By now I had walked too far away to hear anymore. Normally men openly talking about my body made me self-conscious and blush, but now I couldn't help but think back to what the blond form the Guild had said. Tiny Tits indeed. Those men could recognize curves when they saw it. I mean come on! Not every busty girl likes having such a big chest; they tend to get in the way of everyday things. Like leaning over a desk to pick up a pencil, for instance. But my internal rants aside, I now wondered about the "seven year disappearance." Was it anything like mine? Was there a cure?
Once again my inner musings were cut short for I was walking into the Guild. Just like this morning I walked over to the bar and waited for Mirajane to come over. She walked over with a face filled of concern and wariness. I couldn't blame her.
"Hi again," I said with a weak smile, "I'm sorry about earlier. It was just a big shock. Before I explain anything could you answer a few questions for me?" I could clearly see the apprehension in her face, but to my relief she slowly nodded. My smile grew in strength and I asked, "Have the portals to Edolas really been closed? And if they have do you think that any curses that came through those portals could be cured because of it?"
She must have seen the apprehension in my own face for she smiled softly when she answered. "Yes they have been closed. My own sister is back from that place. I don't think any curse from there would still be in effect, and surely it would have worn off by now. The magic needed to up hold a curse from Edolas would cause a great strain to the wielder and would by now be gone. No one has the power to hold a curse for so long." I believed her, well I was skeptic of the last part for if that were true the curse would have been broken a long time ago. But doubt quickly crept in because all of it seemed too good to be true. Without a second thought I pulled a small sharp knife out from my skirts and twirled it around the fingers of my right hand. Before Mirajane could speak I had cut a small star into my left forearm. I sat there for a few moments before a wide grin lite up my face. I was bleeding and I could feel all the pain from the small cuts.
Joy bubbled through me as I sheathed the blade. Relief and pure joy was all I felt after the initial pain of the cut. With a loud "Whoop!" I was out of my seat and doing cartwheels. "I'm FREE!" I screamed. In the nest moment three things happened. One was the blond man from earlier walking down the stairs. The next was a group of people entering the Guild. And the third was Mirajane yelling at me to calm down and talk to her. I heeded none of this; I was too busy doing a round off towards the front doors.
As I landed one of the boys form the group that had just entered saw me and yelled out, "Fight me!" We ran towards each other and before he could attack I used his shoulders as a vault to launch myself into a somersault. I landed in a handstand on the railing of the second story. Standing up right on the railing I faced the people on the ground floor. No second thoughts went through my head before I jumped off the railing with a squeal that almost resembled the phrase, "I'm free." I hit the floor with a roll. To the stunned onlookers I stood straight up and walked towards the stairs as if nothing had happened.
With a wave to Mirajane I said, "That is the best news I have had in years. And seeing as Guild Boy is out of the master's office I do really need to talk with him."
Still feeling giddy with the news Mirajane had told me I ran up the stairs like a little kid with my arms stretched out behind me. I left the Guild in a stunned silence. Later I would feel rather proud of myself for being able to shock such an unpredictable guild.
When I reached the Master's office I paused to catch my breath before knocking. A soft enter came from the other side and I entered. The Master looked up from some paper work and a startled look passed across his face. "I see you're back. Care to tell me about your outburst earlier today?"
I nodded sheepishly and opened my mouth to start a very length explanation when the door slammed open. In stepped the blond man, and now I was pretty sure his name was Laxus. "What the hell was that?!" he demanded angrily.
"What was what?" the old man asked cutting off my attempt at an explanation once again.
"That kid just did a little gymnastics routine off Flame Brain's shoulders," Laxus huffed. "Really Guild Boy, I was about to explain why. Did you not care for the performance?" I butted into the conversation. Before Laxus could open his mouth, the Guild Master spoke, "Yes please do explain why you are here." I nodded and Laxus huffed.
"My name is Aiyana Hartsford. It's kind of hard to explain my situation. I'm not entirely sure just what causes my…" I searched my brain for the proper word but found none, "condition I guess you could call it. Really I think it's a curse, but moving on. Have you ever heard of the Deja vu Girl?"
At their blank stares I sighed and continued, "Master, have you read Mavis's notes? The ones she left for future masters?" he nodded and I continued, "The entry on August 1 X696 if you please." I waited and he looked at me puzzled for a moment before his face cleared with recognition and he shuffled around in his desk for a minute. I waited as he read the entry and tried to ignore the glares coming from Laxus.
"Why don't you just tell us?" Laxus demanded. I sighed and said, "I figured you'd believe Master Mavis and not the words of a random girl off the streets, but if you must know, boy, I'll tell you. What Mavis found in her research was that I was probably cursed by a stray spell coming out of a portal form Edolas. This 'curse' pulls me away from this world and into what I have come to call the void: a place with nothing but emptiness. I have been forced into the void at least four times. Each time, I come back not looking a day older than when I left while the rest of the world moved on." I stopped here and looked to the Guild Master as he was done reading. For some reason I really didn't want Laxus to know just how old I was. I didn't know if Mavis had written down how old I was and the details about every trip to the void. If she did it was for the current Guild Master's eyes only.
