Chapter 35: Goodbye, Midnight
The infirmary was beginning to look like the setting for a Christmas party with all the multicolored gifts and gift bags that were now piled up all over the floor and three hospital beds. The ceiling now hung with hundreds of origami dragons (and one poorly drawn red dragon that was meant to depict Igneel, according to Natsu). Dreamer was currently snuggled up with a pink quilt that several guild women had worked together to make. Each patch was done by a different person, and it wasn't too hard to guess who'd done what. One patch had a picture of a book—probably Levy's work, another was littered in hearts—likely Mira's artistry, some stars and a get-well poem—Lucy for sure, and some kind of ancient crest that supposedly read "courage"—definitely Erza. The table next to her was stacked with little mustard sandwiches, courtesy of Jezran, and a music lacrima was playing some weird music that Gajeel swore up and down Dreamer would love (she wasn't so sure. Most of it sounded like people banging pots while someone played the saxophone, but it's the thought that counts).
The door squeaked open and Mira walked in. She waved happily at her. "Hi, Dreamer! How are you feeling?"
The blue-eyed transformation wizard sat down on the edge of her bed. Dreamer sat up and threw her arms around her in a warm embrace. "I'm feeling so much better, Mira." And it was all thanks to the unending love and support she had here at Fairy Tail. "Wendy and Master say I can probably start sleeping at home tomorrow night. They're only keeping me here this long because my magic energy is struggling to refill completely."
"Yay! We can sit together on the couch and drink tea!" Mirajane clapped her hands in excitement. "And I can tell you all about my new favorite ship!"
"Oh no… Do I even want to know?" She cringed at the girly excitement positively exuding from Mirajane.
"Grayza!" She squeaked. "Oh, Dreamer, they're so perfect for each other!"
She laughed out loud. She hadn't been expecting that one, that was for sure. "I thought you liked Gruvia."
"I did." Mira nodded seriously while stretching out on Dreamer's lap. "But Gray and Erza have so much more natural chemistry!"
"Has Erza heard you say this?"
Blue eyes blinked up innocently at her. "No. I should tell her shouldn't I?"
"No! No, no! I think you should keep this pairing preference to yourself." If you want to live.
Mira giggled and bopped Dreamer on the nose. She responded by pinching Mira's side, causing the other girl to screech in panicked laughter.
"Dreamer, stop! I'm ticklish!" Mira smacked her in the face with a pillow.
"I know you are, that's why I did it."
It felt so good to be acting normal again. How long had it been since she and Mirajane had gotten to talk and play together? It had been since before Dreamer's trip to the wreckage of Nirvana… That choice had changed everything.
"Oh!" Mira sat up suddenly, as if she'd remembered something. "I came here to tell you something!"
"What is it?" She blinked curiously at the other girl.
"Well…" Mira suddenly averted her gaze and began to rub her hands together nervously. "Master is making an announcement today."
"An announcement?"
"Mhm." She traced a star on Dreamer's quilt, absentmindedly. "It's about Midnight."
Something jerked in her stomach and her mouth felt dry. "What about Midnight?"
"Honestly, I'm not really sure." Mira looked at her apologetically. "All I really know is that the Magic Council approached Master while you've been sick."
This was the first Dreamer had heard of it. She felt her back go slightly rigid.
"They know that we're keeping Midnight here…" She sighed, sadly. "So, of course, they're demanding that we turn him in."
This wasn't surprising. It was always only a matter of time before the council found out indisputably that Midnight really was at Fairy Tail. A change of clothes and the occasional covering of his guild mark wasn't enough to disguise him. Particularly not when there weren't any other wizards out there who used both illusion and reflector magic.
"I think Master has decided what he's going to do with him." Mira met her eyes. "I don't know what he's planning. I don't think Master will turn him in, but… I think there's a good chance he's going to ask Midnight to leave the guild."
Dreamer felt strangely like she was suddenly encased in Gray's ice. The room felt cold and her body solid. Even her heart seemed to freeze.
Of course Master would ask him to leave. It was the only logical choice. He had to protect his children, and Midnight wasn't one of them. Even after all the jobs she'd been on with him, the way he protected Syllest in Rose Garden, the remorse he poured out at the feet of that little boy in the graveyard… It didn't matter. The magic council was after him—and they'd completely disband Fairy Tail if Master refused to turn him in.
"When is he making the announcement?" she asked quietly.
"Right now," Mira answered, sheepishly.
