Chapter 2
2 years later, they both live on their small house very far from anyone but near on one of the dragon's territory. It was the territory of the Dark Dragon, Illnad. He is one of Yua's… close friends and only dragon that could help her teach her student about dark magic. To be precise, even he was surprise on the boy's capability. Much stronger than his and much possibilities than his, truly a rare child was born on this mysterious world.
Right now, Zeref somehow able to his magic on his control, but he can't hide that there are times he loss controls. For Yua, she thinks the only way the boy can fully control his magic without being out of control was for him to become an adult. His body is not enough, he has to wait to grow up to fully able to contain his magic on his body. So for now, until he's a child, she will help him getting out of control by absorbing every dark magic he release to his body. For dragons, like she is eating it. At first was difficult but able to get used to it.
She keeps watching over Zeref, as he train, take a break, play alone and even sleep. For Zeref, she became like his mother. She at first was bit cold and strict but as time pass, she's changing and became caring, mother figure and most of all, smiles for him. He was truly happy, somehow, he don't regret living even after what he did. Zeref was also thought how to read, survive and hunt. It was hard for him at first but still able to learn it. He was a fast learner and the most thing he notice to his mother figure or he call to her right now, 'Sensei' that she always read. He doesn't know where she got those books but when there are things that are worth fit to learn, she teach him.
Soon on his birthday which is today, he is now 7 years old. Only Yua and Illnada were there for him, even so, he was happy. Yua able to cook many from her hunt alone and the taste was really good that they able to finish them all, even the amount of food she had cooked were enough for thirty people. Maybe because they have a Dragon visitor made it possible. Soon, Yua gave her gift to Zeref. It was a book but made by her. It was a story book which can give him a pass time and hope he would read it. He really liked it, as he hugs tightly on her as she just smiled. Illnada doesn't have a gift but he told him that whenever he feels lonely or wanted to work on, he will be there for him.
Next day after his birthday, after their long study lesson, he began to read the book that has given to him yesterday. It was a surprised one, about a boy with a magic, train and protects those people he cares. It was a trilled for him, for Yua who was observing her student whose reading, just give a deep sigh and return back to her reading again. After a long read, still not finishing the story, he went directly to his teacher who was getting ready for lunch.
"Sensei" he called.
"Yes?" she asked.
"I want to become a hero!" he shouted, making Yua stop preparing and slowly looked at him with disbelief.
"Are you sure?"
Zeref nod,
"It wasn't real though, it was just a creativity of human mind." She explained but it didn't sway his will to it. She just gives a sigh of defeat and look at him eye to eye. "Becoming a hero is different but at the same time a simple one. There's no need to such big things such as sacrificing life, fighting to death and protecting lives, they were just simple heroes at the same time can be idiots."
Zeref got confuse on that part. Yua can see it and answer him, "if you want to protect those people you wanted to protect, if you want to fight for your ideals, if you want to save someone or people you care, sacrificing is a foolish decision, fighting is only an option and protecting means strong desire to do so. The most important that heroes should know, is to survive, to live."
Zeref somehow felt it and repeat her word, "To Live." She just smiled softly and nod. "If you can't survive, those hard works you gain will vanish, and you may have saved those people you swore to protect but you killed their insides, their soul which is beyond repair. You know how it feels right?"
Zeref remember his family and friends that turn around and accidentally killed them. He was in pain, until he met Yua. If Yua died, he doesn't know what to do next or if there will be hope in the future. He nods as he tells her he understood. "Good to know. Well let's not think about that now, your still a child to become a hero you know." She said with amuse voice.
"But I'll be, in the future, someday!" he said with excitement. She was smiling for him, inside she was laughing. She can tell, things will be even more interesting in the future.
But it turns out something different.
The day comes when Zeref was taking a walk in the forest alone. His sensei told him she got business to do as a dragon priestess so she needs to leave for a while but she will be back soon. As soon as she left, he decides to go somewhere to see something to do while she's gone, which end up in the forest. He was jumping around as he walks and that's when he noticed something. A presence and can't extinguish if it as an animal, or it was a human. He quickly hides, ready to use his magic if necessary. He sneak as he get near on the bush where the presence its coming from. He surprises him with a treat of his black magic in hand but stop. It was a teenager boy, black hair and green eyes.