"She's right Laxus. And, no she's not lying, it's all written here. She was called the Déjà vu Girl because those that have seen her before only vaguely remember her amethyst eyes when they meet her again. Mavis wrote that she joined the Guild in X688, and you both continued to look for a cure for the curse until X696." The Master said looking up only after speaking. I nodded.
"Wait Gramps, that's the year you were born. Just how old are you?" Laxus asked with one eyebrow raised. I glared at him and said, "Didn't anyone ever teach you that it's rude to ask woman her age?" I didn't wait for him to respond, "Master, if Mavis's theory about my curse being a spell cast from Edolas, then is it broken now that the portals have closed?"
"Yes it is quite possible that this is true. Tell me about the day you were cursed," the Master said.
I took a deep breath and said, "I'm kinda sketchy on details of that day. It was so long ago. Let me look in my journal."
As I looked for the journal containing events that far back Laxus had to quip, "You keep a dairy?"
I only nodded and muttered, "Time tends to get away from me, and memories are unreliable." Finally I found the correct entry and read it over once to get the details right, "So it was a regular afternoon not long after I discovered my magic. I was out in the woods collecting sand for the glass blowers when a roughly oval like circle of blue light appeared before me. After a moment I could see into it. There seemed to be two people fighting. A bolt of dark purple light was shot by a mage at the other person. It missed and went through the opening. It hit me. I didn't realize what it had done to me until years later. It didn't do anything for a week. After that week, I went to the void for the first time. Over the years I have come to think that maybe the spell was supposed to trap the victim in an alternate space and time so that the victims could later be called upon. It was probably cast wrong or something happened when it went through the opening because the 'trapping' has happened many times. All at random times and all for random amounts of time" I finished.
The Master nodded his head, almost to himself before saying, "Yes it is quite possible that the spell came for Edolas. And now that so much has happened, and many of the portals have closed it may be possible that your curse is gone. These things do ware out over time."
"That's what I thought in X696," I muttered under my breath. "With that out of the way, I was hoping that I could be reinstated as a member of Fairy Tail. Maybe start over again, and figure out if this curse really is gone," I said hopefully.
The Master's serious face was gone in an instant and replaced with a wide grin, "Why of course! You are still a member of Fairy Tail despite any time that has transpired. Do you still have the Guild's mark?"
I furrowed my brow and said, "It's on my back, so I don't know if it's still there. Can you see it?" I then turned around and pulled at the crossing straps of my dress. Unfortunately the corset of my leather overdress was too tight and obscured their vision.
"I don't see a mark kid," came Laxus voice.
"Damn," I cursed. I tugged at the lacings of the corset and then pulled away the clothing.
"Hmm, grey with an outline in black I haven't seen that before," once again it was Laxus speaking.
I hummed and said, "Really? Guild Boy don't you customize yours? It took at least two hours for this to be done. I'm never getting a tattoo again. Magical or not."
"Of course they're custom made, kid. Ours are just stamped," was his oh so elegant reply. "Stamped?" I couldn't help the question form leaking through.
"Yes," this time the Master answered me.
By now I was facing him and he said, "I can only imagine how many things are different now. I hope Mirajane and the rest of the guild can help you get up to date."
As soon as he said this I realized that I really didn't want the rest of the Guild knowing about my past and all of my magical abilities until I was more comfortable in the this new time. "Um, Master, what do I tell the rest of the Guild? I really don't want to tell about my curse and all its cost me. And after my outburst earlier I don't know what to do," I asked looking at the floor in shame.
"Well my dear, just say that you come from another country where you were in a bad situation. That will explain everything. Now what kind of magic do you possess?" the Guild Master said.
"I'm an elemental," I said humbly, "I can manipulate fire, water, wind, and earth. I don't think I'll ever be able to control lightning."
"All four elements!" the Master said shocked. "Yea, there's not a lot to do in a place filled with nothing. Earth and water were hard to practice, but breath for wind and fire is just energy. Meditation was better than thinking sometimes," I said trying to down play my abilities as much as I could, "I hope it is alright if I stick to wind magic unless I really need the others."
"That's just fine, now go down and socialize. I'll announce your membership later," the Guild Master said. With a thank you and a bow I left his office to go in search of Mirajane. For the third time that day I sat down at the bar, but this time I would be buying. When Mirajane walked over I smiled and asked, "What's on the menu?"
"Well, there are all kinds of sandwiches, salads, grilled chicken, oh and lasagna. Of course there are always shakes and smoothies. You need to be at least 18 for alcohol," Mirajane listed off for me. I thought for a moment before deciding on what I wanted. "I would love some lasagna and a parfait! Um, I just recently emigrated from a country that doesn't use the same money system as Fiore, could you explain it to me?" I asked. Of course that was a lie, but I needed a reasonable excuse for why I wanted an explanation of how much the currency had changed in the last 95 years.
