Chapter 9: Year of Beginning

Every new year, my family would celebrate by riding the fanciest boat made and would float down the river, leading lines after lines of other boats, while watching the fireworks lighting the night sky above Margarett Town. I enjoyed it every year. The fireworks are always different and exciting, always with the use of magic and the only celebration we have without fancy parties that make it one of my favorite days of the year. No black ties or polite greetings, just simply pure enjoyment.

This year, I feel nothing but dread.

Because this is the year when fate began to play it's quirk.

Year X777

In other words in 7 months, everything that will transpire begins.

In 7 months, the dragon slayers will arrive.

In 7 months, Lucy's mother will die.

And being miles away from them means I can't help prevent it when she exhausted herself just because she didn't have Aquarius's key in time and that Foul Obsessed Cockroach Servant Zoldeo would then kill the former holder of said key.

Even if I could, I don't think I have the courage to do it.

Because that would mean Lucy wouldn't want to run and escape her father and join Fairy Tail. As much as I want to mess up the plot for her, I don't want to change it too drastically. Or rather, because I know Lucy is needed in Fairy Tail.

She could join despite that, but honestly? Without more information, I don't think I can change it. I don't even know where the original Eclipse gate that Layla will open or where Aquarius's key is currently kept. I don't mind killing that bastard Zoldeo though, that man deals nothing but trouble.

What I never got to find out though whether Lucy and Natsu's meeting was truly coincidence, fate, or someone pulling the string. I mean, it could have been for plot sake, but the daughter that opened the eclipse happened to meet one of the dragon slayers and everything went all tornado from there. I think there's more to it than that and dammit I wish I could've lived longer to know that.

However, when that time comes, it'll come. The only thing I could do for her then is to support Lucy when she needed one after she lost her mother and guide her to make sure Luck isn't the only thing that saved her because she has a damn good amount of it. Next week would be another chance for me to meet her, there's going to be a birthday party for one Ms. Layla Heartfilia. I'm beginning to feel a slight attachment to her, she's a kind and wonderful person, and at times I was reminded how much I miss my own mother. In turns out, she had long but gave her keys away when Lucy was a toddler, which explained why Lucy never realized who Capricorn was when he was in Grimoire Heart. She would sometimes give her own piece of knowledge about magic to me together with Lucy.

One of them is the One Magic.

. . .

"Mom, where does magic come from?" I remembered Lucy asking her.

Layla kept on her smile, a swift shift in her eyes that she was surprised than lean her body closer, eager to answer her. "Hmm, that's a tricky question Lucy, you see there are many theories concerning that subject. One of them just thinks magic is universal and just always there. However, I believed that magic is born from the One Magic"

"The One Magic? What kind of magic is that?" Lucy asked in eagerness.

She smiled warmly at her before she took our hands and placed it on our chest, "I believe that One Magic first originate, it came from a bond"

Wait, wait, wait, bond? Not love? What the hell?

"Now I'm sure you're confused but let me finish," she said. "To me, people are capable of many things when they put their mind to it, even the most impossible things. We were born without the strength of a Vulcan or a unique physique like any other monster. Yet we strive to survive with the help of one another by making a bond since we humans cannot live on our own."

"Those bonds became something more precious and special overtime and when one's bond became at risk, people could call upon the most extraordinary things...or a miracle. I believe in one those bond, love is the most precious and strongest form of bond there is, and with that strength, magic was created, for the sake of their loved ones."

I gape in awe that she explained her reasoning that was more just mere belief. Although I had thought the theory of how magic originates didn't matter to me, at that moment, it made me inclined to agree with her. I remembered how a mother's love was capable to lift a car to save her child. If that's what love is capable, imagine in a fantasy world where anything was possible.

Lucy looked down with a sheepish look, probably too embarrassed to say she didn't quite understand her mother. Layla laughed and pat her on her back, saying she'll understand over time.

. . .

Of course, you must be curious about what I possibly achieved in the 2 years after that goddamm survival trial.