The teen age boy was surprise at his sudden attack, especially the dark thing on his hand. He noticed that it disappeared and looks at the boy again. Zeref was still on guard but broke when they heard a growling noise. It came from the teenager's stomach which became embarrass to it. Zeref seems sense no treat but still need to be careful. That's what his sensei thought him. Unable to live the teenager who is hungry, he soon looks around to find some food until he noticed one.
Soon both of them were eating apples under the apple tree. Zeref keep watch the teen age boy as he eat none stop. He seems really hungry. After they eat, the teenager just fall on the ground and stretch both hands in the air.
"You save me, thanks kid." He said but Zeref didn't reply. He went on the point, "who are you?"
Silence came to them, he soon answer, "I don't know, I still don't have a name. What about you?"
He studied the teenager if he's lying but nothing. Hesitant at first but then replied him. "Zeref"
"Zeref, what a nice name you have. Please to meet you Zeref." He said with a great smile on his face. Somehow that made him sure this boy is not an enemy. "Why are you here? Is there a human village nearby?" Zeref asked.
He sat up and made thinking before answering, "There is no human village here but I'm simply waiting for someone. He said he has some business with so called Dragon Priestess and he told me that priestess doesn't like humans so he wanted me to wait here." Those words made him on guard again. 'What do they want with sensei? I swear, if anything happened to her, they'll pay.' He thought of himself.
He exam the teen age boy who gave a shiver on the boy's body from he's creepy stare. "Wha-what's wrong Zeref? If there something about me?" he asked.
Long silence until he answered, "Who was it that wanted to meet the Dragon Priestess?"
"We-well…" he's hesitating, he can tell, "Sorry but he told me not to say anything about him." bit nervous to that word. It seems he had gone a hell torture. Zeref understand, because his training is also a hell. He always almost die when he done some mistakes. "One final question." The boy looks up on the boy.
"The person with you who wants to meet the Dragon Priestess, is it a human or a dragon?" there's a life treating voice from that question. He became hesitant again but as he looks at the boy's eyes, it's glowing red. It was scary, he can't lie to this. "A Dragon!"
Zeref became calm. 'If it's a dragon then there's nothing to worry… wait? ... What? Why does a dragon want to this boy? Is he a prey? A food? But it doesn't seem like it. If he is, he should have run now but didn't. What's going on?' he thought to himself, puzzling it. Well it makes sense it Yua went away to talk to this dragon, why? He doesn't know.
He looks at the boy again and made up his mind. "Then until he arrives, I'll accompany you." Zeref said with a smile. This widens the boy's eyes and stand up quickly. He is taller than Zeref.
"Wait, it's a DRAGON we're talking about. Should you be frighten and run or ask question about why I'm waiting a dragon?" as he talk, Zeref was just chuckling in his surprise. "Not all dragons are bad and I know that. I have met few dragons already and they were kind."
The boy was amaze. He thought he's the only one who able to talk to the dragons in good terms but there is another one like him. What a crazy world it could be. Somehow they both got along. They played or went on adventure around the forest. They even hunt some deer to fill their stomachs.
It was sunset when they heard a loud clapping sound. It was from a wing of a dragon. The teen age boy quickly went to the dragon's location and Zeref followed, curious what does this dragon looked like. As they arrive, that dragon was not alone, he is with Yua, waiting for the two.
"Sensei!" he called to Yua. Yua looked at him with a gentle smile but change when he saw the teen age boy.
The dragon with her was a white dragon and a large one. His body is almost like a snake figure and has a long mustache. He looks little bit old to say. The teenager was happy for his arrival but change when he heard Zeref called 'sensei'. He was confused at first until he saw another person with him, the woman who holds a dragon staff to her right hand. She seems examining him really careful.
Zeref went to his sensei and she just pats his head as acknowledgement of his presence here. The dragon was bit surprise to it. He always knows that the Dragon Priestess doesn't like humans but seeing her with a human child, completely surprising.
"Does this mean you got soften to humans already, dear priestess?" the dragon amused voice said.
