Walking slowly along the trail, there was a figure in a cloak. The hood made it unclear as to what his face looked like, so it was to discern him from a phantom in one's perspective, but unlike a phantom or a reaper, he had no scythe.
Along the hills that traveled towards Magnolia, he began to close in, his pacing heading towards a certain direction. "I wonder what tales behold of these people?" He questioned aloud. "Are they of remorse? Are they of truth, ideal, worship? What feelings do many hold, I wonder…" A smirk came across his disclosed face. "Why I'm too piqued to even contain myself.
The figure continued to put one foot in front of the other, maintaining his course only for Magnolia, which was now in his sights.
Craig stirred in his sleep, kicking even. Tears were beginning to erode down his face once more.
3 2/12 Years Ago
Craig was nothing but tarnished bruises and battered fragments after what he did to Typhoon. It had taken nothing short of improvising, dumb luck, and a little life lesson here and there for the boy to have finally put the rogue Martial Artist Master at rest. It's taken 20 years for Typhoon to ascertain the highest level of combat for the means of fear and intimidation, but what took him 20 years was what took Craig one fight to overcome.
His own health wasn't the problem. As he dragged his ragged body up the perhaps half-mile-long flight of stairs, he panted profusely, finally reaching desecrated temple that a middle-aged man was laying in.
Craig dragged his own feet, tripping some of the way. The temple in which Typhoon's Master resided had a few battered pillars and dented relics. The relics were of weapons forged from hundreds of years of warriors of various kinds, kind of like a museum in honor of them.
Dinchi's eyes were shut, his body battered. He had made a grave mistake in trusting the heart of Typhoon. Those techniques passed down from generations were never meant to be in his hands. It was as if the demons have come to prosecute Dinchi for misjudging character. And losing and wounded to a fatal degree by Typhoon was the last straw.
Craig looked down at the old man in a golden robe. He sank to his knees, holding up the battered old man. "Dinchi? Dinchi!" Craig called out. He nudged the old man, trying to wake him up. "Dinchi! Stay with me!" He implored.
Dinchi's eyes winced, his grunting clear to the younger boy. Dinchi turned his head up to face Craig. "Craig…? You're alive?" Dinchi's narrowed gaze turned away. "But how…?"
Craig gave a heavily worrisome Martial Artist. "I did it."
Dinchi seemed to be confused. "Did what?" He weakly asked.
"I defeated Typhoon."
Dinchi's eyes widened, smiling. "You did?"
Craig nodded and smiled down mournfully at him.
Dinchi remained silent, his smile beginning to widened. His eye were starting to mist a little. His head craned up slowly, looking towards the ceiling with a few broken holes into it, catching the morning sun's rays. The hole above the temple shined Craig's back with the radiance of a savior; a god of which descended from the heavens and rid to taint of what Dinchi had created.
Looking at Craig, his eyes weakening further. His eyes began to mist with happiness.
"D-Dinchi…?"
"It is as my Master had foretold. You are the savior that's come to these lands. You've rid of our pain. And my own…" His breathing began to slow down, his internal bleeding turning fatal. Craig bit his lower lip, holding in the large amount of angst he's beginning to pile on his own shoulders. You have brought peace to the minds of us all…and to me. You have proven yourself…worthy of foregoing forward, fighting hatred and darkness in the hearts of all…Craig…thanks you…thank you…"
Dinchi's eyes slowly shut as his voice trailed off. His head slowly tilted towards the side, facing Craig's arm. His mouth stopped moving, and at last succumbed to his injuries.
Craig felt Dinchi's body finally becoming limp. Craig just stared down, his eyes misting up bad. He was so badly wounded physically that he was mentally breaking down. Small tears began to drip down his face, silently making way down the cheeks, splashing on the porcelain ground.
Craig knew that it was already too late, but he was just too overwhelmed. His body was shutting down. "Dinchi…" With whatever strength he had within, he pressed the deceased Master down on the ground and put his hands to the ground. He bowed his head, with tears flowing down his face in respects for the old man.
Craig had awoken from his slumber, his eyes opening back up to find himself looking at a white ceiling. His loose body was sprawled along the comforter, if only he felt such a feeling. Craig didn't need to move his hands to his face because he could already feel the sodium deposits already stained on the sides. He felt nothing short but another broken morning spirit.
He slumped up from his bed, disregarding his tears staining the sheets. Sometimes it was a mix of sweat added with the tears if ever the case were to pass. Craig stared into blank space yet again, his eyes still fixated in the remnants of the deceased man. Despite it having been years ago, he could remember well of the conflict between him and Typhoon. His neck still hurts just from remembering.
Rubbing the back of his head, he got and began his day.
After the events of Fogbound, the three made it back to Magnolia by nightfall. Unfortunately for Erza or anybody else, the guild had closed for the night, so they wouldn't be able to meet the Master until morning. Craig saw no trouble, so he shrugged it off and rater deal with the Master in the morning. Erza was perhaps there already, informing him, but if Craig was honest, he gave no damn to the man's anger.
His appetite was low, so he disregarded the need for food and skipped straight to the shower, relieving himself of any sweat or tears that flourished during his casual nights.
He soon exited his house, just in time to kick the door open to find a certain someone walking right by. And it made Craig want to regret ever opening it to begin with. In front of him was Cana Alberona, and she turned her head to look at Craig, both staring at the other briefly before someone finally said something.
"…oh great." Craig groaned. "You again?"
Cana narrowed her eyes. "And here I thought we'd lighten up some during our little mission."
Craig squinted. "Screw you. I'm not a buddy you should be depending on. I can very well be the death of you one day, keep that in mind." He started his way down the steps quite lethargically, meeting Cana at the bottom. Of course he didn't seem too pleased. "Quite standing in my way, would ya?"
Cana returned the squinted gaze. "How about I just stand here all day and be here the next come you come around this street I can just be there coincidentally."
"I'd rather see you fall over from your own stupor."
"Well you're stu-pid."
"If I was stu-pid, we'd be dead at this point. Now, let's go see who I pissed off the most today in less than five minutes."
Cana began to follow Craig. "Well look no further, ya dope. Because hearing the door open already pissed me off."
Craig bared his fangs out at Cana. "Good for you."
It was about time to face the music, and the melody wasn't somber or was it going to be too harsh. If anything goes wrong, Craig knows from past experience that in certain situations…violence always solves things. While he did value other, softer means, that seems to be the only thing that he shows to many if not all.
When the two made it to the guild hall, the doors opened, and immediately all eyes cascaded towards Cana and Craig. While others were found shocked, many were silently staring, leering at them like animals waiting for prey to fall. It was a mixed reaction, but only a few snickered at what will go down, and the fact it might get ugly.
Natsu was there right by Erza's side. When she entered earlier, Natsu almost completely flipped out. It took everything in Erza's verbal arsenal to keep himself from storming off to be killed by Craig. But now with the beast present – and Cana – they could get down to business.
