Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail

As badly as Makarov wanted to rush back to Tenrou Island to talk some sense into Zeref, that didn't necessarily happen. First, when he returned, Precht was oddly unsurprised about Boy's absence. He didn't ask about the child at all, nor did he make any indication that he'd sent anyone else to the island. "Did the warding go well?" Makarov nodded, with him leading them back towards the train station to return to Magnolia. Warrod was leaving by himself, saying he had work to do in Era and couldn't stop by to chat with Fairy Tail. "Good. I knew you would be perfect to handle the spell."

Porlyusica glanced at him with a frown, while Makarov shrugged. "Um…thank you." He didn't know what else to say. He hadn't warded the island at all, but Precht spoke as if he had. What had Boy done?

"Your team finished their job while you were gone. They wanted to wait and speak to you when we returned." Makarov nodded again, uncertain of what to say. Precht wasn't known for being social, and ever since Dad died, he didn't know how to act around the man. Before, he could just focus on Dad and talk like normal. Yet, now that it was just him and Master Precht, it was weird. "Will you be returning to work after this?"

"Maybe." Makarov knew he needed to take a job soon, before he depleted his savings on just normal living expenses. Yet, he had finished his job. He'd found Zeref, and brought Boy to him like he promised before. It just wasn't something he could tell his team about, not with how it had happened. How would they react to knowing the infamous black wizard was living on their sacred island? It would not go over well.

"If not, I have some things around the guild I'd like to show you." What? Makarov blinked at him, frowning in confusion. "How to sort through paperwork, etiquette when writing and conversing with council members, that sort of thing. I've been too busy to handle it myself, and I figure someone needs to help take over some of this work. It might as well be you."

"You're putting Makarov in charge of dealing with the Magic Council? And sorting out jobs when they come in? Approving teams to go on them?" Porlyusica was staring at Precht with wide eyes. "He's hardly the type to be responsible enough for that, Master. You know that."

"He's Yuri's son." That seemed to be all the explanation he planned on giving, waving it off. "And he warded all of Tenrou Island for our guild. In fact, why don't I place him in charge of the ward as well? Yes…it would give me less to focus on, without needing to grant our guild wizards permission to go. I will set up the transfer as soon as we get back."

"Master, I appreciate all of this, but I'm not the sort of wizard that should be taking any of this on. I'm not even an S-Class member!"

"Yes you are." Precht frowned, tilting his head. "I was certain I had signed off on that paperwork at least before this job." Makarov blinked at him, uncertain of what to even say anymore. "Certainly, informing you must have just slipped my mind. Regardless, I will make sure it is finalized, and then we can begin the work necessary for all of this."

The train was quiet for a moment, with them just listening to the sound of the wheels spinning on the tracks. Makarov didn't want all of this work. He had to focus on helping Zeref soon, and trying to talk his team out of tracking him down. He had planned on just going on regular jobs with all of them, and working together like they used to. Maybe Yajima was gone, but that didn't mean they wouldn't have things to do together like they used to.

Eventually, Porlyusica broke the silence. "And how many more members of our team do you plan on taking away then?" Master Precht blinked at her, while Porlyusica scowled. "Yajima left the guild, and Makarov is one of our strongest members. Without them, we'll be struggling to manage the jobs we used to take. I'd just like to have an idea on how many more we're losing, to plan out how I'm going to keep myself fed taking jobs meant for children."

"You can get a job as a physician and make far more than you do as a wizard now." Precht waved off her concerns. "As for the rest, they can do whatever they'd like. I just have need of an assistant, and Makarov is well-suited for the task."

"He hasn't done a thing with paperwork for a guild!"

Makarov didn't know if he should feel insulted by Porlyusica's outburst or not. It was true, but she seemed adamant on him not working on this. "And that is why he shall learn." Precht sighed, shaking his head. "So much to do in so little time…perhaps you'd prefer it if he did not get training in the matter?"