"Only to this boy, he almost has the same experience as I do. Somehow I can't turn back on him." she said.
Zeref was bit surprise, 'almost same experience as her? What does she mean?' to tell the truth, he still doesn't know much about her, especially her past. Every time he asks, she only says to him, 'when the time comes, I'll tell you.' So he will wait. For now, he won't question it but at the same time, has a bit hint what her past could be.
Yua looked again on the teen age boy then turn to the dragon.
"Is this the boy you were talking about?" she asked and hidden the disgust voice on her words.
The dragon nod as a yes, the teenager is confused what's going on. "Winard who is she?" he asked.
The dragon named Winard answered him, "she is the Dragon Priestess, and her name is Yua. Greet her."
He immediately went to his proper stand and bow a bit. "P-ple-please to meet you P-Priestess-san!"
The woman just stares at her and then looked at the dragon.
"I'll tell my answer tomorrow."
With that, she began to walk away. Zeref made a wave of good bye and followed her. He quickly keep up to her and saw her expression, somehow, he see fear and danger. He wanted to ask what or why but decide to leave it be until they got home.
Yua can tell he has many questions, she quickly made him sit on the wooden chair and quickly squash some orange to make orange juice for both of them. She gave one to Zeref and made a sit in front of him. He took a sip of juice then put it down to listen to her.
"You must be wondering what's going on right?" she asked in straight voice. Zeref nod as a response. She studied every inch of movement and emotion he's doing and then proceed first with a question. "Tell me what you have observed from that teenager boy. Don't lie to me, this is a critical matter."
He was bit surprise from it. 'Critical matter? For real?' he thought loudly. If his sensei think that then there's no holding back. He told her everything, every chat, times, everything. Without pausing to every word and no doubt thinking on another second. Yua was listening carefully, not asking question as he tell her. She made sure to absorb every information to her mind.
When he's finished, they took a minute of silence and she talk.
"I see. So, from your point of view, what do you think is he? A good or a bad."
Zeref recall everything and answered.
"A good person… I guess"
Yua became silence once again, this made him nervous, thinking that did he make a wrong answer. But most likely not, she has a very deep in thought, something seems not right.
"If you say that then I won't stop you. For me actually… he'll become the most dangerous human I could ever meet. He might become the worst and powerful than me and to all dragon kinds." She said with a mix of serious and worried voice. "Why?" he asked.
She took a deep breath and talked, but before she could, they have felt the earth shake, like an earthquake. They have felt a strong presence outside and look at their window, and something came out. Big yellow eyes, a dragon's eyes.
"Mind if I join?" the dragon asked.
Yua made a lame expression face upon him and also a lame tone of voice, "you sure know to have a lame entrance Illnad." Not really amused. Zeref was surprise from a sudden coming, a long silence was broke by his laugh, a laugh that still in surprise.
Later, they went outside. Illnad was sitting on the ground and staring at both of them who sat on their sits. Yua continued the conversation.
"I'll tell you the real situation, about this world we are currently in."
"Eh?"
"Right now, it is peaceful right? Too peaceful that we can live without any worries, but you were wrong. Unfortunately, there is a war going on right now."
She said straight tone, without worry, without hesitation. She continued.
"This is a war between dragons. Many damages had already happened and if this continues, the world might destroy but that doesn't really matter to me. The war is located far west. The war has almost spread and only of the luckiest place right now that is still in peace was here, our location. But I know that soon, this place will be getting involved as well and I need you to be ready for it."
"But what were they fighting about? It's very rare for dragons to have a war to one another right?" Zeref asked.
"Yes but this war is about the ideals of both side young Zeref." Illnad answered the question.
"Ideals?" in confused tone.
"Ideals about WE dragons would live with the humans." Illnad said with a serious tone. Zeref was surprised, Yua was disgust.
"Wait, is that even possible!?" he asked in surprised.
"if the dragons want then it's a yes. I don't particularly care about it." She said in no more interest tone subject. But then became serious.