Erza glared coldly, despite her bandages suppressing her. "You're both late. Very late." She warned.
Craig gave a shrug. "Sounds about the right time of you ask me."
"Quiet, Craig!" Erza growled back.
Craig shot her a look then and there. The look of a primal dinosaur ready to strike at his prey. Erza and Craig were met with cold stares from the other, snarling for the superior one, and it wasn't Erza.
Natsu stepped forward. He looked feral, and the temperature all around him was staggering. The Dragon Slayer glared into Craig's eyes, facing at the attacker. "Alright pal, I have a good mind to punch you in your teeth. It's one ting to just go and turn your back, but doing it constantly and attacking our own is something you'll never be forgiven for." His hand lit ablaze, holding it up to Craig. "I'm in a really bad mood right now pal, so if you say a wrong word, you're dead meat."
Craig didn't scoff at him in the slightest, but he didn't look remorseful. "Look, ya pyro doofus, I rather not put another human being near Death's Door. If I took your strongest female and slammed her into the dirt, are you really thinking you can just go and pick a fight with me?" He questioned. "And last I checked, you guys send her after us, so I ask you, who's the one really at fault here?"
Another face entered the rising skirmish. "Whether or not we sent her doesn't mean you can act so violently."
Natsu looked down to see the Master pass him. "Gramps."
"About time." Gray said, once again without a shirt.
Makarov stood in front of Craig and Cana, giving serious expressions that indicated he was far from fooling around. "Craig, in this guild, there are those who only give out of their hearts. Those who prosper without regrets, and those who forsake themselves for a better world. So you tell me…what were you thinking when you harmed one of my children?"
Craig glared down at Makarov, equally unamused. "If she wasn't gonna help us, she'd only hinder us." He retorted. "You weren't there to begin with old timer, so you have no right to speak of the incident since you weren't present."
"But you still broke the rules of the guild." He reminded him.
Craig crossed his arms, still as vicious as can be. "So?"
"And you don't regret it?"
"I can regret a lot of things in my life, and those who regret themselves ever making such foolhardy actions, but your standards aren't anything that I can't stomp over. It doesn't matter to me if you're black or white, or if a job is S-Class or the lowest-ranking job out there. A human is human, and a job is a job. Say it's S-Class for all I care, but that doesn't stop me."
"You are another story…" He turned his head towards Cana. "But Cana Alberona, I have expected greater from you. You've been in this guild for as long as I can remember, and you've always stuck with this guild's policies. I'm sorry to say, but given that you deliberately dragged yourself into Craig's undisclosed ambitions, I'm afraid I have to give a proper punishment for your actions."
Cana said nothing. She could neither confirm nor deny her own resolve. It honestly scared her for what it had in store for her. The punishment was perhaps grim, but then again, she recounted all of those horrific punishments Craig spoke of before the Fogbound incident. It wasn't pretty either way, but she stuck her neck out and risked her own life just for making people happy, and now she was gonna be punished just because of a new experience? Breaking rules did leave a small tint of regret in her gut, but she was sorry for not informing the Master beforehand, though he wouldn't approve to begin with.
"Uh, no." Although, Craig snapped her out of the guilt trip coming along.
Cana turned towards him with shock. "Cranky?" Even Master Makarov was caught surprised by Craig speaking up for her guilt.
Craig cleared his throat, but didn't show any cowardice whatsoever. "Let me rephrase that for you. Sorry, what I meant was no." He added extra emphasis as he shook his head. "Brownie isn't taking punishment from you nor anybody, old timer."
Master Makarov was baffled for a better wording. He was about to speak up before Craig once again cut him off.
"Look, I hate Brownie. She's despicable, lazy, sometimes unreliable, drinks too much, smells, her presence annoys me, her voice itself grates my ears, and I wanted to throw up when she was the first thing I saw outside my house." Cana gave Craig a despondent glare, knowing that if he went on, it could very much take an hour for the list to cease. "But…" He emphasized. "Her heart's in the right place, and just because she broke one of your standards doesn't mean you can go and play bad cop. She was with me, and she still is, so I'll say this to you. She's as free as a bird, and anybody who's stubborn enough or stupid enough to tag along with me, then damnation to the rest of you."
Makarov's eyes shrunk. Everyone around could feel his Magic Power beginning to rise. Being a Wizard Saint meant he had a lot, and the glare he was giving off paralyzed even the likes of the energetic Natsu, but Craig was unmoved.
"You ungrateful brat!" He shouted. "You honestly call Fairy Tail's children your ally after what you've done? You deliberately broke guild rules and turned your backs on us just to go and make satisfaction? Actions have a reaction, and these were unauthorized actions that you've committed." He thus snickered at Craig. "Looks like I'll give you the biggest punishment I can give to anyone. This is going to be a tre-GAH!"
A sense of decency was shattered when Craig's hand clutched and he hammer fisted his back. The Master slammed to the ground, breaking some of the wooden boarding.
Everyone in the guild gasped, their shock too overwhelming to make sense as Craig took down Makarov in a single blow. His growling was an even scarier sign.
"I thought I made it clear before. Your punishment ideas are nothing but crap. If it's something like crossdressing and having us pose for a magazine? Whatever, I won't care. I lost all sense of decency when I was in a concentration camp, stripped bare and front of many others who were shamed and disgraced. I've been forced to fight alone and without weapons in a den of lions. I suffered electrocution where my five senses were numb for days. I nearly got my arm cut off by the sheer bloodlust of others." He stopped momentarily to have the Master stumble back up, his face contorted in slight grief. He was hearing every harsh word resonating from Craig's spiteful tone. He stumbled backwards, his back against a wooden pillar as Craig pulled out his dark red sword. "Every single punishment you can imagine; embarrassing, degrading, inhumane, and those meant to kill, I've been through the worst of it all. So if you honestly believe that this so-called 'it' compares to those kinds of punishments, then you have no idea on how gruesome and unforgiving the world is. In some places these assholes say 'a single misstep and you're erased'. Well no one is perfect. There's no such thing as perfect, and those stubborn enough will eradicate anything to uphold such a stupid belief. I fought back every time, and every time they still hold onto their beliefs with hysteria until I finally stab or break them. If you think I take punishments lying down, you're dead wrong. I fight back, and when I do, I don't hold back. You truly wanna punish me or Brownie behind me? Fine, go ahead, I'll just hold this sword to your throat, and everyone else who holds me down." Craig turned his back towards the startled Master, facing the exit. "I'm free to do as I please. I'm not like your 'children'. I don't play nice. Ever."
There was a long silence as Craig lethargically began to mozzie on out. Makarov and Erza and everyone else stared at Craig with shuddering awe. Craig back sassed Makarov in a violent display, and he had true evidence of torture. Although many were startled to know Craig defies the greatest of authorities, a few were not so easily convinced.
