Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail or Fullmetal Alchemist
Making up with Edward and Alphonse had been simple, really. Making things better with Winry was another matter entirely, one which Zeref wished to push off for as long as possible. He had no desire to care for too many people, risking their lives with his own curse. Ed and Al were enough for now, and they did not push him, at least, he didn't think that they would.
Their days had become somewhat of a routine since their agreement. With no parental figure to be found within the house, Zeref found himself strangely filling the role of their absent father. He was unwilling to ask about their real father, all too aware of the painful story that could come with it. The Elrics seemed happy under his care, glad that Zeref was there to bring them food and help them further their education. While he never told them about the origins of the food he brought (often making use of the animals that fell victim to his curse), he did utilize his knowledge from over the years to educate Edward and Alphonse in the ways of other nations.
They excelled at learning this, just as they did any subject. Edward and Alphonse loved magic above all else, but they did not seem to have too much of an issue with history. Ed's short attention span would often lead to changing subjects rather quickly, but Zeref still managed to get around it, giving them a decent education for the time being.
They would constantly leave the house to visit their neighbors, Winry and Pinako. He often heard tales of their adventures with the old woman and younger girl, most of which ended with Edward being teased about his refusal to drink milk. However, now that the Elrics were twelve, they seemed to have another idea in mind. "Edward I told you to leave me alone! I don't want to see the creepy guy at your house again." Zeref heard from outside the door, making him sit up with a frown. That sounded like the girl from a few years ago, the one that had run away in fear.
"I told you before, he's not creepy! He's just….different." Ed stated, sounding a bit uncomfortable. At least he'd learned to censor his words to some extent, though Zeref noted he still was not good at concealing the truth. It was incredibly obvious to anyone listening in that he was trying to hide something.
Winry was not an idiot, and she picked up on it as well. "Oh really? Then tell me, why does he never leave your house? I haven't seen any sign of him since that day years ago, and it seems like he hasn't changed a bit. Take a look at your yard if you don't believe me." she stated.
Zeref knew she had a bit of a point. The plants nearby did not stand a chance of survival, not while he was living here. Edward and Alphonse survived through avoidance, but rooted in plants could not flee from his magic. "So? Who cares about a few dead plants?" Edward countered, opening the door and stepping inside.
"Edward is right, Winry. Zeref really isn't that bad…he just has some….uh, personal space issues." Al stated, almost as bad ad lying as his brother.
"Perhaps instead of lying to the girl, you should simply let me explain things." Zeref stated, sitting up and staring at them as they stepped inside. Edward and Alphonse gave him sheepish smiles, looking like they had expected this outcome from the very beginning.
"Really? Wow, what a great idea, Zeref, why don't you do that." Edward stated, his voice already ensuring Zeref that this indeed had been his plan. Winry was simply staring at him with wide eyes, frozen in the doorway.
"That…you look the same. It's been…years….and you still look…" she was muttering, clearly panicking at the sight of Zeref. Alphonse grabbed her hand, pulling her inside and letting her rest on a chair in the living room. Zeref got up as he did so, moving towards the edge of the room just to be safe.
Winry did not miss his movement, but she did not seem to be feeling well enough to get up again. "Indeed, time moves on for the world around me, while I remain frozen, unaffected by time. Immortality is a curse unlike any other, you would be foolish to think of such a thing as a gift." Zeref stated, watching Winry blink at him in shock, turning towards her friends.
"Immortality? Edward, what is going on here?" she demanded, turning to the only people she trusted in this room.
"Oh, did I forget to mention that? Zeref's immortal, he's been around for centuries actually. We just happened to bump into him when he was visiting Amestris, he's been helping us out ever since then." he stated, clearly trying to appease the girl. Based on the fist she had raised threateningly, Zeref slowly was understanding that it was common for her to injure Ed in some form.
"Edward and Alphonse are very understanding boys, they are far kinder than I deserve. You are lucky to have them as your friends." Zeref stated, still unsure of what Edward and Alphonse were trying to do here.
