Hi readers,
I did say I was going to write two chapters in a row, but then I noticed my writing wasn't as good as I wanted it to be, so I decided to move onto my other stories before coming back to this. Thanks for all the support and the comments.
Djinn – Thanks. I love ancient mythology, so it would be fun to write my own.
danielsnow – Thank you. I was a bit worried that the bold writing was a bit distracting but thank you for reassuring me.
Davidab931 – I am glad you are enjoying it so far, thank you for reviewing.
Corestor3rd – Hello again. The way you've presented your review is perfect, thank you.
First of all, I'm glad you liked this chapter and thank you for taking the time to review it. I'm sorry to disappoint, but Mirajane was actually whispering 'Night Terror'. However, your theory made me think about Night's name and I actually had come up with an idea for the Phantom Lord arc. Thanks btw. Don't worry about me remembering those Gaelic names, I've come up with a vocabulary list. Night Terror would have probably taught some words of Timorin to Makarov. However, I wonder if I can Levy would be up to the challenge.
As for the welsh translator, I actually did find a decent one after a bit more searching. However, I am actually glad I chose Scottish Gaelic after using the translator. This is because 'Dorchades' (literally translates as darkness) sounds much better and more mysterious than the Welsh 'Tywyllwch'. I wouldn't know where to begin pronouncing that word.
I'm glad I was able to explain all your questions clearly. Your review is far from torture. I wish more people would review and tell me their thoughts.
Thanks again.
Chapter 3: Interview with a Phobos
Magnolia Town
It was a new day and as usual the guild was a lively as ever.
Lucy walked into the hall with a bright smile, while clutching the book Night Terror gave her the day before. She was almost up the entire night reading it from page to page, making small notes about the stories and questions she could ask the mysterious mage.
"Hey Lucy!" Lisanna called from the bar with a wave.
Lucy walked up to her, "Morning, Lisanna," she greeted.
"Good morning. Night Terror wanted me to give you this," Lisanna said handing her an envelope.
Lucy placed the book down on the bar and took the envelope looking at it curiously. On one side in neat handwriting was her name. Opening up the envelope, she slid out a card with kittens playing imprinted on it. Opening it up it read:
'Dear Miss Lucy,
Welcome to Fairy Tail and thank you for talking to me.
I'm sorry I couldn't give this to you in person as I am too preoccupied.
Yours Truly,
Night Terror'
"Aww he didn't have to that," Lucy cooed as she looked over the message again.
Lisanna smiled, "That is sweet. You must have made an impact on him" she said cheerily, 'It was a good thing he gave it to me and not Mira,' she thought in dread, trying to not to think about what would happen.
"What is he preoccupied with?" Lucy asked.
"Nothing," Lisanna replied, "he said he was having a meeting with the master, but I know he was just too shy to give it to you."
"The Night Terror is too shy," Lucy uttered in disbelief.
Lisanna just shrugged with a small giggle. Then the white haired girl face grew serious.
"Err…you might not want to mention this to Mira, okay," she advised sternly.
"Umm…why?"
But before she could answer a new voice called out to her.
"Hey Lucy!" Natsu shouted as he and Happy came over, "What are you going to do today?"
"Natsu and I are going to see if there are any yummy fish at the market," Happy chirped as he licked his lips hungrily.
"What!? No, we're not," Natsu countered with a raised eyebrow.
"Can we go to the fish market on the way? And on the way back?" Happy asked.
Natsu grinned, "Course we can, buddy!" he shouted raising his fist in the air.
"Aye!" Happy shouted in triumph.
"I'll…pass. Thanks for the offer," Lucy said with a sweat drop, "I actually wanted to talk to Night Terror."
"Night Terror?" Grey asked as he leaned against the bar, making Lucy jump in surprise, "Why do you want to speak to somebody like him?" he asked coolly with a raised eyebrow.
"Grey, your clothes," Mirajane reminded calmly as she walked over.
Grey looked down to see that he was in his underwear.
"Damn it! When did that happen!?" he shouted as he set off to look for his discarded clothes.
"Grey is right. Why do you want to talk to him?" Happy asked as he floated above Natsu shoulder.
"Aren't you afraid he's going to curse you or something?" Natsu added.
Lucy furiously turned to them, "Don't be stupid! Why would he curse me!?" she shouted at them.
Natsu shrugged, "Don't know. Kind of looks like the type of person who would do that."
"Don't be so judgemental!" Lucy shouted again.
