UP! He yelled while covering his ears in a dramatic fashion as if he could really hear her thoughts.
"Awww Igneel don't be shy~ You can tell Meeee anythinggg~" she spoke merrily.
The words acted like a trigger.
Igneel seemingly forgot about his temporarily embarrassment and with his brown orbs, he looked at his friend with warmth and possibly, somewhat even affection for his close friend.
"Oh yeah …forgot one more important thing….Igneel whispered. His heart began thumping in suspense on about what he was going to attempt.
He gulped audibly and took a deep breath.
"LUCKY!" he screamed.
In fear the tiny cat jumped up. "A-AYE!"
Without warning Igneel slowly yet menacingly stretched out his small hands towards the unexpected Exceed.
Lucky screwed up his eyes waiting for an impending strike, but was taken off guard when he felt fingers gently tousling her sky-blue fur. Looking up slowly she noticed Igneel had his hand resting on her head with a familiar toothy grin on his face.
Igneel flashed Lucky a gleeful smile, his small dragon-teeth glinting brightly. With Igneels small figure silhouetted behind the rising sun his whole frame appeared to shimmer and illuminate with the color of a soft orange-red flame.
"While I'm looking for my good-for-nothing dad, I'll be looking for your dad too!" he said earnestly his eyes shut tightly. "Well do it together! As a team! Nothing will stand in our way!"
Hesitant and reluctantly he opened his eyes.
He was stunned to see his words met with silence.
Displeased and hopelessly fearing the worst at being rejected of his offer he began to grow alarmed.
"You…You don't have to waste your whole life away waiting for him to come flying back on some journey he said desperately. We'll have an adventure of our own!"
Still no answer. Just a blank stare.
Feeling hopeless he tried his last card.
"Ill...Ill even buy you a load of nice~ juicy~ fish~ he said temptingly. I shouldn't make empty promises. I'm dead broke.
All he got was empty eyes.
He growled in frustration suddenly reverting to the tones of a small child.
We can-OOMPH.
To his silent delight he was stunned to find the sky-blue Exceed had dived for his chest and her head to be buried deep into the crook of his neck. Her long tail wrapped securely around his face causing his world to go dark.
Lucky seemed at lost for words. Her whole frame was shaking and her eyes was streaming with tears.
"I-Igneel~~"…she choked out which only turned into a dry sob.
Igneel buried his head into her light-blue fur trying to hold back his relief and hide the smile threating to appear on his lips.
There were no words exchanged between the two. They had been inseparable since the day they had been born and knew each other very well. As well as he knew the back of his hand.
No words needed to be said.
Because they knew each other that well.
He understood everything.
Content and pure bliss filled Igneel heart like floodwater.
Just when Igneel was about to open his mouth to say some comforting words a piercing shrill cry filled the air.
SOMEONE HELP ME!? HELP ME PLEASE! ANYBODY!
Igneel and Lucky abruptly broke away from each other alarmed written on their faces.
"W-What was that?" Lucky shrieked instantly hiding behind Igneels shoulder. Their momentary friendship forgotten.
"I don't know, But it came from that direction," Igneel spoke quizzically while pointing towards Magnolia Towns City Square. From a distance they could see a tight-knit crowd of people beginning to form a circle as if watching something.
Using his unique hearing abilities, Igneel detected cries of alarm and distress coming from some of the women.
He also smelt something foreign too him.
Something he haven't felt since he was 2 when his dad left.
Distress. Panic. Fear, and a whole bunch of other negative mixtures.
Lucky and Igneel shared a tensed look.
No words were said.
Coming from the most boisterous Guild in Fiore they knew trouble when they see one.
"Lucky!"
Igneel was already sprinting toward the direction of the crowd.
Aye-Sir!...
Lucky was hot on his trail. The pair sensing something was Terribly Terribly Wrong.
Have you ever had that unpleasant experience where you just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.
That's exactly what Shira Nightshade was feeling.
