Me: Hi, it's me again! Thank you for all the reviews for the latest chapter! Although I appreciate the "favourite story listing", I would like to hear from you guys too! Your reviews, criticisms are greatly appreciated! By the way, I don't own Fairytail! I only own Katherine Dumas, her personalities, powers and this fanfiction's plotline! :D
Maegara – this
Katherine – this
Iolanthe – this
Conscience - this
Chapter 11 – Wildcard
Loke's P.O.V
Finally, Lucy's house and no ice mage in sight…
Leaving him with Juvia's like tossing a lamb in a den full of dingos but Gray is clearly not a lamb and saying that Juvia is a dingo is an understatement. I mean – sure she's pretty but heck she's clingy. If I got stuck with her, I'd be suffocating like hell. Come to think of it, I kinda do feel bad for leaving him there but…
But, you don't want him to be too close to your dearly beloved Katherine?
Well, there's that and Katherine might get freaked out if she sees some topless man sleeping right next to her. She's gonna shred him into ribbons when she finds out. Then again, what more me? Katherine's probably gonna punch me through the wall when she finds out how much worrying and transferring I've been doing with her body. Oh no, what if someone tells her I kissed her? She's never gonna let me near her again! I mean – bloody hell, what is all this? I'm pretty much close to her and it shouldn't affect her right?
If you're so close to her then, why don't you call her Kevyn? You at least have that privilege as her hero.
My mini-self's got a point but I don't want to remind her of the past. She clearly disses people off when asked about the Aeons and it's really like she doesn't know anything. Not like I suspect her or anything but it's her past and that doesn't matter. Sure they say looks matter but that is something that can be changed in a day. Right now, Katherine's still sleeping in my arms and she's been clinging onto my suit a bit too tightly than normal. She's shivering fearfully and she's been mumbling stuff…
"Don't you… dare," she hoarsely muttered, tightening her grip on my blazer. "Go…fuck yourself in a ditch."
I chuckled at her expression. That's what she usually tells people when she wants them to diss off but who was she talking to? Rather, what was happening to her in her mind? I narrowed my eyes a bit at the thought of her being mentally raped. That's bloody wrong! That can't happen in her mind! Unless, it happened to her before but why did she suddenly collapse? What did Jellal do to her, that son of a… for lack of milder word - bitch?
Hey, you might want to put her down on a bed. You can't carry her forever.
"I will if it means easing her pain," I slowly smiled, glancing at her until I felt her body shivering. "K-Katherine?"
Her grip weakened as I noticed small white crystals falling from her eyes.
"Make it fucking stop," she whimpered before pulling herself closer to me. "P-Please… m-make it stop…"
Alright, this is the first time I've seen her shaking in my arms.
She'd definitely call this taking advantage of her during her time of weakness but what kind of man would I believe to let her suffer alone in the dark recesses of her mind? My whole body is tearing itself apart just seeing so vulnerable… so defenceless… But that's why I'm here. Lionesses also need time to rest and even though they're the fighters of a pride – it doesn't mean that the male is completely incapable of doing anything. Anything that tries to hurt them… clearly, you know the result.
I lay her on the bed before brushing away the tresses from her face. She curled up like a little shrimp as she gripped onto the white sheet tightly. Katherine probably has an instinctive way to stop herself from crying right? She doubled over, muffling her mouth with the sheet. I shook my head with a sigh before I let her sit on my lap before wrapping her up with a bundle of sheets. I tucked her head under my chin as she slowly calmed down a bit. But what shocked me more was that, she nuzzled a bit against my chin. A small smirk curved up my lips but it felt more warming that she snuggled a bit. God, this is really taking advantage of a woman in her weakness but it's something that I've never seen in Katherine. My fingers went through her long brown hair. She gives too little credit to her own beauty – if Virgo could hold her down for a few minutes, she'd look like a princess once Virgo's done with her! But with make-up or no make-up, she's still Katherine. The violent, caring and loving lioness that no one has ever touched.
After all, some things stay beautiful because they're never touched – no?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Normal P.O.V
God, this hallway is becoming so redundant.
I found myself back at the freakin' hallway of memories with Iolanthe sitting on the throne, my younger self cowering by the corner and my aristocratic self whirling around her black cane. My eyes surveyed the area around until something dropped on my shoulder. Whirling around, I found Maegara standing behind me with her black latex suit with bloodied hands. Instead of her usual sinister smirk that I wanted to wipe off with my fist, her expression became completely expressionless. She stood in front of me limply, like the very thing we hated the most: a marionette.