"He's not going to curse anyone. He's a part of Fairy Tail," Grey muttered as he returned, now completely dressed, "I only asked because I wanted to know why you wanted to talk to him. Night Terror doesn't seem to be the type of person who likes company."
"I hope you are not talking to me behind my back."
"AHHHHH!" everybody, excluding Mirajane, screamed at Night Terror's sudden arrival.
"Good morning, Night," Mirajane cheerfully greeted with flushed cheeks.
"Where did you come from!?" Natsu shouted after recovering from the scare.
"I was just walking by," Night Terror innocently said, "and good morning to you Miss Mirajane and everybody," he greeted before he started to walk away.
"Oh, Night Terror," Lucy called out, stopping the Phobos, "thanks for lending me this book," she thanked happily as she picked up said book.
"Did you enjoy it?" Night Terror asked with a curious tilt of his hooded head.
Lucy nodded, "Yep. I was wondering if I can ask you some questions about it?"
"I'm sorry to say, but I have to go for a job right now," he said making Lucy frown in disappointment, "perhaps we can talk later over tea," he suggested.
Lucy sighed but gave him a smile, "That's fine. What job are going to do?"
"I haven't decided yet. I am going to look at the board. Farewell, Miss Lucy," he replied with a nod of his head before he made his way across the guild. Lucy only noticed that, because his robe was so long, he seemed to glide across the floor.
Lucy made her way glumly to the bar.
"Sorry, Lucy," Lisanna said sympathetically,
"It's okay," Lucy sighed, "It's just that I'm probably the first non-Phobos who has access to this information and…I guess I got too excited."
"He's just getting used to you. I bet its pretty overwhelming for somebody to take an immediate interest in the Phobos after so many years," Mirajane reassured, patting Lucy's hand.
"Too bad you can't go with him on his job, that way you can annoy him with all your questions," Grey muttered.
After Lucy gave Grey a sharp kick to the knees for the comment, she realised something.
"Wait a minute! Why can't I go with him? I'm sure if I ask I…" she noticed the uneasy looks of the people around her.
"Lucy, hate to break to you, but Night Terror never allows people on his jobs," Lisanna told her.
"Yeah, if there's two things I know about Night Terror-" Natsu started.
"You do only know two things about Night Terror," Happy deadpanned.
"Shut up!" Natsu shouted at him, "If they're two thing I know about Night Terror is that he always wears that robe, he's scary and only goes solo on his jobs."
"Natsu that's three things," Happy sighed.
"What that's crazy," Lucy said in disbelief, "has anybody tried asking him?"
"Doesn't matter," Grey said, "he'll just say no."
Mirajane smiled pleasantly, "Well, I say it doesn't help to try. Lucy, you go and ask him," she told her.
Lucy smiled and nodded her head as she walked over to Night Terror who had already picked up a job.
"Wow, sis, that was very mature of you," Lisanna commented with a raised eyebrow.
Mirajane giggled, "Oh Lisanna, I can't force people not to hang out with each other because I don't like it. Night and Lucy are they own people. They can do what they want," she told her with a soft smile and closed eyes.
Lisanna was surprised, she wasn't expecting her to be mad about them being together for a day.
'She's taking this much better than I thought she would,' Lisanna thought happily.
"Besides," Mirajane continued a satanic aura radiating off her as she smiled, "it's not like he's going to say yes. I mean they've only known each other for a day while I know him since we arrived at the guild. There's no way she's going to spend a whole day with him before me,' she ended with a giggle which sound much more malice than it needed to be.
'Never mind,' Lisanna deadpanned.
"Yes, of course you can come, Miss Lucy," Night Terror said much to blonde's delight.
"Great! Then I j-"
"HOLD ON! YOU AGREED!" Natsu, Happy and Grey shouted from the bar, interrupting Lucy.
"Yes. Why shouldn't I?" Night Terror asked in slight confusion.
"You never let people go on your jobs!" Grey shouted in surprise.
Night Terror tilted his head to the side, "Who told you that?"
Natsu, Happy and Grey stopped and thought for a moment.
"Err…well…we…just."
"You just all assumed that he didn't let others on his jobs, didn't you?" Lucy sighed as she rolled her eyes.
The boys just looked embarrassed as she hit the nail on the head.
After Lucy had gathered her things and had thanked a stunned Mirajane, Lucy and Night Terror left the guild.
Lisanna took a nervous glance at Mirajane who still had a shocked expression on her face.
"Mir-"
"I'm just going to the kitchen," Mirajane plainly said as she turned on her heel and entered the guild's kitchen.
