Hello once again, apologies for the late submission, I'm in college now. Busy schedule accompanied by the compelling need to attain a good score has robbed me of the same desire and passion I once began this story with. Nonetheless, I will attempt to at least produce a quality peace of work in the coming days, since my approach is to my knowledge far different that what I have seen so far on this website.
I do simply wish to tackle the simplistic manner that the canon storyline faces, I wish to abhor it, to craft a new story that I hope would appease myself and other readers. Therefore, I bid thee farewell, till the next time another chapter is published.
Chapter 4: Clarity of the Heart
How fast do rumours spread?
How fast does information travel from one individual to another?
Was it an innate system within the human body, programmed to relay information at the first sign of interest?
Perhaps.
Within the confinements of a single room which could barely count as one, occupying space as large as a hall. Filled with several luxurious ornaments and furniture, individuals filled the room as they went about their sole tasks, none speaking a single word until a snap of a book signaled the start.
"You've heard the news, master got his hands on another potential candidate, this time, the person managed to fight on par with Bluenote, and I saw the bruises on him. And Bluenote rarely ever gets hurt in a fight. Looks like we have a wild card on our hands." A purple haze surrounds the speaker as a clink of spectacles unfolding could be heard.
"Is the person a girl? Is she cute? Is she pretty?" a rather muffled sentence escaped the occupant on the right, face obscured by mountains of food stacked up on plates.
"No, you idiot, didn't you hear what the crew members said, they said the person was a guy, a boy to be precise. He's even younger than us." The speaker still surrounded by the slowly dissipating haze spoke up, this time showcasing rather flamboyant movements.
"Heh, it doesn't matter, I don't care if he's a boy or girl or whatever, as long as he's strong! A guy who can fight with Bluenote is okay in my books!" an individual kicked up several tables and punched them to smithereens as he made his claim, facial features covered by the black flames enshrouding his fists.
"Agreed, I too am keen on seeing the individual, the dance of combat with him will be most wonderful! I can feel it. Has there been any news about our newest member?" another speaker spoke up, this time echoing through the room as his visage was missing.
"Not at the moment, Caprico has said that the boy was suffering from magic depletion from taking Master's magic, so he is recuperating at the moment." The relaxed sigh left the only female speaker in the room, lightly breathing against the wafts of delicate tea aroma.
"Damn, now I really want to meet this guy already, to tank one of master's magic and only suffer magic loss is sure to be tough! Oi, Azuma! Wanna go see the guy, I'm sure Caprico won't mind?!" the exuberant individual spoke up once more, this time allowing a glimpse of yellow spiky hair as he faced an unknown corner of the room.
"Zancrow, do you recall the last time you invited me to one of your 'adventures'? We got our asses kicked by Bluenote and Caprico…but knowing one's opponent is essential, I will follow!" a pair of eyes loomed upwards from the floor, till a mop of brown hair was seen as eyes narrowed, till they shifted into one of mild distaste with a touch of excitement.
"Hehehe, that's my man, anyone else wanna come along? The more the merrier, Caprico can't punish any of us if we go together!" Zancrow addressed the rest of the occupants, earning a moment of thought as simultaneously each of them halted their actions to follow alongside their comrade in arms.
"I swear, if we get into trouble, you owe me so much favours!" bespectacled eyes exuded a promise of dread as they eyed Zancrow.
"Aw pipe it down Rusty, besides Master wouldn't mind if we get to know our new buddy!" arms were slung around shoulders as they paced forwards.
"What do you think about this?" familiar brown hair belonging to the individual named Azuma questioned the lone female.
"I would lie if I say I wasn't interested, but it seems like a waste of time, he will come to us when the time comes." she spoke up with a shake of the head.
"And yet, you're still coming with us, ha!" Azuma snorted in response, joining with the rest of his male companions.
"…why do I even bother?" an annoyed sigh escaped the only female member as the room became void of its occupants.
XxX
How long has it been since he witnessed the chamber that held so much, meant so much, yet mattered so little to the world at heart?
A meeting, a first meeting between two individuals that were held against their will, forced together through a mad man's quest. Neither meant anything to the other in the beginning, if anything, the boy was constantly threatened with the prospect of eternal torture by its hands.
Then came the understanding, the situation at hand, the brutal truth that shattered any hopes and dreams they had.
Through the understanding and unrequited fury they both shared for the man responsible, they came to a compromise. The child was obviously suffering from the others presence, the other while lacking the empathy to care about the wellbeing of the child, understood the position it was in. In order to seal away that which caused harm, something must be used as a lock to keep it confined.
Something must be sacrificed to gain something.