Winry stared at Zeref, distrust still deep in her eyes. "Really? Well, that isn't too surprising, considering the last time I saw you, everything around us died." she stated, while Zeref nodded, a sad smile on his face.
"It is hard to forget the value of life when you have such…enthusiastic children reminding you of it daily. In the end, it makes my curse stronger, forcing me to steal away more life than normal." Zeref stated, watching Winry frown.
"Curse?" she asked, clearly not aware of it. Zeref nodded, staying silent at that. It was rather hard to explain in a place where magic was nothing but a myth, just a simple fairy tale. He smiled at the thought, the one that made him think of Mavis and her guild. Perhaps he had finally managed to earn his right to bear her mark, to see her once more. After all, he was helping others, doing his best to avoid causing pain in the world. It was all Mavis ever hoped to do herself, when she was around.
As if drawn in by his thoughts, Zeref began to sense Mavis nearby again, the first time since the day he had begun training Ed and Al in magic. He closed his eyes, smiling softly as he sensed her approaching him. "Mavis….welcome back." he whispered, earning himself confused looks from his new friends.
"Come on, Zeref, stop acting so weird. We're trying to make a better impression with Winry, not a worse one." Ed stated, sounding irritated with the black wizard. Zeref chuckled softly, shaking his head at the boy.
Mavis drifted closer to Zeref, something he was quite aware of, yet he still wished he could speak with her. "None of us can hear her, nor see her, however, I am able to sense her presence. I simply feel rude if I do not acknowledge her in some form." Zeref explained, watching the others groan and lean back.
"Zeref…maybe you're, uh, just imagining her? I mean, no one else….senses her but you." Al stated a bit uncomfortably, trying to be gently about it.
Zeref glanced over towards the spot he sensed her magical energy from. It was faint, just as it had always been since the day she gained her illusion body. "Not at all….though it would take years for you two to reach the point where you could sense her. Perhaps there is another way….Mavis, I apologize if this is against your wishes, however they do seem like the type of people you'd enjoy having in your guild." Zeref stated, standing up and staring down at Ed and Al.
Even from here, he knew he would be capable of creating the image for him. It was one he knew well, from the time he spent with Mavis so long ago. Magic could do incredible things, and with a wave of his hand, black Fairy Tail guild marks appeared on all three of their hands. "What the heck? Why did you give me a….oh my god, who the heck is this?" Winry shrieked, backing away suddenly from the spot where Mavis had once stood.
Ed and Al were staring at Mavis with wide eyes, glancing back at Zeref in disbelief after a few moments. "She is real. Brother, look, there really is someone here." Al was whispering, but Ed was focused on Zeref.
"She's an illusion, isn't she? Just like Al's magic." Ed insisted, pointing to the girl with his thumb. Alphonse had been surprisingly gifted with the same magic as Mavis, gentle just as she was, useful more as a distraction than as a true attack. Zeref had issues seeing that magic once more, but he had come to adjust to it over time.
He saw Edward begin to panic, turning towards Mavis again and waving his hands wildly. "No…don't cry! I didn't…uh, I mean, of course you're real! Why would I ever…uh, doubt the existence of a girl that just appeared out of no where? I was…joking! Yeah, that's what that was!" he said, while Zeref sighed, shaking his head at them.
"She is crying because you are correct. What you see in front of you is simply an illusion of her true body, a form only visible to those who bear her guild's mark." Zeref stated, watching as Edward turned to him with wide eyes, before glancing at the girl with sympathy.
Mavis managed to slow down her tears, enough to turn her gaze towards Zeref. "He's welcome to give himself the mark as well….I'd like to speak to him, just one last time at the very least." Mavis stated, unheard to the black wizard.
"Uh…I think the…girl, wants to speak to you, Zeref." Winry said, still uncomfortable with seeing magic at play in the world.