The second the kitchen door shut behind her, loud noises erupted throughout the guild making all the members jump in surprise. Plates smashed, metal utensils clanged, tables overturned, glasses shattered and at one point the members could have sworn something was torn off a wall.
After a moment of silence, Mirajane stepped back into the main guild hall with her usual lovely smile on her face.
"Dear me, I'm sorry everyone. I accidently dropped a cup," she apologised holding the handle of a smashed cup.
Everybody avoided her for the rest of the day.
Outside Magnolia
Night Terror called up his shadow horse, so they didn't have to travel by foot to their destination. Now that Lucy had a better look, the horse they were riding was quite life-like in the way it moved and felt, but it didn't feel right. As if it wasn't complete.
"Do your horse have a name?" Lucy asked curiously.
"Well, Night Terrors traditionally give our horses two names. One is their official name. For our enemies to fear and whenever they are mentioned in our tomes. While the other is the personal names we give them," Night Terror explained, "the horse we are riding on is named Coisiche Oidhche or one who walks at night."
Lucy hummed at wonder as she stroked Coisiche Oidhch.
"But personally, I like to call her Mabel."
Lucy lost her wonder-filled look and stared at the back of Night Terror's head in confusion.
They rode through the woods that surrounded the town in silence, listening to the sounds of the wildlife that lived there. The job they were going to was sent in by a farmer. Wolves have been eating his livestock and he needed somebody to get rid of them.
Lucy decided to speak up for the first time since they left Magnolia.
"So, Night Terror, where did you get this book from?"
"I translated it from a book called the Leabhar a 'chinnidh phobos or the Tome of the Phobos Clan, I recovered it from the Island of Fear. It is one of many volumes that record stories about our ancestors and their teachings. They also record ancient secrets kept about the Phobos Clan, but I didn't translate those parts for obvious reasons, Night Terror explained, "Each story reveals the origins of Phobos culture and traditions."
"What about the recipe for the best beef stew," Lucy inquired.
"That was more of a footnote then an actual story," Night Terror admitted in slight embarrassment, "the author was an eccentric one, but I had to admit, it is actually a good stew."
Lucy kept that in mind.
"There's one story that I had got a few questions on," Lucy said, flipping open the book in her hands, "yes, this one… 'The Story of the Death Scream'.
Sgeulachd sgream a 'bhàis
or The Story of the Death Scream
Long ago,
A Phobos belonging to the kin of Gun Aghaidh travelled the outside lands,
He hoped to visit a kind and just daonna,
An ally and good friend of the Faceless One.
However, upon drawing near to the kingdom in which the daonna resides,
He came across a devastated village,
Its houses burned, its residents slain, and its fields soaked in blood.
He searched the village in horror of the tragedy that befell it,
Among the dead were the bodies of slain soldiers,
The Faceless One recognised the armour as the one worn by the soldiers of the kingdom in which his friend resides in.
He found his friend among the dead,
His head cleaved off and displayed on a wooden spike in mockery,
Saddened by the discovery, the Faceless One mourned for his friend.
Among the devastation he found a survivor,
They told the Faceless One of a cruel king who marched his army upon the neighbouring kingdom,
Pillaging villages and slaying innocents on the way,
They told him that his friend was sent to protect the village but was overwhelmed by the sheer number of the evil enemy.
Infuriated, the Faceless One vowed to destroy the cruel king and his army,
The survivor asked how the Faceless One will destroy the king's pursuit since they were still marching upon his friend's kingdom and their numbers were large,
The Faceless One turned to the survivor and told him:
'This army shalt not be defeated by me alone but with the innocents those hast slain in the foolish pursuit for power.'
The Faceless One took the skull of his friend and carved a hole in the back of it,
He then soaked the skull with the blood of the innocent that flowed across the once green fields,
Placing the skull into his robe he pursued the king and his army.
He found the army besieging the walls of his friend's kingdom,
He saw the sicking eager grins of the soldiers and the bloodlust in the eyes of the cruel king.
From upon a hill, the Faceless One shouted at the evil army:
'O cruel king, thee who is't doth take pleasure in the deaths of the innocent, shalt now be haunted by their screams for the rest of thy mortal lives'.
Placing the skull to his lips, The Faceless One blew fear into the skull of his fallen friend and from its mouth came the screams of a thousand innocents that were taken to early.
Blood curdled, water froze, plants shrivel up and perished,
The screams of the innocent, so shrill and excruciating, entered their killers' ears and drove them mad,
The dead punished the king and the soldiers for all their misdeeds,
They scattered, trying to get away from the screams that echoed in their minds,
But the screams pursued them.
They will never no rest again.
