Wishfull-star: Thanks for commenting on all the chapters. You're one of my few regular reviewers, I really appreciate it!
Beware Ace being inappropriate with Marco in this chapter, but just talk. Enjoy~
Sabo's hands were empty, and Marco was staring at where Ace had been. But Magnolia was back, and the guild was back. Though Sabo and Marco were where Ace had just been, back in his apartment. Sabo acted swiftly, putting a binding around the entire apartment, sealing it so nothing could get in, not even an airflow. But nothing could get out either.
Sabo ordered Marco to get back. He pressed a purple tinted hand to the coffee table, and they saw little bits of light that were so tiny they were not visible grow bigger as they collided, becoming the sizes of water droplets. They all clumped together, and turned into glowing blobs. Marco watched in shock as Ace was reformed by his insanely powerful brother.
Even Ace's clothes reformed, and he was laying on the table, looking pale and sickly. His eyes were empty, but he was breathing. Sabo pressed two green hands to his chest, which sent shocks through Ace's body, making him cry out, but his eyes widened and he seemed to be able to see again, and was scared, shaking and looking around the room.
"Ace, are you okay?" Sabo asked. Marco hurried over without permission yet but wasn't told to stay away. Tears were down Ace's cheeks, and he looked terrified. But Marco gave him an illusion where he was in a comfortable environment with everyone in the guild telling him he was fine. It could be cruel if they weren't all fine, but he needed some reassurance.
Though he conjured Ace's memory of their faces since Marco was unable to do so himself. Ace's body relaxed, and Sabo picked him up and put him to bed. Sabo's body was trembling, and he didn't look too good. When Marco looked at him in concern, Sabo said that it had taken up all his magic energy for awhile. But he wasn't sick from it.
"Do you know what the hell happened?" Marco explained what had happened and where they'd been. Sabo looked shocked there was another world, before he looked just troubled and distracted. Marco didn't say anything, barely knowing him. "Thank you for taking care of him," Sabo said sincerely. "He could have saved all of us. But I want to make sure everybody is back."
Looking out the window, they saw people acting like nothing had happened. Nothing strange. Magnolia seemed to be back. Sabo said he'd be back soon, and left. Marco took Ace's hand, and smiled at his peaceful face, seeming happy in his dream Marco gave him. He had no idea he could be so worried and concerned about someone who was just a loose friend.
Ace was just so kind and understanding that Marco had protected him. He didn't even make a conscious decision about it. No wonder Thatch adored him.
-x-
Opening his eyes slowly, Ace saw the scene around him fizzle away. It was all an illusion. He looked around, and saw his friends and family were there. Those he was closest to. His brother and team. They were all asleep, scattered around his small bedroom. Was he sick? All he remembered was kind words in a kind voice. Marco's voice that kept telling him he was safe and okay. Praising him for using his magic. What happened? He wondered where he was and if he was okay. He tried sitting up, but had never felt so tired or weak.
Erza was the one to notice first, having been awake. She looked in utter relief and moved to his bedside. Everyone was really cramped in here, it wasn't a large bedroom and most of it was taken up by furniture. Nobody was on the bed with him. Erza helped prop him up so he didn't fall asleep again.
"How do you feel?" she asked in a whisper.
"Mm… tired."
"I bet. You did something pretty crazy," she said, but in a fond voice. He didn't ask what happened, and instead asked if everyone was okay, worried but not knowing why. "Everybody is just fine. It's late, so most have probably gone home by now. Are you hungry?" she asked. Ace's stomach growled in response, and he nodded. She managed to step around everyone and left the room to get him something to eat.
She came back with two muffins Thatch made. A blueberry and banana one. Through the open door, he saw Thatch sleeping against the couch and Marco's head draped over the arm of the sofa. He couldn't lift his arm, so Erza helped him eat, and didn't make him feel embarrassed or ashamed.
After he was finished with food, he drifted back to sleep, just like all the others in the room. The next time he woke up, it was sunny, though the curtains were closed. Everyone had other muffins in their hands and Ace smelled cooking food. Thatch was making breakfast. He tried sitting up, and felt much better than last time he was awake.
He was glad that nobody shouted his name. Not even Natsu. They all crowded his bedside, Sabo shedding many tears. "What happened? Is Marco okay?" he asked. Marco walked in the doorway in pajamas, looking at him in relief and fondness. Marco explained their side of the story while Natsu explained his. Only Natsu and Marco knew what happened, everyone else had not gone through it.
