Author's Note
Chapter 10, and the beginning of part 2, is here I hope you enjoy it.
The Greyhound: Part 2, Old Demons
Chapter 10
They ran for about an hour after the fiasco in Clover Town. The angry cries for revenge from the guild masters had stopped following them about 15 minutes ago but they kept going just to be safe. When Makarov finally gave the all-clear everyone bent over their knees or just dropped to the ground in exhaustion. It had to be at least midnight and they'd been going nonstop all day.
After a round of deep breaths and the chance to collect themselves, Erza as per usual took charge. "Alright everyone we'll sleep here for the night. Natsu, start a fire for us. Take Lucy, and Happy to go collect firewood. Master, I need to have a word with you."
As everyone else left to follow their orders and Makarov went to hear what Erza had to say, Kinzo couldn't help but notice what she'd done. "Clever girl, leaving me with Gray because he's the only one you know for sure I wouldn't harm."
He knew they didn't trust him, not really. Even Gray was constantly keeping an eye on him, unsure of what he would do next. Well, he couldn't blame them, and he wouldn't bother them any longer.
"Alright Gray, I'll be going now. I'll contact you soon, we still have a lot to catch up on." Taking a step toward the tree line.
"Like hell, you're leaving." The younger boy said as he grabbed his old friend's collar and yanked backward.
After a couple staggered steps he came to a stop "Gray I need to go, I've spent far more time with you people than I had planned." He needed to contact Daniel Reen, hopefully, he could work some magic with the client and get him to trade at least some information for the broken Lullaby.
"You said it yourself, we have a lot to talk about, and we will talk tomorrow at Fairy Tail. You're sticking with us, tell then at least." the raven-haired boy said with conviction.
Kinzo's patience was running thin, he needed to jump on this. There was no telling what a busted artifact of Zeref would do, or how long it would last. "Gray I'm going," he said with a little more aggression than was entirely necessary.
"Why? What's so important, it can't wait a few days!" The Ice-Make mage responded with equal irritation.
"What can't wait? How about the fact that my Lullaby job was a complete bust! Now I have to go try to salvage things with the client. If I'm lucky he may be willing to sell what I want for something else, but the odds of that happening are so stupidly low that I can't see it actually working. We will talk, just not now!" He said with finality, glaring at his surrogate brother.
Erza and Makarov moved away from the group, intending to speak in private.
"What can I do for you Erza?" the old man asked casually enough.
"Master, I do not trust that Kinzo boy and worry what he may do to us if we sleep in the same area. I don't know if you are aware but it seems he is a well-known assassin going by the handle 'Greyhound'." Erza said in a hushed tone.
"Yes, I am aware. Worry not, I'll be keeping an eye on him so you may rest easy." He reassured
But that reassurance hardly helped.
"Master, are you sure it is wise to keep him around at all? We could part ways here and he would likely take it as a blessing." Erza suggested once more.
Even so, Makarov just shook his head. The old Sage wasn't having it.
"No, there are some things I would like to discuss with the boy first. If we part ways after that, so be it. Now I think that's enough talk about this topic for now."
She didn't like the way he'd said that, it almost sounded like there was a possibility they wouldn't be separating… at all. Erza had a sinking suspicion as to what Fairy Tail's master would be asking the assassin, and she didn't like it. Regardless she would bite her tongue, and respect his authority, even if she thought it was a bad call.
"Master… I think you should at least know what his abilities are before speaking with him." She offered.
He raised an eyebrow at that, but let her continue.
"Go on Erza." He prompted, interested to see if what she knew matched up with the things he'd observed during the fight with Lullaby.
"To start he's fast, but only in small bursts, it seems. After that, his swordplay is exceptional, as well as the use of that magic revolver he has. He is clearly well versed in close combat, though he seemed to avoid it whenever he could."
Hmm, he could have assumed the boy was skilled just from his name, but what he didn't know was that the boy oftentimes chose to escape an engagement rather than fight. Though when thinking about it, his choice to retreat instead of standing his ground made sense. The Greyhound was an assassin bound to the shadows, not a brawler who liked to stand out in the open.
it made sense but the old man couldn't dwell on it, now while Erza was still talking.
"... I only saw it once but he may have some kind of high-level Telekinesis. When Gray and I fought him, he froze a bolder mid-air."
That's good to know, so his abilities can do at least this much. Though Makarov doubted it was a Telekinetic spell that let him accomplish such a feat.