Having already suffered enough and lived through the harsh reality that many of humanity choose to ignore, his capacity as a human being was diminished, and the chosen aspect as the lock was seen as fundamentally unimportant to the child. As a result, the child's identity as a human being was reduced further that to a shell, a former husk that embodied a living soul, a broken soul.
So why was something that was deemed useless by the child affecting the cage?
The village. The stares. The cries of death and cruelty. The senseless need for comparing him to that of what they feared. A foreboding emotion had overcome the child minutes before the cruel reminder that the seal would eventually break one day, he was afraid. The memories came back clearer than ever, even though he had banished them to the darkest corners of his mind.
They reminded him of times where the human spirit could easily soar beyond all reaches, yet at the same time could be snuffed out like a candle. And through this struggle, this thing, this creature, was easily destruction incarnate and a closely breaking child was tasked to lock it. Nothing desired to be caged, and thus the creature sought to break the child even further than it was possible, to twist him into the suitable host.
"You once said that you were capable enough to lock it away, that you were strong enough after enduring through your hardships. I had expected better from you, to be sane after everything showed your tenacity, something that I haven't seen in a while." A familiar demonic voice echoed through the hallways of the sewer.
"Pathetic! Simply pathetic! You allowed words to influence you, words that you have faced a thousand times and came out unscathed! You allowed yourself to be controlled, to become the very thing you feared! Do you realise what your little stunt has done?" booming voice dripping with annoyance and venom addressed the child kneeled in the centre, eyes facing forwards with blankness. Momentarily, they were guilt-ridden with shame, only to be erased completely.
"That's right! You blew up a whole damn village, slaughtered everyone just like you did back in Bosco! Great job kid, you're becoming the very monster they once called you! Now get out my sight, your pathetic act was enough to piss me off!" with a quick flash, the child found himself covered by four black walls, familiar walls that he became acquainted with after so many years.
Shaking arms lifted upwards as his hands opened into an outward facing palm, a screen of sorts appeared before him, colours filtered through till they settled on an image. The image began playing like a video, showcasing the beginnings of his rampage, what he had done and the massacre he helped proceed.
Through it all, the child watched it unflinchingly, the blood and screams were all so familiar, so spine chillingly reminiscent of previous events that helped shaped the numbness towards such actions which would be defined as inhumane. After the final breath was snuffed out with a simple claw impalement through the chest of an unfamiliar face belonging to a young boy, the screen turned dark, obscuring the minuscule emotions displayed upon his face.
Utter guilt and sorrow.
Momentarily in that short breath of time. So quickly replaced by the blank look that was a norm in the outside world. The surroundings faded away once more, the waters dissipated into air, the room was lit up like a holiday event, with fire crackling in every corner. And right in the centre of it all laid a cage, a simple cage that could at best hold a wolf.
"Well, well, look who decided to show up. How have ya been? As for me, I was having a fun time slaughtering all the folks, it was nice of you to let me have some fresh air, stretch out the kinks a little. You know, I find it funny how simple it is to trick you, I wonder what changed from the emotionless kid that stared down hell before?" a shadowy voice escaped from the confinements, red eyes flashed through as they twinkled with mischief.
"I will admit, I had not foreseen myself letting you win the battle like this, however, rest assured, I will never allow myself to lose this battle of will." The child spoke defiantly albeit struggling slightly with his words, staring down the darkness itself.
"Hoh~ A bold claim, let's see you live up to it!" with a snap, the entire scenery changed.
XxX (Memories)
"Such naughty children you have been, disobeying your parents like that, you need to be punished!" a crack of a whip, the burning sensation of nigh molten steel against flesh, the putrid stench of blood caked in the remains of several, and of course the screams.
"It is such a joy to see your faces like this, such despair, such turmoil, the emotions you must have felt when you realised you were betrayed by the one you trusted!" another pleading cry fell silent as a series of edged tools clinked to existence, whetstone against steel as eyes followed the movement hypnotically, entranced by their imminent demise.
"But we've gone through this before haven't we? The same pain, the same eyes, so…so…boring!" a masculine voice whined in what sounded like childish frustration.
A snap of a fingers triggered several eyes towards the sudden exposure of potential freedom from the hands of their torturer. "Ah, look at this, the keys of your salvation, right in front of you!" sapphire eyes stared hungrily at the object of his desire, limbs struggling futilely against shackles and chains.
"Ah, ah, ah! Not yet my boy, you have to fight for it, your freedom, just like the rest of them. You, my dear boy, have survived the longest without giving in, and for that you deserve a reward!" the realisation that his limbs were finally set free after the excruciating treatment kick-start his senses, immediately dashing towards his freedom.
