Karma of Contradictions

by zoepeanut

AU. When Mavis stepped down as Fairy Tail's first master, she chose Zeref as her successor. After years pass, the Council assumes Fairy Tail's second master has died and comes to demand the name of their third master. Now, Zeref must face the consequences of agreeing to aid Mavis so long ago, along with the guild he never wanted to lead in the first place.

37. A World Without Magic

Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail

The nearest town turned out to be the Royal City of Edolas. The entire place was crowded, and massive. Streets were filled with people, walking to and from work. Some of them walked with families, others moved alone. Most of them seemed quite average, though. If he hadn't been made aware of the lack of magic, Zeref might have just viewed this as another city within Fiore. Buildings lined the busy streets as well, though Mystogan only stopped once they arrived at his destination.

Leading them inside, he quickly approached the counter. "Prince Jellal, you've returned!" the woman inside shouted, smiling brightly at him.

This was interesting, Zeref noted. He didn't comment, though, not wanting to draw much attention. "Yes…though it would be best if my mother doesn't hear that I've come back just yet. After all, I did find a surprise for her." He didn't comment much on the surprise, but the woman manning the desk glanced at Zeref and giggled.

"Of course, sweetie. Do you need a room for the night then?" Nodding Mystogan agreed and took the key she offered to him.

Once again, Zeref felt as if there was something he didn't know that he needed to understand. However, he had no way of learning it, unless he actually encountered this other version of himself. Following after Mystogan, he found himself moving upstairs. This place was an inn, and it seemed to follow the same format of such businesses back in Earthland. Rooms lined the halls, with the key in Mystogan's hand being the device meant to unlock one of the doors.

Stepping inside, Zeref noted that it was small, considering that there were four of them. Two beds lined the walls, with a small desk in between them. A strange device sat on top of the desk, black and box-like with something resting on it, attached with a chord. Next to the strange object was another mystery. It looked spherical at the base, and then something was placed over the top of it that looked like a shaped piece of cloth, that fanned out like a cylinder. Mystogan walked over to it, touching something within the sphere-like object. The room seemed to burst into light at his touch, the object looking more like a lacrima designed for light now.

Sitting down on the edge of one of the beds, Mystogan waited for the others to join him. Taking a seat next to Mystogan, Lahar frowned and gazed at Zeref calmly. Seeing that he was still distrusted, Zeref sat across from them on the other bed. Natsu joined him, and they sat watching Mystogan for answers. "As I stated before, there is no magic in this world." he began. "At least, not in the sense that you are used to. It is scarce and limited, only channeled through objects and not through your own body."

It wasn't entirely impossible, Zeref decided. If ethernano was weak in the air, objects could still be enchanted, even if the human body could not absorb the energy required for magic. "At first, those objects were free for grabs. Anyone who claimed one was allowed to keep it…though we did have our own law enforcement similar in nature to the rune knights watching over them. Magical weapons were registered with the government so they could be monitored, but crime was fairly low and people lived at peace."

Glancing away, Mystogan began to look troubled. "Then, the queen…lost someone important to her. Incapable of reasoning through her grief, she demanded more protection. Anyone with a magical weapon was forced to join her army, and they were trained to become a part of the Imperial Guard. They serve her every order, and watch for any dissidents claiming magic for themselves. To my knowledge, they have already eliminated any guilds that existed in this land. No one can stand against her might…and anyone that stood a chance has already been eliminated. Now, we live in fear of our own ruler, though we pretend to be peaceful. She promises to bring magic to this world, but she does not tell the public at what cost it comes at."

This angered Zeref. His instructors had failed to properly explain the cost of the magic he had been toying with years ago. Now, he was immortal and killed everyone around him. Sometimes, it was better to reveal a painful truth, rather than hide it to avoid anger from the public. "She wishes to essentially trade places with Earthland…providing her world with magic, while ours goes to a time when none exists." Mystogan nodded in response to Zeref's comment.

"I am sorry, but how does this concern us?" Lahar questioned. "As tragic as it may be, our first priority should be returning home."

Thinking about it, Zeref wondered just how to do such a thing. "Likely it concerns us do to the capability of returning. Such a task will likely require magic. In order to obtain it…we have two options, from what I can see. Either we challenge this queen and steal the device she is using to create this link between our worlds…or we let her succeed, and use magic afterwords to return home." The second option would result in a lot of patience required, unless this queen was close to success. In addition, it would mean sacrificing all magic in their world, simply to obtain a way of returning. To Lahar, Zeref already knew which option he would be more inclined to take.