The Faceless One buried his friend's skull in a field, making sure that he received an appropriate burial,
However, the Faceless One took the knowledge he discovered and took it back to the Phobos Clan,
His discovery became part of teachings of the Phobos and is today known as
The Death Scream.
(Except from the 'Leabhar a 'chinnidh phobos' written by the kin of the Gun Aghaidh. Acquired and translated from Timorin by Victor Soul.)
"Did that all happen," Lucy asked slightly grossed out.
"Probably not the part about the skull and soaking it in people's blood part. Faceless Ones tend to be overdramatic in their writings," he admitted, "but the Death Scream is a real thing. It's a type of whistle designed so that when you blow through it, it makes the sound of people screaming."
"Creepy," Lucy muttered with a shudder.
"Indeed. Very creepy," Night Terror agreed, "anyway it looks like we are here."
Lucy looked around in surprise. She hardly noticed that time had passed. She saw a red house and barn up ahead surrounded by open fields. Within the fields were sheep lounging and grazing on the green grass. Next to the farm was a forest which she assumed was where the wolves were attacking from.
Night Terror stopped Mabel in front of the house and observed it.
"Miss Lucy," Night Terror hummed, "I might need to ask you do the talking while I stay outside."
"Why's that?" she asked curiously.
"I sense that the farmer in an elderly man"
"So?"
Night Terror hesitated as he bowed his head.
"Elderly people tend to be unwelcoming of me," he replied.
Lucy was confused as she looked at the back side of his robed head a-
She understood now. No wonder old people don't like him. The only thing he was missing was a massive scythe.
"I'll go," she said with a sympathetic smile as she hopped of Mabel.
"Thank you, Miss Lucy," he softly said.
The farmer had told Lucy where the wolves were in the forest. After a few of minutes of convincing that Night Terror wasn't death incarnate or that she wasn't his succubus slave, the mages made their way to the den.
"Night Terror," Lucy said, "we're not going to kill the wolves, are we?" she asked uneasily.
"You'll see when we get there," he responded earning a worried hum from Lucy.
The sound of snarling caught their attention. From the woodland, several grey menacing wolves jumped out and surrounded the horse and its passengers.
Lucy gripped tightly to Night Terror's robe in fright, watching as each other snapped their maws and growled darkly.
Night Terror didn't flinch. He slowly dismounted Mabel and stood to face the pack. A wolf, which Lucy assumed was the alpha, stood challengingly in front of Night Terror, keeping his body low to the ground, and pulling his maw back in a snarl.
Lucy watched as Night Terror didn't move, just watched the alpha without fear. She could feel the fear magic Night Terror was radiating, directed at the alpha.
A couple of tense minutes, the alpha backed away, whimpering in fear. Soon the other wolves followed suit much to Lucy's shock.
Carefully missing Lucy, Night Terror mounted the horse once again.
"Thoir do òganach agus lean mi chun dachaigh ùr agad," Night Terror ordered in Timorin and almost instantly the wolves took off into the bushes.
"Sorry for the wait, Miss Lucy," Night Terror apologies, "Beathach are better with communicating with animals than the Dorchades."
"What did you do?" Lucy asked in surprise, staring at the direction the wolves took.
"I just reminded them what's important," he answered, "the farm is new to the area. The farmer must have accidently entered the wolves hunting grounds and scared off their food supplies. Fear clouds the minds of living creatures and so the wolves acted out in desperation, much to the dismay of the sheep. I merely had to use my magic to remind them of the important things like their fear of starvation and the fear for others."
"Others?" Lucy asked.
Her questioned was answered by yipping and cries of young animals. Lucy turned to see their wolves had returned and, to her delight, they had brought their puppies. The wolf puppies bounded and played with each other. Some of the younger ones were carried by the scruff by their mothers.
"They're so adorable," Lucy squealed as a massive smile crossed her face.
Night Terror chuckled lightly at her reaction before signalling Mabel onwards. The wolves and their pups followed them as they trekked through the woodland.
"Where are you taking them?" Lucy asked.
"Somewhere safe and populated with their food supplies. We wouldn't want them to return to the farmer anytime soon," he told her.
Lifting his arm out of his robe he lent down and petted a wolf gently on the head, earning a delighted growl.
They continued to ride with the wolf pack following them for about half an hour. Night Terror sensed Lucy uneasiness and turned to her.
"Is everything all right, Miss Lucy?"
Lucy snapped out of her thoughts and smiled unconvincingly at the Phobos.
"Oh nothing. I was just lost in thought," she answered.