"Yes! Because Makarov is a part of—"

"Very well." The train stopped, having a short ride from Hargeon to Magnolia. "Makarov, I need to have a quick discussion with you then. As per Porlyusica's objections, I will not be taking you away for training. This is merely a brief education of what you will be dealing with."

What he'd be dealing with? Makarov glanced at Porlyusica, who's eyes were wide. "What are you having him do?"

"Nothing that concerns you." He waved her off, grabbing Makarov's arm and dragging him along. "Come on. I have other things to work on, and to do them, I need to show you some things first at the guild."

They walked to the guild hall, with Precht half-dragging Makarov along. He glared at their master, finally seeing what Boy must have meant about how demanding he could be. When they stepped inside, Makarov's team had been gathered at a table, grinning and waving at him. Yet, Precht pulled him away before he could even say hi. Porlyusica joined them, likely explaining that Precht needed him for something first. Yet, Precht was dragging him behind the bar counter, into the back room where they stored food for members relaxing in the guild hall.

"This way." Precht walked towards a door, while Makarov stared around the room. No one was working inside, and Precht slowly placed his palm against the wall. "Watch carefully. I am altering the security on this ward to accept your magic signature. In just a moment, I will need you to send a burst of magic towards this wall, just as I am doing now."

For what? Makarov watched with a frown, before Precht grabbed his hand, placing it on the wall with a nod. Following instructions, he poured magic into the wall, as if he were activating a pre-made magic circle for use. He felt something shift, and suddenly, the circle came to life, glowing in a dark purple around the wall. The entire rock shifted, falling down and revealing a staircase behind it. "Good. Now you should be able to enter at will. When we are down there, I will transfer Tenrou Island to you as well."

Why was he doing all of this? Makarov didn't understand what was going on. Still, he followed Master Precht into the basement of the guild that he never knew they had. "This is my life's work, Makarov. A secret that only our guild master should ever be aware of."

"Then why are you telling me about it?"

"Because." Precht opened another door, stepping aside. Makarov could see an odd blue glow in the room, coming from a massive lacrima inside. "You are going to be the new guild master of Fairy Tail. As soon as we finish here, I'm leaving to focus on my research and you'll be the one in charge of this guild she forced upon me."

Makarov swallowed. He couldn't do this. He was only fifteen. What kind of teenager becomes a guild master? He was slowly shaking his head, before remembering that Mavis had founded the guild when she was even younger than he was. Precht sounded angry about being guild master too. Still, in front of him he could see what Precht had kept hidden so well. This was the project Boy had been mentioning. Inside of the lacrima, Makarov could see the still form of a girl, with long blond hair reaching down to her ankles. If it hadn't been for the memories Boy showed him, Makarov wouldn't have realized this was Mavis. Her eyes were closed, and her body was bare, yet Makarov could feel the energy around her. It was strong and powerful, and Makarov could feel how tightly wound it was, locked away by the combination of spells and the lacrima itself.

"What have you done?" This shouldn't exist. It was too much power for anyone.

"I've been attempting to bring her back. Leading a guild…it was never for me, Makarov. We needed her, not me." He sighed, shaking his head. "Unfortunately, I could not manage it. Maybe you can succeed where I've failed. Regardless, you can likely sense why this must remain hidden from others." He nodded slowly. The magic around her seemed endless. It belonged to Mavis now, but it was far more energy than anyone would ever need for a spell. "Protect her, Makarov. You'll do good with this guild, I can feel it."

"But I know nothing about being a guild master!" He turned towards Precht, shaking his head. "This must be some sort of joke. You want me to be more responsible, right? Master Precht, I'll try. I'm trying to do better, to honor my father's memory. I'll—"

"This is no joke, Makarov, and from now on, it is just Precht." The man sighed, shaking his head. Makarov watched him hold out his hand, a magic circle forming underneath both of them. For a moment, Makarov was concerned, until the flashing light finished, making him suck in a sharp breath. Now, he could almost sense Tenrou Island. He could feel where it was, and how much life existed on it. Everything that was there was in the back of his mind and he knew he could now allow others to come and go as they pleased. "With that, the last of my responsibilities are yours. I had intended on training you to some extent, but Porlyusica made valid points. Time is valuable, and perhaps this is best learned by acting, rather than instruction."

