A/n: All rights belong to Miro Hashiro who owns the setting, characters and a majority of the story. All I own is my Oc and a few ideas I dropped in there
Prologue:
Pain… it's all I can really feel and all I can remember. Why is that? All I know is that I had been asleep, after traveling through the woods non-stop. Why was I in the woods again? I force my eyes to open, revealing a small clearing surrounded by trees and the darkness of night. Luckily for me, the moon is bright in the sky tonight, making the darkness recede into the trees of the forest canopy. I try to sit up from laying on the grass filled ground, but moving my muscles makes them wail in agony. An ear splitting headache pounds in my head and memories flash through my mind.
My father takes up most of my past, I can see him teaching me about magic, like he used. His magic gave him the ability to talk to animals, a great skill for a farmer from our small village. He was able to calm our livestock while he gathered eggs from our chickens or milk from our cows. He would then sell our produce, once he discovered I had a gift for magic too he taught me what he knew. My father was no great wizard but a respected man in our village. I saw myself helping him with a particularly temperamental calf a few days after he was born. Then all I can see are flames, a raging fire, the screams of our animals. I ran to my mother, who grabbed my hands and dragged me into the woods. I don't know why we were running, that is until we came upon a group of men brandishing weapons, staffs they used for holder type magic. They were yelling at us, trying to force mom to hand me over to them. My mother attempted to hide me behind her, but to no avail. So she urged me to run and I did, but I couldn't help but turn back around when I heard her scream.
A shuffling of leaves breaks me out of my memories, I spin to face the sound and am met with pain exploding through my back as I try to stand. Breathing roughly through the throbbing of my muscles, I eventually struggle to my feet.
"Who's there!?" I yell into the darkness of the forest, my nerves going haywire, my muscles tense. More leaves shuffle farther to my left and I quickly spin in the sound's direction, but no one speaks. 'Maybe it's only an animal, yeah just a rabbit or squirrel' I tell myself and the thought brings my mind a little peace. I inch myself closer to the edge of the clearing. Eyes searching for the slightest shift in the leaves and ears alert to even the softest sounds.
" Who's there!?" I ask again, no matter how hard I try to hide it, my voice still quivers. My brave mask quickly starts to fail as the quiet lingers on. I'm hoping beyond hope that I'm just imagining things. I just watched my mom die in front of me so maybe i'm only paranoid and there isn't a psycho killer waiting for me to turn around so they can stab me in the back. If it's an animal maybe it's friendly and can help me, or even better maybe it's dinner. 'Just keep thinking happy thoughts Beldyyn'.
" There's no need to be afraid child" A soft voice floats out from the darkness of the tree's. Female, with a sweet and kind tone. The voice almost reminds me of my own mother and I can't help the stinging in my eyes at the thought of her. Regardless of how she sounds I stay tense and ready, trying not to fall for a trick or some kind of trap.
"How do I know I can trust you on your word if you won't even show me your face? If you really aren't going to hurt me step into the light so I can see you" I say back into the darkness.
" Alright but don't be afraid child" Don't be afraid? What's that supposed to mean? Is she ugly or something? Or is she really a monster and this is a trick all so she can eat me? I tighten my hands and ball them into fists. If I have to fight I know I'll lose, I'm only five, there's no way I can beat a full grown adult, but I'll be damned if I don't even try. More leaves shift around before, in front of my eyes, a beautiful white wolf prances into the clearing. Ice blue eyes train themselves onto my pale green one's, it's white fur glows as it's struck with moonlight. She moves slowly and gracefully, with an almost regal elligence. I take a few hesitant steps back from the wolf. Shock riddling my system as I realize who the kind voice belongs to.
I stay wary, having heard my fathers stories about wolves. How before I was born our small village had been attacked by a pack of them, killing most of our livestock almost to the point where my people could have starved to death. My father described wolves as vicious beasts who hunt down the weak, savage animals with an unquenchable bloodlust, but when I look up at this she-wolf. I can't help admiring her beauty, could my father have been wrong?