"His weapons are also an issue, I can't say for certain but they seem to prevent or perhaps absorb magic. He caught me in a trap, and I was unable to use magic at all. And as we saw with Natsu's fire and Lullaby, he seems more than capable of holding on to that magic for extended periods of time."
Yes, that particular part of the boy's arsenal still eluded him. He wasn't sure if it was an ability the boy himself had or just an attribute of the weapons themselves.
"All that being said I still think he has a more dangerous advantage over us. His ability to hide is extraordinary. While fighting Eisenwald at Oshibana's train station, I couldn't sense him at all. Even when I finally did see him I couldn't sense any magic from him unless he was actively using a spell. I'm unsure if he is deploying some kind of Camouflage or concealment spell to achieve this though. I know you can handle yourself Master, and you've already bested him once but I still want you to be careful."
Finally ending her report she waited for his response.
Makarov was impressed with all his 'child' was able to find out, and it also lined up with what he'd suspected as well. The only thing she seemed to be off on was that he was actively hiding his magic. No, Erza was still inexperienced in the finer points of sensing magic so she couldn't tell, but the reason for Kinzo's supposed 'invisibility' to her was simply because he had so little magic, to begin with.
Honestly, that was what most impressed the old guild master about the boy. How someone with less magic than a standard Rune-Knight was able to fight on par with his children was a mystery. (Well he had his suspicions about how it was happening, but nothing was confirmed.)
"Worry not Erza, I will handle things." ending the conversation with a reassuring smile.
"... We will talk, just not now!" they both heard coming from the base they'd left behind.
They were quick to head back.
As they re-entered the clearing the group had set up as a campsite, they saw what was causing the commotion.
It was Kinzo trying to leave and Gray constantly stepping in his way.
"I don't really care about your illegal job being ruined, you're coming with us!" Gray yelled again.
"We've already been over this Gray, don't act like you can push me around." came Kinzo's deathly quiet response.
It seemed like a fight would break out, but Makarov stepped in first by literally stepping between the boys. "Now Kinzo I can understand you wanting to leave if only to put this whole day behind you, but I must insist you stay with us for at least the night. It's been a long day, you should rest... Unless of course, you'd like to spar with me again." The old man said with a taunting smile.
A moment of silence to register the ultimatum presented was all it took for Kinzo to realize just how stuck he was. 'Sit down and shut up, or fight me. Either way I get what I want.' was the underlying message.
A growl started in the back of his throat, and carried over into his response "Fine old man." Deciding he would rest for now and think of a plan for later since he had no other options.
After the answer came Gray breathed a sigh of relief, Erza looked on with skepticism, and Makarov was still smiling.
The others came back soon after, and with a fire made everyone finally laid down for some much-needed sleep.
It was around 4 A.M. by his guess, though that didn't matter. No, what was important was everyone else was deep in sleep including the old man. He'd waited patiently for this moment, the chance to get away without conflict. Rising to his feet he set his sights on the tree line once more, but what was left of his conscious forced him to look to the left where the others were resting.
"Damn it." he couldn't leave without saying goodbye.
Silently making his way over to Gray's sleeping area he took a knee. Just staring at the boy for a moment, before reaching out a hand and ruffling his hair like he did when they were kids.
Gray's face scrunching in irritation even as he slept nearly made him chuckle. "He always did hate this"
"I'll see you soon 'little brother'… damn I really am going soft aren't I?" He whispered to himself.
"Well, I guess family does that to you."
"Yes, it does."
The new voice set his senses into overdrive. In a frenzy, he was both desperately searching for the voice's origin and berating himself for giving his location away. He really should have just left.
After what seemed like an eternity, he found the eavesdropper. And of course, it was Makarov. Sitting cross-leg on the other side of the fire.
"..."
He stayed silent just observing for now. Debating if he could boost to the tree line fast enough… ya no, there was no way. Shit.
"At ease young one, I was just watching. Though it is nice to know you aren't as heartless as the rumors claim Kinzo, or would you prefer Greyhound?"
Choosing again not to speak, and waiting to see what hand the old man had to play. He clearly wanted something, why else would he bring up his title.
"I was a bit worried about you at first but after seeing that little display, I'm more confident." the Guild Master said somewhat vaguely.
"... what do you want, old man?" he finally asked.
"What makes you think I want something from you, perhaps I'm simply tryi-"
"Cut the crap, tell me what you want." he forced in while still keeping his voice hushed out of fear of waking the others.
With a sigh the old giant continued "Very well, but before we truly begin let's clear something up…"
Quickly the atmosphere became tense, and Kinzo's guard rose all the more in anticipation of what the man might say.