"You would consider forsaking your own world? Earthland without magic…we may as well give everyone a death sentence. Even those without that power rely heavily on magic in their daily lives." Lahar insisted, glaring at Zeref.

Shaking his head, Zeref turned away. "I was not siding with either option, Captain. I was simply stating our options. Reasoning through them however…I must admit, I hold no love for magic these days. It causes me nothing but pain and suffering, something you've only briefly witnessed. Yet…there are other reasons I have for needing it to remain. I do not know how it would affect…and then there is Acnologia…" Zeref trailed off, glancing towards Natsu with wide eyes.

This was a land without magic. That meant that the seal should cease to exist, but it hadn't. Reaching over, Zeref pressed a hand to Natsu's shoulder, closing his eyes and trying to sense for anything. Unfortunately, this world rendered his ability to detect magic useless. Instead, he pulled back and attempted to reason through what had happened. Enchantments, or seals, worked through the initial fuel they had been given when first cast. Then, as they weakened, they drew upon the surrounding energy to continue going. The main difference between an enchantment on a person and a curse was the source of that energy. Rather than draining the wizard, enchantments drew upon ethernano in the air to remain active.

Glancing towards them, Zeref narrowed his eyes. "Actually, I realize now that we do not have enough time to wait. There is no other option. We will take away the device used to create the anima." The others watched him, frowning in confusion.

Even Natsu looked lost, glancing at him with a frown. "What do I have to do with that? You looked kind of funny before…and you kept staring at me…" Natsu sounded a bit uncomfortable, frowning.

Hesitating, Zeref realized he may have given away too much now. "It…it appears as if this may be the only place I can safely reveal this." he commented, glancing around. "However, do not even think about mentioning this when we return, Natsu, no matter what situation presents itself. The same goes for you, Lahar. If you've ever even heard the name Acnologia, you would understand why this must be kept hidden."

Frowning, the rune knight seemed to try and recall the name. "It sounds familiar…wasn't Acnologia the king of dragons?"

Nodding, Zeref looked grim. "Yes, that did end up becoming his title. To this day, Acnologia still lives, and if he were to attack…not even I could stop him." Zeref paused, glancing towards Natsu. "Centuries ago, a plan was formed to deal with him. With the help of a celestial wizard and a group of dragons, we determined that there was no way of defeating him in our time. So, I went back to an old project of mine…and completed it. Using time travel, we sent our last hope into the future, to wait for the day when Acnologia would be weak enough to defeat."

"I don't get it, what does this have to do with me?" Natsu questioned.

Closing his eyes, Zeref folded his hands together and leaned forward. "You were one of the ones sent forward in time, Natsu. In fact, based on what I've heard, you arrived in this time stream about seven years ago…on the day you believe Igneel to have vanished." Realization seemed to dawn on the dragon slayer, his eyes growing wide.

Frowning, Lahar crossed his arms over his chest. "Time travel does not explain why we are on a time limit at the moment. Regardless of if Natsu must face this…Acnologia sometime soon or not, it can wait for us to find a proper method of returning without harming the people of this world."

Chuckling, Zeref shook his head. "Ah, but Natsu isn't exactly the one we wished to send forward in time. In fact, the dragon slayers were simply a back-up plan, in case our main goal failed. To put it simply, they all acted as vessels to help transport our true weapon to this time." Glancing towards Natsu, Zeref tilted his head slightly. "On all of them an enchantment was placed, sealing a dragon inside all of them. In our world, there is no issue. It sustains itself, using the ethernano around them. However, here, there is nothing to keep the enchantment intact. If we remain too long…we will be introducing the people of Edolas to a dragon, and I do not think they would take too kindly to that."

Touching his chest, Natsu seemed to look stunned. He didn't speak at first, shaking slightly as he glanced at his legs. However, he still recovered enough after a few moments to talk. "Igneel…is inside of me? You enchanted him…" Natsu broke off, glancing away before seeming to frown in thought. "That's why…you kept saying strength didn't matter, that I would meet him when the time was right…damn it! Why couldn't I…." Tears seemed to threaten to fall from his eyes, and it was a feeling Zeref understood well.