Natsu's fist was coated in his signature flames. He stood right in front of Craig's way, a venomous look of contempt in his eyes. "You're so low. You think you can just walk all over us like we're bugs? A guild is like family. And you're deliberately hurting our own."
Erza stared at Natsu with a plea in her eyes. "Natsu…"
"I don't care what you've done in the past. You've done everything up till now your way, but you're in our guild, so it's by our rules that you go by!" He began to step forward, slowly pacing into a run. "And if not…THEN I'LL BEAT SOME SENSE INTO YOUR MESSED UP BRAIN, PUNK!"
The Fire Dragon Slayer lunged ahead, throwing a fist at Craig.
Lucy reached out. "Natsu! No!"
As Natsu closed in, moments away from landing a vicious blow, Craig opened his mouth, baring his sharp teeth. The fist made contact, and Craig's jaws snapped down, catching the fist, dissipating the fire, and Natsu's blood spiked from his skin and finger bones pierced. He did nothing to help his screaming as blood continued to drip.
Craig still had his sword drawn, angrily staring at the Dragon Slayer. "You don't ever push your luck with guys like me, because unlike you…" He passed Natsu, slashing the dark red sword. The Dragon Slayer's blood spilled as his mouth gawked. "Every battle out there is meant for survival. There's only one rule for those unforgiving: No mercy."
Natsu fell to his knees, blood dripping down the gash on his front. He couldn't suppress it because his fingers and hand was already bleeding from Craig's last attack. He was helpless, in too great of pain as Craig turned his body around growled back at Natsu before backing off, seeing as how Natsu learned a harsh reality lesson.
Erza looked exasperated at Craig. "Craig! This has gone too far! Why are you so aggressive?! What have we done to deserve your contempt?!"
Craig's eyes narrowed at the infamous Titania. "You really are dumb, aren't you. I said it before, I hate everything, even you for being a hothead and going for obligation than from the goodness from your own heart. You all disgust me…" He stepped off towards the exit, sheathing the blade. "But I know better than to be picking anymore pointless fights."
Cana looked at him angrily. "And where are you going?"
"Gotta get some food." He answered nonchalantly. "Don't wait for me…ever."
Cana looked away. "Like we'd ever do that for an asshole like you."
But Craig gave no reply, walking away from the problem. One might say it was a cowardly thing to have done, but they had absolutely no clue as to what Craig had done. He frowned as he exited the building, maintaining a silent disposition and walking along the streets alone. Conflicts were best left avoided if possible, and if he was correct, he was going by instinct and following his own ways. Nobody else could see that Craig was but a victim to something that was their fault. They knew of his capabilities, but didn't remotely trust him. He was a monster, an aggressive and territorial, spiteful human being, and Craig accepted that with open arms.
Makarov stared at the doorway, his eyes narrowed. "What is he?"
It was evident he was so powerful, strong enough to overpower Erza and her swordplay. He was clearly in a league of his own if he also didn't use magic and defeated the most powerful foes anyone's ever come across in Fiore. Grander, Essence, the Behemoth, what else could be thrown at him that he may as well surmount? The Ten Wizard Saints? Gildarts? If he could turn their power against him, then they were nothing to him.
Natsu winced, his irritation mixed in with his grunting. "Damnit, we…we let him get away with that…?" He hung his head low. "What kind if guild are we if we can't hold down one guy?!"
Erza mournfully looked at Natsu. She sympathized with him in a way. She was sad that he was looking broken, but also the fact that he was right. Fairy Tail's pride had taken a beating, and all by Craig and him alone. His actions left the guild itself in shame. He was like a one-man hurricane that could take down enemies even Natsu and Erza together couldn't defeat. Her pride had taken a hit, and given she always won, and for once lost to a man who was the opposite, it left a bitter scorn in the air for her to feel.
Craig passed through the streets, staying off to the side. People made way and steered clear of the man and his narrowed eyes. His piercing glare alone left many paralyzed as he passed them. He looked to be in a hurry, and he also looked to be in pain. He put a hand on his head. "Damn. All that fuss gave me a headache. Better find something quick and just…"
Craig trailed off when he found something that caught his eye. Amongst the few patrons in Magnolia, time slowed down as he passed a hooded man. His eyes were blank, and he looked ahead still to find the hooded figure looking hollow. The man followed through and he passed by countless others.
However, Craig did not look back, nor did his eyes glared back. To avoid any suspicion, he kept his eyes and gaze set only for ahead, where the direction of which the hooded figure came from. Maintaining his lead, he resumed his trek.
As Craig passed by other citizens down the block, again, some were terrified on the spot with his presence, with him just ignoring them and kept a wary eye as there seemed to be someone up ahead.
His gaze sharpened as he approached the fallen woman. "What's this…?"
Mirajane finished applying the bandages to Natsu's abdomen and hand. Even still, she had to get help from Wendy and her Healing Magic to stop the bleeding and close the wound. The blood was still fresh on the bandages, however, and Natsu wouldn't be able to feel his hand for the rest of the day while the bone gets fixed back into place.
Makarov sat on the bar counter, hos head down as he was still reeling from Craig's ideals. 'This world is far more deadly as he says. I can't seem to doubt him there, but his point of view is most deplorable. How could he was ascertained such a corrosive resolve? Has Ishgar and its kingdom really been that unkind?' So many question and yet Craig had answers that he'd rather take to his grave.
"Seriously, what's his deal anyway?" Gray complained. "I swear, we just ask him a few simple questions, and then he goes and blows us off like that."
Gajeel crossed his arms and grunted. "Well he ain't just moxie. He could tear into flesh if you get into his personal space. I think he's nuts."
Elfman clutched his fists. "How can he call himself a man after demolishing a woman?"
Gray looked towards the guild. "I say we show him what's it's like when you mess with your own!"
Everyone looked towards him with expectant smirks, all thinking the same thing. No matter how terrifying he was. But Makarov put a wrench in their act of vengeance. "No, drop it." He commanded.
Gray turned towards the old Master with shock. "But Gramps-!"
"I said no!" Makarov shouted. Gray stopped dead in his tracks, his feet gone cold. Master's tone was so cold that it put his whole artillery of magic to shame. "No one is to blame for this predicament. He's made his terms clear when he was inducted as a member. We broke his rules first it seems." He reached over for the mug that was beside him, sighing. "I know you want to take back your pride, but given the circumstances and the events that transpired, we may only make matters worse to the point where we'll lose our lives."
Gray clutched his fists, tightening them up so hard that they were shaking. "So…we should just let him do as he pleases? Stomping around, growling and biting stuff?"
"I'm not implying that. I'm saying that we should just be careful around him and keep afar until further notice." Makarov glanced over towards Cana. "However, the only who can seem to tolerate him is you, Cana."