"That's the war is about. The war of ideals for the dragons. The side is 'WE SHOULD LIVE WITH THE HUMANS IN HARMONY' while the other side is 'HUMANS ARE FOOD TO BE EATEN, WE SHOULDN'T LIVE WITH THE WEAKS' part. So the fight those who agree fights on any of those side. Those who don't want to have nothing to do with it usually die in the middle of the war. All in all, everyone is involved and no one can run for it."
"Winard, the dragon that came to Yua was one of the dragons in the war, not just that, he is the leader of the dragons who fight to the ideals to live with the humans." Illnad told him.
He was bit surprised to it, "So the reason he came here is?" he asked. He saw the irritation on his sensei's eyes and told him.
"He wants my permission, to make that child become part of the dragons." Irritation voice can hear to her word.
"Is that even possible?" he asked in confusion. Can humans really turn into a dragon?
Illnad answered him, "Yes, by adopting a human and teach them our magic. It is also called Dragon Slayer Magic. By its name, you will learn the magic of us dragons and it will become more powerful than ours which is also the only way to destroy us dragons as well. It is a magic to kill us dragons."
No wonder she was irritated. If sensei knows about that that then no wonder. She hates humans more than anyone else.
"That bastard, good thing he knows how to ask permission but that of all things just to make an advantage to their stupid war, he will involve the humans which is for starters was that brat. Tch, just what the heck did he see to make his heart soften to those humans? True, there are humans that are kind, even to dragons but to make such length as this? You got to be kidding me." Irritation it sounds, yes, she's complaining.
"But Yua, don't get me wrong but should you agree to his ideals? Of all living, you are special. You are the only existence who have born haft human and halt dragon, your existence symbolize his ideals. You are the proof that living with the humans is possible." Illnad said with a soft voice, although he already knows in his mind what she will reply to that.
"I don't care such thing. Humans had forsaken my existence, they keep calling me a monster. I was born different but it doesn't mean I have no heart and emotions for me not to be hurt. That's why I hate them. Small difference became a big matter to them, why huh? My existence symbolizes the living of both human and dragons? Don't make me laugh Illnad."
Her eyes darken, creepy enough to say completely ready to murder the whole world. "If none of this world had accepted me, then I might as well leave this world. I'll destroy this world, destroy everything, until I can make a place where I belong. Thinking about such suicide is a word of a weak, I will stay strong and make a world where I could be belong, even it means I have to kill all dragons and humans alike, I will."
Silence came upon them. To tell the truth, he was surprised, Zeref never thought in this conversation, he found something about her. She was not accepted, that's why she hates humans, that's why she understood him.
Like himself, he was born with a strong dark magic which his own village called him a monster and ready to kill. He wanted to be acknowledged but in the end, it failed. For her, she never thinks about being accepted, all she want was to live but there is the interference. The humans, yes, they keep mocking her, like telling her to disappear. He became angry on the inside. Why? Why can't they understand one another?
He grips his hand, frustrated. Surprisingly, warm arms hug him. It was Yua, she was smiling, making him calm down. He didn't know, his magic was beginning to release from him, beginning to spread. He got out of control, thankfully she was there, for him.
"No need to be angry for my sake Zeref, no need. I may not have been accepted by humans but some dragons had accepted me. I was happy some still did, that's why I made up my mind to live normal once again, like humans and dragons. I no longer care what they say to me. But you know, I became even happier, that a human accepted me, and that is you. That's why I promised myself Zeref," She looked at him, eye to eye, with a determination in her eyes. "I will help you, teach you and protect you Zeref, until the time comes you can live on your own, survive on your own and protect on your own. Find a reason to live Zeref, you'll need it. Right now, that reason is enough for now."
Zeref was touched. Protect him? It should be another way around. He'll become a hero that will change the mind of people, he had finally decided. In the future, he'll make his sensei proud of him, he promised to himself. He smiled and nod. She returns it with a smile and return back to her sit.
"Now where did we left?" she asked, like nothing happened. "About that teen ager boy that Winard introduced to you?" Illnad answered. To tell the truth, he got bit scared by her intention. Some will say she is out of her mind but wasn't, he knows her skill. She had achieved both dragon and human magic. It will be hard even ten dragons working together to defeat her.
It changed when she comfort Zeref, the warm she gave was overwhelming. Now he wonders what part of it she was a monster. She became one when she was angered but her soft side was too much that everyone may love her. The only problem is she never shows it to anyone, except those she acknowledged. He is happy he became one of them.