Sighing, he shook his head. "Loss is an inevitable part of life, Natsu. The sooner you accept that, the better off you'll be." The dragon slayer didn't look any more pleased with it, making Zeref try again. "Igneel didn't wish to leave you, Natsu. None of the dragons did…however, if they didn't, no one would exist to stop Acnologia. All of us planned this long ago, and we all knew it would be hard on you. However, I was meant to be here…when you arrived again. My job is to find that proper time for the seal to break…though, Acnologia has been oddly quiet lately." This time, Natsu seemed to nod and accept it, though he was still quiet and thoughtful over what he had learned.

Looking alarmed, Lahar watched him with wide eyes. "Centuries…you've been planning a battle with a dragon…for centuries?" he demanded.

Shrugging, Zeref leaned back. "I am immortal. I did not imagine I would die before they arrived from the past."

Glancing between them, Mystogan interrupted before it could go much further. "Regardless, that means we are in a hurry to deal with this. Master, this isn't Earthland, you can't pretend to be invincible and think people will follow your orders here. If you are seen…well, it is likely you will be dragged before the queen on sight."

"Since we are planning on fighting her, does it really matter if that happens?" Natsu questioned.

Looking away, Mystogan hesitated. "Yes…I think it does. In fact, if it comes down to a fight…it would be best if Master is not involved at all in the matter."

No one knew what he meant by that. "Are you afraid of him killing her? I assure you, as a rune knight captain, I will make sure Zeref does not cause any harm to your family." Lahar's logic was sound, though Mystogan was likely not concerned about that.

Proving Zeref's thoughts, Mystogan shook his head. "That will not be the issue. Let's just say that things will not end well if they meet."

This made Zeref wonder just who this queen was. There were few people that would give him pause to see, even in this world. Maybe it went back to whatever his other self had done to the queen, but for now, he would settle with what he was being given. "He will not tell you why, Lahar. My guild has learned from me how to dodge answers…it is easy to notice when they are trying to hide something from me." Zeref stated calmly.

The rune knight captain glanced at him, looking confused. "How can you stay so calm? A member of your own guild is telling you what to do." There was irritation in Lahar's gaze, a sign of a man used to being in charge.

Turning towards Mystogan, Zeref smiled. "He is far more knowledgable about this world than I am. Had we found ourselves in the Alvarez Empire, perhaps I would be insulted to find him ordering me around, but instead, we find ourselves in his realm. From what we've heard thus far, Mystogan is a prince here, and thus, royalty. If anyone has the authority to get us into the place where the anima is created, it would be him."

"I don't have access." Mystogan stated bluntly, leaning forward. "She banned me from that room, quite some time ago. I was adopted into the family, you see, and when I voiced my opinion on what she was doing…she grew rather upset, claiming I was just like Zeref Dragion."

The altered last name was not lost on Zeref, though it did make Natsu pause and frown at him. "Dragion? That's your last name?" The dragon slayer was focused on Zeref who shook his head.

"No, that is the last name of the Zeref in this world." he replied calmly, seeing even Lahar look curious. Sighing, Zeref closed his eyes. "My name isn't important, dealing with getting home is."

"Of course." Lahar commented, frowning. "I just…you are a mystery, to all of us. No one knows what you've been doing for the last three hundred years. Excuse us for being mildly curious." He paused for a moment, looking a bit nervous before going on. "With your sentence…you claimed to have unfinished work back in our world. I…so long as it is legal, I could look into ensuring that it is completed, after your sentence is carried out."

It was the first time Lahar had offered to do anything kind for him, but it wasn't what Zeref wanted from the man. Grimly smiling, Zeref shook his head. "Unless you are capable of saving someone trapped in a death-like state, there is nothing you can do." Lahar blinked in surprise as Zeref tilted his back up towards the rune knight. "You asked me before, if I was attempting to resurrect Mavis. I told you no because to put it simply, she isn't exactly dead. The matter is far more complex than I care to explain at the moment, though."

With that, Lahar glanced away and frowned. "You…you really aren't trying to destroy the world. How could the Council be so wrong about you?"

