Ever since Gabriel joined Zeldris and his friends, time seemed to flyby. March turned to June far too quickly for some and not soon enough for others. Especially for those that were training for the Grand Magic Games that year.
Since Zeldris joined nearly 1 year ago, he wanted to represent the guild in the games. This was known to many in the guild and his enthusiasm pushed others to train even harder.
It was June the 25th, the day Master Makarov planned to announce who was going to be competing in the games. Zeldris, Romeo, Terra Mere, and Gabriel were all sitting in one of the third level booths waiting for the announcement to happen.
"I hope at least one of us get picked for the games" Zeldris said quite excitedly.
"You're really hyped about this aren't you Zel?" Terra Mere inquired. He nodded in response.
"We've all been working on our teamwork and individual strength, especially since Gabriel came along, so Master is bound to pick at least one of us" Romeo said optimistically.
Gabriel nodded in agreement, happy to be with the team, his life having turned for the better since joining.
The guildhall was at or just near full capacity, many members were on the main floor and in the levels below Zeldris and his friends.
Makarov finally stepped out onto the main stage, in front of a green stage curtain with an orange guild logos, the crowd erupted into a roar of celebration, he then spoke loudly, "children, simmer down!"
He then continued, "now, a new tradition has happened in our guild. Since the return of the Tenrou team in x791, we have won every time we have competed in the Grand Magic Games with our two teams". The crowd had gone silent, listening to his every word. "The rules have been changed slightly this year in an attempt to curb our winning". Murmurs of annoyance were heard from the crowd regarding this statement. "The number of teams is being expanded to ten and the number of days with events and battles in a row has been extended to five". The crowd nodded in an interested understanding.
"Additionally, a final rule change that we have been informed of is, we must declare our five team members and designated reserve members. So, with no further delay it is time to announce the members competing in this year's grand magic games. On team A, our newest S-class wizard Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, Erza Scarlet, Lucy Heartfilia, and Wendy Marvell. The reserve members for team A will be, Juvia Lockser and Elfman Strauss". Excited murmurs could be heard from everyone.
"No surprises there" Zeldris said, rolling his eyes. He was getting fidgety and was hoping his chance would come on team B. The trio that surrounded him were getting worried as they watched their friend and his increasing anticipation.
"Now for our team B, Laxus Dryar, Gajeel Redfox, Mirajane Strauss, Elfman Strauss, and Cana Alberona" some odd murmurs came from the crowd. "Additionally, Freed Justine will be the reserve member for team B".
"Sir how can Elfman be a reserve for one team and competing on the other?" a voice in the crowd asked, belonging to no one in particular.
"Because I'm a real man!" bellowed Elfman.
Makarov cleared his throat, "there is a loophole in the rules that allows one member to be on multiple teams so long as they change back to a reserve member for the other team".
"Is anyone else going to be allowed to compete?" another person from the crowd asked.
The master shook his head, and the crowd began to disperse rather disappointed. Zeldris returned to his seat fuming. No one spoke, the trio could feel the anger with their friend, it was beyond palpable. He was seething in fury. Slamming his fist down angrily on the table before he got up to leave. No one at the table said a word until he was well out of shot.
"Should we go after him?" Terra Mere asked quite concerned for their group leader's wellbeing.
Romeo and Gabriel shook their heads, "he's been royally humbled, and he is going to reflect on that" Gabriel said.
Zeldris slunk out of the guild, taking a back exit. He walked towards the east forest, to the hill he rested on when he journeyed to the guild for the first time. He looked at the summer sun as it began to set, staying silent. That was, until a certain set of footsteps came towards him.
"Zeldris, I take it you are disappointed about my announcement today?" Master Makarov said.
"What do you want? Are you here to continue to punish me for what happened?" Zeldris said in an empty monotone response.
"For such a talented wizard you are short in manners as you are height" Makarov said in response. Zeldris turned to glare at him before returning to his gazing out at the horizon.
"Zeldris, I remember the day you arrived at the guild, how happy you were to find the Fairy Tail guild, and more importantly how eager you were to join it" Makarov added.
"This decision was not influenced by what happened in the s-class trial" Makarov added. Zeldris rolled his eyes at his remark.
"I want to know something-" the master said, before Zeldris cut him off.
"You want to know what happened on that day, why I went berserk, and why I hurt three of my fellow guild members? Why I left them?" Zeldris said, he seemed to relax a tad, as if a weight was beginning to be lifted off him.
"In a manner of speaking, yes" the master responded, in a tone of annoyance.
"I only remember bits and pieces; I remember a successful start of our battle. Then Wendy transformed into her dragon force and Carla turned into her human form. After that Freed was defeated and he tried to throw the fight regardless of what I wanted, or what I could do because I couldn't get to their level" Zeldris finished.
He paused, thinking about his next words, "I felt an anger boiling inside of me, it quickly overtook me. The next thing I know, I saw Wendy and Carla brusied and unconscious, it did not seem like they were breathing, and I genuinely feared I had killed them. A panic filled me and I then fled the scene".
"I see, please continue Zeldris" Master said, hanging on every word that was said.
"After that I flew away, fearing I would be tracked down and killed for my actions" Zeldris continued, now looking up towards the yellow and orange looking sky of the sunset, "I did not eat or drink anything for a month. I wandered the Worthwood sea for what felt like a decade. Time had no meaning to me". A weak smile came across his face, "and then this angel rescued me" he finished.
Makarov could not help but grin at this and said, "I'm very aware Zeldris, the story has caused quite a stir".
Zeldris quietly chuckled before sighing and returning to his gaze.
"I want to offer you an olive branch" Makarov said, breaking the silence. "I will offer you the number one reserve slot for the B team". Zeldris turned to face Makarov in a silent shock that spoke volumes for the wizard left speechless.
"There is one stipulation, you must learn to hold back in battle. You must learn to spare your enemies, as violence will only lead to more violence. This lesson was taught to me when I became guild master" Makarov finished.
Zeldris stood up as the sun finally set behind the horizon and dusk set on the town of Magnolia. He walked over and shook the master's hand saying, "I shall not fail you master; I only hope to be able to represent the guild that was willing to save me" he finished.
Master Makarov, "everyone in the guild will be watching you with interest to ensure things go smoothly".
Zeldris nodded in understanding before he began to walk home, with the weight of the tragedy lifted from his conscious. Confident he would never lose control again.