Zrocker119: Sorry for the delay on this one. My beta reader and I were both pretty busy, but we finally managed to get this done.
A Hollow's Fairy Tail
-Start-
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It had only been a few hours after Ryu had awoken from his fatigue induced coma. He was still in the process of regrowing his lost limb, but since his remaining arm now had a thin layer of skin on it, Porlyusica had given him plenty of medical ointment, instructions on how to apply it and booted him and Mira out the door.
He hadn't even gotten a chance to thank her before the old doctor had slammed the door shut right in his face.
Now that he was no longer restricted to a bed, Mirajane decided that it was about time that the two of them head home and take a much-needed shower. It had almost been a week since either of them last had one. Him being unconscious and her having not left his side and all that.
With Ryu having to focus all of his energy on recovering, the walk home took much, much longer than it normally would have. But neither complained about it. For now, Ryu was more than willing to take things easy, and Mira was just glad that he was alive and moving again.
By the time the couple made it through the door, the sun had begun to set. Throwing the shredded remains of his clothes into the garbage, Ryu stepped into the warm shower, allowing the water to run over his form for several minutes before finally grabbing the soap and scrubbing away the built-up grime, taking extra care with his movements so as to not irritate his injuries even further.
He winced as his hand twitches uncontrollably, making his already loose hold on the bar of soap worse and inevitably dropping it.
"Here." The curtains were pushed aside as Mirajane stepped in, picking the bar off of the shower floor. "Let me. The less energy you have to expend, the faster your injuries can heal."
Knowing that it would be pointless to argue over something as mundane as this, even though he was more than capable of doing it himself, Ryu simply allowed himself to fall under her tender care.
As she washed, Mira let her eyes wander down Ryu's back, coming to a rest at the hole that went all the way through to the other side of his chest. Even while knowing what he was, it would take time for her to become accustomed to it.
But just like his mask, she wouldn't let its unsettling presence keep her from loving him.
Ryu's eyes momentarily widened in surprise when he felt her lips pressed against the edge of his hollow hole before relaxing when she hugged him from behind. The two stayed in this position for some time. Standing beneath the running water, enjoying the presence of a loved one.
It was for future moments like these that Ryu would become stronger. Strong enough that any future enemy's spirit would be completely and utterly shattered at the mere thought of crossing him.
It would take time.
He would struggle to surpass his current limits.
But for the happiness of his family.
It would be worth every moment.
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Another two days passed before Ryu felt that he had recovered more than enough to return to the guild, but that was mostly to mentally prepare himself for a conversation that was long overdue as his wounds had healed the morning after his return home.
A proper meal and a night's rest did wonders in that regard. In fact, he felt better than he had ever been in his life as his Reiryoku hadn't just replenished to his max capacity, but had surpassed his previous limit.
Ryu could only guess that by storing a surplus of energy over the course of two years had...stretched out his reserves so to speak. By about three times as much if he were to wager a guess. That was a hell of a lot more power for him to throw around without activating his Resurreccion. Much more than he was used to having.
Putting a pin in those thoughts, Ryu resumed getting ready for the day.
Having gotten dressed in his usual getup he began to reach for his coat, only to stop short as he remembered that it had been completely destroyed during his initial battle with Jose. With its destruction, the tattoo on his neck served as the sole physical reminder of his time as a member of the Espada.
He subconsciously placed his hand against the said tattoo.
It was at this moment that Mira entered, leaning against the doorway, watching him stare at the empty coat rack. "Everything alright?"
Snapped from his stupor, Ryu shook his head in the negative. "Just thought of something stupid."
Mirajane developed a worried gaze. "If you're not ready yet-"
"Mira," standing before her, Ryu tilts her chin up and gives her a quick peck on the lips. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine."
"It's just...I'm not used to having others worry about me." Sure he had his select group of friends back when he was a member of the Espada, but before that, it was every hollow for themselves. Up until his fateful encounter with Nel and her brothers, Ryu had always traveled alone. That's how it had been for the better part of six decades.
But here?
He had barely been in this world for two weeks before Kagura had begun traveling with him. Less than a year later and he was a part of a guild filled to the brim with people he would gladly risk his life to protect.
And until his battle with Jose, Ryu had believed that he was strong enough to protect them all. But he had barely been able to accomplish that. If it hadn't been for that last spurt of power...Ryu didn't even want to ponder the outcome.
Picking up on his mood, Mira gave him a sad smile.
"You aren't in Hueco Mundo anymore, Ryu." She took his hand and held it tight. "And you aren't alone. So there's no need to fight every battle on your own. That's the whole reason we all came to Fairy Tail. To find a place where we can rely on others to see us through the tough times."