Cana looked away, grunting. "Sorry, I ain't the messenger type. He makes me wanna cry in my sleep anyway."
Makarov looked back down, sighing. "The bane of everyone's existence it seems."
There was an awkward silence amongst the guild and its members. No one knew what to do now. Pick a fight? Is that gonna solve anything? Everything at the moment. Everything for now was in a standstill. If it were up to Natsu or Gray, they'd go find him and beat some sympathy into him, but then comes the account of them getting killed. This was a gamble no one could take, not even the iron-headed Gajeel.
They were stuck until a hooded figure decided to enter within the commotion. He slowly wandered into the guild hall, almost immediately catching everyone's attention.
Alzack turned towards him. "Uh…"
"Who's he?" Bisca questioned.
"A man?" Lisanna wondered.
"Another new face?" Droy added.
The hooded figure continued walking slowly inside of the guild, the doors closing behind him like a ghost's work. He slowly approached the guild members and all, stopping in front. He said nothing, nor was he of any nature they could feel as good.
Despite her bandaged state, Erza spring forward, requipping a sword. "Who are you? Answer!" She demanded.
"What tales…"
Gray raised a brow. "Uh, what did he say?"
The hooded figure resumed. "What tales, stories that you hold dear. What drove you to who you are now? I wonder greatly of these stories and of your passion. What compelled you to now? What do you hold dear?"
"What the heck is he mumbling about now?" Gajeel asked, annoyed.
Happy looked inquired as well. "Something about stories?"
"Well whatever he's mumbling about, he ain't making sense." Gray said. "Is this clown here for a reason or should I put him on ice?"
The hooded man frowned underneath his hood, not saying anything. He then grinned. "Let's find out what holds you down, shall we?" He reached for his hood, slowly pulling it back. He slowly pulled, revealing his face at long last. Again everyone was met with inquiry.
A cloaked man as he was left his body obscured, but his face revealed him to be a man in his late twenties. He had a smirk, and he had green eyes, His eyebrows were thick, and his hair was messy and dirty with a dishwater blonde as a color. On his forehead was a guild mark, one that had a pumpkin's head on it with a witch hat over a circular large pot.
"Who are you?" Erza threatened. "Talk!"
"Silver Cauldron Guild sends its regards." His eyes flashed, and a cosmic rainbow energy flourished as it trailed behind his raised arms. He flexed the fingers, and everyone was suddenly covering up as a wave of rainbow energy spread around their guild hall so fast.
"Cover up!" Makarov exclaimed.
Everyone was enveloped in a bright light, everything becoming blind and silent.
Erza's eyes opened up again, her vision unclear. "What…what happened?" She looked around, but the scenery was nothing but a haze. When she looked forward, there was a mirror, and it was revealing something on the other end. Erza couldn't explain it, but he somehow felt so captivated by the mirror, wanting to look inside. He remained still as an image arose on the other end, revealing something that left her surprised. "N-Natsu?"
She could see it, but was it a dream? Natsu and her were on the other side of the mirror, hand in hand as they were under a tree, staring up at the starry sky. The couple looked so tranquil with large smiles and their gazes looking towards the other lovingly. Natsu was on Erza's lap, his head looking up as Erza bent down, her hair shielding their kiss from the rest of the world, to keep their love sincere and in privacy.
"Natsu…" Erza went silent, relishing in the vision she was deceived by.
The Strauss siblings were but another story entirely. Elfman was holding his sisters as they were shuddering. Their mirror held no fantasy or desires, but a past they were best left to have forgotten.
There they went, seeing their kid-selves get kicked out of the village. All of those anguish expressions and many with pitchforks and torches was heartbreaking, despite Mirajane being a salvation. Nobody accepted her. Nobody sought her to be anything more than a monster, and the entire family was caught in the hatred. They were forced to leave the village, fearing for their own sake.
Their anguish expressions were only insult to injury, and the siblings all frowned in their own despair…
Natsu stared ahead, caught in his own passion and reasoning. He stared at his mirror, everything around him but a haze, a world in which he had nothing but to relish in his own memory. There he was, his younger-self in wild clothing and flying on the back of a large red dragon, more precisely the great Igneel. The Fire Dragon King roared into the skies, making the air bellow. Natsu was on his back, cheering with such glee and happiness as Igneel carried him, treated him nothing more than his own son, raising him, and both living off of wild animals, a great father-son duo.
Natsu stared ahead, recollecting his memory. "I-Igneel…"
The man's eyes were glowing, and he seemed pleasantly satisfied. "Well, well, very interesting tales all of which have." All around him, everyone was completely still. The enemies were all pacified, looking either sad, still, or a mix of both. Juvia seemed dazed as she was imagining Gray, while Gray was imagining Ur. Wendy and Gajeel were no different than Natsu, relishing in the thoughts of Grandeeney and Metallicana. Everybody was pacified, all victims to his magic.
The man looked around, seeing his power left him unnoticed. "Now, I wonder where this guild's funds are located…?"
"Going somewhere?"
The hooded man went stiff, and his eyes widened as he turned around, seeing Master Makarov standing on the ground, glaring coldly at the enemy ahead. His body was coated in a golden light, a light so sacred that his own body was immune to any outside force it seemed.
'He's immune to my Mentality Magic?' The mysterious figure questioned.
Makarov narrowed his gaze. "Now, what business do you have? And who are you and this Silver Cauldron Guild?" He interrogated.
The figure narrowed his eyes, scoffing. "Now you want my tale? How ironic." He stood affirm, staring down at Makarov in defiance. "I am Mystis, and what you see is my Mentality Magic. Everyone around you is engrossed in their inner most psyche. The energy of their mental strength has them in a state of limbo one might say. They're all either reliving their past, their inner desires, or what compels them. Their tales are my drive. They are my food."
Makarov clutched his fists. "So you're feeding on my children's psyche and desires? And for what cause? You think entering and seeing one's despairs and obsessions will do you any means of good? I'll make this clear just one more time, who is this Silver Cauldron Guild and why are you hear?"
Mystis snickered, seemingly amused. "Well, aren't you a pushy one. Your tale must have a rocky road. Well, since you ask, I may as well pay tribute. My guild is looking for funds, and it just so happens that I came across this wonderful guild. We'll get far with the Jewel we collect while your guild mates are in limbo." He turned his back towards the Master, walking off. "While I applaud you for having a defense against my magic, it would seem you can't do anything else. Let up, and you'll see your whole life flash before your eyes."
Makarov clutched his fists tighter, shaking. "Get out of here! Now!"
"I will, rest assure. I just need to find your funds and then I'll be on my way." Mystis began to walk off, looking left and right. "Now, I see no vault, but where's the office? Perhaps-!"