"I have seen your face, know your name and handle, and understand the way you fight. But, you know nothing about me. My name is Makarov Dreyar, third guild master of Fairy Tail, and the 6th Wizard Saint."
Wide eyes, the realization of just how screwed he was started to dawn on him. This man was a Wizard Saint and fairly well ranked at that. But something bothered him about the way he'd presented the information. It was like he was flexing, showing just how much control he had over the situation. Not only was he far stronger and more influential he also knew far too much about him.
Just being able to put his face and the handle Greyhound together was a problem. If he reported what he knew to the counsel it would heavily limit his efforts to fight Grimore Heart.
He could see it now every bar, inn, and brothel would have his face posted on the wall with a massive reward. But that wasn't all he knew. No, this man knew how he fought, understood too many of the tools he used.
He was cornered.
"Oh, it seems you understand the situation now. Good, then you'll do well to answer my questions." Makarov's tone wasn't quite cocky but it was clear he know how much of an advantage he held at the moment. And in response to that reality, Kinzo had to play along. He had no other options.
"...What do you want to know?"
The Drayer smiled a bit, glad to see that this kid wasn't completely unreachable.
"To start, how old are you boy?"
"19" was the hesitant reply.
"So young," he said while shaking his head "and how long have you been doing this?" referring to the assassinations.
"Five years."
He'd been hunting dark guilds and assassinating targets since he was 14?
"And what have you experienced in that time?"
What had he experienced? That was a broad question and could have countless answers, but something told him he wasn't being asked about where he'd traveled to. No, he was looking for something more philosophical.
"Just how awful this world is."
They held each other's gaze for a moment waiting to see how the other would react. The only thing between them being the campfire.
"Indeed, this world is far from paradise. And the evils committed in it are unspeakable. That reality is something I try to shield my 'children' from but perhaps that is only wishful thinking" the older of the two agreed.
"You have children?" the younger asked back, more than happy to redirect the spotlight away from himself.
Makarov just smiled at his poorly concealed attempt at changing the subject.
"In a sense, yes. My guild members, many of them I've known since they were very young. I see them as my own flesh and blood, my responsibility. But I'm more interested in you at the moment."
Kinzo grimaced, of course he was.
"Tell me, if you understand just how corrupt this world is, what pushed you to act just like it?"
It was easy to see that the assassin didn't really like his actions being compared to the world he claimed was so dark, but even so, he continued to engage with the question asked.
"...I've seen demons masquerading as people wipe out entire towns, and the council did nothing. So I figured if those who claim to stand for the light wouldn't fight, then I would just jump into the dark on my own, and it's worked so far. I've found that the best way to kill the Devil is to think just like him."
"And who were these 'demons'?" The giant probed trying to gather as much information as possible.
"That's none of your concern."
"Come now, you just spoke of those with authority doing nothing. But how am I supposed to help when I don't know who the enemy is?"
"I'm not asking for your help. You already know far too much about me Makarov. I will not be telling you who my targets are as well."
Not deterred in the slightest he carried on "Very well but tell me this, do you view the things you're doing as right? Can you really justify them in your own mind? I've heard the rumors, whisperings of what you've done."
Kinzo was silent, he didn't make a sound. But as the old guild master's words sunk in… he laughed.
"...He, Haha. And what should I say? That the people I kill deserve it, that their murderers themselves. That they steal, pillage, rape? That trafficking children is common? That their dark mages? Would you even believe me if I did say it? I'm not pretending to be some standard for moral excellence. I know the things I do are wrong, but don't pretend to understand why I do them. You don't know anything."
His face was illuminated by the fire as he spoke, letting Makarov see the emotions change as he spoke. First humor full, like he was speaking with a child. Next came contempt, as he spoke of his victims' crimes. And finally, anger at the idea of someone else 'pretending' to understand.
"I'm not claiming to know your reasons, and I have no doubt those you target have earned death at least in your eyes. All I want to know is if you are content with the choices you've made, or do you regret them." He said trying to pacify the anger still bubbling up in the boy.
"Like I said, to kill the Devil you have to be just like him. And if at the end of all this I really can kill him, then it's worth it. By then if the world decides I deserve to die, so be it."
Taking in the boy's words, he understood. 'When this is all over it won't matter if I'm alive'. It truly pained him to see one so young, in the prime of his life, adopting such a philosophy. But maybe he could help him.
"I have a proposition for you, and I'll give you two choices. You can either leave now and I will report all I know of you to the counsel, or you can make a deal with me."