"I really did it, didn't I," I shuddered violently, drawing back in horror.
Maegara responded wordlessly before pressing her pointer finger against my forehead. What the hell – my head suddenly started throbbing as if Erza shoved a blade through it and ringing noises bounced all over the place! I staggered back as things started pulsing back and forth. Suddenly, the smell of carcasses permeated the air as I saw the skies around me suddenly turn pitch black. The very symbol of Fairytail burned as Natsu's enraged howl echoed loudly in my ears. Screams of terror racked my nerves as my body literally seized up. I doubled over while yanking my hair and biting my urge to scream.
God, please make this stop! I'll do anything! I'll even stop calling Gajeel a "metal factory reject"! I'll stop swearing just please make this throbbing pain stop!
Fires consumed the image as I saw myself fighting Natsu with a mocking sneer on my face. No wonder he hated my guts so much! I also found Lucy horrified with shock as her eyes widened with paralysing fear. She clenched the cloth by her stomach, struggling to crawl away. As if my other self back then could sense it, she prepared to plunge her arm blade through the very barrier between me and her unborn baby. My whole body trembled with horror as ice crystals crashed against my other self's body with Gray howling with a dark battle cry. Loke roared similarly to that of a lion as he wrestled me towards the ground, punching me repeatedly. Their eyes... they all held something I've seen all my life.
But there was one thing I noticed.
"You... how did my other eye grow back," I stared incredulously at Maegara as she stared back at me with her lifeless amber orbs, prompting me to grab her. "The hell, answer me!"
"The hatred will never fade," Iolanthe smiled bitterly, gripping the hem of her dress. "We all know what kind of atrocities we are capable of."
"That's the horror we've been condemned to see everyday of our life," Maegara narrowed her eyes darkly, curling her hands into fists. "It's a part of who we are. As Aeons, we're destined for great things but with those great powers come with the heaviest responsibilities which will shackle us for all eternity. This is us... the terror of death."
The aristocratic brat whirled around her cane before walking towards me. "But on our shoulders also is the fate of the world and all that you love in it. Our responsibilities shoulder the fate of the entire cosmos. The question is – will we break under its weight or will we carry it?"
I remained completely silent, trembling violently as I watched my other selves from different timelines stare back at me. My youngest version of myself continued to sob loudly as I shook my head in determination. My body trembled considerably from the agony from my last headache. Despite everything though, I didn't even get why the hell I'm trapped in my own head! It makes no bloody sense to suddenly get trapped in my own mind! I mean, if it were Natsu – he'd burn his way out of here. Wait a minute, lemme try using my power!
"A sword that is part of me... and a part of me it shall remain,
From my blood that burns for forge,
Along with the bones that serve as my blade,
Neither shall it know life or death but only,
The blood it has spilled across its edge!"
...
...
Come on, arm. I'm waiting. Change into something!
...
...
WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SORCERY!
I grit my teeth in annoyance as I curled my fingers into fists. When did anything ever make sense? This wouldn't have happened if I didn't leave the house! But then again, I wouldn't have met Loke and the others so that kinda offset the weird shit going on. Ever since that blue-headed lunatic showed us the history of the Aeons – my body suddenly hotwired itself and now I'm probably stuck on a bed right now completely motionless!
Wait a minute... If I'm unconscious, that means...
Shit! That stupid cat better not try anything! I mean – that sounds like a freakin' twisted version of sleeping beauty except I'm not a princess! To hell with this, I shouldn't have agreed to this damn plan and how do I wake up from this place? Then again, at least I won't have to deal with Juvia's whining, Gajeel's ass for a mouth and Natsu's obnoxiousness. Gray's at least been keeping me tabs and alive while Loke, well is being Loke. Although I have to admit, Loke does have that comforting musky smell. It kinda gave me this warm fuzzy feeling inside...
Oh, I did not just think that now did I?
You sure did, boss.
"You have such loud thoughts, Katherine," Maegara scoffed with a mocking sneer, raking her fingers through her hair. "Kitty's occupying your mind?"
I rolled my eyes in sarcasm, shoving my hands into my pocket. "Shut the hell up, Maegara."
"Well, now that you have that" –referring to my smaller self, "within you," Maegara raised an eyebrow, glancing at me. "Do you feel any different?"
To be honest, my body feels a bit more normal.