"Right NOW?! Mirajane!" Dreamer threw the quilt off and stood up. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"
"I forgot." She giggled. But then the oceans in her eyes turned sad. "And you just got better… I don't want you to get worked up if Master…" she trailed off. When she looked at Dreamer again, there were tears in her eyes. "I love you, Dreamer. I don't want you to hurt anymore."
Dreamer's heart gave a strong twinge. She threw her arms around Mira once more, squeezing her with all her might. "You're my best friend, Mira."
The other woman wept into her hair. "If you keep getting hurt, I'm going to kill you," she promised. Dreamer believed her one hundred percent.
"Come with me." She grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the door, desperate to hear what the Master had to say.
"Dreamer, wait!" Mira yanked her back.
"What?"
"You can't go out there in your underwear, silly!"
She looked down at her scantily clad body, having forgotten that she'd made herself very at home in her hospital bed. Her cheeks flushed.
"Oooh! You can wear the outfit I bought you!" Mira squealed in excitement and dug through a mountain of presents before retrieving a pink box. In a matter of moments, she'd completely stripped and redressed Dreamer, without so much as a word of permission from the emotion mage. "Tada! You look so cute!"
"Cute?" She looked distastefully at the short skirt and cleavage-revealing tank. "This looks like something Lucy would wear."
"No way! Lucy doesn't wear frills!" Mira giggled and fluttered her hand along the lacy edges of the pink skirt.
"And what's with the red bow? It doesn't even match." She tugged on the uncomfortable bow that was tied around her neck like a choker.
"Keep. It. On." Mira's voice took on a she-devil quality, making Dreamer's hand instantly drop. She grinned cheerily. "It matches Midnight's eyes!"
Her cheeks heated. "W-Why do I need a bow that matches his eyes?!"
"You guys are a couple, right?" Mira blinked like she was totally surprised.
"What?! Mira, no! Wouldn't I have told you if that happened?! Where did you get that crazy idea anyway?!"
She looked dejected. "Why do my ships never work out…?"
"Oh my god, come on, Mira. By the time we get out there, Master will be done talking and Midnight will be long gone." The icy feeling splintered in her chest at the words, but she ignored it, dragging Mira along with her.
Master was already standing on the stage, with many guild members propped up to listen to his announcement in the audience. He cleared his throat.
"Listen up!" Voice booming with the backed power of his magical energy. "There's something I need to discuss with all of you, and it concerns a particular dark wizard who was escorted to our guild not long ago."
Midnight was already there, sitting at a table directly in front of the master. His expression was carefully guarded—posture indicating false boredom. Dreamer could tell, even at this distance, by the occasionally twitch of his lips, that he was on edge. He must have known what was coming.
"Midnight." Makarov addressed him now. "First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the services you have provided to Fairy Tail." His eyes were serious, hands behind his back. "In the time you have resided here, you have proven to be invaluable to us. You've assisted my children on a number of jobs, and while half of those ended horribly with you traumatizing citizens of Magnolia," his eyebrow twitched, "the other half proved your willingness to serve others."
Midnight stared silently at him, purposely refusing to turn his gaze to the guild members, who were all looking him over, mumbling, nodding in agreement or shaking their heads.
Dreamer fought the urge to be at his side. She knew this was between him and Fairy Tail. Instead, she clutched her hands over her heart and allowed Mira to put a comforting arm around her waist.
"Recently, you have begun to loyally serve the guild by baking for us, cleaning, and has anyone seen the gardens lately?" He chuckled.
"Wait, Midnight did all of that?" Max asked from the audience.
"So that's why it looks like the floor was mopped for the first time in months. I thought I'd be walking over that beer stain forever." Someone added.
"I figured we hired a gardener!"
Midnight didn't move at all. He was still as a statue, eyes locked on Makarov. The only indication that he was paying attention was the way the corner of his lip turned down slightly at the praise, as if he'd never imagined in his life he'd be praised by fairies.
"More importantly, you protected some of my children of your own free will, which is a deed I will never be able to repay you for." Makarov glanced at Dreamer, as if he knew she'd been standing there all along. "And, had it not been for your willingness to look past your differences with Piper, the two of you would not have saved Love and Lucky from certain financial ruin and loss of reputation—possibly even disbandment. The point being, dear boy, whether you like it or not, you have done good for Fairy Tail—and I personally believe you have also done good for yourself."