The quick change in conversation caught him off guard but he listened nonetheless.
"He would just let me go? But then the council would be on my back." Keeping the thoughts to himself, he let the old man continue.
"My offer is this, I will keep your identity confidential and ensure the others do the same. In exchange, you sign a Binding Contract with me."
He didn't like it. Magic Binding Contracts were tricky, and never to be taken lightly. Even so, it might be better than exposing himself publicly. best to test the waters.
"What would be included in this contract?"
Makarov wasted no time in elaborating.
"You would cease all assassination requests effective immediately, until such time as I cancel the contract. Be in constant communication with me to receive orders. And when I ask it of you, help my 'children."
So that was his game. 'Stop everything you've been doing and work for me' that's what he wants.
"...heh, I should have figured. You've probably heard the rumors that I'm a good attack dog, so you think I'd be a good guard dog too." He just wanted to use him like any other client.
But the Sage countered that line of thinking with his own.
"I don't see you as a dog, and you're certainly no mere tool. No, what I'm asking of you is to act like a man. To be human. You've spent years acting like an animal, killing those who stood against you. I'm asking you to stop, and try protecting something instead."
He would give it to the old man he knew how to talk. Making soliciting his services sound like he was actually doing him a favor. He didn't want the deal, it would put so much on hold and force him to avoid killing those connected with Grimoire, but in the end "What choice do I have?"
"Well you could always try to fight me." the Wizard Saint joked.
"No, that would almost be worse. Gray would hate me, and I'd be responsible for the death of a Wizard Saint. No one in this country would rest until I was dead."
Makarov gave pause at that "...boy you speak as though you could actually beat me."
"Beat you, no I could never beat you. But brawling out in the open is hardly what I'm known for. No, I can't fight you, but I promise you this Saint Dreyar. I can kill you."
Unfazed by the threat the elder responded "You seem confident in your ability. Do you perhaps not fully understand how strong I am?"
"That's the thing, isn't it Makarov. It doesn't matter how strong someone is when they have a knife in their throat. It doesn't matter how fast they are if I put it there before they can react. No, at the end of the day everyone's made of flesh, and anyone can be taken by surprise. That fact is what assassins like me thrive on."
Silence hung in the air. The reality that no one was truly untouchable laid bare.
"But like I said, that would cause a lot of problems for me. I'll take you up on this little deal of yours. I'll be your guard dog, and it'll help me keep tabs on Gray too."
At that moment Makarov Drayer, 3rd master of Fairy Tail, and Wizard Saint found himself on edge. He wasn't scared, no. But he was ever so slightly off-put by the little speech. Even so, he'd agreed to make the deal, and he'd already decided in his own head that he would help this boy. Whether he wanted the help or not.
"...Very well I'll have the Contract forged." After saying his bit, a smirk spread across his lips. "Actually I think I'll add one more condition to our agreement. You will have to report to my guild hall regularly, and will not be allowed to leave for more than a few days at a time without permission. Might as well get to know the people you'll be protecting."
A growl was forming in the back of his throat again. "To hell with this old man, I'm going to sleep." And sleep he did all the while Makarov was stifling his laughter.
The next morning had been uneventful, though Gray was relieved that he'd be going with them, and Makarov was smiling like a mad man. The other four were a mixed bag.
Lucy was certainly nervous around him, and Natsu kept a watchful eye out just to make sure he wouldn't try anything. Though he suspected the Salamander was more comfortable around him than he let on. Happy was basically oblivious to the tension and even came to sit on Kinzo's shoulder for part of the trip asking questions, not that many of them were answered.
The most difficult to piece together of the group would be Erza. She looked like she wanted to ask him something if the constant glances were anything to go by, but she seemed unable to bring herself to do so.
After half a day's journey, they finally reached a city called Magnolia, and a few minutes later they stood in front of Fairy Tail's guildhall. A three-story building sporting white and red colors, 3 banners on the third floor, and a flag perched at the top.
As they waited in front of the massive double doors, Makarov started some spiel about fairies having tails or some other nonsense.
"Do fairies really have tails? Do they even exist? This place, like them..."
As he spoke Kinzo's attention was elsewhere, namely, on the magic signatures Talionis was picking up behind the doors. They looked like they were about to start a serious fight.
"...An eternal mystery, an eter-"
"Hey old man, you may wanna deal with the people inside."
Having been cut off right at the end of his speech the elder was a bit annoyed but after sensing that someone indeed was preparing to use magic inside he pushed through the doors without a second thought. "What do you brats think you're doing!"
