I do not own Fairy Tail - just my crazy characters.
Updated May 13th, 2018 - Happy Mother's Day
AN Notes at the end - this chapter is really only about 3,900 word count.
Chapter 4 – Secrets of the Light
Lunch was pleasant and thankfully uneventful, Zeref used this time to go into further details of his plan with the dragons and why he needed the help of the Celestial mage.
Anna was lightly shaking her head, "so you want to use the Eclipse gate? Do you know how much magical power is rumored to be needed to operate such a thing? Even with the assistance of the dragons I don't believe we can generate enough power to open the gate."
Zeref already knew this to be true, "I don't disagree Miss. Heartfilia; however, since I created the gate, I know what is required to power it. If we are patient, waiting until the next solar eclipse, this celestial event will supply the gate with more than a third of the power needed. I also know you are in possession of all twelve of the zodiac keys, and you alone can command all twelve keys in unison. The twelve Zodiac spirits combined with my power should be more than enough to complete the remaining power needed to open the gate."
Anna was bothered by Zeref's knowledge of her acquiring each of the Zodiac keys. That information had been a guarded secret, 'how did he find out' she pondered. She even made it a point not to show her keys to anyone. During her battles, she was known to only use three spirits, and the other were solely used for reconnaissance missions, to retain the secrecy.
The only way he would have found out she obtained the twelve keys was if someone from her inner circle had betrayed her. It may have been even a simple mistake of over hearing a conversation; this knowledge could have dire results for the mage. The keys were priceless magic items and with only twelve of the golden keys in existence, it would make her a target for those who coveted power.
She was glad Zeref didn't seem to know of 'or at least he did not mention' her ability to create gate keys, like Draco's. It was common knowledge; silver keys were easier to obtain as they were duplicates, such as Canis Minor the dog. However, Draco was a Celestial dragon; he held power equal to that of an Earthland dragon.
Draco was the guardian for a planet he referred to as Earth; it resided within a galaxy called the Milky Way. Draco had told Anna many stories of the Earth realm he watched over. The dragon explained Earth as a sister image to Earthland and was the original birth place of the dragon's. Draco was the strongest of the dragon spirits; like Leo for the Zodiac, each gained strength from the holders of their key. In one of his many ramblings about Earth, Draco told Anna nine planets existed within the realm; and each was protected by a different dragon spirit, much like the Zodiac for Earthland.
These spirits however, were different from the other Celestial's. Unlike the Zodiac they could not be forced to bond with any Celestial mage. The spirits were picky when it came to whom they would bond, and the mage would have to have the power and knowledge to forge a key. Draco had refused for centuries to allow himself to bond with another mage. However, one day while visiting the Earthland dragon's, Draco told Anna of how he had sensed a Celestial wizard with a pure magic essence.
Following his senses, Draco's magic led him to a young blond girl playing by the water, he explained she glowed like one of the stars in the night. The dragon found himself coming back to this realm often to watch Anna for the next several years; finding her to be compassionate, strong, and intelligent.
The girl trained tirelessly, learning how to wield her powers as a Celestial mage, she would talk to the stars at night as if they were her only friend holding all her secrets. Anna was only twelve when Draco finally made his presence known offering to become her first spirit. He taught her how to forge a key with a willing spirit creating a special bond, which of course was his key.
Anna treasured the fact Draco found her to be more than a master. In her late teens, while taking a break after a hard-won battle, Draco grew quiet. She remembered how his expression grew somber as he gazed at her. Draco, in a rare moment of vulnerability explained, how he had watched her grow from a child into a young woman, she had become his closest friend. He loved her, his best friend, and he knew through her that there was more good in the world than evil. He also told her he knew she felt the same way; he ended the serious conversation by handing Anna a drink to celebrate friendship, a battle won, and the future.
Anna smiled to herself recalling the memory of that night, it was her bond with Draco, which made many of the gold keys worked their way to her possession. With Zeref knowing so much about Anna, it made her nervous, she would have to proceed with care.
"The Zodiac spirits will not be happy being used to disrupt the timeline; they will not want to take a chance messing with a realm gate," Anna warned.
"Excuse my ignorance, but as I understand it the Celestial mages have contracts with their spirits and therefor they must do as you command. You are their master correct?" Zeref statement was challenging Anna's power directly.
Igneel watched Anna with a quizzical interest, 'how is she going to get around this' he wondered. To help ease the growing tension between the two mages, Igneel decided to add to the conversation.