However, before limbs could even take a step forward, a callous hand snaked itself around the neck of the boy, directly halting any motion. Lifting him with ease, bones cracked under the heavy pressure exerted by visible veins on the much larger hand. Breath hitched and gasped for air as his skin gradually turned to an unhealthy shade of purple.
Shifting the child closer, a mouth filled with putrid alcohol wafted it to the boy's nostrils, further driving him into an oxygen deprived fit. With limbs no longer struggling, all that was audible was the drops of foam exuding from the mouth. "…Didn't I specifically say…you had to fight for it!" with a twitch of the wrist, the boy was momentarily freed, but was sent crashing to the floor by a hand.
Through the coughing fit, the man leered towards the gasping child. "Such impudence, looks like I have to re-educate you. Here." A clang of metal against concrete as the child stared confused, afraid, and especially dread.
"You have only one chance now, do the honours and relief them of their suffering and you shall live! Or you could choose not to, and all of you can die here, right now!" brandishing several other weapons, each aimed towards the four other individuals shackled to the walls.
"So…Choose."
Shivering hands grasped onto the cold steel, unaware of the wound caused as he clenched his fist tightly by what was offered as his freedom. Only seven years of age, forced to decide the fate of himself and four other children as they were tortured as if they criminals of the greatest degree. Eyes stared into the first of many more, those eyes, tired and weary, void of life and hope.
"Do it…I don't want to suffer anymore." The first child stated nonchalantly, spoken as if it mattered little to him, his very own life became worthless. What had begun as a pledge of promised sleep created a mental subconscious within the wielder of death. With a swift plunge and slight gurgle of life fluid, the chained child fell limp against the wall, mouth twisted into a small smile.
Tears of regret and utter disgust dripped towards the floor, as the killer coughed and spewed out remains of food, mouth sealed shut with a snarl of pure anger. In a quick bout of events, he spun around and threw the weapon directly at the sole cause of their suffering. Yet, frightened eyes trailed towards the gleam that emitted from steel, currently aimed towards his neck.
"Hmm…the smell of fresh blood, finally, you smell better like this. You know, if you try to kill me one more time, I will make sure the rest of them suffer a fate worse than death, so make your choice." The voice gestured towards the remaining children, each impaled with a knife in their limbs. Each freely crying tears as their suffering was prolonged, eyes shifted towards the lone child forced to a decision.
And he made his choice.
The children that were killed.
They were friends. They were loved ones. Someone to call family.
And begun the cycle of much more to come.
"Friends? Family? Loved ones? All meaningless within these four walls, a lesson for you to learn. Allow yourself to be hindered by them, and you shall suffer hell's wrath." The horror inducing voice lingered in his head after that incident.
A simple decision of life and death.
Voice lost within the four walls. They scream. They echo. They haunt. They broke away the walls surrounding the beating rhythm, and with a final push, they shut down the melody of life and love.
XxX
Through harsh breathing, the boy clenched his fist to steady his pulsing mind, eyes slit shut with forced exertion. "As I have mentioned such things will remain meaningless, that is a fact that will remain, and you will never escape for as long as I hold the key." He hissed through gritted teeth at the slowly fading smile, inevitably replaced with a snarl of pure sharpened white, slitted eyes crashed against the bars, denting them slightly but nonetheless caged.
"I will return! And when the time comes, I will destroy the world alongside my master, I will personally torture you for all eternity for putting me in this insulting seal! Mark my words, the day where I return will mark the end of the world!" the words became faint as the surroundings faded away, becoming a blank sheet of white.
"I suppose it's time I woke up, a certain goat seems to be waiting."
XxX
Red eyes squinted in protest as sunlight beamed in its infuriating attempt of reminder that he had once sought it, an aspect of freedom in the outside world. Feeling the surprisingly comfortable sensation enveloping him, a first of his experiences, forcing him down with the spell of relaxation. While the bed in Mavis's house was comfortable in comparison to the cells hard, stale mattress, it paled in sheer material and quality that this bed provided.
Yet, his will won the battle, shifting slightly to sweep the blanket that felt as if it was bathed in the purest silk. Groaning from the immense stress his body seem to scream at, he shifted with visible strain against the pillow as he upright himself to address the pair of shaded eyes peering at him. Noting the strange being of similar biology as himself, possessing horns of a goat with pale skin, visible hoofs and a tail like his own, only of different species.
Outfitted in a pristine suit of black, somewhat befitting of a butler in the sense as he placed a hand across his chest in a show bout of respect. "It seems you have recovered, I am impressed by your regenerative properties, not many would have recovered as quick taking one of master's attacks. My name is Caprico, a member of the guild Grimoire Heart, our master has taken an interest in your abilities and would like to extend an invitation to the guild. Please dress yourself and head towards the amphitheatre once your decision has been made." Gesturing towards the clothes neatly piled in the chair, Caprico bowed and left swiftly.