Zeref frowned, turning his head towards the window. "Have I truly earned that right? In the end, it is my fault you are like this, trapped in a body that is not real. You haven't the faintest idea of the plans that I've had over the years, the ideas that come when I am on the brink of forgetting." Zeref stated, well aware that it was a comment only Mavis would understand.
"That does not matter, Zeref. You and I, we are the same. We have walked the same path in life, and now, I know that you were not lying to me all those years ago, when you told me you loved me. My death was proof of it, if I had believed in you just a little bit more, perhaps you would have joined me in my fate." Mavis stated, sounding sad and longing.
"Wait….what were you to each other? I mean, you're just a kid….you look like you're barely older than I am." Winry argued, apparently not happy with Mavis' reply. Zeref glanced over at Ed and Al, who were slowly piecing together what her words meant. Zeref had told them stories about Mavis, never once mentioning her name, yet her words would likely be enough to tell them who she was.
"She was….like me, I suppose. Immortal, never-aging. She may appear to be young, however, mentally, she is far older than anyone you have met, besides myself." Zeref stated, glancing over to the spot he sensed Mavis in.
That comment was what seemed to solidify the suspicions Ed and Al were having, something Zeref could see based on the expressions they now wore. "She's the girl you told us about…the immortal you said you were forced to kill." Al stated, glancing over at Zeref in surprise.
Mavis nodded as well, looking serious and sad. "I suppose you could say that, though I'm not quite dead either. It is rather hard to explain….more accurately, I've been frozen in a state of eternal sleep." she explained, though it did little to help. "Listen, I wanted to thank you boys, while I have the chance. It has been so long since I've seen Zeref smile, he's been falling into darkness for so long. I'm glad that someone has managed to bring him comfort at last. Anyone who manages to do that has definitely earned themselves a place within Fairy Tail." she added.
Zeref was still debating if he wanted to see her, wondering if he had done enough to make it worthwhile. He longed to see her, aware that even if he did, he would be unable to interact with her. She was an illusion, much like her animals from before, she would have no physical form to touch. Still, just hearing her voice would be enough, he decided. "Are you sure she wishes for me to see her? After all, a spriggan does not fit in well with a group of fairies." he stated, getting confused looks from the others. Apparently, they had little knowledge on the origin of the title he had given himself, named for what he had done to Mavis as a sort of punishment, and a reminder.
Mavis nodded, glancing towards Winry for help. "Yes…she is sure." Winry said after a few moments, still looking uncomfortable.
"Thank you, Winry, for your assistance. I understand it is hard to comprehend what you are seeing right now, just bear with it for a little bit longer. Magic is all around us, it just takes a few moments to understand it before you truly embrace it." Zeref told her, watching her nod, seeming to be comforted by the idea.
"Yeah, it can do cool things like this too!" Al insisted, smiling as he created an illusion of a small bunny, running across the ground towards Winry. The girl smiled, laughing at the sight as she chased after it, stopping when she realized she could not pick it up. "Sorry, it isn't real, it's just an illusion. I can't seem to make anything better than that." Al stated.
Zeref closed his eyes, pressing his palm to the back of his other hand, branding himself with Fairy Tail's mark. He never imagined doing such a thing, yet he was strangely drawn into the temptation, simply to see Mavis once more. "Zeref, open your eyes." he heard, making his gaze flash upward, seeing Mavis standing in front of him. She looked just as she had so long ago, on the day his kiss brought her death to her. Her blond hair flowed down to her ankles loosely, with a single strand sticking up out of place. Her green eyes were excited as she smiled over at him, happy to see him looking at her. "See, I told you that you could do it. You just never listen to me, now do you?" she stated, making him give her a small smile.
"Mavis…it's been so long. You haven't changed, yet I feel as if there is something different about you." Zeref stated, wondering just what it was.
