Erza caught up with me during the festivities and pulled me into a side room.
"Mar, do you remember what you did that night we carried Jellal and Cana?"
"Clearly, why?"
"Did you put me in bed beside Jellal?"
"I did. The floor looked uncomfortable, and I know you two are downright smitten for each other."
"Y-You knew?" the scarlet haired woman said as her cheeks turned the same colour.
"Ha, it wasn't that hard to see Erza. I was just helping fate's wheel get a boost is all."
"Haha, that you were. Thank you Mar. We've become a couple, and we are very happy together. Thank you. if it wasn't for you forcing that ungodly awkward conversation on us, Jellal may have never blurted out his feelings."
"Bah, it's nothing Erza. Keep in mind, this is the THIRD time now I've meddled in relationships. Fourth if you count Lisanna and Natsu, but I'm not going near that one as anything but a messanger or mediator. Ah, I just remembered something, what happened between you and Edo Erza?"
"We fought, I literally beat some sense into her. She was a good person in the end. Thanks again for setting us on that island, we fought till the damn thing hit the ground and we were both drained of Magic."
"Yikes. Remind me never to get on EITHER of your bad sides."
"Haha! But seriously Mar, I can never thank you enough. Not only did you push Jellal and I into a relationship, you are the reason he's not rotting in a cell right now, or even on the chair! You have saved his soul more then once, and from the way he talks about you, I sense that he sees you as a hero."
"Erza, I'm no hero. I'm just a guy who gets far too many oppurtunities and doesn't know how to say 'No'."
Erza laughed at my odd level of modesty, and I joined her. She stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder while I was still sitting, and said, "Thank you Mar. I couldn't ask for a better friend." Erza then, to my surprise, reached down and kissed my cheek.
I sat there dumbstruck with my hand on my cheek while Erza left and Cana came in. She had probably seen us come in the side room and was waiting for me to be alone.
"So, how are things with Mirajane nowadays Mar?"
I caught onto the hint in her voice, "I wasn't doing THAT with Erza, Cana. Actually, I was talking about her and Jellal."
"Ahhh, do share!"
"Ah, nothing much. I just helped them along is all."
"Them too? You have to find me a steady boyfriend one of these days Mar!"
I chuckled at her joke, then asked, "Anyway, why are you trying to get me alone, you know I'm married, right?"
Cana laughed at my turning of her own joke against her, then told me, "I remember you said that you wanted your fortune read, and I figured now was a good a time as ever."
"Oh? I'm finally going to get a reading from Fairy Tail's card mystic?"
"You bet!"
Cana prepared the cards, and drew mine.
"Hmm." she said, clearly stumped.
"What?"
"The reunion came up...that can't be right, everyone you know is right here!"
"Not really, I know the Exceeds and Erza's friends. Heck, even Lyon and the others in the guild alliance."
"No, this one is special, it's someone who is VERY close to you. Any idea who it could be?"
"Hmm, no, I have no clue. Everyone I'm close to is right here, as you said."
"I don't get it, my cards are never wrong! Are you sure there's no one?"
"Well, there is one, but I doubt that a reunion is likely."
"Oh?"
"Mavis."
"Oh...I'm sorry Mar."
"Don't sweat it. It's an elephant in the room, I don't like throwing a rug over it."
"...Thanks. I hate awkward moments."
"Same here."
"Let's see...you also got the knight, a symbol of protection. No real big surprise there. You also got...oh god!"
"What?"
"Mar, my reading must be right out of tune today, you got the Death card!"
"Death? That seems unlikely, to say the least."
Cana shook her head and stood up. "Sorry that my cards are off, maybe we'll try again tommorow?"
"Sounds like a plan my friend."
Cana then and walked out, content, and determined to get it right the next day.
I got up to get out of the room, but sure enough, Lucy was there to drag me back in, causing me to laugh at my odd schedual.
"Sorry Mar, I've just been meaning to get something off my chest. Brace yourself okay?"
"Lucy, I can handle just about anything right now, I'm still riding on helping to bring my wife's sister back safe and sound."
"Well, I hope so. Mar, you remember that day you came with me to save the trade guild that my father was going to?"
"Yeah, fond memories. Well, aside from getting shot six or seven times. Even then, it was to protect you, so I have no reason to regret it."
Lucy smiled at my answer, she clearly wanted to hear something like that. "Mar, that day, I saw you as more then a friend."