"Not the strangest thing I've seen, I wonder how long I was out?" he pondered as his ears twitched at the sounds of boisterous yells accompanied by a stern voice occurring right outside the door, he could make out words like 'New guy' and 'recovering'. Obviously pertaining towards him, he decided to address his visitors so to speak, he was still unsure how to treat the situation at hand.
Sliding off the queen sized bed much too big for himself, he walked towards the door as he shifted against the new material of clothing, surprisingly comfortable as well, at least the place proved to be one of quality. Reaching for the door knob that was mockingly taller than he was, having to tip-toe as a result, he paused when he heard the sounds of grunts as the door clicked open.
Quickly sliding backwards to avoid the head bashing, he analysed the newcomers and what a sight they were. With an amusing sight of a three male teens sandwiched under the weight of much larger male with pale skin, each shouting atrocities at the larger person as he apologised profusely, yet making no attempt to move.
He stilled as he heard footsteps stepping past the boys and glanced towards the individual, a girl slightly older of moderate height, with pale black hair similar to his own yet shifting towards the shade of dark purple, yet another surprising feature as the both of them shared similar ruby eyes. She held a simple orb of emerald shade as she ambled past the group of still rowdy boys initiating themselves in a tussle of physical proportions.
Her eyes eyed him warily, noting every feature on his body as he studied her in return, adopting a kimono for her attire and simple headband to real her hair back. Abruptly, her hands shifted upwards and towards the boy, curiously the boy awaited the hand as she moved closer, he sensed no malicious intent, just simple curiosity but remained on guard still.
In a sudden turnabout of events, he felt a sudden form of pleasure emitting from the top of his scalp, a scratching sensation that led to several moments of comfort. Eyes closed against his will, he could feel his tail shifting about with gusto as he lost command of his motor control, what the hell was happening? For once in his life, with physical contact, he felt pleasure and comfort instead of pain and the usual stench of blood that accompanied it.
How intriguing.
Once again, losing this battle against whatever struggle he was facing, he simply could not overcome this hurdle. Her hands seem to know the right areas to scratch, where to apply the right pressure in order to bring out the best pleasure on his scalp, he could feel his throat rumble slightly as it grew louder in progression.
*Purr*
A sound akin to the rumble that emitted from those machines within the labs echoed through the room, halting the still ongoing tussle as all eyes trained towards the owner of the sound. Skilful hands ceased their magic, allowing the boy to finally regain control, stopping the tail lofting about against authority. Eyes narrowed in plain curiosity as he slipped his hands upward, only to feel two extra appendages atop his skull.
Two small triangle shape ears, fur coated and responsive to his brain signals. What had happened to his original ears? Parting the bangs surrounding his original ears, he frowned upon finding them missing. Were they replaced by the new animal ears, was the release of power the reason similarly as to how the tail appeared?
"Well I'll be damned, another animal guy! He's even got a tail, and he's already under Ultear's spell. Ultear, are you playing on making this guy your new pet? You have to ask master first, ya know?" the yellow haired man shrieked with a cackle reminiscent of a doctor in the labs, the boy immediately placed him under one of the individuals he did not like. His damnable yell had also caused irritation in his new ears, it seems they were more sensitive than he thought.
"Hmm…I'll admit, he does look adorable. Do you have a name, young kit?" it seems she had figured out which family that he belonged to, the fox family had always named their children kits after all.
"I do not have a name, I was referred to as subject nine, call me nine if you wish." in that moment, he saw a shred of sympathy and personal rage appear within her eyes, it vanished in a blink as she smiled once more, slightly warmer as opposed to her former stoic expression.
"…I see, so how old are you, you seem barely into your teens?"
"I suppose ever since my entrapment, that it would be my ninth year. Who are you people?" the boy questioned in turn.
"I believe Caprico has mentioned earlier, you are currently in the airship belonging to Grimoire Heart, a guild. The five of us are members, and if you include Caprico, we're under the group called the Seven Kin of Purgatory." Ultear responded with a slight gleam in her eyes, eyeing the child before her much closer.
"You are awaiting another member then? I suppose that your master has decided for me to be one if capturing me was any indication." Ultear simply smiled faintly as she showcased nothing from the general response, another, however, had no qualms about speaking his mind.
"Hell yeah! You even managed to make Bluenote work for it, of course, master's gonna make you of us! Names Zancrow, resident god slayer of flames and soon to be consumer of gods, at your service!" Zancrow proclaimed excessively loud, arms lighting up with black flames as he introduced himself.