All around her she felt the pitiful and anxious gazes of many eyes all trained intently on her. Their eyes reflecting her own fear and distress. Her rising panic was quickly forgotten however and she felt raw anger stir in the pit of her belly as she glimpsed mages at the corner of her eyes ;who simply chose to ignore the situation at hand and go about their business.
Just a glimpse of them made her already blurry vision go red in rage, instantly swarming with insults at the tip of her tongue.
Jerks. Coward. The Fools.
That's what she wanted to scream but her pride held her back.
Since as far back as she could remember she had always been alone depending solely on herself for survival. Well...not exactly...maybe after onii-chan left.
She remembered her brothers words clearly. Like an old broken record or an echo playing over and over and over. She was 7 at the time but it was engraved deeply in her memory, haunting her thoughts and the main cause of her sleepless nights.
"Shira...Im sorry...I cant stay here anymore." A 13 year old boy towered over her.
His eyes carried bags and shadows as if he suffered from plagued thoughts...which wasn't far from the truth.
The boy stared sadly at his sister. His eyes begging her to understand why he was leaving her behind.
"I cant even call this place a home anymore. And...your to young to use any magic so your completely useless. you would only slow me down he said while softly patting her head with affection. "Maybe...Maybe someday when your strong enough you can come with me to the Magic World," he tonelessly.
Shira stood in front of him with small tears in her eyes. Her clothes were like rags. Just dirty tatters of cloths on her body.
"Wh-What do you mean Onii-chan!?" She stared up at him with innocent round purple chibi eyes.
"Whats Magic? Is Magic like the Fairies I see in Story books? I...wanna learn magic too! I wanna be a Pretty Fairy!"
The young man smiled adoringly at his sister. His eyes flickered with hesitation.
Could he bear the thought of leaving her here? Leaving Shira all alone with her? His heart flickered with indecision...yet... He knew what he had to do. Fate and Destiny willed it so.
"The world is changing Shira he said slowly, trying to make her understand his words."Youre...to young to understand this now but...Know that someday. Someday real soon...You'll change the world. "Change this world from its pitiful and miserable state and into something grand." "Just believe in yourself." Believe in your hidden power."
He slowly stood up and removed his hand from her head, The warmth disappearing instantly.
"Im never coming back to this place Shira...I..I just cant...he choked. "I don't suspect you'll ever forgive me for this. So please- He lowered his head till his dark purple bangs covered his face. "...Hate me...hate me if it gives you the will to carry on...to..to keep living."
He choked back a sob.
"Maybe we can actually meet again...when you mastered that special power of yours", he said smiling bitterly.
The young Shira with her dark purple eyes and dark purple hair stared helplessly at him. Her 7-year old mind not processing or comprehending anything but only wondering why her precious brother was leaving her. She loved him dearly. He was all she ever had.
She watched as he hurriedly grabbed his bags and turned towards the wooden door.
"NO! Onii-chan...don't...don't go!" She sobbed desperately, reaching out with her small hands. "Don't leave me! Don't leave me alone with her!". She screamed and cried with all her might till her voice had gotten hoarse.
But that didn't stop him from leaving.
He never looked back.
The now 12-year old Shira was different now. She wasn't that frail helpless girl who watched her brother abandon her. Actually she didn't even blame him for leaving after years of reflection and thought. They both would have died or lost to madness if they had stayed with that madwomen for long.
One can only do so much.
Him leaving her did her some good. It made her a fierce, rebellious and independent child who looked out for no one but herself...and had a lot of pride to boot.
She trained each day. She learned the way of Magic. She gotten stronger just like her brother wanted her too. She left her behind. The one person who the source of her pain and her brothers misery and selfishness.
Likewise, she wouldn't be in this situation now if not for her she thought bitterly.
As she lay sprawled out on the ground it was not hard to notice the full-grown man towering over her with menacing and malicious eyes.
The crowd- even men and mages alike cowered in fear in front of this man. This one man.