Night Terror waited patiently for her to continue, but after a while of silence he decided to speak again.
"I will not be offended by any question you wish to ask. I will answer as much as I am capable," he reassured her.
Lucy rubbed her arm uncomfortably, "Well it's just that…I don't want to seem rude or anything, but…" she hesitated, "isn't your magic…"
"Yes?" Night Terror encouraged.
Lucy gulped, "Isn't fear bad?"
"Bad," Night Terror repeated thoughtfully, "I suppose people would think it was bad, but tell me this, Miss Lucy, if you were to discover a berry that have never seen before, would you still eat it?" he asked much to her confusion.
"Err…no," she answered.
"And why not?"
"Because it could be poisonous."
"Precisely. A person without fear would assume that they could eat the berry without any consequences. Fear of the consequences is a rational and essential thing that every living creature must have to survive. This fear can lead into two ways: you can fear death and not consume the berry, or you can fear the unknown and study the berry to make sure it is safe to consume," Night Terror explained, "whether something is bad or not depends on the how much there is, not on the thing itself. Water is essential for humans, but you can still drown. While some poisons can be harmless unless you are exposed to too much of it. Fear is the same. The Phobos Clan use fear to remind people of the dangers of the world while others use fear as a weapon. Those who use fear as a weapon are what is considered bad."
"I see," Lucy admitted "so that's why you must make sure you have absolute control over your magic."
"Indeed," he pulled on Mabel's reigns telling her to stop, "this should be good enough."
He turned to the wolves that had stopped when he stopped.
"Bi saor, mo bhràithrean madadh-allaidh. Bidh thu sàbhailte," he declared.
With a growl of understanding from the alpha, the wolf pack carried on into the woods and out of sight.
Lucy looked around the forest. It was a much wilder part than the one the wolves previously in.
"They'll be much happier here," Lucy said with a smile.
"Indeed," Night Terror agreed, "let us stop here for lunch before we head back to the farm."
They managed to find a large fallen over tree to have their lunch. He recalled Mabel into the shadows and from his robe brought out a black lunchbox.
"Forgive me for how little there is," Night Terror said as he opened up the lunchbox to reveal a row of triangular sandwiches, "I wasn't expecting others to join."
"It's fine," Lucy told him, taking a sandwich, "this is plenty enough."
Night Terror nodded and took a sandwich. Lucy watched curiously as the sandwich entered the darkness of his face and left no trace of every existing.
She shook of the wide image.
"Anyway, I was reading the Lea- the Leab-," she cleared her throat," the tome and I noticed that you didn't translate a word in it. I think it was something like Aname or Anerm."
"You mean Anam?" Night Terror corrected.
"That's it," Lucy said clicking her fingers, "what is that?"
Night Terror stayed silent for a couple of seconds. Lucy was worried that she said too much and was about to apologise when Night Terror spoke again.
"I don't see why not," he muttered sadly, "It's not like it's there anymore."
He looked towards, "If you know of the Phobos, then you must know the Island of Fear."
Lucy nodded.
"There are two parts of the Island: the Bodhaig and the Anam. The Bodhaig are the outer part of the Island, where the Coille nam Phobos, or the Forest of the Phobos, grows and where the Great Fears discovered the powers. However, once you travel through the forest you come to the Anam where the Clan once stood."
Night Terror leaned back on the fallen tree and sighed sadly.
"It is an oasis of life in a desert of fear. I still remember the green fields and the orchards that grow the sweetest fruit. It is the only place in the island where you can feel the warmth of the sun and where the animals are peaceful and friendly. Our houses and shops were dug into the rolling hills to not disturb the scenery too much. It is- It was beautiful."
"Wait, so there is another part of the Island of Fear!?" Lucy exclaimed in surprise.
"Of course. You didn't think we lived among the Craobh Dorcha trees, did you?" Night Terror asked humorously, causing Lucy to give a sheepish smile.
"Can you tell me more about Anam?" Lucy asked, but a shake of his head made her frown slightly.
"I'm sorry, I cannot. Otherwise, I would have to explain how our magic works and I am bound to never directly reveal its secrets," he explained.
Lucy thought for a moment before she realised something.
'Directly,' she thought as a smile cross her face.
"Night Terror," Lucy said as the Phobos pulled out a thermos from under his cloak, "you said you can't directly tell me. So, is there a way you can tell me indirectly?"
"There is," Night Terror confirmed as he poured himself a cup of tea, "but why should I be obliged to tell you?"
"Because we are friends," Lucy argued.