"You've been with us long enough to know this. So why do you keep insisting on shouldering everything yourself?" Putting a hand behind his head, Mirajane pulled him towards her until their foreheads rested against one another. "You're strong, Ryu. Stronger than anyone I've ever met, but even you can't bear that weight. So let me, let everyone we love help carry that burden."
Ryu stares for what felt like an eternity before shaking his head, followed by a small laugh. "You're far too good for someone like me." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Much better than I deserve."
"Maybe, but I chose to be with you. Just as you did me." Feeling a hand on the small of her back Mira all but melted into his touch when he leaned in and kissed her. Things began to heat up when his hand snaked its way beneath her top to cup one of her breasts.
While she was all for what he was doing, as her body was aching for such attention after going nearly a week without it, Mira knew that they didn't have the time and had to get going.
So she regrettably had to pull away. "Sorry, Ryu. But we've kept everyone waiting for too long."
Ryu let out a resigned sigh. She was right of course. Every single member of Fairy Tail was anxiously waiting for his return. And even though he was still terrified, if slightly less so, of telling them all the truth, he knew that there was no point in hiding it any longer.
They had seen his hollow hole. They had seen his Resurreccion and the power that came with it. Ryu would tell them the truth. He owed them that much.
But Mira's words had helped. Much more than she could realize. With no further delay, Ryu got off the bed and headed for the door, his hand intertwined with Mira's own.
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Even with magic to assist in cleaning up all the destruction that the battle had left in its wake, there was still so much left to do.
Observing his children helping the townsfolk in the reconstruction efforts, Makarov let out a sigh from his seat, something that was little more than a pile of rubble really. So much destruction. And all for the over-inflated ego of a single man. At least the menace responsible for it all was gone for good.
Speaking of menaces. The aged guild master turned a critical eye to the man that stood off to his left. Shortly after being cleared by Porlyusica, that Ichimaru fellow had left, citing that he had to report what had happened to his superiors. Days later a group of people wearing the sigil of the Rune Knights newest division had shown up.
"If there is something that you wish to say to me, then speak your mind." Mo didn't so much as shift from his stance as he addressed the guild master, keeping his sole eye focused on the mages as they continued their work.
Makarov's brow twitched. Little brat had no respect for the elderly. "I understand why you're here Lieutenant, but do you have to watch my children like they're about to commit a crime?"
"Standard protocol would be for my men and I to take all of you into custody for questioning." He turned his gaze to the guild master. "Be grateful that we were only given orders to keep you and your 'children' from skipping town."
'Well, it wasn't like they could even if they wanted to.' Makarov's eyes shifted to the magic circle that sat on the back of Mo's right hand and then to the enormous sealing array that encompassed the entire town.
For one man to power such a complex sealing array and not require the use of runes like Freed. This Mo character was something else.
Before anything else could be said, Mo suddenly turned his eye to the town's eastern border. A few moments later, Makarov saw exactly why when Ryu and Mirajane rounded one of the many piles of rubble.
His gaze became much more relaxed when he noticed that the redhead was in a much better condition than the last time he had seen him, having appeared to have made a full recovery.
And for Makarov, that was cause enough to celebrate. But judging from the look in the young man's eyes, the day was going to be a long one.
"Glad to see you up and moving Ryu." Makarov put on the best smile he could muster. "We all feared the worst when you fell unconscious."
"Sorry master. Didn't mean to scare everybody." Ryu faced the man dressed in grey and held out a hand. "Mo, right? Gin's spoken about you. Says that you're a good man."
"Amongst other things I'm sure." With a snap of his fingers, a barrier materialized around the four of them, isolating them from background noise. "Just so that we're all on the same page, the commander and I fully believe that Fairy Tail was in the right...in this instance."
His tone, which had been devoid of any emotion up till that point, became much more hardened. "But this will not always be the case, so be grateful that Mr. Sato had the foresight to inform the commander of what was going on before things got completely out of hand."
"However, make no mistake. An incident like this will not happen again. Should another guild, or anyone hostile threaten the stability of peace, you will inform us the moment you're made aware…and step aside."
The Fairy's eyes hardened at the Rune Knights command, Makarov's being the most unsettling.
"My children were ambushed, beaten bloody, with one being all but tortured and yet you would have had me stand aside and do nothing!" The air around Makarov began to shimmer with his magic energy as his rage grew.
Many people had crumpled at the old man's sheer magical might. Dozens upon dozens had met this fate, yet Mo didn't so much as begin to sweat, even as the ground began to crack beneath them. There was a subtle glow from his hand and he snapped his fingers.
The effect was instantaneous.