Dreamer looked around the guild at all the nodding heads. Words of encouragement filled the air, even some claps and smiles. She couldn't believe it. It hardly seemed like any time had passed since the entire guild hated him and resented her for bringing him here. She could still remember when Natsu and Erza had nearly attacked him and she'd had to intervene. Now, the fire dragon-slayer was giving Midnight a fang-toothed grin, while Erza nodded in approval with a fork in her hand, sporting a piece of one of Midnight's cakes. It was almost too much for Dreamer to bear. In a hospital in Clover town, she saw in this man a potential for good. Now, her friends and guild mates saw it too…
Tears gathered in her eyes.
"That being said." Makarov gave a long sigh and silence weighed on the room. "I feel it necessary to inform all of you that the Magic Council has issued an official statement, ordering that we release Midnight of Oracion Seis into their custody immediately." Murmuring and grim faces. "They have made it clear that if we do not surrender him, Fairy Tail will face great consequences. At the very least, they will send an enforcement unit to forcefully remove you from the property," he addressed Midnight. "We may even face temporary banning from guild activities—a probation of sorts. At worst, we will be kicked from the alliance of legal magical guilds and labeled as independent."
The murmuring increased. Midnight's head bowed, finally giving under the weight of this information. His eyes closed. Hands trembled, barely noticeable.
"But we ain't turning him in, right?" Gajeel spoke up, gritting his teeth.
"Yeah!" Natsu agreed vehemently. "I mean, you just said he did all these great things and now you're talking about sending him to prison?! That's not cool, gramps!"
Nods and sounds of agreement from the crowd.
"No, it certainly would be against everything Fairy Tail stands for to send this man into a life of imprisonment." Makarov agreed, gravely. "That seems to leave us with only one option."
Silence settled again.
Midnight stood, somehow managing to remain proud and tall. He tossed some hair over his shoulder and turned his back on Makarov. "I never planned on staying anyway," he said, with a scoff.
The ice in Dreamer's heart shattered at this sight. She knew he was playing tough. She could see—she could feel his fear. Fear of being alone, being abandoned by these people who had provided for him despite his long list of sins. But he was too proud to show his panic. It would be easier on everyone if he walked out still looking like a monster.
"At least it's been entertaining." He waved and started to walk.
"Wait just a moment, young man." Makarov's voice was a harsh demand. Midnight stopped in his tracks, wincing slightly. "You see, the Council has made it very clear that Midnight of the Oracion Seis is no longer permitted to stay here. However…" His wrinkled face lit up in a devious smile. "No one ever said anything about Macbeth of Fairy Tail."
Midnight released an audible gasp, pupils retracting and jaw dropping slightly. Surprised faces filled the room.
Dreamer clasped her hands over her mouth and gave a small cry, tears now rolling freely down her face.
Mira squeezed her tightly.
"Oh, Master, you're so sneaky!" She giggled.
"The choice is still yours, of course," Makarov continued. "But as Master of this guild, I would like to formally invite you, Macbeth, to join the ranks of our members. As one of my children, I will not allow those pompous geezers on the Magic Council to lay a hand on you. So, what will it be?"
His fists were clenched, head lowered. Black hair shadowed his face, but tears sparkled as they fell to the floorboards. His shoulders shook violently. He put his face in his hands.
"Macbeth," Dreamer started for him but Mira clasped her hand.
"He has to make this choice on his own," she said with a warm smile at her friend.
Dreamer gasped but nodded, resolutely. She prayed he would stay.
"You… You want me to join Fairy Tail?" His voice was a high cry, emotion cracking his words.
"Yes." Makarov said plainly. "And I would venture a guess that everyone in this room shares that sentiment. Children?"
No one answered at first. Their faces flickered with confusion and surprise. They mumbled under their breaths.
Finally… Slowly… A man stood up near the back. He lifted a hand into the air, pointer finger raised, thumb extended… The universal sign of Fairy Tail. His emerald eyes met Midnight's, speaking something words could never express.
Piper's expression was hard, but he held the Fairy Tail sign high and proud. And as Midnight stared at him in utter disbelief, he gave the slightest nod. Then, not breaking the gaze he shared with the rival wizard, he uttered the same word he had said in Makarov's office not long ago. The one word that sealed the Master's choice to invite Midnight into their guild…
"Yes." His jaw clenched, but those emerald eyes were unwavering.
Chairs scraped the ground as one-by-one, everyone in the room stood and lifted their hands. Dozens of determined faces—countless fingers posed in the sign of Fairy Tail. All eyes glimmered with tears, with passion.