"My friend, I believe you are looking at this in the wrong way. The celestial spirits are not objects; they have feelings like humans and dragons. In their world they are living beings, they can even be killed under the right circumstances. So, for one to just assume they will do whatever Miss. Heartfilia commands without some hesitation would be foolish; would you not agree?"
Zeref did not like the correction from the dragon however; the interjection could not be ignored. "So… if this is the case, Miss Heartfilia would you be willing to have a meeting with your Zodiac spirits to see if they would agree to lend their strength to assist with opening the gate?"
Anna was relieved Igneel understood her magic, his kind understanding words warmed her soul. She could feel she was becoming jaded with the constant battles and fighting amongst others she had seen over the years. She was barely twenty-two yet, spent most of her life fighting for her survival and those of the innocent around her. The more she learned about the dragon the more she appreciated him. She turned her focus to the dragon and his young son; giving them a warm smile, before turning back to Zeref.
"My spirits are my friends, I do not consider myself their master as you stated, we are teammates. However, you are correct, as I do hold contracts which work to benefit both parties."
After several tense moments Anna continued, "I will confer with the Zodiac; just know I will not do this without their consent."
"See… I knew we could find a way to compromise." Zeref expressed holding an air of accomplishment.
"There is still the issue of how long this plan will take to accomplish. I believe the next full solar eclipse will not be for another eight years. Do you seriously think we can keep Acnologia at bay for this long?"
Anna knew the black dragon would be attracted to any immense draw of magic power, anything associated with the gate would be like a beacon to the dragon.
Zeref gave a small smile, "leave that to me. I've had people searching for where Acnologia is hiding, since you injured him in the last battle. While we know we cannot kill the dragon, while he is resting there is a way to prolong the healing process."
This peaked Igneel's interest, he had not said much as he wanted Zeref to trust he was on board with the plan. In all honesty, Igneel agreed with the need to create a new generation of dragon slayers; he just didn't trust Zeref wouldn't try to use them to his advantage, especially Natsu.
"What is it, you plan to do, to slow down Acnologia?" the dragon questioned.
"Ah… Igneel, as you know, a dragon will heal themselves over time. They will retain the scars from serious battles like the one across your eye, but these are battles with other dragons, which are considered like magic. Battles in which the wounds are inflicted by magic from a mage takes longer to heal if they are strong enough, however few mages would ever be strong enough to affect a dragon. In this last battle however, it was not a single type of magic which caused the damage but several diverse types, with hundreds of mages striking as a unified force. Miss Heartfilia it was your magic that landed the deciding blow using one of the strongest celestial spells known to man. A literal strike from the heavens, a type of blessed event against the dark."
Both Igneel and Anna gave the dark mage a perplexed look, Zeref sighed, "it's simple really; the different magic's are working against the dragon's natural antibodies, which are slowing the healing process. Plus, he is not dragon born, but a slayer who has gone mad, his own magic transforming him into a dragon; but his healing process is still human, just sped up. Think about it, do you really think the black dragon would not have returned if he was able to fight?"
Ann and Igneel looked at each other and nodded in agreement, Zeref had a valid point the black dragon never left a fight without destroying his opponents.
"Once I'm able to locate the dragon, I will be able to set up a barrier to trap the him in a temporary time barrier. Acnologia will not be aware of the barrier, however once its time magic dissipates he will know he has been tricked and will likely go on a massacre with the three of us at the top of the hit list."
"Great… we can be killed either sooner or later at a non-disclosed time." Anna was frustrated she did not like the options being presented.
"You're putting these children in danger, because they were the lucky ones to be chosen to take on this magic; which Acnologia wants to kill them over. Please…. correct me if I'm wrong here." Anna held distress in her voice she had honestly hoped they would not have to rely so much on what if's. She could not imagine a worse fate for the little pink haired boy playing at Igneel's feet.
Igneel responded, "Natsu is my son, I understand your worry. Know this, Natsu's safety is my priority. This is his only chance of survival. This war has not been kind to anyone, if I can give my son a few years of peace then I'm all for it."
Anna knew Igneel would not budge, the dragon was known for being a stubborn hot-head, but loyal to a fault. Exasperated Anna grumbled, "FINE! It doesn't seem I can talk you out of this plan. I still need to speak with the Zodiac."
"Excellent! Let's get headed back to the city and allow Igneel to get back to training." Zeref was pleased with the Celestial mage finally condoning his plan.
"No"
"No?" Both males questioned in unison. 'What was wrong with this woman now', Zeref wondered as he found himself frowning at the Celestial mage.