" Wh-what do y-you want?" I stutter out, much to the wolf's obvious amusement. Indicated by her releasing a light melodic chuckle.
" Nothing as vile as you're thinking little one. If I may ask, how can you understand me? I've never met a human who could speak to my kind before." She says, a smull pang of sadness hits me at her words. It's because of my father that I'm able to speak to animals and I don't know if i'll ever see him again. I know I won't see my mom, but I can't remember what happened to my dad after my village was attacked. Is he even alive?
" It's my magic, my dad taught me how, it allows me to communicate with most any animal larger than a dog." I explain, a wave of sadness flooding through me as memories of my dad's lessons pop into my head. I look to the ground and see wet spots starting to form in the patches of dirt. Has it begun to rain? How, there isn't a cloud in the star speckled sky? I bring a shaky hand to my face only to feel fresh tears starting to fall. I glance back towards the white wolf, spotting what looks like sympathy in the ice of her eyes.
" Why cry little one? Magic is an amazing gift for you to have."
" My dad taught me but… I don't even know if he's alive and I know for certain my mom died helping me escape our village. Bandit's attacked us, they burned everything to the ground." I say and my tears continue to fall, dotting the ground below me.
" Do you have a name?" She asks.
" It's Beldyyn, Beldyyn Morgan."
" Ah a good name. Do you know what Beldyyn means?" I shake my head no in response. " In an old forgotten language it means noble wolf, I think it fits, what do you think?"
" I like it" A smile forms on my face for the first time since losing my mother. I don't know why talking with this wolf seems so natural, but it does. As if we have known each other for years already, I'm at ease around her, she just has this calming aura. " What should I call you?"
" My name is Astea young one" It's a very pretty name, it definitely suits her. " Do you know what you're going to do now?"
" I have no clue Astea, I've never been outside my village until now" It's true, the farthest I got from the village was going into the forest on the outskirts with my father. It was in the forest where my father taught me about how to use my magic.
" Well, if you would like to, you can travel with me. I can't take care of you forever, but I can be a foster mother for you. At least until it's time to return you to your own kind. While you're with me I can teach you a new kind of magic. It's been many years since a wizard practiced the magic of wolves, Wolf Spirit magic. I can sense that if you take my offer and complete your training you will do great thing Beldyyn." I stare back at her slack jawed, a new kind of magic? She's going to teach me a new kind of magic? Wolf spirit magic sounds awesome, i've never heard of it. With so few options this sounds like the best one for me. I feel a tugging sensation in my gut urging me to say yes. Like the threads of destiny are pulling me to make this decision, one that will no doubt alter the course of my entire life. I nod, a little shakily, nervous about my life's new course but excitement starts to bubble up inside of me.
With my acceptance of her deal, she saunters back into the darkness of the woods. I pause only for a second, before following close behind her.
It's been two months since I joined Astea, or mom as I've taken to calling her, and my magic training has been going well. She mainly has me focus on simple things, like projecting my aura outwards to sense what's around me. I also train physically everyday, sprinting through the trees, and lifting rocks to build muscle. Along with my physical and magical training Astea has taken to educating me about language and culture. I also learned about the heart of my magic, or my magic core, which grows along with me when I train. She's a very kind and motherly teacher. Patiently waiting for me when I struggle with particularly difficult questions. When it comes to training though, she's a complete and utter monster. I work my body to its breaking point daily in order to build up my muscles and my magic core. Mom and I run for miles everyday too while we travel through Fiore.
Today marks three months since I began my training. We've been running through forests all day, at sunset mom and I stop to camp by a small lake. While she goes to hunt for dinner, something she refuses to let me join in on until I'm 'ready', so I start working on building a fire. Collecting sticks from around the area until I deem the pile adequate. After the fire is assembled and burns, filling my bones with its warmth, I begin meditating. Focusing my aura and releasing it, sensing the wildlife around me. I've done this every night since I began traveling with mom, and she says once I've perfected it she'll start teaching me magic. I breathe in deeply, holding the air in my chest for a short while before releasing it. My senses sharpen, I hear the scurrying of critters on the forest floor, their scent billowing across the wind. I become so entranced by the sounds and smells of the forest that I don't pick up on mom until she clears her throat, standing right next to me.
