Disclaimer: I am not the owner of Fairy Tail
"Someone from Shishko Village is requesting an audience with you today." August was sitting with Zeref in his office, looking over some of the reports sent back from Irene. She'd apparently been investigating a dark guild on the border, one which was rumored to have attempted some form of black magic. The report said she'd yet to find conclusive evidence, but that she had observed them breaking other laws in their work. The number of members was greater than reported in the last census, and they had not submitted an updated form. So, they had wizards practicing illegally, which was its own crime separately.
Shishko Village, on the other hand, was on the opposite side from the guild Irene was investigating. It was one of the mountain villages, which survived based on the enchantments he had to assist in the growth of their crops. "I have time today. Have them be shown to the courtyard, and I will meet them there." It was typically where he met with others. The actual throne room just seemed too…imposing, for most situations. For hearing small complaints and requests, he preferred an open area with a friendlier atmosphere, to inspire comfort in others and keep himself more relaxed as well.
August left to do as asked. In the meantime, Zeref finished a response to Irene on how to handle the situation. Illegal wizards were to be arrested, as per policy. The guild leader was to be brought to Zeref as well, which wasn't quite as typical. Given the suspicions about the guild, he wanted to speak with the man in person to question if enough laws had been broken to warrant disbanding of the guild. Given her strength, it shouldn't take long for her to manage, at least.
After a few moments, Zeref sealed the letter and left in on a stack to be sent out to various individuals for communication. He began making his way to the courtyard. As he did so, he passed by Dimaria coming in, making him blink in surprise. "You've returned? I was not aware you had arrived." He paused for a moment, seeing her smirk.
"Yeah, well, I'm not gonna just sit around for long when Randi's out making friends without me." Her grin widened, and she placed a hand on her hip. "Plus, I hear this friend of hers has got you being all romantic and mushy for a change. I'm not going to pass up the chance to see that."
Scowling, Zeref shook his head. "I'd hardly describe it as that."
"No one ever does, but it is always true." With a wave of her hand, she spun around and walked off. "Anyway, I was off to see Randi first, not you. We do have a shopping trip to plan, and she always tries to make them way too long if I'm not there to slow her down."
He nodded, seeing her walk off. With a sigh, he returned to his former path towards the courtyard. Having Dimaria here meant Levy would be leaving on a trip with them soon. It'd likely be the first day in weeks now that he'd go without seeing her. Yet, it was something he had to get used to. She'd be out visiting Fairy Tail for far longer than a day, when she did return. So, while he might wish for her to remain, it wasn't as if he could complain. He'd just have to…entertain himself. With something.
Really, did he have any hobbies of his own? The more he thought about it, the deeper his frown grew. He hadn't really needed something to occupy his free time in a while. Usually, he spent it meditating to try and push back the curse's next outbreak for as long as possible. Plus, while in isolation, it was difficult to obtain any supplies or materials for hobbies. He supposed he could work towards creating new spells, but they just seemed…purposeless at the moment. He had no reason for new magics, and no inspiration for something to create.
His mind was still lost in thought when he entered the courtyard, the concentrated frown remaining on his face. A young woman rose to her feet at the table when he entered, bowing towards him. "Thank you for seeing me, your Majesty." He nodded, taking the seat across from her. She swallowed, lowering her gaze. "I'm sorry if I was…disturbing you. However, there have been issues that I wanted to speak with you about in our village."
She was their…mayor, if he remembered correctly. At least, she held some sort of leadership position among the town. He struggled sometimes, remembering which villages still had them and which simply deferred to his say on policies these days. Alvarez was too large to keep track of it mentally. "And given the fact that you've come here, I take that to mean they are dissatisfied with my actions as of late?"
The woman quickly shook her head. "No! Not at all, your majesty. They are quite pleased with your leadership." Her name…he'd met with her before, so he should know it. His brow furrowed..Maria? He thought that was it, but perhaps he had remembered incorrectly. "No, I'm here for a request that you have every right to refuse. I know it is not typical, but I wish for you to personally come to our village for assistance, rather than your generals."
That was peculiar. He tilted his head, trying to see if her body language said anything as to why. She was tense as she gave her request, yet she had not hesitated to speak her mind. He couldn't say much, just given that. "Do you not think they are capable of handling the issue?"
She swallowed. "Maybe Lady Irene. But no, I do not think the others could." Irene? If she was capable, then surely August would be included. Though, maybe she was more partial towards the female general. The people always had their preferences, in one way or another. "You see, there is something wrong with the crops, your majesty. They were growing well, as scheduled given the magic you've provided us with, but just a few days ago, something went wrong. The wheat fields were wilted, the crops dried and unusable for harvest. So, we sent someone to inspect the G-Amplifier you'd constructed."