Well, Wendy and Gajeel did too, but they weren't there. Ace was shocked to hear about the other world, and felt bad about what he'd done. He'd stolen away all their magic power. "In the end, it was a good thing. They were all warring over it anyways. Taking the magic away was the best thing for them all," Wendy said.
Ace had no other choice but to trust her, and was glad he didn't end their world. "Man, you absorbed the whole world's magic. I can only assume it was a small world," Gray said. He was glad none of them called him reckless because he would never choose to do such a thing. "Everyone's safe, plus someone we thought was dead for two years. Mira and Elfman's little sister."
"Lisanna?" Ace asked. Gray nodded. Lucy added that Happy and Carla's kind came back with them when all magic was brought back to Earthland. They hadn't been affected by Ace taking the magic, which nobody understood. Ace smiled lightly. "I did good?"
"You did awesome!" Natsu said, but not too loud. "But you're only safe cause Marco took care of you." He didn't sound angry or disappointed, which was a relief. Ace smiled at him and thanked him.
Marco nodded. Erza smiled and said it was a very Fairy Tail thing to do. Well, this was a good way to be welcomed. Taking care of Ace like he did, helping everyone come back and all. Ace was happy for him. He apologized for worrying everyone. Though hobody made it seem like he was an inconvenience.
Sabo smiled and said, "You gotta stop saving everyone and wrecking your body." It was only twice, not that big a deal. And he hadn't meant to do it this time. So there was no point in scolding him. "I guess you're right. Do you want to stand up?" Ace nodded, and was helped out of bed. He was in pajamas, too. All of them were, so that meant they all purposely planned to spend the night there.
He was able to walk relatively fine all things considered. He made a beeline to Marco and hugged him. "Thank you."
"No problem," Marco said back, patting his back. Ace pulled away and hugged Thatch, too, glad he was safe. And he wanted to see everyone else and make sure they were really all okay. After they all ate breakfast, they headed back to the guild. Ace was happy no citizens were worshipping him again. Nobody remembered it happening but those who were awake during it. And of course they believed their guild members' wild claims.
Plus, where would Lisanna and the flying cats have come from? Gajeel had a cat now, too. Panther Lilly. It was funny in a way. He could walk just fine, and Marco and Sabo were getting along very well. Sabo had explained during breakfast what happened to Ace and how Sabo had pretty much brought him back from the dead. That was really, really scary.
Nobody else in the guild would have been able to do that, and Ace probably would have been permanently gone. But he wasn't, because his brother was an amazing bad ass. When they got to the guild, Ace inspected it to make sure it really was there, and then went inside, seeing those who had gathered this early. Everyone seemed healthy enough, alive.
Those who were there were happy he was awake and safe, but didn't crowd him. "I'm glad everyone is okay, too," Ace said sincerely. The Master walked up to him, and stood there. He deeply apologized for putting Ace in a tough spot like that again. "I didn't mean to do it at all. It just happened. I was lucky, I guess, that everyone ended up okay," he said.
"Again, can't take a compliment," Sabo said, but his voice was fond. Everyone around smiled. Ace was apparently notorious for that. Makarov turned to everyone and announced they would be having a party. Thatch immediately ran to the kitchen to make sweets for it. Mira served alcohol, and it was just a good time.
Ace didn't ask about Edolas much, feeling bad to send them all into a panic, but Panther Lily came to him, and said apparently that was always the plan from Mystogan. He just didn't need to do it himself. "You shouldn't feel bad about it. It was inevitable." Ace nodded. "Still, being able to handle all that magic power inside you, is admirable." Panther Lily was black, and his ears were rounded. He wasn't as adorable as Happy. But his deep vice contrasted from his small appearance.
Lucy gave Ace a look when he opened his mouth to unintentionally dispute the compliment, and just thanked the Exceed for it instead. It was hard to take compliments when he felt he hadn't achieved anything. It was an accident. A painful one, and one that nearly got him killed twice. But he was just happy it turned into everyones' favor in the end. The party was nice, and Marco was completely welcomed, and he looked overjoyed to be treated this way, like one of them already. Ace was so happy for him. What a good guy. Ace knew he'd be great friends with him.
-x-
"Now's the time to go on jobs, Ace. Marco, too." They planned to be a new team. Marco and Sabo got along together well, and both were fine with teaming up. Ace was glad this meant he wasn't split three ways. And Sabo had someone to go on missions with him when Ace was away with his other team.