"While the loudmouth is not an example of a good introduction, let me refresh the moment. My name is Rustyrose, creator of imagination, seeker of the unknown and a refined sculptor of fine arts. I am thirteen years old, so as your senior, I welcome you to the group." Rustyrose extended a hand of welcoming gesture, receiving a hand in return, however eliciting a raised eyebrow as Rustyrose examined his hands after contact.
"My name is Azuma, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have seen the aftermath of your battle with Bluenote, what magic do you possess?" Azuma questioned with another hand extended outwards, but had exerted an above strength behind the shake. Nine had noticed the strength behind it and exerted it with equal proportion, not showing any form of strain as Azuma's faint smile shifted into a full blown grin.
"I have no magic." A simple answer for a simple response, but the reactions were another matter on its own.
"WHAT!?" Nine frowned once more as his ears twitched from the full blown sound, his ears were ringing already, and it would seem he had to adjust to the sound sensitivity.
"What do you mean you have no magic, how did you fight Bluenote?!" surprisingly it was Ultear who exerted the question with fervour highly unsettling upon her face.
"…I would rather not answer the question, simply note that it is a part of me and I will reveal it in time." Nine's respond did little to quell the onslaught of questions they had, but it was easily identified that it was sour topic at the least.
"I see, well the plump man in the corner there eating away is Kain Hikaru, just know that he likes to eat and girls." Azuma gestured towards Kain who was snacking on a piece of meat, chewing it without restraint as slobber dripped down his chin.
"C'mon, we'll take you to the master, don't want him to wait too long, lest he gets angry." Rustyrose suggested as Nine nodded, accepting the invitation as he led the group, aware of the eyes boring into him from each individual.
It would be a hassle to explain.
XxX
From his observations, it appeared that the group he was travelling with were of high authority within this guild, the minions as Zancrow had referred to them refrained from initiating eye contact nor spoke a peep when they were in the vicinity. His sensitive ears had caught several conversations about himself, something about lost magic and seven kin.
Settling into pace as he walked alongside the group entering the hall, they shifted away and stood to the side, not with the henchmen standing at attention, rather they were conversing with Bluenote who had been confronted about their battle in his controlled state. Walking towards the throne as the elderly man that had appeared in the memory of their battle, he was now dressed in ceremonial robes, concealing his battle gear that still had stench of earthen soil.
"So we meet at last…I apologize for the rough treatment by my subordinate, you were easier to approach when you were sedated. My name is Master Hades, guild master of Grimoire Heart." The elderly man introduced himself, gesturing to the symbol etched onto the several banners hanging across the hall.
A spiky heart attached to a pair of devil horns. A play of words.
"My name is Subject Nine…or Nine…if you wish." Nine responded to the elderly name, his voice had hitched slightly when his instincts took over. Ever since his body became more animalistic, he had been capable of sensing malicious intent or possible threats.
The old man…no…monster before him, he was dangerous. The aura he exuded was malicious, highly reminiscent of the former famed doctor, yet there was something else…something pleasant so to speak. Something similar to what Mavis had felt like, warm, and filled with the desire to spring forwards.
"Hoh~, an experiment subject, how interesting. Tell me boy, do you possess take over magic?" Hades inquired, neither showcasing desire nor malice, just simple curiosity.
"No I do not, I possess no magic." And like a well, he could feel the emotions springing back and forth like a tug of war between the two sides of hall, henchmen were both confounded and entranced by the boy that fought on par with the commander, using no magic.
"I see…tell me boy, what is your desire in this bleak world of ours?" now showcasing a knowing smile, one of slight pain yet excitement.
"…I wish to fill the void in my body, and to understand." If his answers intrigued the master, he would never know.
"Understand what exactly?"
"Humans." An answer so chaotically simple, yet so vast for a simple child to question.
A simple chuckle, yet it shocked everyone to the core, neither having heard nor seen this side of their master. He was always serious, so deadly, and so uneasily approachable. Now in the face of what could be new member, he had laughed.
"You cheeky brat, you're hundred years too early to ask a question like that…but I admire your boldness. Everyone leave except for the seven kin, you are dismissed." He ordered as the minions shuffled out in an orderly fashion, leaving the requested group confronting their master.
"So boy, I've offering you a proposition here, you possess the potential and talents to enter into this group. This group was created to harvest our desires to search for the final piece of an infuriating puzzle, yet the reward is sweeter than anything. Many believe that magic just popped up out of mysterious outcomes or it was created by human emotions, but there is an entity that magic originates from, The One Magic." Hades began his lecture, drawing Nine in with his words, what was he trying to convey?
"Magic can perform miracles, it can save lives, destroy lives and even revert time. It is infinite and empty at the same time, it is the peak that we strive to reach. Each of us has our agenda, our purpose for seeking it, and thus we come to the conclusion. If I said, that the One Magic can fill the void, can allow you understanding far more than what the normal lifespan can achieve, would you reach for it?"