Midnight couldn't take it. He fell to his knees and sobbed. A broken, unaccepted child, feeling the arms of love and support for the first real time.
"Zero told me I was… strong…" he wept. "But you… you taught me that I'm pathetic. I'm weak…" He met Erza's eyes. She was smiling encouragingly at him. He broke into heavier sobs. "I… I want to be strong, like you. Like all of you…"
She couldn't take it anymore. Dreamer ran to his side and fell to her knees, throwing her arms around him. He clung to her, tears wetting her shirt. "You are strong, Macbeth," she whispered. "You always have been."
"Yes," he whimpered. Then louder. "Yes. I'll join you."
The room erupted in wild cheers. A dog pile of people pounced on him and Dreamer.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail, Macbeth!"
"Suck it, Magic Council!"
After everyone had successfully squeezed the life out of him, Midnight… No, Macbeth, stood and turned back to the master. He wiped tears from his cheeks and stood proudly. Makarov gestured for him and he walked onto the stage and faced everyone.
"Dreamer, will you do the honors?" Makarov held out the stamp that would mark Macbeth with their symbol. She nodded, grinning ear to ear, and joined him on stage.
Macbeth looked at Makarov. "I have one request."
"What is it, my boy?" Makarov raised an eyebrow.
"Please… Let me keep my Oracion Seis mark." His red eyes were serious. "They were my first friends."
Makarov gave a knowing smile. "Very well. I will allow it, this once. Remove your coat and Dreamer will mark your opposite shoulder."
He obeyed, casting the coat to the ground. Dreamer held the stamp with trembling fingers. She met his eyes, which were still wet with tears. She saw in them the innocent child, laying on the floor in the Tower of Heaven. But, she also saw hope.
"What color do you want? Black?" She whispered, voice cracking with her own tears.
He smirked, still retaining his snarky attitude even now. "Pink."
Her cheeks took some color. There were a few chuckles from the crowd.
"I'm serious." His eyes never left hers for a moment.
"H-How about we compromise and do like a fuchsia?"
"Whatever you want, sweet Dream."
Her blush deepened and she held her breath while she applied the glowing Fairy Tail mark to his shoulder. At last, it was done. He gazed smugly at the guild hall. "I guess I'm a fairy rat now, too."
"We're not too bad for rats, are we?" She giggled and leaned against his arm.
"Hmph."
Makarov stepped off the stage and crossed the room to where Piper was standing. The dice wizard's face was full of conflicting emotion as he watched Midnight and Dreamer onstage. Joy. Heartache.
"Piper," Makarov stood beside him.
"What is it, gramps?"
"I wanted to commend you," Makarov nodded at him. "You chose the right path, despite the conflict of your heart."
Piper blushed, his eyes still focused on her. "Geez, gramps… I couldn't send him away. I couldn't do that to her."
"I know." Makarov clasped his hand with his own wrinkled palms. "You have grown, young man. Not long ago, you had no faith in your team mate's choices. Now, you have enough respect for them to even go against your instincts. I am proud of you, my son."
Piper's eyes went wide with shock when he realized the master was right. He wiped a stray tear away. "Ah, shut up old man. Bad asses ain't supposed ta cry, you's know."
He looked at Makarov and was stunned to see the old man's face was contorted, tears and snot flowing freely down it.
"Gramps! Wha—Not you too!" Piper flailed his arms dramatically.
"It's just… so… beautiful… All of my children have grown so much. And I have so many new children lately, to care for… I can't take it!" He rolled dramatically on the floor.
"Hey!" Cana's voice called over the crowd. "I think this is cause for celebration!"
"WOOHOO, PARTY!"
Cheers filled the room and alcohol began to slosh.
Dreamer and Macbeth still stood onstage as the party unfolded before their eyes. She continued to lean against his shoulder, feeling more lighthearted and free than she had in a long time. The ice in her chest had completely melted, to be replaced with what felt like her own personal, glowing sun.
"I can't believe you're one of us now."
He didn't respond. She glanced up at him and frowned, forehead pulsing.
He was drooling.
"HOW CAN YOU BE SLEEPING RIGHT NOW?"
His head bobbed to the side, against her shoulder. He mumbled incoherently and nestled his face against her cleavage, hugging her like a stuffed bear. She blushed fiercely.
"Fairy or not, some things never change." She sighed but then laughed. Laughed for the joy and irony of it all.
Who would have ever thought? Midnight of the Oracion Seis was gone, but a new life had begun for Macbeth of Fairy Tail.