Well for one, I learned my runes are quite versatile in pranks

. . .

"Ah TJ, how has today's lesso-WHAT in the world happened?!"TJ glanced up to Tornilious, not hiding the chard face and hair, oddly colored clothes and a pigeon nestling on his hair for some reason.

TJ chuckled yet his eyes showed no humor, "Let's just say I had to be wary of any freebies, wild pigeons, and walking around the mansion for the past few weeks. Just heed my warning and never pissed that boy, ever!"

"...you know what, don't answer that, I'm not sure how much I want to know what the Young Master had in mind."

"You and me both,"

. . .

Ah, nothing tastes sweeter than good old revenge.

Though as hell as that experienced was, it pushed me hard enough to come up with various rune ideas for me. Though during my research, I became truly aware of what a cheat Freed's future eye magic, I don't know how but it can help manipulate his body species and ability with just one word while I had to go in detail.

The runes I used in Cjakra Forest were mostly area-based runes instead of enchantment runes. I already enchanted myself with the Flash Technique so I can't enchant myself with any other, though I'm working on working pass that someday.

What I did try to perfect in my arsenal for the past two years was my [ROOM], I lost track of time while getting the right. It might have taken 5 days but I don't know, I'm not even sure which part I remedied considering the rush. I probably won't be able to make it with the same exact success as I did then.

At the rate where I'm going, I could have been a Sealing Prodigy if I got reincarnated to Naruto instead.

I shudder at the thought, as cool as their jutsu and characters are, living a ninja life is a no-no for me if I could help it, Mashima might be a wimp for not killing any major characters, but that's all good to me now that I'm in this world and I tend to avoid certain death wish.

Oh, and if you think that's what I had been busy with in the past 2 years then you are seriously underestimating me. You see, I've also been practicing various rune enchantment to my everyday tools. You remember that Skywalk I used with my runes? Well, I redesigned them so every shoe I have is now capable to walk on water, walls, and air!

The face of Torri's, when he found me upside down, was hilarious.

Next, I had also made a rune of Enhanced clothes. With this enchantment, my clothes are now not only indestructible but capable to adjust the environment. For example, even with only a shirt and a pair of shorts, I could walk around town during winter and won't even feel the cold, awesome right?

However, even if it can't be ripped to shred I can't make it take damage or it'll lose its elasticity.

Then there's the time I made a Howler.

Yes, you read it right, a Hogwarts version Howler.

You could make a variation of that via Message Magic but no one has done what I did and I only knew Rune Magic. I also equip the letter with a communication lacrima so I could watch how well my first Howler was.

Freed didn't appreciate the joke but his face was too good for me not to laugh.

There are other tools that I had been working on, most of them I had patented on to sell, which surprisingly many had interest to buy my unusual ideas when half of them were joke-magic. Did you know within the ERA there is a Magic Research Development Department? I learned that when I tried selling a few of my ideas and got Torri to help with the technicalities. There are total of 9 Department in existence but we're not talking about that. I also learned you don't need yo learn runes to make some of the magic tools I created as it is possible to turn Runes into Magic Circle and vise-versa so anyone could replicate it with the right knowledge.

Last and not least of my inventions, I had incorporate part of my last life culture. Because only when I had achieved somewhat-mastery with my magic that I realize a glaring hole in the Magic Civilization. Something I should have realized if not for learning magic and books that had preoccupied me, something that should be called blasphemy for the sheer fact it doesn't exist.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S NO TV, OR MOVIE, OR CINEMA?!" I exclaimed loudly to my butler. Granted, his only response was confused as he no doubts never heard that term but that's insane! These people have books, theatre, hologram, and communication lachrima and yet they have no way of making movies or tv series that could entertain millions of viewers at home.