She shrugged, walking over to him and wrapping her arms around his. His first instinct was to pull away, but that was before he remembered she was just an illusion. She could not be harmed here, and it gave him a small amount of comfort, knowing he could have her this close to him. "Of course I'm different, silly. I am just an illusion, after all." she stated, sounding far too cheerful with her admission.
"So, if she's an illusion…where is her real body?" Al asked, looking concerned.
"That is classified information, something a new recruit is not able to learn." Mavis insisted, standing tall as she pointed at him. Zeref smiled in amusement at her, shaking his head.
"It seems as if I've already broken that rule of yours, Mavis." he stated, watching her put her hands on her hips, glaring over at him.
"You must be sworn to secrecy! None can learn of its location, that knowledge is gifted only to the guild master." she insisted, while Zeref nodded, smiling at how serious she seemed with something so trivial. The boys did not understand the reason behind so much secrecy, but Zeref did to an extent. He himself had come up with plans that utilized the Lumen Histoire to his advantage, fueling spells that would otherwise be impossible to create.
Mavis had to understand that it was not a guarantee of safety, having Zeref here right now. He still could go back, to the days when he had no hope of ending his curse. If that happened, he would once again be on the brink of forgetting the value of life, something he was afraid of. He did not want to lose himself in that manner, and whoever was there to see it happen, Zeref felt sorry for them. In his blackest of moods, he was known for lashing out at anyone nearby, something that could happen if he forgot the value of life again.
"Unacceptable! Nods are not agreements, you must be verbal with your promises, Zeref." Mavis insisted, waiting for him still.
Zeref nodded, still smiling softly. "As you wish, I shall not reveal the location of your true body to anyone within the Fairy Tail guild." Zeref stated. He would not lie to her, thus this was the only promise he could give. The Spriggan Twelve already knew of its location, thus it was impossible to guarantee total secrecy at this point.
"Come on, you're caving in that easily? You're so lame, Zeref, I thought a black mage like you would be able to stand up for himself against a short chick like this." Edward commented, while Mavis narrowed her eyes at Edward.
"Excuse me, but I do believe you are the same height as me. If I am short, then so are you, Edward Elric." she stated, stepping away from Zeref as Edward's rage came out. That boy had issues with his height and he hated anyone insulting him for his size.
"Who are you calling tiny, you girly, pink-loving freak?" he yelled, rushing forward to slam a fist into Mavis. She giggled as he was unable to make contact with her form, his fist sliding through her intangible spirit.
"I'm not strong enough to make myself tangible, you know. Maybe one day I'll be able to do so, but for now, you can't touch me. I knew you would do this, and the best strategy for me was to stand and do nothing as you attacked." she stated, watching as Ed landed on the floor from the momentum of his attack.
Zeref shook his head at her, watching Edward pick himself back up. "That was hardly necessary. Even I know it is futile to go up against the Fairy Tactician." Zeref stated, watching her smile proudly over at him, clearly pleased with the result of her plan.
"Indeed, my plans never fail!" she said cheerfully, walking over towards Edward with a smirk. "Now, we can attempt this battle again, which is something I do not recommend at the moment. Your chance of victory stands at about two percent, if my calculations are correct. Your other option is…." she stated, breaking off dramatically before giving him a pleading look. "Come with me, and join me on an adventure! We can go searching for fairies!" she insisted.
"Are you sure she's older than us? I mean, she still acts like a kid if you ask me." Winry asked, glancing over at Zeref. For a moment, there was no fear or hate in her eyes, only slight amusement mixed with curiosity. Perhaps he was making progress with this girl after all.
"Mavis is far….purer than I, more innocent if you will. She valued life far more than I ever did, and she paid dearly for it. In the end, she managed to find the peace that still eludes me to this day. I am happy to see her smiling again, it is good to know that she is not suffering." Zeref stated, watching Edward begin to argue with Mavis about the scientific impossibility of a fairy existing.