The man standing before her was dressed in all white robes which represented the New Formed Council after the last one was...well...murdered. Noticing the gold medals on his chest you could say this man was pretty high in rank.
Probably a lieutenant.
He had this malicious aura about him that made chills creep up her back.
This man screamed evil a mile away. Definitely bad news.
Shira tried to muster up the remaining magic power she still had but it only brought more excruciating from deep inside her gut. She felt her powers slowly leaving her. Leaving in the time she needed it the most.
Since when was the last time she ate? That was probably the reason she couldn't summon magic. She hadn't ate.
She felt her stomach growl making her already weak and tiny frame tremble.
If she had the strength to move she would have hit herself. SHE WAS SO STUPID.
She had no money.
No food.
No home.
She was utterly defeated.
The people of Mangolia stared fearfully at the man before them. This was nothing new. This was a common scene that took place almost everyday. Targeting kids, teen and even young adults who possessed high amounts of magic.
Even mages from other guilds stood back and watched with sad and despairing eyes. Knowing full well that if they stepped in this mans sight they would suffer dire consequences as well as the guild they stood for.
The man stepped up till he was standing over Shira.
"You wretched little girl he spat. Stealing from innocent people. Have you no shame?"
It was true.
She did steal.
But she felt no shame or guilt.
It was only out of survival. If she hadn't then she would have likely starved. If only she hadn't been caught in the Act...especially by the Council. How tragic.
She was jarred out of her thoughts when she felt a savage kick pierce between her shoulder blades sending her rolling towards the crowd.
Blood trickled from her mouth from the brutal hit that put her on the ground in the first place. She felt a bruise beginning to form on her back from when he kicked her but she had bigger problems to deal with.
Her vision was going fuzzy, the crowd around her swirling and black spots were popping up in her vision.
Were they moving?
She then realized with horror that her vision was slipping from her, Threatening to bring her to unconsciousness.
NO! Its not supposed to end like this. Is it the end for me?
She couldn't really see but her already blurry vision was lucky enough to let her catch a glimpse of an elderly man stepping from the crowd surrounding her.
He had been the only one who stepped forward from the crowd.
This man looked like he could be standing at death doors at any moment. His face held age and wrinkles yet his actions spoke tons of knowledge and wisdom.
Their was a wail of protest from the citizens, while hidden mages exchanged silent yet alarmed looks. Some of the citizens stood there with their mouth gaped open. Was that a flash of respect shimmering in their eyes?
The man stepped from the crowd looking erect as ever. His eyes brimmed with courage.
His whole body was shaking in fear yet he stood tall, his actions showing tons of courage.
"S-Sir...please stop these awful acts!"
"This child has done nothing wrong. Only starvation led her to do such a awful thing as stealing!"
The man in the white robes looked over at the man uninterestedly. He heaved a deep sigh as if he's seen this scene take place more than once.
"Eh. You talkin to me you old coot?" He spat at the ground near Shiras face which earned him a fierce glare from the girl below him.
The old man seemed to quickly forget about his fear as anger overtook him. His frame shaking not I fear...but in fury.
"You...How Dare you talk to me in such a manner! Why when I was your age you-
Shut-up.
The elder shutted up quickly.
The crowd grew tense at the malicious and dark aura emitting from this one council member.
"I don't have time for this crap. I've got a job, and that's to stop little brats like these- he placed his had boots on Shiras back- from getting out of line. He shifted his dark gaze from the frightened man to Shira.
"This girl may be trash, but I sense a great power within her. Great powers like these shouldn't even exist. She's dangerous. And in my opinion shouldn't be allowed to live." he said with a maddening smirk..."
As if on cue he pulled out a long spear trimmed with gold. It was black long and elegant as if meant for royalty and nobility. The spear seemed pretty decent till it got near the tips...the red-brown crusted tips.
The civilian gasped in horror and screams went up in the air when they realized that at the tip of the mans spear was...blood.
The mans dark eyes traveled to the crowd with a cocky smirk.