It felt a little lighter now instead of having that heavy dragging feeling. My skin colour from snow white slowly became fleshier, I guess. I mean – what the hell am I supposed to call my skin colour, rose? Anyway, a loud click came from the violet door as it creaked open. Smoke emitted out of it as the violet light caused the room to darken considerably. My aristocratic self narrowed her eyes at the slightly ajar door as the youngest version of myself whimpered at the sight of the light. Iolanthe stared in astonishment as Maegara threw it a cynical glance. The violet door remained ajar as the thorns suddenly withered off. Okay, clearly a sign of shit getting serious.
"Okay, is it just me or did this place just get creepier," I shuddered lightly, rubbing my arms. "God, it's freezing in here."
Maegara shrugged nonchalantly, leaning against the wall. "Well, start getting used to it. That's how it has always been in your empty head."
I glared at her for a moment before steeling myself and walking towards the door. With a deep inhale, I let the light engulf me as the scenery changed. A dead forest stood around me with withered trees. Crows cawed in the air as the moonlit night offered nothing but a sense of crap going up my spine. Stones rattled by my feet as dust flew past me, prompting me to step back.
Damn, where the hell am I?
It's funny how we can communicate again even if we're in the same godforsaken area.
Katherine-chan, what do we do? Where are you?
"I'm in some place called Creepy Hollow," I snorted at my failed attempt of a joke, shoving my hands into my pockets with an indignant snort. "Anyway, you guys have any map or directions I can use to get out of here? I'd like to get out of this shithole in this millennium."
How the heck should we know? It's your memory!
I'm sure you'll find your way through, Katherine-chan!
Gah, when were they ever helpful!
Walking aimlessly, I watched my surroundings curiously. Nothing seemed to be around me until I found a huge building in front of me. Starless black skies greeted me as the cawing of ravens echoed throughout the dead forest. Squirrels didn't even inhabit the place and all I found were the branches breaking off from the gentle force of the wind. On the building, a large flag billowed in the wind as a carriage started rushing towards me. Unlike most carriages, it had a jet black exterior with metal chains barring the door with magic circles engraved on the four walls of the carriage. Two black stallions sounded their hooves with a loud whiny as they relentlessly stomped on every stone in their path. I quickly leapt into the bushes as the jet black carriage rushed past me. No shit, who wants to get run over by some bloody carriage? That ain't gonna look nice on my obituary. My body throbbed in agony from my last migraine as I walked past the bushes, staring at the fading figure of the carriage.
Great, I'm living the movie of Sleepy Hollow. Where's the headless horseman?
Quit being such an imbecile and find out where you are, you insolent fool.
Look who's talking, crazy Ms. I'm-gonna-blow-up-everything-since-I-have-shit-for-brains!
Che, at least I'm not the one who's hallucinating.
I'M NOT HALLUCINATING, DAMN IT!
Watching the carriage fade in the distance somewhat piqued my curiosity. Where the heck is that going and how did that get into my brain? Although curiosity did kill the cat, I can't die in my own head can I? I mean – that would be bloody stupid if I could. I went straight towards the building as the horses jerked suddenly, throwing the carriage into a sudden stop. Out of nowhere, two burly men jumped off the carriage before swinging the door open roughly as a kick met one of their faces. A smirk appeared on my lips as my other self ambushed them with her hand turning into a blade and stabbing one of them until a lanky male suddenly appeared and slammed my head into the ground. My fallen self winced at the pain as she was dragged by the hair, going straight into the castle. Alright, time for mission impossible 6: see what the hell's going on and then kick some ass!
But seriously, I lost to a girly man!
Keeping tabs on their scent was no joke. Hiding behind the trees, I watched them drag my unconscious body by my hair while standing in front of the door. Few seconds later, the doors creaked open and let the men in. A devious grin went from ear to ear as I leapt over the gates, landing in a bush behind the men who dragged my limp body. The wind brushed past me as I narrowed my eyes at the door, hearing the metal slabs crank open.
"Did you bring the specimen?"
My eyes widened at the voice and sentence. That voice sounded so familiar but before anything else – what is this place? What the hell? How did this get stuck in my head? Wasn't this jailhouse for those who could make Jose Porla look like a pussycat? Where the hell am I and who the hell just called me a fucking specimen? I so swear – this guy's gonna get it the moment I get out of this!
Boss, you have no powers.
Shit. Fuck. You've gotta be kidding me.
Che, martial arts alone can make them cry and beg for mercy. Wizards tend to be really squishy.