Suddenly the door broke down, breaking into pieces. The wooden door fragments flew all over the place, especially on the ground. The sudden breakage caught Makarov and Mystis's attention as both turned back towards the carnage, seeing the lone figure that went rushing
"What on ear-GWAH!" Mystis was cut off went a blow to his face by a blinding punch shot him backwards, sending him flying into a nearby pillar. The pillar's wooden stronghold dented, small splinters entering the man's back. The Mentality Mage gawked as pain flared and his face and back were like they were on fire.
All at once, the stupor and relishing of the Fairy Tail Guild came to an end. The energy in the air dissipated, and Erza, Juvia, Cana, and Natsu, and the rest of those stuck in their thoughts, anguish, or desires were freed. They all looked around, as if they were seeing some alien world.
"Whoa, what the heck was that all about?" Natsu questioned, looking around. "Igneel? Igneel?" The Fire Dragon King was nowhere to be found.
"Natsu?" Erza looked off to the side, seeing Natsu, though not in the romantic light like she did in her desires.
Cana nearly stumbled of to the side. "My head…" Her eyes closed. "I thought…" What she saw was a man in a black cloak, and he had slicked back orange hair. His back was turned and he was walking away, and that only left Cana heartbroken. 'My…' She shook her head, snapping back to the reality of things. "Hey wait!" She looked around, finally understanding the predicament as Craig was snarling at the damaged Dark Guild Mage, his sharp teeth bared. "Cranky!"
Craig turned back to face her. "Rise and shine."
Makarov looked to face Craig. Despite the circumstances of not even fifteen minutes ago, he was fortunate that Craig around just as things were looking bleak. If his dumb luck wasn't proven before, it was just now. "Craig Crius."
Craig hunched over, legs spread as he was in a battle stance, though it was a position where he may go physical or draw his blades. "I knew something was wrong the moment you drew near. There were a couple of the more prissy and rich people down the road. Apparently they were all disoriented and found their Jewel robbed from their purses and wallets. A pitiful thief, who mozzies on like it isn't a big deal. When thievery is a big deal." Craig again bared his sharp teeth, the sharp ends nearly petrifying Mystis. "So, what's it gonna be?"
Mystis staggered back up to his feet, gawking wearily at Craig. Craig looked like he was gonna rip him apart. He had to get away, and fast. He raised his arms overhead again, cosmic energy following along as he gathered his Magic Power.
Cana looked at the wave of energy that was pit against Craig, recalling what it could do. "Look out, Cranky! He'll put you in limbo!"
Craig remained still as Mystis extended his arms forwards, and a blinding flash encompassed him and Craig. The energy in the atmosphere again blinded everybody, but that was all they could see or feel. The energy dialed down after what felt like a minute, and after the blindness dissipated, everyone could see Craig still standing still, but unlike their previous expressions, he was the same as before.
Makarov looked at him with discern. "Craig…?"
Mystis snickered. "His tales will entrap him, fools. Anyone else care to try against me?" He scoffed. He looked around, seeing the weary faces of everyone. They knew he could use their memories or desires against them to slow down. Knowing this. However, meant they had little time to get a plan in action.
Craig twisted his eyes, looking piqued and pissed at the same time. "I don't think those bunch is dumb enough to fall for the same thing twice."
Mystis looked back with shock. "What?!"
"He shrugged it off?" Levy exclaimed.
"Mentality Magic has no effect on him." Erza speculated with a slight sense of awe coming from her tone.
Mystic clutched his fists, but retained a calm composure. "Your tales, are they not driving you to a standstill? Is your will that strong to be immune to my psyche's torment?"
Craig reached up and move his lower jaw side to side. Everyone could hear the jaw bones crack. In some cases their spines tingled. "I'm not into the whole mind-slave thing. You wanna toy with people's psyche and get inside of their heads, so you say. But watch which heads you knock on, because there are some things you just can't bear to witness."
Mystis narrowed his eyes, lowly grunting. 'This one's tales, they are so strong and so full of plot. He'll be a hassle to deal with. I have no choice. If my magic cannot work, then I thus make a twist in my tale and retreat.' He clutched his hands, slowly pulling them apart to reveal a dark orb.
Craig spread his legs apart further. 'Darkness Magic.'
"This is where I withdraw for now, Fairy Tail!" Mystis threw the orb to ground, making a dark explosion that made everybody scream and cover up. Craig glared ahead as the dark flash went off, all while everybody else was easily engulfed in the veil.
"Hey, I can't see!" Gray shouted.
"I can't even find the exit!" Elfman shouted. "He's covering while he makes a getaway!"
Erza looked around, seeing nothing but pitch-black. "Everybody stay calm! This is only temporary!" She announced. True to her words, the black veil began to dissipate, slowly clearing up like a fog. Once enough light transmitted through the darkness, everyone could see their hand in front of their face. Eventually they could see another, and then ten feet away. Once the veil was settling, they realized that in the spot Mystis was in, it was shown to be vacant.
"He's gone!" Lucy shouted.
"Where'd he go?!" Gajeel shouted angrily.
Gray looked at another vacant spot. "Hey! Where did that Craig go?"
Cana looked around wondering where he's run of to. Her attention drew outdoors, outside the broken down entrance. Outside she could see Craig running oddly with such strength and targeting something leaving the vicinity. Immediately she caught on. "Hey, out there!"
Makarov turned around, seeing Craig tailing a fleeing Mystis. "My word! Everyone, follow after him!"
Natsu immediately led the charge. He blitzed on forward alongside an angered Gajeel, Gray, and Elfman as they charged after Mystis. "Alright! Payback Fairy Tail style!"
"Hell yeah!" All four men shouted.
All of Fairy Tail charged out of the guild hall and after the fleeing victim, angrily ready to get payback for having their own heads messed with.
Mirajane was about to proceed, but Master stopped her. "Hold on, Mira. Not yet."
Mira looked down at him. "Master?"
Makarov looked back at her. "You remember that large Memory Projection Lacrima we were able to achieve?"
Mirajane nodded. "Yes?"
Makarov turned ahead, looking at his fleeing guild. "Go get it. We'll need that for something."
As Mystis was making a break for it, a dark dust following him and indicating his Darkness Magic used as means od speed. He whisked himself at a breakneck pace, scurrying out of Magnolia. But he was struck with another sense of shock once Craig was seen lunging ahead, sprinting after him, and he was catching up fast. 'What's with this human?! He's immune to my Mentality Magic, and now he can see through my darkness? Just what kind of power does he have to make him so lethal?'
Craig lunged ahead further, speeding ever so greater than ever. As he approached, he reached back to pull forth a sword.
"Not so fast!" Mystis suddenly altered his motive. Beneath him a cloud of darkness swelled. He rode atop of it like it was a hovercraft and stood atop with no movements. As he was carried into the sky, he dared not look back to see if Craig was still chasing him in spite. Still, given Craig has no means of flight meant he was in the clear.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!"