" How can you do that?" I ask, " I can smell a deer four hundred feet to the east but I couldn't sense you approaching." She chuckles, as pretty and light as it was the first night I met her.
" It's quite simple Bel, the magic I will teach you lets me hide my presence, smothering my scent, muffling my footsteps, even my magic doesn't radiate as heavily as others." She drops a few rabbits at my feet, their corpses falling from her jaws with a thud. This is how it goes every night, she hunts for us then eats her meal raw, while I have to use a knife she managed to get me. Skinning the rabbits, skewering enough for me before cooking them over the fire. We eat our meals in comfortable silence, just enjoying the comfort our presence brings to each other. I had just finished off the last of my rabbit when she spoke up, breaking the quiet night air.
" I think you're ready Bel, to start actually practicing magic" I jump up, energy coursing through me. Finally, I'll learn some real spells, excitement and anticipation flow through my veins. Mom leans back on her haunches as she begins the lesson. " First off so far I've had you projecting your aura. In reality, this has been you concentrating your magical energy and expelling it into your surroundings. When you cast a spell the idea is similar. You focus your magical energy, or aura, before releasing. Instead of it simply sharpening your senses, in a spell you focus your magic on a particular action." She continued to lecture me on the mechanics of magic in general. I take in all of her words with a thirst, I want to understand the inner workings of magic. I want to be strong, so that no one like the bandits who razed my village can hurt me or those I love ever again.
Her lecture continues into the specifics of the spell, Wolf's hide, if done right it will make my skin tougher and more durable. Kind of like turning my body into its own armor. Once she's finished explaining the spell, I immediately try to apply her teachings. Focusing my magical energy like I have done for the past three months but now focusing it on an action. Turning my skin into that of a wolf's hide. When I think I've got the hang of the spell I release the energy and call out the spell's name. When nothing happens my face falls. I know I built up enough magic power, so why did nothing happen?
" DId I do something wrong mom?" I ask her, confusion filling my voice at the lack of results.
" Not at all Bel. Learning a new magic takes time and practice. You're still young, only five years old, keep trying and you'll get it" So that's exactly what I did. For the rest of the night I repeatedly tried the spell over and over again, only for nothing to happen. Mom had to force me to sleep before I could get the spell right. I tried again the next night, as soon as dinner was over I rushed into building my magic power and trying to release it, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get the spell to cast.
A whole two weeks went by with no real results, tonight mom and I made camp on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It's on this cliff I find myself once again attempting to cast Wolf's Hide. After hundreds of failed attempts I'm starting to get angry. I know mom said this takes time and patience, but screw that. I want to learn magic now, the sooner I get this the sooner I can learn more. I begin to focus my magical power, connecting it with the image of a strong Wolf knocking off the attacks of its opponents. A scream escapes from my mouth and I rage over my failures. In that moment a burst of energy releases from my body and I can feel it. My body feels stronger, my skin feels thicker. I did it, I actually did it. I cast my first spell! I ran back to camp yelling for mom.
" Mom, mom I did it. I cast Wolf's hide. I used magic!" I tell her the minute she and the camp come into sight. I pull her into a tight hug, feeling her soft furn against my fingers. She hums with pride at my accomplishments and we begin to test the limits of the spells defense. Stones hit me and bounce off like nothing, only mom herself is able to do any real damage.