Marco wondered why, and they picked a relatively simple S-Class job. It was nearby, so they wouldn't be goon too long. Though that's what they thought when Ace got bitten by that leech. Sabo said the S-Class trial was coming up soon, so everyone did their best right beforehand. Ace wanted to be S-Class, too, but wasn't going to push for it.
Unlike everyone else, Ace really didn't feel too impatient to be as good as his brother officially. He wanted to pace himself, and didn't mind if he wasn't chosen. He just wanted to get stronger even if he wasn't chosen. But Sabo kept saying it was possible he was going to be selected. Ace didn't get his hopes up, but did think it would be cool to take part, even if he lost.
The three headed to the train station, meeting a crowd of other guild members off on their own jobs. Ace sat beside Marco, and Sabo sat across from them. Ace fell asleep immediately, leaning against Marco, who was unbothered. The ride wasn't too long, and they got off with a large handful of their nakama, who were all in an uncomfortable hurry.
The three rented out a MPV to get them there. Sabo used it, using his own magic power. Ace and Marco sat in the back. "Tic tac toe? What? I wouldn't want to be completely bored here," Marco said, repeating what Ace had said in Edolas, where he did get his memories back at their time on the floating island, but not after he absorbed all the magic. Everything after that was blank. He rolled his eyes, but they started the game
When they got to the place, it was a huge reservoir that was empty, and had monsters resting inside. Magic creatures that looked like huge bats. "This looks fun," Marco said in an insincere voice. Ace reminded him that this was an S-Class job. "Yeah." They headed to the person who posted it, but instead of finding a person or home, they came across a pole in the ground that had an etching on a sign nailed to it. There was a sack below the wood full of the money they would be awarded.
The sign read: Dear wizards, thank you for accepting my request. At this time, I am most likely dead. The monsters below will have completely drained me of life by now. My body is nowhere to be found, don't look. The monsters have emptied the reservoir of all water, and then killed off any residents in the area. This job is more to avenge all of the innocent's killed than to help someone in the present.
Good luck. You will need it
"Lovely," Ace grumbled. "Now what? I don't want to risk absorbing anything else." Sabo stood aside, and they asked him for advice. He said he wasn't giving any unless they were in danger. No matter how long it took, they would do this mostly on their own. If they solved this on their own, it would look great to the Master." Ace agreed to it, even if he was nervous.
"Remember team work. The others try to go at it alone, but the Master prefers when they are good at team work with more than one person."
Ace told Marco he could try to lock them all in hallucinations, and Ace could just burn them all to death. Maroc said he'd try, but his range wasn't big enough for the whole pit, emptied of the water it once had. "If they come closer, can you reach them, then?"
"Yeah. the worst thing they could do is get closer." Ace nodded, and Marco blanketed the area with his magic, and all the bat monsters slowly got dizzy and started to fall off the walls. Ace created a huge ball of fire and chucked it at the pile of half the monsters of the reservoir. They screeched as they burnt. Many flew at Ace, but Marco redid his spell, and Ace burnt them to ash.
They got fast and came at them from every direction. Ace created a wall of fire around them, and Marco forced Ace to imagine himself being even stronger than this, which spurred him on unconsciously to make it better. Lances of flames shot out and skewered the monsters, continuing to burn as they died from the injuries. Once Marco heard it was quiet, he released the hallucination from Ace. Sabo looked shocked.
"Hehe, we wanted to try that after talking last night." Ace was still living at Thatch's and Marco was sleeping on the futon couch they'd bought. Sabo looked in awe and then grinned. Ace turned to the empty reservoir. He looked around before he saw something congealed to the wall of the other side. He slid down the wall, freefalling as Marco and Sabo shouted his name.
But he landed with no problem, being made of fire, and climbed up the side, shooting fire out of his feet to get him there faster. He was able to keep his shoes now. Once he reached the congealed stick, he burnt it away to see there was a huge eye staring at him. Something else was there.
Without hesitation, he thrust his hand in and spread his flames through the rock, making the creature inside squeal. He heard its vibrations against the rock wall before it stilled. Water started to leak out, so Ace climbed up the top and burnt the rock below away, since most of it was compact soil.
The monster was pushed out, and water poured out of the gap, filling the whole empty space. Ace cheered from the other end. Marco and Sabo grinned. Ace slipped and entered the water when he was turning to run along it. Fear gripped him, and Sabo freaked. But Ace could swim, and pulled his head above the water. He wasn't drowning!
He hadn't tried to swim before, not since he arrived. Not once, too scared. But he was doing it! He swam to the edge, with the whole thing full before he fell in, so he wasn't sucked down. He climbed over the side and dried himself with fire.