"I've created demons…my magic kills everything around me…if I were them, I would believe the same thing." Glancing towards the window on the wall behind Lahar and Mystogan, Zeref sighed. "Most people don't bother to look at the reasons behind our actions. Sometimes, the action is all that matters, and once it has happened, forgiveness becomes impossible. Nothing can atone for the things I've done, Captain. I don't expect anyone to forgive me, and at the moment, I simply wish to find a path to peace."

He didn't add that he interpreted peace as death. Some things were better left unsaid, considering all they had seen. "For tonight, it would be best to get some rest. It is getting dark, and we have a lot of work to do if we plan on infiltrating the castle to obtain the queen's anima creator." Mystogan glanced at them, nodding and rising to his feet. "I'll take the couch."

Staring at the others, Zeref rose to his feet and moved as well. He had no plans on sleeping tonight, anyway, though he was feeling oddly drowsy. It wasn't a sensation he was used to. As he moved to sit by the wall, gazing up at the window where the moon shone through, he felt his eyes drifting shut against his will. Lahar and Natsu were leaning down in their respective beds, but Zeref remained seated, leaning against the wall. Slowly, he fell asleep and drifted into nothingness, where dreams of death and a magic-free life filled his senses with a feeling of contentment.

---

Waking up, Zeref blinked at the sight of light streaming in through the window. He wondered just why he felt so tired, before he remembered that his curse was not active anymore. He lost his ability to go for months without sleep, he realized. Yawning slightly, Zeref stretched and gazed around the room. It was hard to remember the last time he had felt the need to sleep this strongly, and for some reason, the thought made him smile. He was liking Edolas more every second, but it was impossible for him to stay.

His side ached from sleeping against the wall last night. Something about the way he had slumped over left his back sore as well, an unfamiliar feeling to the black wizard. Not only that, but his wrist was bothering him. He touched the scab from the spot where he had cut into his own skin, still marveling over how it had yet to heal. Such wonders were things he had taken for granted centuries ago. Right now, he was going to value them as much as he could.

Seeing that the others were still asleep, Zeref rose to his feet quietly. Mystogan warned him against being seen, but Zeref needed to do something for now. He had to go out and enjoy his new mortality, and the fact that he could once again be around others without fear. Simply grabbing breakfast for the group would not cause any harm, he decided.

Taking one of the keys with him, Zeref quietly stepped outside of the room. As he did so, he heard the sound of footsteps following him. "What are you doing?" Lahar demanded, standing behind him with his arms crossed over his chest.

Turning towards the rune knight, Zeref realized he had been incorrect in assuming his companions were all asleep. "I dislike being idle for too long. Being alone with my thoughts rarely does me any good…so I decided I would be useful and find breakfast at the very least."

Raising an eyebrow, Lahar moved to step by his side. "Then I will join you. You are still in our custody, after all. I cannot allow you to escape no matter where we may be." That made Zeref smile and shake his head slightly. The rune knight captain paused for a moment as they walked towards the stairs, hesitating before glancing at Zeref. "Just what thoughts trouble you so much? From what I had heard, you didn't have issues when imprisoned in Era."

"That was when I found myself meditating. It is often how I calm my mind…though, it did me little good and I no longer have much hope in it having much effect on what occurs around me." It was supposed to help contain his curse, but it still created a massive outburst when the seals broke on his cuffs. "As such, I find it difficult to put my mind in that state at the moment…so instead, I often find myself lost in memories. If you knew of what was contained within my memories…perhaps you would understand my desire to avoid them."

At the moment, Zeref saw little harm in talking to the rune knight captain. Mystogan had a valid point when they first began to leave Earthland. They were not enemies in this world, and even back home, he had no reason to hate Lahar for performing his job. "Memories of Mavis?" Lahar seemed hesitant to ask the question, but Zeref had come to realize that his curiosity often overcame his fear.

Nodding quietly, Zeref smiled as they walked past the woman at the front desk again. "Mostly. Sometimes, though, it is memories of my family." This made Lahar glance at him, as if seeing something for the first time.

"You've lived for so long…they're all dead. You're…alone, aren't you?" There was a pain in his voice, as if he understood the feeling. Nodding, Zeref let the man continue for now. "I…I must admit, I often find myself much the same. My focus and devotion to my job leaves me with no friends…and my family died during a plague that came to our town when I was young. The doctors couldn't help them, and nor could I, but I thought that…if I just knew more about magic, maybe I could have healed them. If I knew how to heal with that power, I could prevent tragedy for others."