With the success of my first spell I restart my training with a new spark of determination. I learn more and more spells from mom, each coming much easier than the first. After a few weeks, when I'm more competent at casting each spell with great success mom and I start to spar. She teaches me all about combat, battle tactics, sensing an opponent's magic power and the basics of hand to hand fighting. Adding the sparring to my training regiment brings with it more sore muscles. I had gotten used to the running and strength training mom has me do. Now, having to fight her using my magic on a daily basis, my body has to readjust to the new energy output. Wolf Spirit magic is very combat oriented, with most of my spells buffing my physical abilities. Increasing strength, speed, defence and stamina. Along with taking on the physical traits of wolves, like their claws, to use when fighting. Each time mom and I spar I can make my buffs last longer and longer, I can actually see the results of my training start to shape my body. My stomach, armes and legs are toned with muscles. My senses have become sharper too, normally I would have to meditate to achieve my now natural sense of smell, sight and hearing. It's become like second nature to me through my training though, I don't even have to focus on my senses to feel them increase.
It's been five years of training with mom, making me ten years old now. I've grown much stronger in that time, most of my magical enhancements can last hours now, even if they are in constant use, and activating them has become easy. Mom still hasn't let up on both my physical and magical training. Each day we wake up and sprint through forests, occasionally stopping to see a particular landmark, or for mom to explain the importance of a town or city. At sunset we stop, after our first year together mom let me start hunting for my own food. Using my new wolf sense to track and bring down my prey, I still use the knife she gave me to prepare and cook my meals. Because despite what my mom is, as I constantly remind her, I'm human and refuse to eat raw meat. After we eat our meals we spar, in the five years of fighting her I have yet to beat her, my mom is crazy strong. Even using my Wolf Soul spell, which turns me into a giant wolf-like beast, I still haven't come close to winning. Mom also says I'm strong for my age, that my magic core is incredibly large and well developed for a ten year old. I don't know what that means when compared to what other kids my age can do but I have learnt to just take the praise. I'm also supposed to start a new type of magical training soon, something about the second aspect of Wolf Spirit magic.
Mom and I sat together, our bellies full from tonight's hunt. I had my back leaning up against a tree, using my wolf claws to sketch drawings into the soft earth. We had stopped outside of a town called Magnolia, where mom says an old friend of hers lives. We did this often after a meal, sitting together in silence, enjoying the calming effect that the forest and the moon bring us. Said moon is especially beautiful tonight, its silver light basking mom's white fur in a gorgeous glow. Once my eyesight had grown to match mom's we started snuffing the fire out after I cooked the food from my hunt. I have no need for one since now I can easily see in the dark of nighttime and a fire would just attract unwanted attention from other travelers or forest monsters.
"Bel '' I lift my head from my sketch so I can look at mom inquisitively, once I catch her eyes with mine she continues to speak. " I have taught you one aspect of Wolf Spirit magic. This aspect allows you to take on the physical traits and abilities of my kind. You have grown strong with the spells I have shown you and while not a master of it yet you are nearly done with training this aspect. Now it's time you learn the second aspect of your magic" I shoot up from the ground a huge grin growing on my face. Since beginning my training I have become infatuated with magic. Trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can from mom. One day, maybe not soon, but I will become strong enough to protect myself and others from the cruelty of man.I've seen it on my travels, hunters who kill for sport and not survival, slavers who capture their own kind and force them into servitude. Mom has shown me the worst that man can do from murder, to theivry, and more. Nothing like what happened to my village will happen again if I can help it. I will put a stop to it all when I'm strong enough. Now I get to take one step closer to achieving my goal.
" What is it?" I ask mom greedily, ready to throw myself into more training.
" First let me say this, you are still young, only ten years old and the last person to learn this aspect of your magic didn't start until they were a decade older. So I want to say that I am proud of you Bel. You are the best son a mother could ask for" My grin only grows as she speaks. I know I'll make her proud one day, when I am saving others across Fiore she'll be the reason. " Alright, the second aspect of Wolf Spirit magic is using moonlight. A wolf's spirit is intrinsically tied to the moon. It's glow can give you power if you harness it. We'll start tonight, be prepared, this is fare more difficult than the magic you've been using. Once you start this process it will be time to return to your kind Bel."