"Ahhh you like this don't you?" he spoke smugly, mistaking the crowds terror for envy. He held up the spear in the air as if raising a trophy for all to see.
"Just got this baby yesterday. Heheheh...The cocky-bastard didn't really want to give it up so...well things got a little rough. He now understands his place though. Low-life trash shouldn't argue with powerful people. They aren't worth anything. And will never amount to anything in this world", he said bitterly with a smile as if telling a good joke.
The elderly man seemed to be frozen in place his eyes frozen with unshed tears.
"Y-You monster...How could you?" His whole frame was trembling as if restraining himself from crying in front of the cruel man.
Mages who previously held nothing but fear in their eyes begin to noticeably tighten their fist. Rage was apparent in their eyes and the normal civilians begin to shift uneasily in the crowd sensing the heated tension.
The council member however seemed to hold no awareness of the growing crowd hostility.
The council man waved his hand in the air as if going through a trifle manner.
"Don't get your panties in a knot~ he complained cheerily. The man was completely useless and not worth the trouble. He's dead now...
Slowly he let his gaze travel to the crowd, boldly meeting the angry gazes of several mages and wizards.
and unless you got a death-wish , I strongly advise you all to get the hell out of my way before you really piss me off," he spoke through narrowed eyes.
His words held an unspoken threat and to everyone's dismay his dark gaze held truth.
He meant what he said.
Immediately screams went up in the air and half the crowd ran in panic running towards whatever shelter they could find without being in the council line of vision.
Others quickly followed suit till their was nothing but the elderly man and Shira left who boldly stood their ground. Truthfully Shira would have gladly followed suit if weren't that she was badly injured.
The council man let out a harsh cackle.
"The weaklings! Look at how fast they're running! This is why I say trash will always be trash." The middle aged man doubled over in in laughter while holding his stomach. The scene would have been light-hearted if he wasn't still griping the blood covers spear.
Wiping a tear or two away the man slowly trudged his way towards Shira the last remaining person...or so he thought.
He stared at the old man distastefully as he suddenly appeared in his line of vision.
"Ya still here old man he, drawled lazily. Didn't I tell ya earlier that if you didn't leave you would be facing a death-wish?"
The old man stood protectively over Shira. Shielding her from the man blood lusted gaze. His eyes screamed insanity and looked at the two as if slowly trying to picture the way he should kill them.
Shira gazed up at the elderly man whose name she had yet to know.. Admiration and Respect lingered in her blurry vision.
Why cant all men be this brave and courageous.
"I lived a long life he spoke solemnly yet tiredly while closing his eyes. If anything...My job here is to see to it that this youngster here lives and is not corrupted by a vile man such as yourself. Her heart should remain pure and honest. The way all children should be-
"Im not a child" Shira murmured weakly."
at this age, the elder finished. He glared at the council member who glared daggers right back at him.
"This child needs to live...not only for herself but for her generation. I sense terrible times ahead of us. Nightmares have plagued my dreams for countless times in my slumber. Evil is stirring...and you...you!
The old man brought up a shaky finger and pointed it at the council member.
"You council men are the cause of this evil he yelled angrily. You murder mages in cold blood in fear that they would someday appose a threat to you! You kill without a second thought...Not...Not thinking of the families your hurting and tearing apart! "
"Your thirst for power is nothing but a curse to the People of Magnolia! You use your high status to influence others into submission and spread fear and corruption among the innocent!"
He tossed a brief yet sympathetic glance at Shira which made her flinch.
"Your greediness...your corruption...is what drove this girl to steal. She stole out of survival and protection!"
The old man shok with fury, his breath labored and weak from yelling.
"Children her age should be with her parents." "Safe, Warm, Loved and protected! Not out here on the streets fighting for survival and their next meal!"
At the word parents Shira eyes flashed with hatred.
The Council man noticed this which earned her a deadly smirk that sent fear down her back.
Shira decided to count her luck.
She was severely wounded.
She was also stuck with an old man who could be her only chance of survival...or not.