I've had my fair share of watching theatre mind you but despite living in a magic society, the general tricks they made were nothing grand and THAT if they decided to hire a mage for it. Compare to the thrilling story like Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, and Indiana Jones, these people need a taste of good story playing. So I thought 'this will not do' and so when one of the few parties the Heartfilia holds and I get to come along, I couldn't hold back a smirk if things happened as I planned.

"ROY!" my thoughts were halted when my name was called out by the cheery high voice of one of my good friends. I turned my attention to Lucy who was dressed with a light blue dressed embroidery with red flowers at its hem, her hair was tied into a ponytail, and she looked absolutely adorable.

I'm just stating the fact mind you, I'm not a pedophile.

"Hey Miss Goldilocks, how have you been?"

She scowled at the nickname as usual but smiled back in the end, "Great Roy, I'm so happy I get to see you"

"Aw, does Miss Goldie miss me that much? I'm touched." I had my hands on my chest with a mocking grin.

Lucy looked away for a bit with a blush and a scowl, "...I do, is that so bad?"

Well now, this is new, she's being honest. I mean, we've only met 4-6 times a year considering how far we live in and despite her showing how happy she was meeting me, once I teased her she became a stubborn brat.

Could something be wrong?

"Lucy, are you okay?"

"Huh? Oh nothing's wrong, it's just..." she sighed once more and seemed to struggle whether to tell me or not. I considered pushing her but thought that maybe lighten her up first might make it easier.

"Hey Lucy, come with me."

"Huh?"

And so from the edge of the party, I held her hand and pulled her into the middle of the party. Both of us aren't too keen socializing with most snobs noble kids who think they're better than most and so we found comfort with each other. We slip through the crowds, avoiding the adults and pretend to not hear the few who tried to call out on us until I found my main target for the day.

"Who's he, Roy?" Lucy asked as she looked at the tall skinny man that the description 'stick and bones' were made for him, he had dark green slick hair, sharp nose, slit blue eyes, he wore a dark brown suit and when he smiled he had a large bucktooth.

"He called himself 'L'histoire Vivante' because one, he thinks having a french alias makes him fancy and two, because he is the most famous scriptwriter of all time and next to him" I shifted where I'm pointing toward a suited man yet it didn't elude us the thick muscle underneath, he had a bald head, brown eyes, hawk-like nose, butt chin, and sharp cheekbones. "That Lucy is Mr. GG Horis, the Scriptwriter's patron and producer."

Lucy never was interested in the occupation of people attending her father's party, but she took in what I said as she examined the two, "What do you have in mind for them?"

The grin couldn't possibly be more obvious, Lucy sweatdropped at my eagerness vibrating around me, "Mark today's date Lucy, for I'm planning to make a revolution in the entertainment industry"

"O...kay..."

Now how should I proceed from here, to them I'm nothing but a kid so I need to assure them I know what I'm talking about. With a half baked plan I cleared my throat loud enough to take both of their attention. "Why, if it isn't Lucy Heartfilia and Roy Jurenelle, what brings you two here, shouldn't you kids play with the others?" Said Mr. Horis.

"Mr. Vivante, Mr. Horis, it's a great honor to meet with you two here, I am a great fan of your work, especially Lone Letter'. I cried tears of joy in the end"

Mr. Vivante's eye twinkled in glee, "Why merci Young Master, it is not every day a boy young such as yourself would appariqué the work of art"

"Which is why I have a proposition for a great man such as you!"

The two looked dumbfounded at my sudden statement, but their eyes said decided to amuse the young son of a noble. "Ho... and what would that be?"

"You see I love most of your works if not all, especially the fantasy one, but living in the magical world, the stage just...how you say...lacks the luster of what real life could throw at you, especially at a small enclosed space"

Vivante-or as I like to call him Vivan for short in my head- had his mouth gaping like a fish. I wasn't sure why he looked so taken aback until he grasped both my hands around his and began crying, snot at all that made me cringed yet hid it with my business smile.

"Oui, oui, Zat exactly how I feel. I 'ave been storing most of my fantasy work tu see, as non of it felt real when being played and seeing work I knew could barely succéder tuck in the dust made my 'eart weap, jeune maître Roy understand this non?"