Winry smiled over at them as well, leaning against a wall, still a safe distance away from Zeref. "Well, I guess she is happy. I didn't realize you cared so much about others, it kind of makes me sad. You must suffer so much, when everything around you just…." she trailed off, glancing over at Zeref who nodded, simply looking tired at this point.
"Indeed, that is how Ed and Al felt at first, I believe. They've devoted themselves to studying magic and alchemy, determined that they can find a way to end my curse. I do not even know if it is possible, but if anyone can succeed, I know it would be them." Zeref stated. He did not know why he was so confident in these children, yet he was. They had deduced the proper method of human transmutation when they were only seven years old. That kind of thinking would be required to solve his problem, and if they grew smarter as they aged, they would be brilliant genii when they were adults.
Winry smiled softly, her gaze flickering over to her friends. "That sounds like them, always taking on more than they can handle. I worry about them, sometimes. One of these days that attitude is going to get them into trouble, and when it does, I don't think I'll be around to help them." she stated, sounding sad and concerned.
Zeref glanced over at her, feeling a surge of anger towards whoever threatened Ed and Al. They were under his protection, he would not allow anyone to harm them. "I will destroy anyone who thinks they can bring harm to them. It is the least I can do, for the two children who have managed to give me hope after all of these years." Zeref stated, watching Winry blink over at him.
"Uh, that sounds a bit extreme….doesn't it? I mean, death isn't exactly what Ed and Al would want for anyone, not even an enemy." Winry stated.
Zeref knew that was true, but his mindset had been formed from centuries of living in a world where life was fleeting, and he was always surrounded with death. "Perhaps, however, all things come to an end at some point. Regardless of if it is done by my hand, or simply caused by fate, their enemies will die." he stated, watching as Winry shook her head, not quite amused with his words.
"Ed and Al were right, you are strange. I mean, you're right in so many ways, I can't even argue with you…yet, I still kind of want to. Life is important, regardless of how short it is." she stated, while Zeref nodded in agreement.
"Indeed it is, Ed and Al have been here to continue to remind me of that on a daily basis. If I stopped caring, it would be quite obvious to those around me." Zeref stated, still concerned about what would happen if he forgot. He was still a ways away from that day, likely nearly fifty years based on the typical lifespan of humans in this area. Ed and Al would keep his mind occupied for now, and continue to remind him of how valuable life could be.
Winry glanced over at Zeref, with one of her eyebrows raised. "Sounds like a contradiction to me, wanting people to live, yet claiming to be so willing to kill others." she told him.
For some reason, it amused Zeref to hear this. It was a contradiction within his own personality, not simply the curse this time. "I suppose it is. My curse has been pushing this contradiction on me for centuries, and now, I think I'm finally believing it is necessary to kill, even if I value the lives of others. It is something I never saw coming, though now, I see that it was unavoidable." he mused, while Winry shook her head.
"Well, maybe you aren't as bad as I originally thought. I'm sorry I called you a monster, that was rather harsh." she stated, making Zeref surprised to hear her apologize.
He did not think he deserved it, yet she was trying to understand him, just like Edward and Alphonse. "I have been called far worse over the centuries, it matters little to me. Names such as those are quite fitting for myself, when everything around me withers away and dies." Zeref stated, watching as Winry blinked, her smile fading.
"Wow, you really don't stop with those brooding comments of yours, do you? You could make the most joyful person miserable, I think." she stated, while Zeref smiled slightly, not concerned with how he made the world feel. In the end, all that mattered was protecting the few he had left to care for, the family he had found right here. He had already lost one family during the war with the dragons, he was not going to lose another. Staring at Ed and Al as they spoke with Mavis, he realized that this was the place he would remain, until those boys were gone.
This is likely going to be the longest chapter of this story. In case you can't tell, I'm a bit of a Zervis fan, so even if it isn't the focus of this story, I had to include at least hints of that pairing. We are still second place for the amount of reviews, so keep it up! I love hearing your thoughts, it doesn't take much to inspire me to write more. Feel free to tell me what you think in a review!