However, a familiar blue haired male stepped out with his usual crimson tattoo blaring out his identity. A smug smirk appeared on his lips as his black coat trailed behind him. I bared my teeth before hissing low and venomously, clenching my hands into a fist. Every fibre of me wanted me to roar and stab his eyes out, pull his spine out of his back and send my fist into his pearly whites til he looked like an old fart! The fattening part however will just need a huge keg of beer though…
"It's the fucking dickhead who got me into this mess," I hissed venomously, cracking my knuckles. "Mr. whatever your name is, I am so pummelling your little ass to the...!"
"Jellal, have you obtained the Aeon yet," a male voice came from behind, revealing some rocker dude and two other people.
Sheesh, who the hell are those three – Cirque du Freak or Cirque du Moron?
I crept past the guards, hiding amongst the bushes before examining my fallen body. They kicked it lightly, stretching their necks to examine my body further. A huge smirk appeared on their lips as they checked my body for any weapons, shrugging off nonchalantly.
Man these people are gullible wise men! What a freakin' contrast! Are they that retarded that a wizard doesn't carry any shit with him?
"Maybe she's dead," one snickered with a hill-Billy accent, twirling around his spear. "Too bad though, they said she was purty…!"
The other guard sniggered darkly, kicking over my fallen body. "No kidding, she's got a face."
"Will you guys just get the specimen in here," Jellal commanded from the fort.
I twitched furiously at that comment.
That's it? That's all I have? What the fuck, I thought I'd get something better but noooo – only the Hill Billy thinks I look pretty and he didn't even say it right!
But, Loke-kun thinks you look beautiful…
Don't bother feeding her ego, Iolanthe. She's got one the size of Andromeda as is.
Bitch please, shut up and help me out here.
Then, stop being such a vain peacock and get a move on. The blue haired asshole's getting into the fort.
With a determined nod, I sailed in immediately before the doors slammed behind me while trying to land as quietly as possible. As the doors slammed behind me, I dusted my clothes before hiding behind the stone walls. The echoes of footsteps resounded off the halls as I continued darting forward. The guards lazily dragged my unconscious self on the ground before shackling it up to a pillar. Jellal casually sat his lazy ass on the throne while playing around with his blue hair. Mavis, seriously- poof me up a shaver and lemme at this guy!
You dope, you're not going to get anywhere with those kinds of thoughts. Try to figure out what this was for.
Without any warning, a huge wave of water splashed against my unconscious self – prompting her to wake up. She coughed and spewed out the water while breathing hysterically only to glare at the person in front of her.
"Who the fuck are you," she hissed as my mind reeled back with surprise.
Because a familiar pair of honey brown eyes stared with the same gaze I got so used to seeing along with my usual alley language, there was no mistaking it. She bared her fangs while trying to wriggle out of the tightly knotted ropes and chains. Surrounding her were also a couple of magical talismans.
That… you've gotta be kidding…
That was your first awakening after so long. Iolanthe and I always had to handle some of the shit but because Iolanthe got so scared of killing…
"She woke me up," I murmured softly in realization, watching my own honey brown eyes stare back angrily. "Wait a minute; what did this retard want me for anyway?"
Jellal seemingly heard me as he folded his legs, raising an eyebrow. "So, Katherine – is it? Why don't you show me your true power?"
"Che," she spat venomously, kicking roughly. "Go fuck yourself in a ditch!"
Now I get why Loke's hell-bent in making me eat detergent.
Loke-kun is just concerned for your image and welfare, Katherine-chan.
Yeah but seriously – how does eating detergent make him concerned for my welfare?
My other self continued to struggle once again as she revealed both her eyes. Instead of my usual single eye with an eye-patch, both of my eyes had a magic circle marking with a pentacle. She remained completely silent as I did my best to cloak my magical energy. The Cirque de Morons stood there with him too, they all had some freaky names like Ikaruga, Fukurou and I don't even know what Vivaldus is. Whatever it is, it might be the scientific name for Dodo Bird. But who cares about them? I gotta make sure my energy's in place. Hey, I wouldn't want Jellal to trap me in my own head now would I?
You imbecile, this is your memory. He can't possibly trap you in here.
Wanna bet? A midget in one of my memories just touched me and asked who the hell I was. Dig that!
...
"Sucks to be you, doesn't it jello-boy," my other self chained to the pillar sniggered as she wriggled constantly. "You need a barrage of lies to protect you and make sure that you're not left alone. Coz it all turns out, you're nothing but a whiny little brat."
Ha, take that ya blue ninny!
However, he didn't seem the least bit angered as he sat there with that infuriating smirk. "That's what cornered rats do. They spout and spout until they run out of saliva. Perhaps, that's what you are right now – Aeon?"