"I see… That kid, I don't like him a bit." She said, in a worried tone.
"What's the problem to him sensei?"
"That kid… he was actually a son the human's big village, not, let's say a big community of humans. Not ordinary citizen but the son of the leader of that community. If Winard wanted to involved the humans to this war, that community is the best choice to make it come true." She said with a serious tone. Both listening became serious.
"So if he succeeds, he can make few of those people become a dragon slayer. Right now that part is... ..." Illnad said, Yua end it. "Part of taboo."
That's right, in this generation, Dragon Slayer is forbidden, and teaching it to a wrong human can endanger the lives of many. In this age, only few humans can use magic. Most were all dragons living can use magic. Humans who doesn't possess magic can learn magic but from a dragon? It's a different story.
"To do such thing, the human needs an acknowledgement to the dragon priestess. Right now, I don't know, can I trust that human? Somehow, when I see him, I feel something bad will happen that I will never like."
"What kind of bad things Yua? As a priestess, you can see some part of the future, right?" Illnad became wary. Yua knows every best option but right now was bit of a blurred one.
"Like he will be the reason the end of the dragon civilization." Now that surprised Illnad even more. True, they know that soon their civilization might end. Were after all don't grow in numbers than humans so they it but refuse to believe on it.
"Se-Sensei… wha-what do you plan to do then?" Zeref asked in hesitation. Somehow, he doesn't know what will happen. They all stayed quiet, waiting for her response.
"… Honestly… I don't know myself either."
Next day arrive, they have met with both Winard was waiting on the forest with the teenager boy. As they wait, he trains the boy to fight and for now. Soon they arrived. Both Yua and Zeref arrived. They boy stopped training and smiled as he saw Zeref. He waves with great smile and Zeref just return it with a smile. He looked at Yua who was still no emotion showing to any of them. Both went to them.
"I'm glad you came, Dragon Priestess." Winard said with a glad expression and tone. Yua just nod to his greetings.
"Have you decided my proposal?" he asked. Yua narrowed her eyes to the boy who shiver in nervousness. She looked up to the dragon.
"I don't think so. Throw that human away and return him to where he came from. You of all dragons should know, there's no way I'll let a human be on our kind. Leave now Winard." She said with serious tone and no hesitation. Winard's eyes widen in shock, the teen just shocked in devastation. Zeref was bit sad for them.
"Is there a way to change your mind?" Winard tried to persuade her but shook her head, telling him 'no'.
"Why!?" he growled in almost rage but restrain himself. "Why won't you accept? We need them Priestess."
"Then fight them on your own. Involving humans was your intention then do it but I will never approve letting a human learn the dragon magic. He can endanger our lives, the civilization of dragons. As a priest, I can never let that happen." She said it directly to her point. He wanted to protest but was cut off by the teen ager.
"What should I do to make you accept me?"
The teenager was serious.
"To be precise, nothing. Go home, take everything back, including your name and live, if you want to fight then go ahead. Just die." She said coldly. The teenager just release a 'tch', ha have worked hard,he doesn't want to waste it.
"But you yourself is a haft human and dragon, you should know the point of our ideals, why?" Winard questioned, still can't believe on the answer she had gave to them.
"Even I'm a hybrid it doesn't mean I would like it. If this war continue and need my involvement, I'm telling you now, I'll side to the dragons who 'DOESN'T LIKE TO LIVE PEACEFUL WITH THE HUMANS'. My hatred can never extinguish Winard. Leave." She said with high tone.
From the looks of things, Winard can no longer persuade her. She even said she will never side with them, why? He doesn't know.
"FIGHT ME!" the teenager shouted. He got their attention. She just narrowed her eyes to him.
"Fight you? Do you think an insect like you can fight me farely?" she said, provoking him at the same time, threatening him. Zeref shiver to that, at the same time he thinks the boy is crazy. Even he right now has no match to her. But him? Who knows.
"Of course I am, now FIGHT ME! If I win, you will acknowledge me." He said with firm and guts. Winard tried to stop him but stop when he saw her chuckled evilly. "Fine, don't regret a single thing, human."