"I did it! Sabo, I didn't drown!" Ace shouted proudly. Sabo let out a frustrated sigh, and told him not to worry. "You placed your worry in the wrong thing."
"Shut up. Let's go. We got the money. I can't believe you both finished so fast. And came up with that idea! Wendy's magic is good for support, but yours more like hijacked Ace and made him stronger," Sabo said in great interest.
Ace smiled, and said he was aware, but still seeing things that weren't happening. "If you spoke to me, I'd be able to answer, but it would just be distracting." Sabo complimented the control Marco had over his illusions. It was a nicer word than using hallucinations, which was more accurate. It affected the mind, not the surroundings.
When they were on their way back to the bike, they found a snake or something had popped the tire. Since it happened a few hours ago, Sabo couldn't completely fix it. His healing powers were finicky. So they needed to walk. By the time they made it back to the nearest city, they still had a three hour downhill hike to the train station.
"I assumed this mission would take longer than it did. We can spare a hotel room tonight," Sabo decided. Ace had the money with them, and they paid for one room. Two beds. So someone would share. Ace was fine with either of them. They had food at a little shack restaurant and then went back to the hotel.
Sabo said he wanted some information about the place they just left, feeling he should have gotten it beforehand, and went downstairs to talk to the workers and guests, leaving Ace and Marco in the room, changing into pajamas.
"We were so cool. If I do get accepted to the S-Class trial, will you be my partner?" Ace asked. Marco was surprised, and asked about his other teammates. "No way would Sabo be allowed to be my partner, and choosing one of my other team would just make the others upset. Plus, if I make it, there's no way Natsu and Gray wouldn't. Erza also wouldn't be allowed to be my partner, either.
"And Lucy isn't strong enough for me. Don't ever tell her I said that, she'd feel really discouraged." Marco promised he wouldn't say anything, and accepted the invitation to be partners. "It would be so cool. Me and Sabo would be the official strongest siblings. Since Mira is already an S-Class and she had teamed up with Elfman and Lisanna."
Ace took off his socks and flopped onto the bed. He looked at Marco for a second before he decided. He climbed on top of Marco, and straddled him, surprising the older man. "I'm gonna kiss you. Okay?" he asked confidently, shocking Marco before he was the one to grab Ace's face and pull him down for a kiss.
His hands sunk into Ace's hair and Ace's went along Marco's biceps. It was messy, and Ace knew he'd never kissed anyone before. Marco's hands ran down Ace's back, but the moment they heard the key click for Sabo coming in, Ace jumped off of Marco, and they pretended they were just talking.
Sabo looked at them both. "Oh come on, you think I can't tell?" he asked in exasperation. "Your faces are all red, lips bruised and panting. Thanks for stopping when I came in, though." Ace took off his watch and tossed it at Sabo before they all laughed about it. The freckled teen really liked this new team!
-x-
"I have a new idea."
"Oh no," Marco said.
"It'll be fun. For me." Marco rolled his eyes. It was the day of the S-Class announcement, but Ace was sure he wouldn't be chosen based on his previous mess ups. He saved everyone, sure, but he had also done it on accident and put himself out of commission. They were the only ones at the table, everyone else near the front for the announcements.
He whispered his plan to Marco, making his face turn red. "You're right, that is mostly for you." It had only been a day since they kissed, pretty much its own confession, but nobody else knew but Sabo. Ace's plan was to alter his senses so that Marco could do whatever he wanted to Ace and heighten all of them if he wanted. To fully be in control of Ace's body. It was an exciting thought.
They turned to the side, and saw Wendy looking at them with a bright red face. Enhanced senses from being a dragon slayer. She heard them. Ace put a finger to his lips, and she flushed and nodded, hurrying away. "You've scarred her."
"I didn't go into detail. It's all your decision." Marco raised his brows. "Do whatever you want to me," Ace whispered, turning Marco's face red. Ace giggled, but were brought to attention to when his name was called. He looked up and saw the Master standing on the stage, calling the participant's names. Ace blinked a few times before getting up and hurrying over. His name was listed in the air as a candidate. The only one who was surprised was Ace, it seemed. Next were Gray, Natsu, Cana, Elfman, Levy, Freed, Juvia and Mest. Ace was shocked, but honored, too.
He wasn't even there a year and he was already chosen to have his go at it? He beamed, proud of himself for once. He was clearly seen a competent to the Master, the highest authority and opinion over his own. Natsu and Happy were already decided, and Gray was teamed with Loke, which was interesting.