He wasn't the sort to give complex names to spells. The enchantment for the growth amplifier, or G-Amplifier as she'd called it, was attached to a simple sheet of metal or wood, whichever he got his hands on first. Then, he would burry it under the ground, near the area he wished to have effected. The fields within a certain radius around it would then be granted the benefits of the spell. "Has the spell deteriorated in some way?" He had not been out to reenforce them recently. It was possible that time had weakened it, and he needed to create a new one for them.
She shook her head. Then, she frowned and paused. "Well, actually, I suppose I don't know if it has." He narrowed his eyes. "You see, the guild we sent to inspect it, their wizards returned to us saying it was gone. The amplifier has been stolen."
He froze, stiffening at the table. Hadn't he just spoken with Levy about the possible ramifications of someone getting ahold of that enchantment? Yet, here it was, actually occurring. Was there anyone within Alvarez that had a motive for taking it? Villages that struggled for crops were given one freely, so long as they made the proper requests of course. Neighboring nations weren't even aware that they utilized magic for agriculture, so they were not a candidate either. It had to have been someone within the empire.
Maybe the dark guild Irene wrote to him about was involved. It seemed unlikely, given their guild hall being located so far away…but it wasn't impossible. Perhaps the distance was used as a tactic to throw suspicion away from them, and still obtain the spell. Dark guilds would have far more potential uses for it than legitimate ones, and this one had already been suspected of investigating black magic. If they had gotten stuck and trapped in their research, it wouldn't surprise him for them to seek out one of his own spells, wherever they could find it.
"I know you only grant one G-Amplifier per region, your majesty. But, our town needs those crops for survival. We have some food stores available, and should manage until next year but without another plan in place, that's about how long we'll manage."
He nodded, shaking his head and running a hand through his hair. Whoever had taken it shouldn't be his priority, not with the issue it caused. "I see." He frowned, tilting his head. "You requested me…to revive the crops then?"
She lowered her gaze. "It is within your capabilities." She was quiet, avoiding his gaze. "But of course, I know you have other tasks to handle. You don't typically use your magic so directly either, and you are wise in choosing to do so. But I had to make this request. I couldn't just stand by and do nothing, not with the risk it puts my friends and family in."
"I would have done the same, had I been in your situation." He paused, nodding towards her. "I am not angered by your request in any way; more accurately, I am angered by whoever thought they could steal from me and get away without punishment." Being honest was the best plan, as he knew he was growing agitated considering the possibilities. She'd see that, and consider her request at fault for his attitude. "I assure you, we will get to the bottom of this." He paused. "Give me a moment to speak with my generals here. We will return to Shishko after I have informed them of the issue that is developing, and my reasons for leaving."
She blinked at him, her eyes growing wide. "You'll come back with me?" He nodded, and she looked ready to cry as she slumped in her chair. "Thank you, your majesty. For your kindness, and your assistance. Shishko cannot repay you enough for this."
He nodded, smiling over at her. "Think nothing of it." After all, this was a personal matter for him as well. Someone was stealing his magic, his spells. They were not meant to be taken so easily, nor without thought for the dangers they could pose.
First, Zeref returned to his office. August was getting the letters ready to send out there, and glanced up when he entered. "August…it appears as if I must leave Vistarion to handle an issue in Shishko." The elderly man blinked at him, raising his eyebrows.
"You are personally handling the matter?"
Zeref nodded, still tense as he considered who might be responsible. Whoever it was, they would regret interfering with his empire. "Someone has stolen the G-Amplifier from that region." August stiffened, his eyes widening.
"It is gone?" Zeref nodded. "That is peculiar. The spell is specifically tailored for crop growth. It has few uses beyond that."
"Unless they are attempting to decipher a similar spell."
They were both quiet for a moment. Then, August slowly nodded. "I see. You are concerned that someone is utilizing it to learn living magic?" Zeref nodded. "If you'd like, I could accompany you in your investigation."
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I will be declining." He glanced at the door. "Levy is still here, and I wish for her to remain comfortable with someone she is familiar with. While there is also Invel…he tends to be fairly strict in keeping her studying, when she also deserves to relax and enjoy this place as she wishes."
"So you require me to keep Invel in line?"
Zeref nodded. "As much as Levy allows, yes. She is quite…insistent, on leaving things as they are for now. However, I believe that if you are here, Invel will at least be somewhat more cautious with his behavior, knowing you'll report what he does back to me."
The man nodded. "Of course. Levy can handle herself as needed, but I suppose Invel still holds more respect for you than he does her." Zeref let out a breath, and nodded towards him. "I shall handle things here, like usual. Brandish and Dimaria are here as well, so there are extra hands if needed too."
"For now…I trust your decisions, August." The man frowned, and Zeref glanced back at him. "Run things with my authority for the time being. I'd prefer not to have excessive work to catch up on when I do return."
"Of course." He paused. "Are you leaving immediately?"
"I must speak with Levy first, but afterwords…" He sighed, shaking his head. She had plans, to get to know Dimaria and Brandish. He didn't know if she'd wish to follow him, or remain and potentially visit Fairy Tail while he was away. "Yes."