"I'm not ready to head back to the city. I would like to stay the week with Igneel and to have a better understanding of slayer magic, and to get to know Natsu better. I see it like this, you're asking me to give up the next eight years of my life, tying my future family line to this plan correct?" Anna stated while smiling brightly at Zeref, with a wicked twinkle in her eye.
"Well… yes, we will need the assistance of a Celestial mage from the future to open the gate on the other side when the heavens a line again. However, what does this have to do with you staying with Igneel for the week?"
Zeref was nervous, Anna was clever, and suddenly to happy; the dark mage worried she was going to attempt to talk Igneel out of his plan. He knew the dragon king held the blond mage in high regard after working with her during the war.
"Simple, you asked me to come out here and observe, right?" she replied.
"Well, yes I did…"
"While I'm beginning to see your position to this matter, a couple hour meeting is not near enough time to make a life changing decision, wouldn't you agree?"
"Well… I… guess I… can see your point," the dark mage stuttered, 'damn it where's she going with this'.
"Good, I'm glad you see it my way." The mage turn staring at the dragon, "Igneel, I do not wish to impose on your home. However, I feel I must make this request. It is the only way to insure I make a well-informed decision for my future, and for that of my family line. It's plainly obvious you two have had plenty of time to mule this over, now I believe it's my turn."
Igneel didn't know what to say this was not in the plan, "well… um… my lady, you did not bring any necessities to stay for a week."
"Yes," Zeref commented "you have no clothes, and would a lady of your standing, really want to sleep outside under a tree?"
Anna glared at the males, she was a warrior, and both males knew the conditions she was in during the war. She had slept outside many times with her men, just glad for moments of rest. She was never one to believe in the need of indulgence in what many deemed as the comforts of home.
"Zeref, as you stated earlier I have all twelve of the Zodiac keys, all I need to do is request the basic items needed and they will assist me. As well as my spirits will want to talk to the Fire Dragon King. I do have a very good understanding of how they think. If you want their support, I suggest you both get used to the idea I'm staying!" Anna beaming knowing she had Zeref uncomfortable for a change.
"Fine… I will stay with you as well."
"No."
"No? What are you protesting now," Zeref was at his wits end, this woman was beautiful, but her mind was cutting; she was a warrior with honed skill. At that moment he realized his desire for dominance over the mage growing again, he had to fight off the images which started to consume his mind; Zeref shook his head and focused on the request from the blond mage.
"I want to hear what Igneel has to say when you're not around. Not that I don't believe Igneel can't make a good judgment call; I don't need the two of you ganging up on me. I have had plenty of one-on-one time with you Zeref. Now, I request the same with Igneel, and his son. This was your idea remember, to observe Natsu."
Anna sweet voice betrayed her. Zeref could feel her words laced with venom; she challenged him much like he had done to her earlier. Zeref knew she was enjoying his squirming to find reason to keep her away from the dragon nest. 'Careful what game you play Anna,' he smirked to himself, his mind reeling in thought, 'two can play your game and I don't lose'. Catching himself before he said something crass aloud, releasing a soft sigh the black mage turned to address Igneel.
"Igneel… I must leave this decision up to you as it is your home, and you are in the middle of training Natsu." Zeref was sure the dragon would refuse, knowing the Celestial mage would respect Igneel's wishes and would more than likely still assist in the plan out of respect for the dragon.
Igneel raised his head to answer, when Natsu ran up to Anna, "you stayin for the week? PROMISE! Will you play with me and tell me stories? Can I play with your dragon again?"
Zeref and Igneel both froze they had not considered Natsu was paying any attention to the conversation, and the toddler had taken an instant liking to Anna. 'Crap now what', a thought both the dragon and the dark mage shared as both had a tough time saying no to the pink haired boy.
Anna gave the toddler a warm smile her chocolate eyes sparkling in the afternoon sun, "Yes, I will promise to do all those things, young prince, if the king will allow me to stay?"
"Daddy PLEASEEEEEE! Let the pretty lady stay I want to PLAYYYYYY! She promised to read me stories! PPPPPLLLEEEAASSSEEEE Daddy!" Natsu was begging with the biggest grin and puppy dog eyes he could muster.
"Boy, we have training to do," Igneel huffed.
Tears started to form in the corner of Natsu's eyes and he started to hang his head low. This simple action caused the dragons' heart to burn with pain. "Oh hell… do you really want Miss Heartfilia to stay with us for the week?"
Natsu's head shot back up, he responded with his voice cracking slightly, "yes daddy… PLEASE," Natsu was begging again.