In a speed that only a mage could detect the Council man swiftly appeared behind the senior rendering him speechless.
"You talk to much ya old fart...its giving me a headache...didn't I say earlier trash should know their place?"
Before he could utter a sound of alarm The Council abruptly raised his arm and forcefully brought his hand down onto the back of the mans neck.
Shira didn't clearly see it but she heard a loud sickening crunch and saw the old man hit the ground with a loud thud.
After that she lost it.
She had always been a strong and tough rebellious girl.
Always looking out for herself and only for herself.
Reluctant to trust others yet quick to help.
Never relying on anybody's help since the day her brother left her...but now...?
Fear took overwhelmed her.
For once in her whole life since the day she left her and that dreadful place behind she was actually scared for her life.
For once in a long long time she finally felt her age.
A 12-year old girl who was terrified beyond her wits end and was going face to face with death.
Her field of vision began to dangerously go blurry and her head pounded with pain.
She took a deep breath which only ended in a tremble much to her annoyance.
To her surprise her face felt warm and wet. Which only meant she was crying.
Im going to die here and all I can do in my last moments is cry like a baby!?
Tears are for weaklings!
Shira used every strength in her body to look up determinedly at the man and get a good glimpse of his face even though her head was swimming.
If she was going to die than she wanted to look death right in the eye.
If she was going to die then she would face death proudly.
Yet she had just one regrets.
Well...a LOT of regrets.
She was still 12 and luck seemed to sadly dictate she would not get to see her teenaged years.
She sorrowfully thought about all the other young children her age who lost their lives at such a short notice.
Kids who wasn't given a chance to live their lives.
Fall in love.
Get that first kiss.
Experience joy, happiness and other things life brought with it.
Most of all, Never finding her brother and having the time to discuss why he left her.
Never getting to enjoy their fateful reunion.
It wasn't fair.
It wasn't fair at all.
Her tough façade of a rebellious girl crumbled.
I WANT TO LIVE...
Silently more tears fell down her face and sobs racked her frame.
So much for facing death with a straight face.
The Council member looked at her in with a fake unsympathetic smile.
"Ey brat. Stop ya whining~." "It makes it harder to kill you."
She cried harder.
"I didn't kill the old geezer if that's what your crying for. I only knocked him out he said as if stating facts."
Shira glared upwards, hatred bubbling in a fit of rage towards the man.
I cant believe I lost to this idiot.
Shira rolled onto her back and winced in pain. Her back felt warm and sticky against the sandy ground she laid on.
The Council man smiled in satisfaction.
"Giving up already? I thought you were stronger than that gal, he said with slight disappointment.
"But its okay. Ill make it quick because you lasted so long...longer than any other man I faced."
He walked over to her till he appeared to be standing over her.
"Life is short kid. Take it from me. Guess you should've stayed home where brats like you should be."
The man raised his blood soaked spear and brought it down towards her head.
Shira let out a terrified scream and shut her eyes tightly waiting for the pain.
She waited and waited and...it never came.
Now this is where it gets difficult.
Maybe it was destiny, or that that so called twist of fate that saved my life that moment.
I guess I owed destiny and fate a thank you then.
But till this very day I still couldn't understand what my eyes had witnessed.
Maybe it was the fact I was heavily injured and dizzy.
Or I was bleeding and everything was going dark.
It was only much much later that I would finally understand what I saw, and would play a great role in this event.
Slowly yet daringly I cracked open her eyes only to be blinded by golden and orange flickering flames.
But it was what I saw through the flames which amazed me.
Dragon.
There.
In front of me.
I stood face to face with a red dragon.
That's the end of chapter 3 folks! I know I haven't posted in a while and for that Im sorry. After reading recent Fairy Tail chapters I had kinda lost the will to keep writing this story. I wanted my story to be realistic and sound like something that could actually happen after the manga. But sadly...ahhhh whatever. XDXDXD PLEASE comment and give me your thoughts. Chapter 4 will be coming and I am continuing this story. :P