The shimmer around Makarov ceased to exist, much to the shock of the three guild members. The old man's magic had been completely sealed away, bound within his aged form.
"The purpose of the guild system is to keep the magically aligned members of the world in check, while still allowing them to operate in society." Mo continued, "They take on contracts approved by the council, receive proper payment for services rendered and go about their lives."
"Rune Knights exist to enforce the will of the council, and should a particular individual or group prove too troublesome, the axe is deployed and the mages in question are dealt with accordingly. That is the current system we find ourselves living in."
"Do not take my apathy personally, Makarov. I simply understand more than most about what happens when those with power are left unchecked. The things that I and my soldiers have witnessed..." the light in his sole eye dimmed as a memory played before him. "I will ensure that they never happen again, with all my being."
With a dismissive wave, the barrier dissipated, allowing the noise of the town to return. Mo turned his back to the three, his hands clasped behind his back once more. "The commander will be here with another company of Rune Knights tomorrow afternoon. Until the time in which they arrive, I would suggest convening a guild meeting to get your story straight."
Makarov, seeing that this discussion was over, let out a sigh. As much as he didn't want to hear it, he couldn't fault the man for his view. He remembered the stories that his father told him as a child. About the chaos and destruction before the council's rise to power. Those days were ones that the previous generation didn't look back on fondly.
Signally his children to drop what they were doing, he motioned for them to follow him to a more secluded location.
As people passed them by, every guild member giving Ryu joyful expressions, the Arrancar saw Mo's gaze linger on a particular member. It was only for a moment, but he kept his gaze on Erza for a second longer than the others.
The aforementioned Requip mage didn't notice as she was too busy keeping the others moving along, but Ryu had and was confused as to why.
"Ryu?"
Brought out of his thoughts by Mira's voice, he began to follow after the others. But what had that been all about? He recalled Gin mentioning the brief encounter that Erza and the others had with the Lieutenant during the Eisenwald incident, but the look in the man's gaze didn't stem from a single encounter.
Did he know Erza before that incident?
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The entourage had retreated to what remained of the guildhall. Most of the rubble had been cleared out, allowing for everyone to file in without issue. There was a tense silence as Ryu sat on one of the few bar stools that hadn't been lost during the battle.
To his right stood Mira with a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Taking a calming breath to settle his metaphorical heart, Ryu spoke.
"I'm certain by now that you've all come to the realization that I'm not human. In fact, I haven't been since I was fifteen." When no one spoke up he continued. "I'm something that is known as an Arrancar, a highly evolved subspecies of creatures called hollows. I would be surprised if any of you knew what either of those were, as neither of which are native to this plane of existence."
That drew some looks of confusion from his guildmates. Many began to bombard the redhead with questions, but Makarov hushed them with a raised hand. "I know that all of you have questions, myself included, but nothing will be answered if Ryu's interrupted at every turn. Let him tell his story."
Ryu nodded his thanks to the old man's understanding. "I can't tell you all of the details, cause even though I remember much of my life, some of the more...obscure details are still fragmented. But I'll try to recall everything that I can, just as I did for Mira."
And so, just like he did days before, Ryu recounted his tale. He told them of what he could recall from his early childhood, his teens, and of the eventual death of himself and his younger sister at the hands of the Adjuchas. Of the feeling of his very soul being devoured by the countless number of hollows that resided within the beast's being, and of how he in turn devoured them all and became the dominant soul.
He spoke of the time he wandered the endless sands of Hueco Mundo in solitude, his only interaction with other hollows being when he had to feed before stumbling across the unconscious child form of Nel and her brothers, the latter of which were near death.
After devouring Pesche and Dondochakka, at their request, Ryu had evolved into a Vasto Lorde and from there, things just escalated. He took Nel in, met his best friend Takashi, and was later recruited into the ranks of Aizen's army.
He told them of his time under the wing of Starrk. Of his rise in the ranks that led to his victory against Yammy, who he then consumed, securing his place as the Cero Espada. How he befriended many Arrancar, made enemies of others, before finally arriving at the battle that ended with his second death at the hand of the man he hated, yet respected the most.
"I don't know how or why, but I found myself waking here in Earth Land. I was so angry and confused. And to this day...I still know nothing." Ryu turned his gaze to Mira, "After collecting myself, I just started walking and eventually stumbled upon Elfman, Lisanna, and Mirajane. And from there the rest is history."
"..."
There was a long silence as the guild allowed everything that they had just learned to settle. It was quite the tale that he spoke and it was clear to them all that he was entrusting them with his deepest secret.
But two among them were more confused than the rest. Those two were Levy and Lucy. It was almost like they had heard a similar story, but where?