A sudden blast of fire blazed through the atmosphere, making progress that stopped Mystis from ascending. The stream of fire went right overhead, which made him cease his elevation rise. "What on earth?!" He looked down, seeing the remainder of Fairy Tail present. "You all!"
Craig looked behind, seeing how Fairy Tail had just caught up. He seemed indifferent. "You all are a stubborn bunch."
"We could say the same about you." Cana sassed back.
Craig rolled his eyes, focusing back on the enemy ahead and above. "Okay, would you rather have me slice a limb off, or rather have me tear into your fresh?"
Mystis snickered. "Neither!" He extended his arms down onto the group. The townsfolk nearby cleared away and evacuated as Mystis fired more rounds of his Darkness Magic that showered light spears at his targets.
Craig narrowed his eyes, and he immediately unsheathed both his blood and dark red blades. He slashed both blades so fast with excessive parrying that all of the dark spears aimed at him and the guild members were sliced into chunks, unable to reach them and caused zero damage.
Mystis fired another sharp blast of darkness at Craig. "Your tales are the most troublesome. I have no interest in those who wish to not tell!"
Craig maneuvered from the blitzing spear of darkness as quickly as he could, but as he shifted off to the right, the spear of darkness passed him, but not without encouraging a tear into the side of his shirt. The tear was thick, and the fabric was fortunately still intact. Craig grunted, barely grazed by that last-second dodge. He got his footing and stopped, but his attention was still set on Mystis as his two blades were drawn.
Cana looked over. "You alright?"
"Mind your own business." Craig snarked back, still gazing coldly at Mystis.
Cana looked angrily at him, peeved of his demeanor – as she always was. It was the same old Craig, but something caught her eye. Where she saw the slight tear in his shirt, she saw some of his skin. There were what looked like some marks that were unseen. 'Scars?'
When she thought about, for as long as she's known Craig, he had always worn a shirt. He was the exact opposite of Gray, where he never bared much of his abdominal skin. The reveal of a slight patch of scars was one thing, but it left her and a few others slightly piqued, but the fact was that they still had Mystis to deal with.
Gajeel brought a column of iron forward. "Alright scumbag, how's about a little iron for your liking! Iron Dragon's Club!"
The column shot at him, but Mystis still was in the air on his darkness cloud, allowing him to slip away and dodge the club. "Try harder, or your tale will be my feast."
Erza went to move, but Mirajane suddenly stopped her. "Erza, please, rest."
Erza winced. "I can't, not while he still poses a threat to our guild." One could see the distaste in her eyes. "He's made a fool out of us, and our dreams. He won't get away with this."
Natsu ran through the crowd, heading towards Mystis. "I'm gonna beat you up so hard, pal!" As he closed in, his anger spiked.
Mystis raised a brow. "Is that so?" As Natsu took a mighty leap, letting out a shrilled roar, Mystis extended his hand out, directly at Natsu. "Then let's see what you see then as your past. Dream World." Suddenly his eyes glowed a cosmic light, and Natsu's eyes widened when he felt a power flow from those eyes that began to look into his mind. All around Mystis, a wavy energy hurriedly flashed, and ethereal energy converged into something large and red. "What is your past tale? We shall see...?" His eyes narrowed as he looked into the distraught Natsu's mind, what he saw being projected behind him like a movie theater one might say.
Everyone around looked with shock as they saw something taller than the highest buildings in all of Magnolia. It was gigantic, and it had read wings with yellow membrane, slightly tattered from all of the battles he's fought in the past. He had scars and marks all around the snout, and horns that were like ears. His yellow eyes were piercing, and they heard a roar.
Erza's eyes widened. "Is that…?"
Lucy could feel her heart race. "No way…"
"That's Igneel?" Macao exclaimed.
"That's crazy! I didn't think Natsu's dad would be that bigshot!" Wakaba exclaimed.
Natsu was left still hesitant as he was looking at what Mystis was doing, looking into his past. The scenery changed behind, showing the skies and the mighty Igneel flying through the skies, carrying Natsu on his back. Natsu cheered loudly as his mouth was wide and he soared along with his dad. They all saw Natsu on a mountain, watching Igneel breathe fire that went so far, the next mountain over incinerated. They could all really feel the heat.
The projected faded, and Mystis raised a brow. "Now that was a great tale." The cosmic energy around him began to increase. "Never knew a dragon could still be in the back of someone's mind."
Natsu shuddered, cringing. Those memories were still fresh, but knowing his dad wasn't around wasn't gonna make things better.
Erza looked towards Natsu, a slight worry in her eyes. "Natsu…"
Mystis smirked. "It's been a pleasure, but I've had my fill for now. Until next ti-!"
"GRAH!" Craig sprung up, attacking with an open mouth. Springing to the same altitude, he sank his fangs into the cloud of darkness that Mystis stood on. The whole thing suddenly began to go unbalanced as Craig's hold was a tight one.
"What?! What are you doing?!" Mystis shouted. "How could you even be biting through my magic to begin with! It's intangible!" He couldn't believe it, as Craig ignored him and instead continued to hold on, his body's hands gripping onto the cloud of darkness's bottom half. To add insult to injury, he even dug his swords into the cloud, like knives able to cut into ghostly hollows.
The entire structure began to turn unstable, and the balance level was severely dwindling, but Craig held on, being sure to throw him off by any means. 'I gotta take him down, and fast. If he gets me with that Dream World…' He glanced underneath, looking at the faces of everyone else. His sharp eyes glanced back up, narrowing. 'Then things will get bad.' He persevered, staying under as the cloud of darkness was near capsizing. Craig dug deeper into the energy, holding a great deal of resolute to not let go.
Mystis nearly fell off, his powers almost letting him down. "W-whooaa!" He retained balance, but the cloud he was on was bobbing and wobbling uncontrollably. "Your tales are the most annoying!" His eyes glowed purple. "Dark Rain!"
The dark cloud's underside began to toss and turn, rumbling. Craig's eyes widened, and the energy in the atmosphere converged into the cloud. Small spears of darkness rained down from the cloud, of which caught Craig at point-blank range. Craig let out a small roar as he bit down harder, holding back every spear that was like a needle or knife. His abdomen was hit profusely, and those few arrows that didn't hot him sped towards the ground, making everyone beneath dodge and push back as arrows and spears of piercing darkness rained down.
"Get off already, scum!" Mystis demanded, but Craig held on with everything he had, persevering to the end as the attack pelted his stomach, neck, chin, and it was like needles that were making the very fabric of his shirt again tear up into pieces, the clothing starting to shred and bleed out.
Mystis was fuming, but Craig gave no damn. With one final turn, Craig roared, finally turning over the cloud of darkness and plundering both him and Mystis towards the ground. The dark cloud faded, and both fell to the earth, scattering two large dust clouds, debris falling all around.