Night Terror sipped his tea, "That is very sweet of you, but I cannot reveal millennia old secrets that form the basis of our society, culture and magic just because of friendship. You have to prove yourself that you are worthy."
"Worthy?"
"Indeed, if you can prove that you are noble, I may evaluate your worthiness," he told her, "and you shall prove yourself in a battle against me."
Lucy gasped in shock.
"Wait battle you! I can't do that!"
Lucy wasn't the best in hand to hand combat and she didn't think she could take on Night Terror.
"You may use your Celestial Spirits, if you like," he added taking another sip of his tea.
Lucy blinked at him, "Are you sure?"
She wasn't doubting Night Terror's capabilities as a fighter, but the Celestial Spirits are powerful, and she wouldn't overwhelm. However, he did insist, and it wasn't like she could be beat him with a simple crack of her whip.
'I only have to beat him in a battle. How hard can it be?' she thought rhetorically.
"Alright," Lucy said jumping off the fallen tree and taking out a golden key.
"OPEN GATE OF THE GOLDEN BULL: TAURUS" she declared as she placed her key into a golden gate that appeared before.
Out of the gate, came a giant muscular humanoid bull. He was white with black spots, had a ring going through his bovine nose and carried a large battle axe on his back.
"Miss Lucy," Taurus proclaimed happily as hearts appeared in his eyes, "Am I glad to see yooooooooouuuu and the nice body of yours," he said as he stared at her in a lovesick manner.
Lucy gave him an annoyed glare.
"Are you ever going to stop perving on me?" she shouted at him angrily.
Taurus didn't seem bothered by her shouting and continued to stare lovingly at her.
"Oh, don't be like Lucy. Why don't come and give me smooooooooch!"
"Quite an interesting character," Night Terror remarked, sweat dropping as he watched the bull man dance merrily around an irritated Lucy.
"Listen up, Taurus," Lucy ordered, "we are facing Night Terror in a sparring match. Do you understand," and then a quieter voice she said, "make sure you don't go too hard on him."
"Anything for yoooooooou, Lucy," Taurus declared as he turned to face his opponent.
The Celestial Spirit took a step back as Night Terror's magic crashed into him, but he was doing this for Lucy so he will ignore. Night Terror hummed in interest at Taurus' determination to fight for his master.
Taurus readied his battle axe in his hands and charged at Night Terror. Like with the wolves, the Phobos didn't move an inch and waited for Taurus to attack.
"Take this!" Taurus shouted as he swung the axe down at the Night Terror.
But the only thing he hit was air.
In confusion, Taurus tripped over and crashed into a tree much to Lucy's shock.
"Wait what!" Lucy shouted as she looked around for the mysterious mage.
"You have to try better then that, Miss Lucy," the voice of Night Terror commented from behind her.
Turning around in surprise, Lucy saw Night Terror completely unharmed.
"How did you get there!" she screamed pointing an accusatory finger at him, "you're usually slow!"
Night Terror chuckled, "I tend to scare people if I move to quickly, so I try to take slow actions to not startle others," he explained, causing Lucy to sigh in exhaustion.
Taurus had finally recovered and picked himself up.
"One more time!" Taurus declared as he charged at Night Terror again "for Lucy!"
He raised the axe above his head and sent it down onto him.
Night Terror caught the axe in his armoured hand.
Lucy and Taurus stared in astonishment as Night Terror stood there holding. They didn't know he was strong enough to catch the Spirits' attack.
"What's wrong? I can't mooooooove," Taurus commented as his body seized up, still gripping the battle axe.
"That is because you are paralysed with fear," Night Terror told them as he still held the axe in his hand, "if you believe that direct attacks would be effective against the Phobos, then you are sadly mistaken."
Night Terror then sent tendrils of darkness to wrap around the Celestial Spirit, trapping him in a cocoon of shadows. Taurus tried to struggle and break free, but he felt the Night Terror's fear take over him. Lucy watched in horror as Taurus became ridged and start to show the first signs of being under Night Terror's fear.
She knew what it felt to be accidently affected by Night Terror's magic. Lucy couldn't imagine what it was like on purpose.
She can't let that happen to her Celestial Spirits.
"STOP! I GIVE UP!," she shouted at Night Terror, "you win."
Night Terror glanced at her and gently placed Taurus on the ground and released him from his hold. The Spirit released a breath he didn't know he was holding and relaxed.
Lucy ran up to him, "Taurus, are you alright?" she kneeled down beside him, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have made you fight," she apologised as tears started to build up in her eyes.
"It's okay," Taurus tiredly said, "anything for yooooou, Lucy."