Everyone has dreams. Goals. Places to reach. Yet how many have actually succeeded? If even given a chance to reach it, to know that at the end of the road isn't fruitless effort, but genuine satisfaction of achieving, would we take it?
Words need not convey his thoughts. Hades nodded and procured a stamp with the Grimoire Heart symbol, inquiring the position that would best showcase what the guild stamp represented, to show his desire to reach his goal. He already had his answer before reaching the guild, before any thought that freedom was in actuality a fact instead of a distant dream.
Now the next step would be, what magic would he receive to aid in his quest?
XxX
"I have conducted a variety of experiments and research revolving around the One Magic, and have found that Lost Magic, a form of magic lost through time that could potentially be considered either too powerful or dangerous for people to wield, has the closest connections." Hades announced as Nine followed behind, alongside the rest of the seven kin.
"I have made it a necessity for every child that possess the most potential to wield Lost Magic, some for their own benefit and purpose, while others are meant for connections. Within this sanctuary of knowledge that I have spent years gathering lies one Magic that you are most attune with, seek it out and report to me once you have acquired it." Hades ordered as he gestured to the large catacombs of books piled upon shelves after shelves, each containing magic far superior to the common elements.
"The rest of you are to assist him, while the magic will seek the wielder out, the reaction has to be two way, your desire and manifestation brought to life is the magic you seek. I will issue an example such as my own magic. I possess a variety of magic yet my main magic is something that I had not encountered in the beginning, I wield Chain Magic. It corresponds with my desire to chain and latch onto my goals, and also to restrain others under my command, it strengthens based on your feelings." Hades lectured as he demonstrated with the usage of a magic circle where two chains protruded outwards and restrained Kain.
"I have seen war after war during my lifetime travels, I have seen the cruelty of mankind and the growing evils, and through my experiences I have come to detest mankind. I wish to build the ideal world where such suffering ends, and humans who wield magic will be judged by the sole entity that governs that world, to thrive in peace and happiness." Hades commented as he adopted a far off look of longing.
"People may refer me to a disillusioned old man who spouts nonsense, but it is they who have not open their eyes to the world. I'm sure you've already seen as to why I grow to detest those that don't wield magic, such people lack the understanding of the miracle of magic. Happiness can only be attained through the sacrifice of others, it has always been such and shall never change, unless we make the effort." He concluded his point as he ambled past the group who have become entrapped by the conviction and sole desire present in those eyes.
"Yeesh, the old man has gone on one of his lectures again, but anyway what he said is correct, the magic you will wield is based on what you truly desire. Take me for example, I was an orphan, I was utter garbage, a stain on the sidewalk that no one would pay attention to. I was beaten and brutalised day after day as I prayed to god after I heard that gods could provide miracles and help those in need. Yet I received nothing, no help, and no miracles when I've done nothing wrong. I grew to detest gods and strive to learn the one magic that could harm them, to kill them as they had allowed millions every day to die when they wield the power to help." Zancrow sounded surprisingly tame as he recounted his own experiences, his constant smile faded a little and his eyes dimmed.
"It's true, I too have my acknowledgement that my experiences contributed to what I learned. In this world, I was a mere boy looking for recognition, to aim for the big leagues wielding my creative arts, yet I was shunned, humiliated as I saw inferior works garner the support of millions. It was then I realised that corruption was apparent as money bought recognition, so I sought to prove the world wrong. I endeavoured to create my own world with my imagination, to allow the world to see my work, my efforts." Rustyrose remarked as Nine shifted towards a shelf, brandishing a book that held Rubber Magic, only to immediately be flicked away.
"While I don't have my own sob story like these two, I can confirm the fact. In this world where trees are as abundant as humans, I desire to be the biggest of them all, to fight my way to the top, to see the heights and limits my body could take me. It was apparent to me when I was young that life was short and could be ended by superiors, so I want to use my life effectively and I will gladly sacrifice it to enjoy a worthy battle that shows my limits." Azuma commented as he laid across a couch made of wood, somehow appearing in the room.
"I'm not smart. I'm not handsome like other people. People see me as a stupid and ugly person when I try to make friends, they don't understand. I want friends. I want a girlfriend. I want to be smart so that I can make friends." Kain slurred out through the massive quantity of food stuffed in his cheeks.
"My apologies, my story is not one that I would wish to share, however I can confirm what Master Hades has said, my magic is not one that is remarkable to mention but it corresponds with my desires." Caprico uttered as he eyed Nine once more throwing a book labelled Lava Magic.