"Cranky!" Cana shouted.
The dust settled, and Craig was underneath a couple of rocks that was the street. He grunted, feeling his abdomen severely bruised to borderline bleeding. However, Mystis was fine, albeit the scratched up cloak he had and the few dirt marks on his face.
"You…!" Mystis arose, clutching his fists. A cosmic energy began to swell behind him, his Mentality Magic starting to kick in once again. "You persistent fanged beast! Very well, have yourself open to the torment of what drove you mad! I want to see the tragic tale that made you turn cold, and have everyone resent you for!" He extended his hands forward, aiming at Craig.
Craig's eyes widened. "No! Don't you…!"
"Dream World!"
It was too late. The power of his Mentality Magic began waving around as his eyes glowed a cosmic color. The wavy energy around him again transformed into an illusion, and Craig's heart completely stopped. His eyes widened greater than before, a chill running up his spine as he gripped the ground, clutching and cracking the earth beneath. He looked on, readying as the pain in his heart began to course all throughout his body.
Everyone was curious about what they were about to see about Craig. Natsu's was awe-striking as it was, but what made Craig so…him? The answers lied in what the illusions projected.
Mystis smirked, chuckling, but then he stopped. As he stared at Craig's shocked and near despairing expression, he looked into what was meant to be left alone. The illusions…they were all so fast. Everyone saw swift images rather than a long story. All around, they heard blood-curdling roaring, the sound of blood spilling, and the images of war, people's head getting cut off, the vivid and frightening screams channeling all throughout the vicinity. They saw several figures plunge into monsters and mechanisms if astronomical size. They saw Craig roaring, blood covering from head to toe as his frantic sharp fangs ripped into wild monsters. There were more images of monsters and demons; incarnations of all species and sizes, and they saw people dying, and they just kept going on over and over. All around, they heard nothing but roaring and screams if pain. Craig's memories even unveiled his anguish cries of pain and mourn as there were several burial mounds and dead bodies. Craig violently splitting animals and human into pieces and continuing on. They saw a mutation and Craig screaming in anguish, and more cries of pain as more passed on. And in certain images, with monsters that were brief but enormous, nearly everyone fell over from the apocalyptic level of Magic Power, perhaps of which put humans to shame. They saw beasts far larger than Dragons, and superior beasts that gave them a scare.
And all of that…was crammed into thirty seconds.
The cosmic illusion exploded as Mystis screamed in fright. He yelled out, horror stricken onto his face as he looked at Craig. What he saw was nothing short of terror. It was unable to be processed. It was far too many memories. The monsters and creatures of great evil left him to fall over. He sat up, continuing to pant and yelp in fright as he looked at Craig, scarred for life with the graphic images and somber looks that transpired.
Makarov's eyes dilated, but he wasn't the only one. All of Fairy Tail was shocked, scared of all of the monstrous beasts and the shrilled roaring they heard. They could've sworn that there was a dragon in there somewhere, but there were also so many monsters of equal size and twenty times greater that Craig fought all by himself, with anger, hate, and every single emotion was portrayed. Makarov and the guild mainly focused on the main memories, which was the crying of Craig as they saw an abundance of lives die.
"My god…what was all of that just now?" He muttered.
Erza was paralyzed in astonishment and fear. "I felt an extremely large amount of power in those memories."
Some of the more older members could've sworn they got heart attacks. Those monsters, behemoths, astronomical creatures of the norm, and all of those deaths one after the other, it was like someone was living a hundred lives over, with every single one being of nothing but a broken spirit. Those other humans with demonic forces, they had even ten times power brute force than when the great Gildarts was around. Was that even labeled a memory to begin with?
Cana was wide-eyed, heart racing at lightning speed with all of that roaring and giant beasts. The most ear-piercing sound was the sound of Craig's own wailing and screams of pain. She slowly cranked her head at Craig. "…Craig…?"
The rubble that had Craig beneath suddenly sliced into fragments, reducing to diced fragments. Craig had all blades drawn, and his fangs were as sharp as his anger, his eyes as feral as a wild beast. He let a feral growl emit, even having Erza stunned at the tone.
Craig roared as he charged at the distraught Mystis, seeing nothing short of a bloodied killer and inhumane excuse charge at him. One could say he saw the reincarnation of Death charge at him. Mystis was so distraught that he screamed even louder when those memories he saw arose like an infinite loop. His pupils practically turned all white when he saw Craig's torn shirt, revealing his front and what could've been something none should also have seen. "S-STAY AWAY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU!"
Craig angrily and violently bellowed as he plunged his two swords and his mouth blade's right end into Mystis's abdomen. Blood went through the air as Mystis fell backwards, with Craig digging so deep he anchored him into the ground. Immense pain could describe Mystis, but his distraught feeling over Craig's memories was literally mind-destroying.
In his face, Craig's primal glare was so deep and so relentless that Mystis was shuddering, as if his body was gonna give out at any second. The man couldn't see the terror, for all he saw was a monster, a monster who slayed and fought many before.
Still, Fairy Tail was still in shock that they were barely able to process Craig going for the kill.
"S-s-stay…stay away…monster!" Mystis muttered, over and over. "A-are you Death…"
Craig opened his mouth, letting his mouth blade stay engraved into Mystis. He had all sharp teeth shown, looking like he was gonna attack by biting his head off.
"NO!"
Instead, Craig roared into his face. The bellowing was s immense that the air split apart. It sounded like a dinosaur, a vicious predator who was giving warning down to those he refused to kill. Knees quivered as the bellowing echoed throughout the street, making everyone run to their homes.
Finally, Craig relented and stood back up. He glared at Mystis as his brain was going dead. Craig clutched all of his blades, pulling them out in one fell go, Mystis's body lurching as they all went out. Craig sheathed them all, and just stood there.
Behind him, Master Makarov stepped forward, barely composed. "Craig Crius…"
Craig remained silent, but it looked like he was about to tremble.
"What was all of that just now? What were those memories? Natsu and Igneel was one thing, but what was all of that? Was that paranoia? Were those memories?"
Craig hung his head, beginning to walk away.
"Don't walk away! We saw them, so you better tell us what was the meaning of-!"
"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Craig barked back, making Makarov go wide-eyed.
There was a very dense silence that fell. No one could fathom what Craig was gonna say next. He was beginning to pant, his body now shuddering. He drew his blood red sword, but his grip was loose, a stark contrast to his harsh and deadly accurate gripping.
His panting was affecting his breathing, making it hard for him to say anything in a tone no different from a growl. "What you saw…it wasn't meant to pass. It wasn't for anyone to bear or witness!" His sharp teeth grinded against the other. "There many things, almost everything that I learned of this world, and you saw the sheer blunt of what I hear in every second of my life. Even now, those individual screams I could hear ring in my head. It's a living Hell."
"Craig…what are you saying?" Makarov asked.