"Sure-" Mirajane cut herself off with a gasp. With a shameful face she continued, "I haven't introduced myself! I'm Mirajane Stratus, but most of the Guild calls me Mira."
"Aiyana Hartsford, it's nice to meet you. But Mirajane is such a pretty name; there's no way I would shorten it!" I cheerfully said. "Just let me get your order. Hey Lissana! Do you think you could watch the bar for me?" Mirajane yelled over her shoulder as she walked into the kitchen. When she came back with my food, she began her explanation of just what Jewels were after she had gotten me my meal. Through mouthfuls of savory tomato sauce and creamy parfait I asked questions on just how the rates for food and rent were faring. When I asked about rent I realized that I had nowhere to stay. "Well this is rather embarrassing. I have nowhere to stay. If I'm going to be a member of Fairy Tail I need a place of my own," I said. Mirajane thought for a moment before coming to a conclusion, "You can rent an apartment in Fairy Hill until you find a place of your own. It's an all-girl dorm for Fairy Tail members." I had heard that Mavis was considering making such a place, but I didn't know her successors had fulfilled her idea. "Come by later tonight and I'll set you up with an apartment and tomorrow we'll set you up with a place of your own if you still want to. You should meet more of us. Hey Levy come here!" Mirajane called out.
A petite blue haired woman walked over looking confused. "What do you need Mira? Did Jet and Droy do something again?" she asked when she was close enough. Mirajane shook her head and gestured to me, "This is Aiyana Hartsford, she's a new member. She recently moved here from another country and I was hoping you could show her around and introduce her to people." The bluetnet nodded and turned to me, "Hi my name's Levy McGarden, and I'm the resident book worm and a script mage. Do you have a favorite author?"
This was something I was nervous about; being from another country could only cover so many basses and I didn't even know what country I was supposed to have come from. The day someone asked that question I would be screwed. "Well I actually really like Robin McKinley, but she's from Fiore. And I've only read her early books," I answered. Levy let out a squeal and I knew I was with a fellow fan. I smiled wide at her next words. "I love all of her works, but my favorite is The Blue Sword. She completed the Sunshine series right before she died, and although I am sad she's dead I'm so glad that she finished the series. Her daughter writes too. I was going to buy her latest installment tomorrow, want to come?" "Yes! I'd love it if you could suggest current books to me, I have a lot of catching up to do," I squealed.
"Oh my gosh you need to meet Lucy, she's totally into new authors," Levy said and got up. "Just let me pay and get my stuff," I said turning to ask Mirajane how much my lunch was since she had just walked over. "Oh this one is on the house, because you're new and all. See you later!" she said and with a wave walked away. Levy led me to a rowdy group of people by the message board.
Lu-chan, Lu-chan!" Levy yelled trying to get a busty blonde's attention. The blond turned and asked, "What is it Levy? We were just trying to agree on a job to do together." Levy pulled me in front of her and said, "We have a new member! Mira told me to introduce her to people. Her name is Aiyana Hartsford."
I gave a weak hi and small wave. "Oh, you're the girl who was doing gymnastics earlier. I'm Lucy Heartfilia, nice to meet you. Natsu won't shut up about wanting to fight you. I guess somethings never change huh Levy?" Lucy said to us then turned to her companions and said, "Hey guys we've got a new member!" They turned their attention to me and I tried not to fidget. The group consisted of a tall red headed young woman, the pink haired boy I used as a vault earlier, a black haired boy without any clothes on, and a blue cat. The red head introduced herself as Ersa Scarlet. The nude opened his mouth and barely got out a 'hi' before a woman, the pink haired boy I used as a vault earlier, a black haired boy without any clothes on, and a blue cat. The red head introduced herself as Ersa Scarlet. The nude opened his mouth and barely got out a 'hi' before a woman completely covered in blue clothing glomped him and glared daggers at me. I could barely make out the words she was muttering under her breath; something about how Grey was hers and no love rival would ever take him away. Levy was quick to reassure me, "Don't mind them, that's just Grey and Juvia. We still haven't been able to get Grey to quit the habit of losing his clothes."
During all these introductions the pink haired boy was arguing with the blue cat. Wait arguing? "Um, Levy is that cat talking?" I may be over a hundred years old and a mage, but I can still be surprised. She just nodded. I tried stepping forward to introduce myself, but was completely ignored.
Ersa came to my rescue, "Natsu! We have a new member stop fighting with Happy and say hi." Her tone booked no argument, and I could see the chills run done both human and animal backs. "N-new member?" the boy said. I nodded and walked forward, "I'm-" He cut me off, "Hey you're the girl form earlier! Want to fight me?"
I blinked. "No," I said keeping my face neutral. Turning to the girls in the group I asked, "If you're not busy today, would you guys mind showing me around? If you can't it is OK."
"I don't see why not, right girls?" said Ersa. They nodded in agreement and we turned to the door. We never did get that far; I tripped. As I went down I felt a scorching heat fly over my head.