"I have no qualms about ending lives, I merely see them as pawns for my goal, yet it is not to say that I am cold-hearted. My magic is Arc of Time, granting me the ability to alter time to various items, with my end goal to revert time itself to a…more appropriate time period that I desire. While I have taken lives to reach my goal, reverting time will allow those lives to be restored as well, thus negating my crimes. It's the end result that counts for me, think about your goal when you decide the magic." Ultear advised as she played with her orb, sending it flying about in set patterns.
Reasserting their advice while scheming through the entire section of books, nothing seems to appeal to Nine, nothing noteworthy enough that it called out to him. Perhaps he was not entitled to Lost Magic? What happens then?
"Not really, each of us are attuned to a certain form of magic, like my magic for example, Great Tree Arc falls under the category of green magic, meaning I could learn tree magic as well. It depends on the type and categorization, there will surely be a magic type that responds to you here." After listening to the advice, Nine had encountered a peculiar form of magic, nothing noteworthy or extraordinary on the surface yet there was a certain lure to it.
Keeping the magic in his bag provided, Nine had requested to return to the surface, to return to observing individuals as he solve the puzzle. It was granted but at the cost of strict surveillance from the ship and at the sign of potential danger to both him and the ship, he would be teleported back.
His next destination was Kuraiame town, the town of Dark rain.
XxX
It was as the name implied, his first impression of the town was that the rain that seem to pour endlessly was magic based, produced by an individual that was likely leaking magic and influencing the weather. The town was surprisingly none too surprised by his extra appendages, it even incurred several older females to coo about how adorable he was.
When questioned, their reply was logical, "We've had magic users visiting our town frequently so your animal features aren't too surprising, why I've even seen some man walk around with the ground and everything around him suddenly breaking apart. He had apologised for it though, he seemed nice enough, if a little flirty."
However when he inquired further about the weather, their tone and mood shifted, "We were once a cheerful and sunny town, till that rain girl came over here and ruined the weather for us, we've tried talking to her before but all she did was make the weather worse. Driving her out doesn't do anything as the rain gets too heavy when we try to negotiate, so we just live with it. Here's an umbrella for your troubles."
The truth was only half-baked, there was an underlining of animosity when the topic of this rain girl came up, and likely she failed to mention possible mistreatment of the girl. Utilising his emotional sensing abilities, he trailed the path that led to biggest source of loneliness, sorrow and guilt. His travels took him to the far end of the town, where a lowly hut was situated, it was completely run down with the paint peeling off.
Confirmation of possible mistreatment was sound when words of hostile messages were painted on the walls, some dictating her to be a pest, while others were simply messages for her to leave. Shifting his glance, he eyed the lone individual of his age standing across a group of four teenagers, each holding onto an umbrella.
Dressed in a blue dress that was spotted, her navy blue cap highlighted her equally blue locks of hair, however it contrasted the pale expression that was spread across her features. She had heavy eye bags and from the distance could make out several streaks of dried up tears, her mouth was dry and chiselled as she spoke.
"Juvia just wants to play with you, please? I promise I won't do anything to harm you, Juvia just wants to become friends with you!" she pleaded but received nothing but sneers in return for her effort.
"Who would want to become friends with you? You only caused the rain, you make everyone miserable, it's your fault we're always sick! Just get lost!" each word weighed heavily upon her soul, crushing her spirit with each harsh insult. The group of kids even went as far as to crowd around her, destroy her umbrella as they stomped upon it, finding pleasure in her horrified expression.
As they left, she sobbed and cried, clutching onto the remains of her umbrella, scraping up the remains as she fled towards her home. Trailing behind apprehensively so as to not startle his target of interest, he peeped through the window. Juvia as she called herself was kneeled in the centre of a rundown room, slowly prodding her umbrella of blue shade as she snuggled tearfully into a doll.
Her tear ducts had kept their flow as her visibly draining health was made apparent by the bouts of cough and sneezes that escaped her body in the period of time, it was only when her body stumbled slightly that she collapsed against her bedside. Her breath harsh and haggled, she struggled to upright herself but her body caved in and forced her to slowly crawl towards her bed, even then it was a challenge itself.
Juvia however paused when she felt a pair of hands latched onto her back and legs, effectively lifting her up gently and laying her upon the bed. She snuck a glance through her barely liftable eyelids, yet only caught a glimpse of black as her eyelids fell shut once more feeling the blanket drape over herself. She so desperately wanted to see the person attending to her, was he a friend? She wanted to know.
Then he spoke.
"Why do you allow them to insult you? This rain is your magic, you can control it, you have the power to wipe them out for their mistreatment, why don't you? You allow yourself to be discriminated, it affects your magic, it is slowly killing you." he questioned, intrigued by the show earlier.