The grip on his sword tightened, taking in a sigh. "Guess there's no point anymore…you're already dead."
"What?"
"Four years and two months ago, I woke up one day…and I had no memory. I was an amnesiac."
Makarov's eyes widened, as did all of Fairy Tail.
"Since the age of 14, all I knew was my name, but everything else was blank slate. And so, I was lost, and I had no one to turn to, where I was, I had nothing. All I had was but the torn shirt on my back, and my own beating flesh. I thus traveled aimlessly throughout this world, meeting new friends, people that I came to view as friends and those who treated me like family. They were people with a variety of goals and past experience that got them to where they were. Some lived sheltered lives, some lived life to the fullest. They all eventually learn about my amnesia, and they tried helping out, whatever their motive was…and then…" His body began to shudder once more, the memories of those beasts, large-scale weapons, and humans with unimaginable skill and power resurfaced. "I came across hundreds of powerful foes, s powerful that the world may be obliterated five times over. And I was very ill-experienced; it would be a novice or amateur monkey taking on a bear. But somehow, in some way, the life lessons I've took up mixed with my dumb luck prevailed, and I eventually defeated the enemy in the end…if not helped by my friends. I've traveled all over the world, seeing every corner if it, ranging from the most beautiful of lands, to the decrepit of concentration camps that kill random people on sight. There were slaves who had heads chopped of, and those whose guts were getting pulled out alive. I saw people get eaten, thousands – near millions – of homicides, and genocides. I saw monsters of realms and dimensions that were best left alone…and I lived to only relive those events over and over again."
"Wait…you mean, that…?" Makarov just couldn't make sense of any of it.
"I've traveled through time more than a couple of times. I've been 100-foot-tall bison that were part o nature. I've been to lost islands with feral creatures that put gorillas to shame. And through it all…I always got something out of it…"
Craig finally turned around, his torn shirt finally showing what his bare upper body ws like. Everyone there paled, seeing nothing but a messed up human's form.
"Oh god…"
"H-how?"
"He's still alive? Even with those many injuries engraved?"
Erza's eyes dilated. "I…impossible."
Craig's entire upper body and shoulders were engraved in a gory display of scars. There were claw marks, bite marks, charred tattoos burned onto him, a skull with a wispy mane on his right pectoral; to add to the insult, there were stitches that had long since healed and were removed, but over those scars were more scars and slice marks. When he showed his back, they all saw stab marks as well, followed by incision marks, showing signs of lethal surgery. He had a few scales patched here and there, and they seemed as hard as steel. With the parts pulled out, you could tell they bled out. There was a serpentine dragon tattoo on the lower right side of his waist, and on the opposite side of the body was lettering in ancient text that went vertically down, spelling 'PURGATORY'.
"All of those adventures, and I got new meanings, and new symbols of the hell I've been putting up with to reach this far…but…" His clutched fists again hardened up, and he began to huff. Veins were popping out of his body, a very gross sight. "You know what happened to everyone that I've met? Everyone - even those who said they'd have nothing to do with my memory loss – do you?!"
They feared they would not like his answer.
"The ones who hated me, who've come to love me, who treated me as a brother; those who I've beriended and I helped in their causes…they – all – died! DIED!" He roared, his sharp fangs looking as though he was gonna rip into Makarov's throat. "EVERY SINGLE PERSON I'VE MET AND BECAME FOND OF! THEY DIED!" He stomped on the ground in frustration, making a small indent. "They sacrificed themselves so that I cn live on, live a life I wanted. Some were hypnotized and turned on me. One way or another, they died, whether it'd be hell's hand…or my own. Anyone who I told, anyone who saw me this way…somehow, they end up dead."
Craig turned away, clutching his fists so tight they started to bleed. Blood dripped onto the street, staining it. "I've seen the worst punishments all over, but I've lost too many, and the worst part is that I remember every single one of their names, faces, when, and where it happened. I can never dream again! All I ever dream about is how my friends died! Hundreds passed away and the memories are engraved into my psyche! I'm so paranoid that I can never fall asleep soundly! I wake up silently crying, and I never sleep in the darkness without a little light. That's how screwed up the adventures I had were. There were bloodthirsty relics and menaces that thrived in absolute darkness, and I fear to this day that if I turn my back from a shadow…I'd die."
Makarov stepped forward. "Craig, enough-!" But he was cut when Craig snarled at him, baring his teeth at the old Master. Makarov fell back in fright, and Craig stared coldly. He looked at a petrified Erza, and then Cana. They both were never so scared in their lives.
"…" Craig's eyes misted as he turned away, silently mourning as he walked away; away from them. Away from everybody. Away from the world. In a way, he's already accepted that it was part of life, but why was he so depended on? He hated it honestly, because everyone who did before ended up dying.
He just walked off into the distance, vanishing like a ghost.
"Cran…ky…" Cana trailed off, seeing as how it was pointless to call out to him. She could only stand to see him growl at citizens as many looked away in disgust over his freakish upper body, battle scars that he's ascertained.
The only spot that wasn't scarred…was where the guild mark was located.
Makarov shakily stirred back up. He was terribly distraught over Craig's violent confession, but to be fair, everyone was. He walked on over and looked down at Mystis, whose body was twitching profusely from going brain-dead. He was muttering incoherent words, and he was bleeding out. He was overloaded with a mournful, bloody, sad, and heroic story of hundreds of adventures that a single complex human brain was unable to take. It looked like he was gonna pass on any minute now.
The Master cleared his throat. "Mira…"
Mira stepped forward, albeit with silence. She handed the Master the lacrima he asked her to get. It was a very unique lacrima, with a ton of storage. He's only had it for a couple weeks and was intending to use it as a memory bank, but it looks like he's gonna use it for something considered a rainy day.
He placed the lacrima in front of the dying Mystis, the orb glowing purple and beginning to take in energy from his forehead. Purple energy seeped out of the head and into the orb, copying the memories.
"I was hoping we'd use this to extract information." Makarov mournfully said as he continued collecting the trail of energies ever-flowing into the lacrima. "But now, we'll see what Craig's years have brought him that we didn't know."
Cana looked ahead, a frown on her face as she looked at the abandoned street cleared out when Craig walked down it,
In Craig's apartment, an anguish roar could be heard, signifying the pain he's suffering.
And so, now you have an idea as to what happened with Craig. Everyone who he's loved and came to consider kin died. You also see why he only trusts himself and is so hostile. Think of the worst-case scenarios and multiply them by a hundred. Supernatural stuff occurred, and he's gone and seen it all. Anyone would be scarred for life after just one, so imagine Craig reliving that hell hundreds of times, each one treacherous, with enemies so lethal you'd die in a heartbeat. Well anyways, here's the new update, and hope you got something out of it! Next chapter you'll see the guild's various reactions into looking at Craig's past and how Cana deals with it.