"No! It's not! Precht, I'm too young. I've—I've still just started to get skilled with my magic." He could finally grow multiple parts of his body at once, and actually maintain his spells for longer. "There's no way I can teach magic to others! Lead people far older than I am! I'm not—I'm not a guild master."

"Yes you are, Master Makarov." Precht turned around, walking out of the room with Mavis. Lifting his hand, Makarov saw the hints of his guild mark on his skin as Precht stopped. "And as of right now, I am no longer a member of the guild, either. I'm not suited to being an underling, nor do I belong in a guild of fairies, the place that Mavis dreamed of." He turned around staring at her, sighing and shaking his head. "I've let her control my life for far too long. It is time I sought out my own answers and came to understand what magic truly is in the first place."

With a wave of his hand, the mark vanished from Precht's skin. The man started walking again, while Makarov inhaled deeply. He had just been put in charge of the guild. He had no idea what that even meant, or what to do. Yet, oddly, he couldn't help but think back to Zeref and that boy. The boy had said he'd put things in motion to take Precht's project away from him. He'd said it was a good thing he'd put his trust in Makarov, and that he'd see what Boy meant soon enough. This was what it was about. Somehow, Boy had made Precht decide to make him guild master. All it took was a bit of skill with telepathy, and Boy had plenty of variety in his magic already.

Makarov didn't know how long he stayed there, in the basement he'd only just learned of. Precht had abandoned him, and he knew nothing about what to do next. Yet, someone had to keep them moving forward. Fairy Tail would fall apart if he didn't do as Precht asked. He couldn't be the reason they stopped existing. Makarov wasn't going to fail. So, he slowly rose to his feet. Closing the door behind him, Makarov began taking in slow breaths. He could keep this hidden from everyone. This magic was a power no one would use, and he'd make sure it stayed here.

Following the path he'd taken down, Makarov returned to the kitchens of the guild hall. The wall shut behind him, looking normal in moments. He stared at it for a moment, realizing that once it shut, the magical aura from Mavis vanished from his senses as well. Walking out from the back room, he saw that things were going on like normal in the guild. There were wizards just hanging out in the main room, gathered at tables and drinking. A few had started spars in the hall, though they were fairly mild compared to what the guild could be like. One team was gathered outside of Precht's…no, Makarov's office, waiting to see the Master with a job request in hand. They were looking to take a job, he realized.

Taking a deep breath, Makarov stepped onto the bar counter, giving himself some extra height. "Attention! Fairy Tail guild members, I have an announcement to make!" People grew quiet, turning towards him with confusion. A few people began to chuckle at his shouting, seeming to take this as a joke. Makarov wasn't exactly known for being that serious, after all. "All of you know who I am. I am Makarov Dreyar, son of Yuri one of our guilds original founders. As of today…" He took another breath, staring at his feet for a moment. Could he really do this? If he didn't, who else would? Shaking his head, he looked up and continued on. "I am your new guild master."

"Ha! This kid our Master? Seems like old Makarov had a good prank in mind."

"Precht will pull him off that pedestal soon enough."

"Yeah, Master's gonna show him what happens when he makes up stories like this."

Gritting his teeth, Makarov focused. After a moment, his arm grew, extending and becoming massive. He sent it towards the group of wizards, grumbling about his announcement and slammed it down, starting them all. It hadn't been close enough to hit them and injure them, but it was a warning he needed to provide. "Precht is gone. As of a few moments ago, he left the guild."

"This—you've gotta be joking." Goldmine stepped up this time, walking towards the bar counter. "Sure, I get that Precht's been busy, but that doesn't mean he's leaving us. He wouldn't abandon our guild to you. No offense, but you're not even S-Class, Makarov."

"Actually, you're wrong." Porlyusica stood by his side, shaking her head. "Precht was talking about it with us on our way back. He wanted to teach Makarov a few things about what he does, but I never realized he was planning on this. Did Precht really put you in charge?"