This was sounding like a potentially dark path, if he took it too far. Zeref gazed at the rune knight with sharp eyes, hesitating before speaking. "Healing is a lost magic." he commented softly.

Nodding, Lahar looked grim. "It is, and as such, I didn't manage to learn it. Everything I read told me nothing…the most I found was information stating that resurrection was impossible. So, I looked into something else that might be able to help with magic. That was when I found Jutsu Shiki, a type of magic where I can create rules and control everything within a specific area. With the right rules, it could help heal and protect those I cared for…but by that time, there was no one left to care for. Instead, I turned to my mentor for guidance. My instructor in magic was a rune knight, and he began introducing me to them at a young age, trying to give me something to fight for."

Familiar with the feeling, Zeref found himself nodding in agreement. "My instructors tried to do the same for me…perhaps if I had listened to them, things may have turned out differently." This made Lahar pause, frowning in confusion towards Zeref.

After a moment, he shook off whatever question was on his mind and kept going. "Actually, it was a trip to your empire that solidified my resolve. Our princess came face to face with August and Invel of the Spriggan Twelve, since you were not present to negotiate trading terms. I was there with my mentor, observing and learning the job from him as a part of her guard. Simply being near them….well, I'm sure you know what it feels like." Smiling, Zeref nodded. "Our princess didn't even react, though. She held her head high, and simply sat down to begin. It showed me just how strong our country could be…and made me believe that it was something that had to be protected at all costs."

"I did not expect you to reveal so much to me." Zeref commented, unsure of what Lahar wanted from him.

The rune knight captain smiled ruefully, shaking his head. "Nor did I, though things often change. Based on what I've gathered, I had pinned you down as a villain, when perhaps you are simply misunderstood. I thought that maybe by trusting you, I could gain some of your own trust in return."

While the story had done nothing to endear him to Zeref in that sense, his response did. The honesty in Lahar's voice made Zeref realize that this was a man who disliked deception, much like himself. Thinking about his story as well, Zeref couldn't help but find similarities to his own as well. "I suppose it will matter little in the end. After all, I am supposed to die when we return." His calm way of speaking of his death seemed to make Lahar uncomfortable, but he moved on.

They were walking through the streets of the Royal City now, unsure of exactly where they were going at the moment. "As we discussed before, my entire family died long ago. However, I did not react nearly as well as you did with their loss. Among them…was merely a baby, my little brother, Natsu." Lahar blinked in surprise, while Zeref gave him a half-smile. "I've often wondered if that is why I've grown somewhat attached to the dragon slayer here, but it is practically impossible for them to be one and the same. You see, my brother and family were slain by dragons. I returned home and found their bodies myself."

"So that's why you're so fond of him. I wondered why that was, considering how you seem to trust no one other than yourself." Lahar watched as Zeref nodded, sighing.

"You stopped when you discovered the impossibility of resurrection. I did not." This made Lahar turn towards him with wide eyes. "Back then, more was known about the taboo of bringing back the dead. Gods were still worshipped to some degree, though they were slowly being forgotten about. Altering the balance between life and death…it wasn't that it was impossible, but more so that it would anger the gods, specifically, Ankhseram. My instructors insisted that I should stop my attempts to bring back my family, but I had nothing else to focus on. War filled our world, and I was entirely alone. All I wanted was to give Natsu the chance to live the life that had been stolen from him…my baby brother who had died long before his time."

Lahar was thinking hard, his gaze locked on Zeref as his eyes widened. "Your curse…did attempting to save them bring it about?"

From what he had stated, it seemed like the logical answer. Smiling, Zeref nodded. "It did. The curse I bear…it is known by two names. The first is Ankhseram's Curse, after the god of life and death. The second is based on the true purpose of the curse…the Curse of Contradictions." Turning his head, Zeref glanced at Lahar as they passed by a family on the street. "As I stated before, my entire life is nothing but contradictions…and this is why. The more I value life, the more I am forced to take it away. That is the true essence of my curse…and there is little I can do to change it. Centuries of attempting to end my life have failed, and all I have left is the hope of fixing my biggest mistake yet."