The scene before him was incredible. A white-haired man was throwing chairs, tables, and other people around while screaming "MAN!" at the top of his lungs. An orange-haired boy with a green fur coat was laughing at his antics while flirting with the women around him. Other members spread out over the hall were joining in on the fight or laughing at the event like the first two.
Along the bar two other notable figures presented themselves. One was a brunette dressed in only a bikini top and fitting brown pants, who was holding an entire barrel of rum above her head as she chugged it down. The other was a white-haired beauty working the bar, seemingly unconcerned with the ongoing brawl surrounding her as she dodged debris heading her way.
Amidst the chaos, these four stuck out. Either for their magic capacity or irregularities in their magic, Talionis was seeing. The white-haired man was pretty average in terms of strength, but he was only letting his magic travel through one arm. The rest of his body was being restricted for some reason.
The playboy seemed to be a Holder-type mage at first glance, his magic only coming from the rings on his fingers. But, after a second look, he could see a strange kind of Light Magic rolling off him in small amounts. It was similar to the kind of magic coming off of Lucy, or her Keys rather.
The Brunette was the most straightforward, she had a massive magic container but it wasn't even half full. He'd seen something similar before but it was normally in the very old or young. Why this 20 something was struggling with that kind of issue he didn't know, not yet at least.
Finally, the barmaid. She was seriously stressing him out. Her magic power wasn't anything too crazy being comparable to Erza's, but the energy it gave off was dark. It reminded him of Lullaby. This girl was dangerous, no telling the kind of damage she could cau-
His concern shattered just as a wine bottle shattered against her head, dropping her to the floor with a large goose egg forming where it struck... I guess it got thrown by mistake in the heat of the guild brawl.
"Maybe I was overestimating her?"
Speaking of the brawl, it had devastated the building and no doubt caused thousands of Jewels worth of damage. Makarov seemed to have a small heart attack if the soul leaving his body was anything to go by, but Erza picked up the slack, setting everyone straight.
They'd slipped upstairs before anyone could come talk to him. The most he got were some curious glances as he walked up to the guild master's office. Everyone from their little crew was there and Makarov had explained the terms of the contract they were about to forge.
Gray seemed happy, a small smile on his face. Natsu was practically dancing where he stood going on and on about having a new person he could spar with… ya that wasn't happening. Lucy was understandably concerned but it seemed she lacked the confidence to speak up about it. Happy was… well, kind of indifferent, but if Natsu liked it so did he. And last of all was Erza, she was definitely skeptical, but all it took was a glance from her Master to put her fears to rest.
"Well then if everyone understands we will begin." Pushing some magic into the area surrounding him the old man formed a thread of light between Kinzo and himself. connecting to both of their hands, and snaking itself around their arms
"I Makarov Dreyar give my word to conceal the identity and actions of the one before me so long as I am bound by this contract. Do you Kinzo give your word to stay your blade, no longer taking orders from those who would have you take life?"
This was it, this made it real "I give my word." And as he spoke tension built in his chest.
"Do you swear on your life to follow my orders, when I ask will you defend my 'children', and will you vow to never bring harm to Fairy Tail so long as this contract is binding"
"I swear" he could feel a tightness like his heart was being crushed. No doubt that would happen if he went against this vow.
"Very well then the contract is forged." The tendril of light that had been connecting them turned from white to black before disappearing. No more words were needed, they both knew the consequences of breaking a contract like this one. Nothing but death would greet them.
With the deed done Makarov sent them off with a final warning. "Remember no one is to know about this agreement or Kinzo's history. I will inform our S-class wizards of everything tomorrow."
That was all they needed to hear, heading out the door.
He quietly made his way to the bar, listening intently to Erza as she explained his presence to the guild.
"Listen up everyone! This is Kinzo, you may be seeing him around here from now on. Master has decided to invite him to Fairy Tail to live and work alongside us. I trust you all will welcome him warmly."
When she finished everyone cheered for the new addition to their family. Ya no, he was clearing that up right now.
"Hey! Let's set the record straight. I am not and will not be joining this guild. Me and Makarov have an agreement that's it."
The crowd calmed down a fair bit but heavy drinking and a small party still ensued.
Erza also told an orange-haired man wearing a tall hat (I think she said his name was Jet) to follow her to the back of the guild. Something about Speed Magic being stupid, and punishment.
Author's note
And done. This chapter and the next cover a lot of little conversations between people and seeing how their characters interact. I hope I kept it interesting to read. If you're hungry for fight scenes don't worry there are plenty coming.
See you all soon.