Yeesh, this guy's got nerves of steel or something!
He didn't even bat an eyelash, that bastard. Then again, this is Jellal and he does have the upper hand in the situation right now. One false move and I could end up locking myself up in my own head! God, what a freakin' contrast! Anyway, I better find a way out of here otherwise I'm gonna end up asleep for God knows how long! Walking towards behind the throne, I found Jellal walking towards me before holding my face roughly.
"You're going to have to tell me where the rest of the race is, Aeon," Jellal sneered darkly with his hand tightly gripping my face. "Unless you want a full-blow electric shock, you might as well talk."
Without any warning, my other self coughed up a spit ball and shot it straight into his eye with an evil smirk. "Bull's eye."
I covered my mouth immediately to prevent myself from laughing myself sick. Jellal sure got a thick one in his face!
I don't think you wanna see the next part after that spit.
Sheesh, spoilsport. What could he possibly do?
You know what; I hate it when Maegara's right. Because the next thing I knew, the magical pieces of paper created a lit up pentacle and released a huge wave of electricity. Fair enough, my other self probably screamed loud enough to shatter steel and Jellal was just laughing his maniacal ass off like some bastard that he is!
Maegara, got any idea how to shut this guy up?
Cutting his tongue off into little shreds of sushi is nice. Maybe pull his spine out of his front tail sounds good too.
… Hm, for once I agree with you. When I get out of my head, commence operation: barbecue Jellal's fat ass.
Um, will Erza-san allow you to do that?
…
… I think Iolanthe wins this round, ne?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Juvia's P.O.V
Juvia has much to do! She never knew that Gray-sama also had a love interest! But, Gray-sama is Juvia's! How can Katherine easily take her away? Her body's not flattering, she talks like Gajeel and her voice is that of a man! How can Gray-sama be so protective of her? Juvia understands Erza; they have been very good friends. But Katherine and Gray-sama have just met and he's been going to Katherine's room time and time again. He seems so disheartened whenever Katherine is hurt but when she's talking and cursing, he lights up like a light bulb! Juvia must know her secret! But now…
Juvia have chance to be with Gray-sama. Loke has just given it to you. Take it!
Indeed, Juvia will make most of this opportunity! Juvia's now walking to the room where Loke said he was sleeping. But, wait… that means he was…?
HE WAS SLEEPING WITH KATHERINE!
No, Juvia will not think such dirty thoughts! Gray-sama would never do such thing. He probably fell asleep on the chair right next to her is all… He was just really tired from the last mission Juvia went with him on. The battles against the Aeons do not do much help either. They simply stress out Gray-sama! He should rest more often!
Juvia now is at the door and opens it. Much to Juvia's surprise and amazement, I find Gray-sama somewhat curled up on the bed. The whole room was as neat as it should be except for the little ice shards on the floor. Loke was here a few moments ago and he was carrying Katherine. Anyhow, Juvia will clean this later since Juvia is so happy! Gray-sama is on the bed, topless and… kyaah, he's so amazing…
Wait Juvia, this means that he…
NO, JUVIA WILL ENTERTAIN NO SUCH THOUGHTS!
I crawled up next o Gray-sama as his breathing remained completely relaxed. His body was so toned from the last mountain training he had with Lyon! Juvia's running her fingers through his hair now… Oooh, it's so soft! No, Juvia must not think this way! It's becoming… um… perverse as Lucy would call it! But, Gray-sama is so amazing! And how did Katherine stop his attack in one shot and even deflected Natsu-san's with one blow? No, she is not as strong as Juvia thinks! She just knows nothing about control is all! Juvia will beat her!
"…K-Kevyn," Gray-sama suddenly mumbled remorsefully, gripping on the sheet. "I'm sorry…"
Sorry? What could have Gray-sama done?
No, it does not matter to me. Gray-sama is here and that's all that matters. His breathing was very shallow but at least he's more relaxed than from awhile ago. But getting back to the subject, Gray-sama could not have done anything that would hurt anyone. Gray-sama had a chance to kill Juvia but he did not! He saved Juvia from falling off the moving fortress. He also helped Juvia during the S-class exam! No, Gray-sama is anything but mean and evil. Although, Juvia must thank Loke for the opportunity. But then again, Juvia cannot help but wonder…
Who is Kevyn and what did Gray-sama do that made him want to apologize?
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
That's chapter 11! Sorry for the late update! Finals projects are coming up and I gotta work hard on it! Hopefully, I can come up with the next idea soon! Please don't forget to review!