There was a shock in Lahar's gaze, making Zeref realize the man had never realized his magic and his immortality were linked through the curse. "Your curse…forces you to kill. The black magic we sensed at the magic shop, and the outburst at Era…it was never your intention to harm anyone. That was what you were trying to tell us…and no one would listen." He sounded horrified, but Zeref didn't mind. It was common for people to ignore his warning. Ultimately, they paid the price as a result, too.

They walked in silence for a while, before Lahar had another question for him. "I…understand if you don't wish to speak of it, but I have to ask. What is this mistake you mention?"

Taking a deep breath, Zeref realized he should have expected this to come. "Mavis." he stated softly. "I…she came to me, while I was in a bad place. Unlike anyone I had ever met, though, she managed to give me something to focus on other than finding death. For the first time in centuries I wanted to live again…and it was all because of her. She asked for me to teach her and her friends magic…and I agreed." Sighing, he turned away and stared at the ground. "I suppose you could say everything that happened was my fault, then. I know I blame myself…in the end, I was the reason she died. If only I had turned her away, and refused to teach her…perhaps she would still be alive."

"You said she was alive, didn't you?"

Nodding, Zeref lifted his head towards the sky instead. "I did. You see, part of what I taught Mavis was an incomplete black magic spell. She was forced to use it in her battle…and as a result, she gained the same curse I have." Lahar blinked in surprise, watching as Zeref gave him a dark smile. "However, I discovered the one thing that even immortality cannot stop. You see, realizing that she was just as immortal as I was, I thought I had found the one person who would never leave me. After three hundred years of isolation and loneliness, I had hope. I loved her…and as such, she had to die. At the same time, she was immortal, so she could not be killed."

Lahar didn't need to ask anymore questions about what happened then. "That's…so, she's immortal, yet affected by your own curse?" It sounded so strange, but it was the only way to truly describe it.

"I have to free her…that was my mission ever since that day. It is what has driven me, and prevented me from seeking out further death. This is why I need Fairy Tail, Captain. Without them, no one will be there to keep me on this path, and if I leave it behind…I will likely return to creating demons in the hopes that one will be powerful enough to destroy me."

Staring at Lahar, Zeref felt oddly vulnerable at the moment. Few heard the entire story of his past. In fact, he hadn't even revealed it all to Natsu. Never did he expect do give his story to a rune knight, much less the one in charge of tracking him down. "Well, then be glad that Fairy Tail has been released from Era. Should they find reason to pardon you when we return…or should you escape, they will be out there to help you."

The rune knight captain was avoiding his gaze, looking troubled as he scowled at the street before them. "Damn it." he growled, shaking his head. "I had thought this would be easier. My intention had been to allow us to work together while we were here, yet after hearing all of that…I don't know what is the right thing to do anymore. Serving my country means I should arrest you, yet you don't sound like someone who deserves to be punished."

"Congratulations, Lahar." Zeref stated with mild amusement. The man blinked at him, looking surprised. "You've finally come to your first moment where you can relate to me, the first contradiction within your own mind. It is an odd feeling, is it not? Desiring two opposite actions, yet not knowing which one to follow through on."

Closing his eyes, Lahar chuckled in amusement. "Perhaps you are right. Either way, that's a problem to deal with in the future, not right now. Let's go find a place to get some food, because I'm certain our dragon slayer friend back at the inn is going to be starving when he wakes up." Nodding in agreement, Zeref followed the rune knight captain into a store nearby. Things were going to be interesting on this journey, Zeref noted. Maybe he would find a reason to go back at the end, because now, he had yet another person who understood just how vital it was for Zeref to follow through on his goal of saving Mavis.

And there's our first breakthrough for Lahar and Zeref! It took me a while to think of exactly what kind of past I wanted Lahar to have, but with where I want this story to go, I thought it would be fitting for it to be somewhat similar to Zeref's story. Plus, I really wanted this arc to be one of the points when we start to see the changes Zeref is going through since befriending Natsu. While it isn't exactly obvious, he is a little more open with others...and this gave me the chance to explore that for a bit. I hope it wasn't too unbelievable, having him talk so much about his past, but it really is something that was necessary for what I have planned for this story.

Beyond that, we've also gotten the first hints of what has changed in this version of Edolas...any more guesses on which person the queen is? I've gotten a few from one of you, but I'm kinda interested in hearing what the rest of you are thinking will happen. Feel free to review and tell me what you think!