Igneel sighed, "alright. Miss Heartfilia, I would be honored if you stayed the week with myself and Natsu. Please understand his training is most important so please do not question any of my methods."
Natsu was looking at the mage, pulling at the hem of her dress, urging her to pick him up. Anna reached down pulling the boy into her arms. Natsu grabbed a hold of her neck and nuzzled in close to her ear, "now you have to keep the promise," he whispered to the mage.
Anna's heart stung, how could this child; she just met, have such a profound influence on her. She couldn't help but giggle as she hugged him closely, a gentle warmth encompassed her, she knew no matter what she would keep Natsu safe. 'Is this what a mother feels,' Anna wondered as she pulled him closer tightening the hug, she whispered back into Natsu's ear, "I always keep my promises". What she didn't notice was the way the two males were staring at her. One with a loving admiration as he heard their private conversation, the other with jealousy over the affection she showed so genuinely, to a child she had just met.
Anna laid a soft kiss on the boy's forehead, pulling him close for another hug before gently placing him back on the ground. Natsu was smiling brightly as he ran back to Igneel. Anna found herself in a daze, 'what's wrong with me,' she wondered. She was brought out of the warm feeling when she noticed Zeref's cold eyes, he gave her a look of wanting to rip apart her soul.
Zeref was furious, Anna was confused at what she could have done to foster the look in his eyes. She knew she had pushed his buttons earlier, however this was look of a scorned lover. It made her uncomfortable, so mush so she could feel Draco pushing against his gate begging her to allow him through.
Igneel also noticed the way the dark mage was glaring at the Celestial mage. This was bad, Igneel knew Zeref's magic could go out of control if he didn't get a handle on his emotions quickly. What the dragon didn't understand was why Zeref was so suddenly unbalanced, and toward Anna no less.
Acting quickly Igneel made a request, "Zeref, would you speak with me alone. Anna, would you mind taking Natsu to play over by the lake," both simply nodded in agreement. The air was electric with discord, Anna knew not to say anything further, not wanting to invoke Zeref's wrath.
"Very well, please excuse me for a moment," Zeref's statement was that of a polite excuse, however his tone was cold as ice with no emotion. The Celestial mage gave a slight bow, moving away with Natsu to give the males their privacy, at least it seemed Igneel's simple request slightly defused the dark mages anger toward her for the moment.
Igneel walked toward the forest tree line, Zeref followed along side-by-side, "don't worry, I will get her to agree to assist us," Igneel stated with an air of confidence.
Zeref was still angry, however it was dissipating as quickly as it came, "she is up to something, but what is the question… She is no fool; quite the worthy opponent in every sense." The dark mage continued to grumble, "we need her Igneel, to make this happen! Make sure you get her to agree, or I will do what I must to insure her participation." The dragon knew Zeref was no longer in a negotiating mood, the mage would do whatever it would take to make Anna assist him.
"It won't need to come to that, she will be willing. I admit, I didn't expect her to want to stay; however, it does give me the time to convince her, this turn of events I believe will work to our advantage."
Zeref looked over to the dragon, it was evident he was tired with the discussion, "let's head back it's getting late. I need to return to the city. You just make sure when I return, she is in full compliance or I will."
Igneel did not care for the mage's tone, giving a warning to Zeref, Igneel responded in a low growl, "understood."
Zeref stopped in his tracks, realizing he had just insulted the king, "my apologies Igneel, I find myself taking my frustrations with that woman out on you. Please forgive my insolence."
"None of that my friend, let's get you home so you may tend to your other affairs. Leave Anna to me, by the weeks end you will have the ally you require."
Zeref nodded, satisfied with Igneel's assurance, the two started the walk back where they had left the Celestial mage with the child. Igneel watched the pair playing; Anna's safety was now a cause for concern. It seemed they would have much to discuss once Zeref left. For now, things would proceed as planned, the dragon needed the dark mage to leave so he could discuss today's events with the young woman. More than anything Igneel wanted to apologize to her; by asking for her assistance he had put her in danger.
Igneel saw through Zeref's carefully crafted façade. The dragon could sense the dark mages interest in Anna, it was not purely as a comrade. No, it was something darker, primal, and almost animalistic. Igneel looked to the sky, 'Anna, what have I gotten you into,' he wondered.
So I'm a mom of two and I'm doing what I want taking time for me! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and even the single dads that do both roles.
I would also like to acknowledge all of you that have been following this story and to all of you have just started to follow. Thank you for your all your comments and PM's, just for giving my story a chance. Wow thank you all!
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