"Juvia's magic makes people sick, I don't like my magic, and I want to make friends. I don't want power, I just want someone to talk to." She replied breathlessly as she struggled to maintain her struggle against the pain.
"You are sick, at this rate, you will gradually die, alone." While rude and completely unneeded, it was the truth, playing around the bush would merely prolong her suffering.
"Juvia doesn't want to die, she wants to find her family, to find her true love. I want to find them!" her eyes opened with fervour conveying her message with the brightest of sparks, illuminating them with such intensity that it reminded him of one such individual whom had the same spark of fire within them.
Why?
Why is it that on her deathbed, where she was at her weakest, that she produced the largest flames of determination? He too was like that, a dear friend long gone. As he bled to his imminent death, he strived, struggled with ferocity unbefitting one that had been confined in that hell, but he had perished before the flames could ignite any further.
Was she too like that?
Were he to allow the flames to be snuffed out, to deny her determination and resolve even when the world rejected her, would it be doing her a justice? He had once questioned, the reasoning behind his blatant lack of self-preserving to survive or at the very least care for himself, yet the answer had confounded him.
"My life in comparison pales to others, I know my limits, yet I refused to submit! When others have fallen, I will strive, I will clear the path for our freedom! When the world rejects us, abandon us, I will strike back, I will create a revolution! So, will you join me?" a hand extended in comradeship.
Back then, freedom didn't seem like a farfetched dream, it seemed possible, with him by their side, they would have created a wave upon the world. Yet, humankind had once again sought to prove them wrong, their pipedream vanished in an explosion of death and deceit. Thus, the flames were extinguished along with their hopes.
However, were he to save the girl, would her fiery spirit change the world? Would she reach her dream? Would it be extinguished similarly to how their own dream faded? So many paths, so little time in the human lifespan, yet the results were possibly endless.
How intriguing.
As she spluttered and coughed to her dying breath, he made a decision. A decision that could affect the world. His desire to understand the species known as humans, rejuvenated by a simple soul. Reaching into his backpack, he pulled out a familiar book, chocked full of dust on every page. Its age was apparent, yet the quality of the pages was still in pristine condition, obviously from the works of magic.
As he studied and experimented within the confinements alongside the slowly fading girl, he cast the spell of potentially devastating proportions, yet the yield was positively rewarding for the girl. Within the dome he created, he cast the spell that would change her life forever. Fully aware of the new state his magic reserves seem to possess, the child examined the changes within his body, feeling the new improvements that the magic bestowed.
It felt refreshing. It felt overpowering. It was truly worthy to be called Miracle.
He witnessed her skin regaining colour, her features practically shone with gusto, she was completely rejuvenated to pristine health as she fell into a deep slumber of tranquillity. One she had not receive in a while as her sleeping smile was positively radiant, she looked peaceful. Wrapping his tail around her waist to warm her temperature as stated by the book, she snuggled deeper into the fur.
"Caprico, I require your assistance." He called, and his call was answered.
"I have attain a magic, as stated by this book, a Lost Magic. This girl had assisted me in my quest, I wish to assist her in return. Will I be able to provide expenses for her?" Caprico seem positively speechless as he read the text plastered onto the book, examining his ward with a critical eye before brandishing a large bag of jewellery as was the currency.
"Master Hades will be most pleased, that magic has not been wielded in over several centuries." Caprico praised as he set aside the bag by Juvia's bed, while his ward wrote a quick note on her bedside.
"Tell him this, I will not become one of the seven kin, I believe I have a better role that I can fill."
"I believe so as well."
In a quick flash, both of the unknown occupants vanished without a trace, leaving only a simple note of personal advice and gratitude alongside her reward. If they had stay just a tad longer, they would have heard the largest squeal of surprise possibly produced.
Master Hades had approved despite his knowing dislike of the absence of yet another member to fill the gap, however, he was positively rapturous about the magic he now wielded. Citing its potential as limitless, a most worthy magic to wield.
XxX
Nine had simply stated as such when he was questioned the reasoning behind his magic choice:
I have seen both good and bad. Primarily the bad. Good was simple to understand. Too many rules.
Good man have too many rules. I live my life as how I wish. Unhindered by rules. Live by thought.
I am treading on the fine line of the two. The center of balance of both sides. Good and evil.
I give in to neither. I observe. I understand. I judge based on my beliefs.
I become the Twilight. Disgusted by death. Willing to kill.
I am a healer.
A/N: For my reasoning as to why my MC seems much more mature in comparison to others his age, I want you to understand that he was tortured, broken down, and mentally and physically tattered. And his knowledge, why is he so much more knowledgeable about things?
The clue is in chapter two. Regarding the conversation between the inner being and my MC.