The location would be at Tenrou Island, a sacred ground for Fairy Tail. Sounded fun. He wondered what kind of place a sacred ground for the guild would look like. He was excited. Even Sabo looked excited.
Others were picking their partners and Ace was glad his was already decided. All the S-Class wizards but for Laxus and Mystogan, who was gone, would be taking part. Ace might have to go against his brother, and knew he'd lose. "Well, we're partners now," Ace said, sitting across from Marco. His face was still pink and eyes wide. Maybe he was still imagining what he would do to Ace.
"Are you nervous about the S-Class? You'll be going against strong guys, too," Ace said, trying to get Marco attention away from his imagination, even though it was kind of satisfying to see him this way. But Marco pulled his mind away, and said he'd be there to support Ace. He wouldn't fail him. Ace smiled and nodded.
By the end of the day, everyone decided on their partners. Some were unexpected, but it ended up being almost every single young member that was talented, and even those who weren't. Ace was excited, and shocked that he got in on his first year. Though Juvia made it, too. He wondered if they would fight. Someone made of water versus someone made of fire. Ace would lose probably.
He'd vowed to never take away the magic of his family, even if he were against them. In a fight, not like how it was with the Laxus fight. Ace wondered where he was and what he was doing, now. He assumed he would hate Ace for ruining his plan or something. But Ace hated him, too. So it didn't really matter.
Sabo came and sat next to him, hugging him tightly. "Good job, bro."
"It's all thanks to you for taking me on the S-Class jobs," Ace replied. Sabo gave him a look. "Sorry. Thank you." He really noticed just how he couldn't take a compliment. He countered it almost every time, and didn't do it on purpose. It just came out automatically. Sabo grinned and told him he might end up facing him.
"I know all your moves and secrets. You'll be lucky to not face me," Sabo taunted. Ace scowled at him, and said he'd want no pity or sympathy. "Of course I'd feel bad failing my own brother. Just because I might be your obstacle doesn't mean I'll go easy and enjoy failing you." Ace nodded. "I'm so proud. It was my second year that I became S-Class."
Ace said, "You know you were twelve when that happened? There's no way my nearly 18 year old body can win and get the same credit as a literal child." Sabo for once looked embarrassed, and muttered it wasn't talent, just determination. "For me. You got strong for me," Ace said fondly. Marco smiled too. He didn't know about the brothers' birthplace, and Ace found no reason to say anything. Marco didn't speak of his childhood or anything.
But Ace had to admit, and he knew Sabo felt the same, knowing there are other worlds and that some of those from that world traveled here made them feel like less of freaks. It was a good feeling, really.
Ace went to his friends' table, and Wendy was there, having gone on some missions with the main team with Ace not there. She looked at him with a red face. "Seriously, it's fine," Ace said kindly. "Still Ace, right?"
"What are you talking about?" Gray asked. Ace waved it off, and didn't say anything, but Wendy did become less uncomfortable seeming. "I'm surprised you teamed up with Marco. He's really new."
"We have an unbeatable technique. Even Sabo thought it was awesome and was shocked. We'll be fearsome, just you wait. But I really don't want to face Sabo. It'll be easy against me since he'll know everything." Elfman pointed out that Ace knew his magic, too. "Nope. There's too many colors for me to keep track of. I just know his main ones."
"I'll beat him easily!" Natsu cheered. Sabo wished him luck, and it irked Natsu. He was so jealous. Elfman stated that. "I'll beat Sabo and Erza and Gildarts! Just you wait. Me and Happy will whoop your asses."
"Aye!"
Ace grinned, and looked to Juvia, complimenting her on making it the first year, too. "Juvia is only for Gray-sama." Ace wanted to tell her he was wildly uninterested in her, but didn't say that. They'd keep it a secret for now. Who knows how everyone would react? But… there had to be some gay people in the guild, by numbers alone. He just didn't know them.
"I don't think it's fair for Gray to have Loke," Lucy said a bit sourly. Ace reminded her that she had a bunch of allies with her in her keys. "Still… they take up magic energy to summon, and sometimes I can't call them due to scheduling. I love them, but there are some weaknesses," she explained honestly. "Your magic is powerful, but both you and Juvia have weaknesses, too."
Lisanna said that everyone had weaknesses and strengths. "Men don't have weaknesses!"
"Then you're not a man," Gray smirked, earning an argument with Elfman that resulted in a broken table and scattered conversation. Ace returned to Sabo and Marco. He was happy.
Yup, Sabo literally brought Ace back to life. He is a god. Tenrou Island is coming soon!