" Wait what?" I ask, she's not going to see this process through. She's just going to leave me? With only half of my training, not even half actually. I still have more to learn in the first aspect as well. " Mom you're not serious right? This, this can't be it. Once I start this is all over? I- I'll never see you again?" Tears are brimming at the edges of my eyes, blurring my vision slightly. Mom sighs, tears starting to form in the icey blue of her own eyes.
" I'm sorry Bel. This aspect of Wolf Spirit magic is something only you can grow and develop. You must find your own way of using moonlight, create spells of your own. It's not something I can help you with. If I did it would be a disservice to you and you're training. Being around your kind, other wizards who can help you is the best way."
" But what about my first aspect training, I'm not done yet, I still need you mom"
" Ah Beldyyn. My noble wolf, we talked about this the night I found you. I've been preparing you to be on your own for the past five years. Your strong Bel, brave and smart too. I believe you can do this, so don't let me down young one. Once you are able to harness moonlight we will have to part."
We stayed near Magnolia the next day as well, mom says we'll be here until I finish my training. Most of the day was spent with me learning about how to harness moonlight from mom. As well as her giving me instructions on what to do once I completed my training with her. Mom wants me to join a wizarding guild, where she says I can grow with other wizards my age and learn from those older than me. She has a few in mind and is planning on recommending one once I finish harnessing moonlight. When the sun set and the moon rose into the sky I got to work. Meditation like mom instructed me to, trying to pull the silver waves of light shining down from above into me. I sat cross legged in an open space where the rays of light coming off the moon blanketed the grass, Breathing in deeply I focused my senses to their max. Minutes, or hours maybe, went by while I meditated but I never felt any different than normal. So when the sun re-entered the sky I was shocked, having not accomplished what I set out to do and not realizing the entire night was passing. Regardless, I failed, so the next night I tried again, with the same results. I tried again for days, then weeks, eventually a month came and went and I had nothing to show for it. I continued my physical training during the day but the lack of sleep is getting to me, I'm more irritable, making more mistakes when I spar with mom. Harnessing moonlight was something I wanted to put off so I had more time but now, I need to learn to do this. So tonight, I decided tonight is the night I finally pass this damn test. I don't care how long it takes, if I have to stay meditating for days I will. I returned to the spot I've been using, folding my legs under me and taking long deep breaths. I reach out with my senses, feeling the now familiar silver energy of moonlight. Unlike nights before, tonight I try to do something different. Instead of attempting to pull the moonlight towards me I open myself up to it. Like unlocking the castle gates for the king to return home. Moonlight began to pour into me, I just let it come. I don't know how much time passed before I eventually opened my eyes to fund the sun high in the sky. Instead of tired though, I felt rejuvenated, like I could haul the weight of the world on my shoulders and sprint with. Yet I couldn't avoid the slight sadness my accomplishment braught. Because now, I was going to have to leave my mom behind.
Telling mom that I had harnessed moonlight was bittersweet for both of us, we both knew what it meant and although I had accepted it. I couldn't say that I was happy, I was leaving her. To train on my own, to build a new life without. I felt empty almost. Tonight is our last night together, forever possibly.
" Ok Bel, I have found a guild that I think is perfect for you, I knew their first master, in the time since it was founded it has grown into a great guild with a strong foundation. Make friends, Bel, be happy with your new life. Can you promise me that?"
" Can you promise me we'll see eachother again?" I ask her, but her face tells me everything. More likely than not, we won't be crossing paths ever again and even if we do it won't be for long.
" Oh my sweet Bel. I will miss you so much my son."
" Then why are you telling me to leave you!?"
" Because it is what you need to do" She says, her tone telling me to stop questioning her. I take a deep breath and relax my posture, steeling my nerves and trying to wipe away the fear and uncertainty from my mind. After a minute I calm myself enough to focus, for mom, to do what she needs me to do. " Bel I need you to promise you will try. Be happy, make friends with your own kind. Promise me Beldyyn Morgan"
"I promise mom. What's the guild's name?"
" FairyTail, here in Magnolia, go into town tomorrow and ask for FairyTail."