"You do realize she'll likely request to accompany you, do you not?" He nodded. "And will you allow her to do so?"
He frowned. "I'm not certain." He glanced down the hall. "Regardless, I will make that decision soon, should she ask for such a thing." He paused too, turning towards August. "And…if she requests to return home while I am gone, please contact me and let me know. She is welcome to do so, of course, but…I'd rather not be surprised, if she is at Fairy Tail when I return."
They'd just made plans to spend more time together, and now it seemed as if he wouldn't be able to manage it. He sighed, shaking his head. Maybe he was just poor at planning things. Perhaps it was a lack of skill in developing relationships of any form. Either way, he hoped she would not be too angry with him, for having to cancel them.
Zeref began making his way to the library from there. Brandish and Dimaria could hear from August about the news, but he'd tell Levy in person. When he walked inside, she was being lectured by Invel, with an open book on the table in front of her. Invel turned towards him when he entered, pausing and bowing towards him. "Your majesty. I did not expect you to sit in on the lessons during the day."
"And I still will not be." Invel frowned, and he turned towards Levy, pausing for a moment. He took a deep breath, shaking his head. "An issue has arisen in Shishka Village, one that I must look into personally."
"Personally? What sort of issue requires you specifically to handle?"
He met Invel's gaze, his expression dark. "Theft, of a spell of my creation." The winter general grew quiet, and Levy turned towards him, her eyes widening.
"You're…leaving?" He nodded, reaching out and stroking her cheek. "Well, I can come with you I guess. I mean, you're looking for a thief? That's the sort of job a wizard would usually take."
"Perhaps." He paused, glancing away. "Though, I'm not certain if you should come or not. Dimaria did just arrive, so Brandish will likely be seeking you out anytime now." Levy bit her lip, watching him. "It should not take me long to investigate, Levy, and as you well know, I am quite capable of handling magical danger myself."
"But you're used to doing so while being immortal." She…had a valid point. His sense of self-preservation was quite low, and his fighting habits were strange, typically disregarding his own physical safety. However, it wasn't as if he didn't understand how to avoid and dodge attacks; he simply chose not to in order to shock his opponents.
"I suppose I am." He shrugged, looking towards Invel. Then, he glanced back down at her. "You are welcome to join me if you wish, but there is no telling how long this will take. I have few details on who might have done this, Levy. There are no motives that come to mind for stealing it within Alvarez for its standard use…which means someone either wished to target the empire and attack in a subtle manner…or they wish to comprehend the spell well enough to create a different spell entirely, utilizing similar principles."
"What spell did they even take? I mean, most spells are made with some use in mind, right?"
"The spell I was telling you about the other day." She frowned, and he sighed. "The one that assists in the growth of crops in Alvarez. One of them is missing. I need to go to the village to attempt to recover what was lost from the harvest as a result, and see if I can find clues as to how it was taken, and why."
"Do you know when you'll be back?"
Zeref shook his head. "I do not." He paused. "August will remain here, and I've told him that you are welcome to do as you wish while I am gone. Whether that is entertain yourself within Alvarez or return to visit Fairy Tail is up to you, I suppose."
She took in a deep breath, shaking her head. "Alright." She glanced over at him, standing up and walking towards him. Her arms wrapped around his waist, and she pulled him into a tight hug. Startled, Zeref remained still for a moment, before slowly closing his eyes and wrapping his arms around her in return. "Make sure you stay safe, and come back. I'm still not done getting to know about all the things you've done, Zeref, and you still have to come back to figure out where to actually take a girl on a date."
He chuckled, keeping her close. Invel was watching them silently, and after a moment, Levy pulled back. "You'll have a communication lacrima with you, right?" Zeref nodded. "Then expect me to be bothering you a lot while you're gone. I'm not just going to let you silently hide away in some other city to avoid me."
"I hadn't planned to." He smiled, tilting his head. "And you are welcome to contact me as much as you wish. August will help you do so, I imagine."
"And I will inform him of your request to do so, so that she is not refused." Zeref nodded at Invel, though he doubted that would be necessary. August was perceptive enough to know just how much trust he had in Levy, and to know how much he'd value hearing from her. "We will see you when you return, your majesty. I will ensure she remains safe and content as your guest in Vistarion." Levy nodded at Zeref, sitting back down. Before he left, Zeref gazed at her for a few moments. With a sigh, he walked up behind her, pressing his lips to the back of his hair.
"I will see you again soon, Levy." He whispered into her ear, and he saw her head turn. Her cheeks were slightly pink, and he smiled again at her. He squeezed her shoulders one last time, before backing away and heading back towards Maria. If he didn't leave now, he might not actually manage to stay true to his decision. Shishka needed his help, however, and someone needed to be stopped before they dove into magic that few could comprehend.
The time for fluff is coming to an end, and now we're getting back into some more plot! Next chapter will give you a little more insight into what Edo-Mavis and Mystogan are up to as well. I hope you enjoyed, and feel free to review and tell me what you think!