The two shared a look as they both came to the same realization.
"It was you. You were the one that wrote that book." Lucy covered her mouth at a horrifying realization. "The main character-"
"Was me," Ryu admitted. "I wrote it as a way to acquire some funds as I searched for a way to return home. But now...I think putting my past down on paper was a way for me to vent my frustrations. Help me move on so to speak. The fact that it got popular was just a bonus."
"...So what do souls taste like?" Ryu, along with everyone else blinked at Natsu's absurd question.
"W-what do souls taste like?" Ryu looked at the pinkette with an incredulous expression. Was he being serious right now?
"Yeah," Natsu gave him a toothy smile. "You ate a ton of them so they must've tasted pretty good!"
"...Maybe they taste like whatever the devourer craves the most," Ryu's neck all but snapped towards Erza, who rubbed her chin in thought. "Does that mean that they would taste like strawberry cake?"
Ryu stared, wide-eyed, and absolutely dumbfounded as everyone began to debate about what the souls of the departed would taste like. Hanging his head, Ryu's entire body began to shake, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. The sound of his quiet sobs brought the discussion to an end.
After a moment Ryu wiped his eyes. When he raised his head, the gathered guild was treated to the brightest, close eyed smile that they had ever seen from him.
"They tasted like absolute shit! No texture whatsoever!"
From off to the side, Makarov watched with a grandfatherly smile as the weight was lifted off the redhead's shoulders. And while he was still worried about what tomorrow would bring, he could put those thoughts on hold.
Because right now, the aged man was content to simply sit back and watch his family enjoy one another's company.
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Just as Makarov was told by Mo, Gin had arrived around noon the very next day with a company of Rune Knights in tow. There had been a mild panic from the guilds more...flighty members, but the master had been able to make them settle down.
Over the course of the next several days, each and every member of Fairy Tail underwent the meticulous questioning process. Though they all found the whole thing annoying, no detail was spared as they understood that the guild's livelihood was at stake.
After questioning had been concluded, Makarov and Ryu were approached by Gin, the latter of which stated that he had been ordered to bring the two of them before the Council. Mira was understandably cross when her request to come with was denied, but Gin had reassured her that no harm would come to either of the two. Though it was no secret that the majority of her worry was aimed towards Ryu.
So after a long trip via train, the two requested individuals found themselves standing within the Council's main chambers, with most of the said members glaring down at the two with looks of absolute disdain.
"Why is it that whenever something happens in this country, your guild is somehow involved!?" The absolutely scathing glare that Gran Doma sent their way would've reduced lesser men to ashes. But fortunately, Makarov and Ryu had been on the receiving end of much, much worse, and retained a straight face.
"The supporters for the disbandment of Fairy Tail is at an all-time high. Ten times as much in fact! But despite this," The majority of those present looked like they had swallowed something abhorred at the Chairman's next words, "Fairy Tail has been found not guilty."
Raising a brow, Ryu shared a glance with his diminutive guild master before turning to the council. "So let me get this straight. Our guild was vandalized. Four of our members were assaulted, one of which ended up in critical condition. We retaliated in self-defense and not even a day later, Phantom Lord attempted to kill us all. Not defeat, but kill. And yet our guild was still at risk of being forced to disband."
Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Ryu let out an exaggerated sigh, "I don't think I've ever had to deal with this much bull shit in such a short amount of time. And let me tell you, I've dealt with a lot of bull shit."
Makarov chuckled. "That's politics for you all right."
A few of the more avid haters of Fairy Tail that were present ground their teeth at the blatant display of disrespect from the two wizards, but they managed to keep their rising tempers in check...if barely.
"But while I'm glad about the news," everyone's attention went to Makarov, "Why is it that Ryu was summoned as well? If the council's verdict was the only reason for us being here, then it should've just been me."
"You can thank Councilman Ichimaru for that," Makarov and Ryu both blink at that and turn to the one in question, who up till that point had been standing off to the side. "With the passing of Jose, the Wizard Saints are now short a member. And while he dealt the killing blow, Gin has brought it to our attention that you were the one that forced Jose to retreat, Ryu Sato."
Gran Doma gestured to the Arrancar, "And despite the condition that you were reportedly left in, he has assured us that you would, and evidently have made a full recovery. With all of these factors together, we begrudgingly offer you Jose's former position as a Wizard Saint."
'Ah, so this is what bringing him out was all about.' Makarov thought, watching Ryu out of the corner of his eye, waiting to see the young man's reaction. The opportunity to be recognized as one of the Saints was something that many wizards spent their entire lives striving for.