Lucy took out her key and returned Taurus.
Night Terror walked behind Lucy who hadn't moved from her place.
"You surrendered. Why?" he asked with a tilt of his head.
Lucy wiped the tears from her eyes and stood up to face him.
"It wasn't worth it," Lucy morbidly told him, "Taurus was in pain and I was the cause of it because of my curiosity. I would never wish that upon my friends."
"Are you saying that some Spirit is more important than the secrets of the Phobos Clan and your desire for knowledge?" Night Terror asked.
Fury filled Lucy's face as she stomped confidently towards Night Terror.
"My Spirits are my friends and will never sacrifice them! I don't care about your judgment or your secrets! I care about my friends, you asshole!" Lucy shouted at the Night Terror.
Silence fell between them. Lucy continued to glare heatedly at Night Terror while the Phobos just blankly stared at her.
"I am pleased to hear that, Miss Lucy," Night Terror said after a while, "It would be a shame if I misjudge you after all this time."
Lucy was confused. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"What do you mean?"
"I have met plenty of Celestial Spirit Mages. Many are rather…unsavoury towards their Spirits. Treating them as tools or weapons. I'm glad to see you are not one of them," he told her.
"I still don't ge-"
"Fighting reveals more then just who is stronger," Night Terror interrupted, "a person bears their soul to those around them when they fight. Their aims, their determination, their limitations. By pulling Mr. Taurus out of the fight you have demonstrated your care for others and the willingness to sacrifice your personal desires for the greater good. That is why I deem you worth, Miss Lucy."
Lucy took a step back in shock. She didn't realise she was doing any of that. She just didn't want to see her friend hurt.
"But…I-I-I didn't win," she countered hesitantly.
"I never said you had to best me in battle," Night Terror countered, "I told you I will evaluate your worthiness through battling. To which you pass,"he explained in what Lucy assumed was his version of cheery.
"Although the 'asshole' part was rather unnecessary," he added, making Lucy sheepishly smile at him.
"So, you will tell me how you magic works? Indirectly," Lucy asked happily.
"If you still wish to know then I can," Night Terror informed her.
Lucy was about to say yes, but then she glanced at Taurus' key in her hand. He got hurt because she was being too greedy.
Lucy sighed and shook her head in denial.
"No, thank you. Some things should be kept a mystery," she told him.
"Very well," Night Terror said, "we should get back to the famer and tell him his problem had been solve."
Lucy nodded and after Night Terror called Mabel again, they rode off through the forest again.
Outside Lucy's House
Night Terror stopped the horse outside Lucy's house which overlooked one of Magnolia's canals. He observed it for a moment.
"Quite a lovely place," he told her.
"Thanks, but the rent is a pain," Lucy muttered as she jumped of the horse, "thank you also for today and answering all my questions," she continued.
"It has been a pleasure. I'm terribly sorry if it has been a boring job. Are you sure you don't want half of the reward?"
Luck shook her head, "I'm fine, you did most of the work anyway. See you tomorrow," she said as she opened her front door.
Before she could step in, Night Terror called out to her.
"Miss Lucy," he said, making her turn to him.
"Yes?"
He seemed hesitant to speak. He bowed his head in thought for a couple of seconds before he looked at her again.
"When you are on a boat; do you use the oar to push the boat forwards, or do you use the oar to pull the ocean backwards?" he asked cryptically.
Lucy stared at him for a couple of moments.
"What do you mean?" she asked in confusion.
Night Terror didn't answer, but just ordered Mabel to walk forwards.
"Goodbye, Miss Lucy," he said as he rode off down the canal.
"Wait a-" Lucy tried to say, but he was already gone.
She sighed and entered her home, exhausted from the long ride. Her mind was abuzz of the events that happened today and the cryptic question he left her with.
However, all those thoughts left her as soon as she saw Natsu and Happy had broken in and made themselves home.
"Hey Lucy," Natsu and Happy greeted her as stared in horror of the state her apartment was in.
"WHAT ARE YOU-"
Meanwhile Night Terror rode down the nearly empty streets of Magnolia. His mind was also occupied by what happened today. He thought that he had revealed too much about the Phobos Clan and couldn't help but feel guilty for giving too much information away.
It wasn't like he didn't trust Lucy. It was just an internal feeling he couldn't shake off.
After all, he wasn't even an official Night Terror.