Meeting her gaze, Makarov slowly nodded. "He did." He looked over at the rest of the guild hall, inhaling deeply. "And I will need all of your help to manage through this. Precht left with little warning, without telling any of us what work is necessary for running a guild. I will make no claims to be a responsible man, capable of understanding the complex laws the council sets forth and following them to a T. However, I am the kind of person who will do whatever it takes to keep my friends—no, my family, safe. We are Fairy Tail, and we will not let Precht's leaving tear us apart."

Makarov thought it was an excellent speech, worthy of some sort of reaction. However, the guild hall was far more quiet than it should have been. A few members of his own team had clapped, cheering in agreement. Some younger wizards seemed to do the same as well. However, he saw glares staring at him as well.

"Precht left a child in charge."

"I think I'm more suited to that task. At least I know how to write a legible letter, unlike him."

"I doubt he can even read. Isn't he usually just taking cargo guarding jobs with that team?"

"He can't do hard work at all. We need to pick a different Master instead."

"Yeah! If Precht's gone, we should vote on the next Master instead!"

"I say Leroy. He's just managed to finish that ten-year-quest, and probably one of our strongest members."

"Nah, Leroy's never around the guild hall. We need someone strong and friendly, like Insla!"

"Insla's constantly breaking the rules and wrecking entire towns on her jobs! No way can we trust her with our finances, or keeping others in line."

The arguments were getting louder, grumbling around the guild hall. Makarov stared at them, his hope falling at the sight. How could he get them to stay together under him? What could he even do? He wasn't a real guild master; he wasn't Precht, or Mavis. "Makarov, you should get down from there. This isn't turning out well, from the sounds of things." Porlyusica held a hand out to him, which he took and jumped down from the counter.

Staring at them, he slowly took a deep breath. "That's enough!" Makarov tried to get their attention, but most of them waved him off. They were too busy thinking this was up to a vote, not realizing that there was more involved in a change in power like this. Tenrou Island would be transferred to the guild master, as it already had been. He could feel it right now, its power flowing through him. Closing his eyes, he realized that maybe he could draw on that. If they wouldn't listen to him when he was himself, then maybe they'd listen to his magic. They thought he was weak and incapable of leading them. None of them believed he could be a guild master.

Drawing on that magic, he inhaled deeply. Rather than focusing on a limb, Makarov was trying to grow everything. He needed to get their attention with something large and flashy, and this would be just that. With the help of Tenrou Island, he realized he could just barely manage it. He felt his back break through the roof, letting him tower over everyone inside. He felt huge, and he felt powerful, like a monster that would make this guild afraid of him. Yet, he couldn't focus on that chance. He had their attention now, that much was clear by the people dodging falling debris as he finished growing.

"I said that's enough!" His voice seemed deeper when he was in this form, though he didn't know what caused the change. "We're all acting like panicked children, running around and scrambling for answers. Precht named me as the next guild master and I will not stand down because you idiots think I'm not capable of it!" The energy was already fading from him, and Makarov quickly shrunk back down to his normal size. He let out a slow breath, shaking his blond hair while his hands remained closed into fists at his sides. "I know I'm young. I know I have a lot to learn. That is why we will get through this together at first and understand what it means to lead a guild as one. As we grow larger and gain more members, I will start to know what I need to do. We won't be running this guild like Precht did, because I am not Precht, and nor is anyone in this guild hall him." He met their eyes, shaking his head. "I am running this guild my way and my way means we are running it as a family, since there isn't a single person in this building that is prepared to take on that responsibility alone."

It wasn't a speech worth cheers, and Makarov knew he had done little to earn their respect. However, for now it seemed to be enough. The older wizards seemed to calm down, nodding in agreement. Makarov's team seemed to stare after him, with questions in their eyes. However, overall, the initial panic had settled. Makarov was the new guild master. Now, he just had to figure out what that meant, before finding time to return to Tenrou Island so he could deal with Zeref as well.

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