They all went to the side, except to the two. Yua throw her staff and Zeref caught it. It seems Yua wanted to fight fare, which is hand-to-hand combat. The teen ready his stance, Yua was just standing, observing him.
Winard was worried for the boy, "I should have told him not to be careless in front of the priestess but… can she even fight?"
"She is, and very strong one." Zeref answered his question.
Winard looked at the boy.
"Who are you? This is really rare for a priestess to be someone such as humans?" Winard asked.
"Just her student sir." He replied with a small smile.
Little they know, their battle began.
The fight was not intense but there is pity. The teen keep on attacking again and again, Yua didn't mind but she had never move from her position ever seen the fight began. She only used her right hand to stop or push him and use her left leg as her offensive. He was quickly beat up as he continues to fall down. Winard wanted him to stop but he can see to his eyes that he will never give up and continue to attack.
For her, his attack was useless and reckless. 'Does he train with him? He likes a kid running around playing.' She thought to herself. She was actually disappointed. She yawned as she was attacked but only sat down to avoid his air kick or some sort. She stands up and turns around slowly. The air changed, she became even more evil as she glares at him. Everyone shiver, fearing what will happen to him.
"Is this all you got human? You got to be kidding me, right?" she said dangerously.
He hesitates, at the same time, shaking in fear… but, he got enough courage and run forward heading to him. He will give another punch but was stopped by her one index finger on her right hand. Winard was surprised, Zeref just continue to watch.
'It's over' Zeref thought and it did.
With a force she gather on her index finger, it gave a strong force that throw him on the ground, hard that it became like explosion. As the smokes out, they saw him, still conscious but can no longer stand up. The ground was also destroyed completely. Winard tried to go to the teen but Yua gave a sharp glare that made him stop. Yua looked at the teen and walked heading to him.
"You are a foolish kid indeed. Do you really think you have a chance against me?" she said as she walked. Also she is serious, really dangerous if anyone provoke her now.
The boy tried to stand but can't, even so still keep trying at the same time, answer her. "I-I want… to become s-stronger… stronger like… Winard… I-I want to h-help him…. I WANT TO LEARN TO HIM!" he shouted that word.
She stopped walking and asked, "Why?"
"Because he is… t-the only one… who t-truly understand m-me… unlike any other… he is the only one… that's why… I… I want to help him… I… I want to be acknowledged by everyone!" he said with determination and firm.
Zeref was surprised to it. 'What past did he experience? Is it same as us… or different' he thought.
Yua almost has the same thought as Zeref but bit different.
'He is different but same situation as Zeref' she thought.
She looked at him carefully, even in his bloody body, he still able to stand up, but not straight, just one pinch and he is fall again. He is no longer able to fight but still forcing himself.
"… You are a fool, you know that?" she said but somehow became soften for a bit. She turns around and walked away from him. When she got near to both Winard and Zeref, Zeref gave back her staff and she took it and smiled as thanks and looked at Winard in serious matter.
"I will let you teach him and became a dragon slayer." She said.
Winard was surprised and so is the teen.
She turns around and looked at him. "Finding acknowledgement huh, I don't know why but not like I care. I will test you kid, oh I should give you a name, it is the reason you have no name right?"
She thinks for a bit and said,
"Acnologia"
The teen heard it clearly and repeat the new name. "Acnologia"
"From a mix and scramble words of 'acknowledgement' and fitting dragon name I guess." She looked back at Winard. "I will only let him and only him Winard. Stay here for 3 month and may go. Train here is you want. That's my condition. If you ever break, you know the consequence." A word of threatened voice can be heard from her voice.
Even so he was happy and thanked her.
She quickly went away and silently told Zeref to treat that kid for a bit before going home.
Zeref was happy and went to his first friend to say now named Acnologia and treat him. he even congratulate him and was happy for him. Winard was there, watching both of them, happy for his now adopted son, Acnologia.
From afar on where she is, she was bit move from his determination but in the end, the bad filling still hasn't left. She only hope whatever it is, it will go smoothly and can be solve like any other.
Soon, she will realize she was wrong
I do not own Fairy Tail