The Island of Fear
Eight Years Ago
(A.N: For convenience, Timorin is translated into English using italics)
It was the evening before the Oidhche Fhada, or the Long Night. A special day in the Phobos calendar as the sun does not rise for twenty fours hours plunging the island into a day of darkness. It was ceremonial for two reasons. The first is that it is the start of the Phobos calendar, and the Phobos Clan hold a great celebration to welcome the new year. The second is that it is the day in which young Phobos are given the trial of the Great Fears.
Since the age of five, young Phobos have been taught in one of five houses, each specialising in a particular form of fear magic based on the Great Fears. There was Trom-laighe house who specialise in dream walking, Dorchadas house which specialise in darkness and shadows, Beathach house which specialise in animal transformation, Gealtachd house which specialise in insanity, and finally Gun Aghaidh who specialise in decay.
Now is the day in which the ten year old Phobos are given the trails of Great Fears so they could move onto the next stage of their training. It was also a coming of age ritual and was very important to the Phobos Clan.
One of these children hoping to carry out the trails of the Great Fears was Fairy Tail's Night Terror. His teachers always dreaded teaching him as he loved to pull pranks on them and was always getting into some sort of trouble. Despite, being disruptive in classes he was actually one of the top students in the Dorchadas house, passing his exams with top grades. The boy hated his boring classes, but he had always wanted to become a Night Terror and tried his best in exams.
He had been waiting to do the trails for years now. The students had no idea what they had to do, but they do know that each house is taken to a part of the island and learn the truth about fear just like the Great Fears did millennia ago. At the end they must make their own masks which they will wear whenever they leave the island.
Almost the entire Clan had gathered in the Teampall An Eagail, or Temple of Fear to see the ceremony. They all wore their Aodach for the special occasion as they watched the students shuffle in nervousness before the altar. At the altar stood an elderly man who, unlike the rest of the Clan, did not cover his head. His was bald and wrinkles etched on his face as he wore his ceremonial garb. He always had a kind smile and was known for his wisdom and peaceful attitude.
This was the Maighstir Mòr or the Grand Master. The Grand Master is the head of the Phobos Clan who has mastered all the ways of Five Fears. He acted as the Clan's elder and before the students can go to their trails, they must be blessed by him.
"Fellow Phobos, we are gathered here today to wish our young children good luck before they take the trails of the Great Fears," the Grand Master announced, "so let's get this over with so we can get to the feast," the Grand Master chuckled making the rest of the Phobos groan.
"Take this seriously old man!" one Phobos shouted at the Grand Master.
"Why do you insist on making a joke every year!" shouted another.
The students just sweat dropped as the Phobos shouted at the laughing elderly man.
"Alright, alright," the Grand Master waved them off, "I'll be serious now. Can the first student come up."
And so, one by one the students walked up to the Grand Master and he would place a hand upon their heads and bless them on their trails. After the blessing he would shake their hands, give them proud smile and the student will be taken to the side.
The last to walk up was the boy. He walked up to the Grand Master nervously, making sure not to trip up on his long robe. The Grand Master smiled as he approached. He had been an honorary grandfather to the boy. Giving him advice, helping him in his training, he even got into some of his pranks much to the ire of his teachers.
The boy had made it to the alter and prepared for the blessing. He watched the Grand Master's hand drift gently down upon his head. He closed his eyes waiting for the weight of his hand and the blessing.
He waited.
And he waited.
And he waited once more before he opened his eyes again.
The Grand Master hand hovered above the boy's head. Confused, he looked up at the Grand Master and saw his distant expression. It was almost as if his mind had left him.
The boy looked around at the other Phobos, at his teachers at the other students, but they were just as confused as him. He turned back to the Grand Master his expression had changed to shock and horror before turning into sorrow. That's when he woke up from his daze and saw the boy looking up at him.
The Grand Master pulled back his hand and looked down at him sadly.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, "you are not ready yet."
The boy's breath was caught in his mouth, shocked at what he said. The other Phobos seemed to mutter in confusion. This was only a ceremonial role and no Phobos since its origins have been turned away a blessing.
The boy ignored the chatter of the rest of the clan as he stared at the Grand Master. The elderly man turned away slowly from him without giving an explanation. He could see that the Grand Master was shaken up by something he saw.
Was it a vision?
Did he do something wrong?
Why wasn't he ready?
Questions swarmed like flies in his mind as tears formed in his eyes.
None of those questions will be answered.
Night Terror sighed as he rode down the streets of Magnolia, recalling the events of that day.
'What did I do wrong?' he asked himself as the sun sank beneath the horizon.
And cut. Sorry, this took way longer to write then I expected.
Hope you enjoyed it and I see you next time.
Bye :)
Next Time: Night Terror's busy day