"Yes, of course," I said in between nervous laugh at his 'eagerness' with a nod. "So I have thought of brand new ideas in both stories and execution that I would need help from both of you fine gentlemen"

The two were skeptical hearing a suggestion from a young boy, but I knew they would indulge me even for a moment because of my status as a noble. So I called out Torry (I don't know how he does it, but wherever I called him he appears like a summoning animal!) and gave me the notebook and lachrima I had him held on for safekeeping. "This is the few summary and ideas of few stories I had in mind, please read it"

Vivan read it with neutral expression, he binge reading was fast but the constant changes of his expression was enough to show he took careful notice of it until he finally said, "This...is all a very innovative idea, but most of them are impossible to be put in a play if you down improvise some of the it"

"That's where this comes in," I said, holding out a lachrima ball. It was a crystal ball with mix color of orange and pink and when they were silent, I proceed to explain. "This gentleman is a recording lachrima, a variation of letter magic I used on the lachrima. This way, it can record whatever it needs to record like a letter magic yet it could still be played over and over even after using said magic." Torry gave me a second lachrima, this one was colored purple and pink, "This, gentlemen, is the first edit=ting lachrima. In the case it is needed to project different angles of said script, you would need numerous recording lachrima and I had a Lacrimalist to create a lachrima with magic that's possible to edit recorded numerous visual into one and save it." I then began explaining the idea of a cinema, how using recording lachrima would help remake a story in an outdoor environment and bigger props. Then using the projection lachrima, people can sit back and watch on the large screen.

"So what do you think?"

The two were silent, then they looked at one another and just as fast grasp my hand once more and shook it enthusiastically. They even went as far as twirling around while praising my 'bright idea'. I have nothing more to say the rest of the negotiation was smooth with me agreeing to have 32% of the profit for my copyright.

"Roy...what was..." Lucy who was silent this whole time finally found her voice after being lost at the conversation.

"That, my dear friend, is the start of a great business partnership," I said with a big shit-eating grin.

"...you sound like my father."

That made me sober and blanched, "Don't even joke about that Lucy, if I ever have a stick up in his a-" I coughed, realizing she was barely ten, "I mean a no-fun guy like him then you better kick me in the booty!"

She nodded with a giggled, "Duly noted."

I nodded in return, satisfied that I've done the world a favor by introducing gold entertainment. I then remembered the solemn look she had when I first saw her. "Oh yeah, why weren't you looking so great today?"

The smile she had become a bit forced but she remains smiling nonetheless, "I wanted to say it's nothing but...something's wrong"

"Wrong? What's wrong?"

Lucy sigh once more with a frustrated growl, "That's just it, I don't know! Father has been looking angry a lot and buried himself in his works, there were a few people I don't know coming back and forth talking with mom, and mom is...I don't know but she looked tense"

...I guess I should have expected that arranging to open the Eclipse wouldn't be too down low and poor Lucy couldn't understand anything. I looked at her, the girl who one day would become on par with an S-Class mage, who will one day save her guildmates numerous times, the girl who forgives easily and never stops believing in Fairy Tail.

Right now, she's just an insecure girl with only me as her only friend.

So I did something I knew I would regret, yet was too stupid not to.

"It'll be fine."

I lied.

"Lucy, no matter what, everything will be fine, something important may be happening but once it's over everything will go just as things should be" I made a fake smile and it looked sincere enough for Lucy to perked up.

Looking at her smile, I realized that Lucy had me twirled between her finger hook, line, and sinker. That if she wants to I would do anything to keep that innocent smile of hers.

I mentally sighed heavily, what the hell have I got myself into?

. . .

And so that was the brief summary before the Fated Day. I wasn't sure what to expect when the day came, maybe a burst of magic, an unease feeling, a dream or any kind of sign in the coming future.

What I never expect was that year X777, was the year that fate had a play on me too.