And yet looking at the young Arrancar, Makarov could see that Ryu didn't seem interested.
The redhead looked to Makarov with a raised brow. "You're one of the Saints. Is there really any benefit to joining?"
"Honestly? Other than bragging rights there aren't any."
Ryu frowned at this information. So unlike when he was granted the title of Espada, he wouldn't be granted any additional benefits. It was literally a title and nothing else.
"But," Makarov continued, "members are held in high regard, within and outside of the magic community. And the two of us being members could serve as a warning to those that would seek to do our family harm."
The Arrancar let an almost feral grin slip out, and with that Makarov knew that he had convinced him to accept the chairman's offer.
"Do I have to sign anything?"
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Kruz tried and failed to hide a yawn as he sat at a bar that was clearly for those among the upper class. Even though he wore a decent enough suit, it was obvious that he stood out like a sore thumb when compared to the regulars, what with their high-quality suits and dresses.
But still, his state of dress wasn't enough to dissuade the gazes of the many women present. Not that he was paying attention to any of them. He had more important things to do.
Speaking of which.
He tapped his empty glass, signaling the barkeep for a reload. Once his glass was topped off, Kruz took a small sip, savoring the burn that the whiskey left in his throat. As he sipped his drink, Kruz let himself relax and listened to the woman singing on the club's stage, accompanied by a saxophone.
The woman was quite talented for one so young. Just where did Sammy find her?
"Damn it. If you're here, then I guess that makes me the last one to arrive."
"I was just outside of Magnolia when I received the call." Kruz glanced at the one that had addressed him. "So I didn't have to travel nearly as far as you."
She was breathtakingly beautiful, with long black hair that reached her back, grey eyes, and rich brown skin. Her choice of attire was rather simple, being nothing more than a simple white blouse, blue jeans and black heels. But even her humble clothes did little to hide her well developed figure.
"That explains it." Snatching the glass from him, Iris downed it all in one go before handing it back. "Ah, I'm so glad that you don't drink the cheap stuff."
Kruz stared at his empty glass for several seconds as he tried to process just what the hell had happened. When his brain finally caught up to speed he immediately deflated and pouted at her. "Why must you always be so cruel to me Iris?"
"Because you make it so easy." She gave him a peck on the cheek, motioning for them to leave. "Now come on, the others are waiting."
With a sigh, Kruz rifled through his pockets. Producing a rather substantial amount of jewels he set them on the counter, he gestured for one of the bottles located on the top shelf.
Bottle in hand the duo headed towards the back of the club towards the stairs, heading up to the second floor. The bouncers gave them no trouble as everyone that worked in the establishment knew that they were associates of the boss.
Upon reaching the second floor, the two saw who awaited them at the end of the hall, each having different reactions. Kruz kept his features schooled while Iris immediately smiled and ran to the figure.
"Drerda/Grandfather!"
Towering head and shoulders over the average person, Drerda was incredibly thin, lacking any sort of well-developed muscles. Completely bald with a grey, neatly trimmed beard, it was easy to see that the man was late into his twilight years.
Dressed in simple white robes with the front left open to reveal his bony chest, he didn't strike an imposing figure. The man was so skinny that it was a wonder that he could stand up straight without outside assistance. The only things that separated him from any other elderly man were the antler-like horns that sprouted from his head and his slitted pupils.
Yet despite his frail appearance, the old man didn't so much as budge an inch when Iris all but threw herself at him with a flying hug.
"Hello to you as well, child," Drerda chuckled, patting her on the head with parental affection.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were still in Alakitasia." Iris questioned, having released him from her hold and stepped back to give him some space. After a moment she sent him a teasing grin. "Did you end up meeting someone? A woman perhaps?"
Drerda let out a bark of laughter. "Oh, there were a plethora of beautiful women. But alas, I'm much too weathered for something like that." He developed a thoughtful expression, "Though there was one that was close to my age, yet one couldn't have guessed that based on her appearance alone."
Kruz couldn't keep it up any longer. Dropping his serious expression he let out a chuckle and pat the old man on the arm as he passed him by. "Easy there old timer. Tell us the details about your lady friend later. We've kept the others waiting long enough as is."
"Fair enough," Drerda conceded. Facing Iris he said, "Though I'm sorry to inform you that Eric won't be attending this meeting. Your flame's condition took a sudden turn and is currently recovering in his room below should you wish to visit him afterward."
The dark-skinned beauty looked dejected but nodded. "I'll do just that. It'll do him some good."
"Make sure you inform Eric of what we discuss during this meeting." Opening the door he continued, "from what little Samuel has revealed to me, our next mission is personal to him." With that said they went inside, the door closing behind them.
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-END-