"Oh?"
"I think...I think I have feelings for you Mar."
I wasn't ready for that. "Sorry, what?" I asked, hoping I had misheard.
"Please don't make me repeat it, I feel bad enough already." Lucy said as her head bowed and her eyes moistened.
"Hey hey, calm down. I just wasn't expecting that is all."
"God, I know I shouldn't feel this! You're married for fucks sake!"
"Hey, you can't help what you feel. Come here." I said as I drew her into my arms.
I let her cry on me until she was finished, then she asked me, "Mar, can you answer my feelings?"
"I'm sorry, I can't."
"I knew it. I'm sorry for even bringing this up."
"Don't be. We are friends Lucy. Damn good ones. Whatever happens, that will NEVER change. It's a good thing to share these feelings, they fester and turn into something ugly if you don't. Now, define 'Feelings'. Do you think you love me?"
"Yes..."
"It just so happens I read something about this recently, you have no real idea what your feelings are pointing you toward, right?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"Hug me. Let your body convey your feelings for you." I said while standing up.
Lucy stood up as well, and pulled me into an embrace, reaching as far around as her arms could reach. She did not grab my shirt for support, however, and she buried her head into my chest.
"I see now, you can stop if you want to."
"No, I think I'm good here."
"Ha, Lucy, you love me like an older brother. You see me as a protecter and a confidant. These feelings were probably just enlarged by the traumatic experience we shared."
Lucy stayed quiet for a moment, thinking. She then spoke up and said, "Huh, I think you're right Mar! You're the big brother I never had! Thanks for helping me get my head straight."
"It's fine Lucy, relationship problems are aparently why everyone keeps me around!"
After a good laugh, we both came out of the small room, and no one dragged me back in, so I shrugged and went to find Lisanna.
I found her on the dance floor of all places, really enjoying herself! Natsu was even dancing with her, and from body language, I could tell Natsu was on the verge of asking an awkward question or two. Good, I wanted to see my friend happy. There is no real greater joy then delighting friends and family, and I had played a part in both here. I just smiled from the sidelines and decided to talk to her later. I only wanted to ask if Fairy Tail was the same one she knew despite a few new faces and some renevations.
I sat down at the bar and started talking with Mira, nothing really, just telling each other how our days were going and what our plans were for the next day, cause lord knows we wern't getting anything done today. At the end of our conversation, Mira hugged me and said, "Thank you again, I'll never be able to repay you for what you did."
I replied honestly, "Don't thank just me. Natsu and Wendy were the people who found the guild, without them, I would have skipped over Edolas' Fairy Tail entirely."
"Oh? How so?"
"Them, Happy, and Carla were four of the only five people there with Magic inside them. Magic is an item over in Edolas...well, it was anyway."
"I'll ask for the full story later, but four of five? Was the fifth..."
"Lisanna, yes. She wasn't near the guild, but I could feel an odd presence I had never felt here, so I assumed. Then again, she felt familiar, but not quite. Kind of like you and Elfman, I can get you two confused from a distance. So I figured my mystery person had the same thing in common as you two, therefore, Lisanna. I was right, as it turns out."
"Haha! Have I told you I love you recently?"
"You could stand to say it a bit more." I said with a coy smile.
The festivities lasted long into the night, and I was stuck with transporting at least half a dozen passed out members home or to guest rooms in Fairy Tail, including my new sister, a smile on her sleeping face. Natsu must have run her ragged! I saved taking Lisanna home for last, and I flew her over personally, tying my coat to my leg.
On the way, Lisanna awoke in my arms, and I decided to slow down for her to enjoy the view.
"Mmm, what time is it?" she muttered.
"Around 2:30. AM."
"Wow, thanks for getting me home Mar...are we flying?"
"Yeah. I figure if I have wings, may as well use them! Plus, people seem to find the night sky relaxing when I bring them along."
"I can see why, big brother."
"Ha!...Lisanna, be honest, do you accept me as a brother? This has just been something that's been bugging me. My introduction into your family wasn't exactly done with your consent."
"Don't worry about it big bro, I accept you entirely. I'd accept ANYONE Mira would even consider going out with, let alone someone she tied the knot with! Plus, you kind of were my brother back in Edolas, although you were my little brother there."
I let out a sigh of relief, then said, "Thanks sis. That means alot to me."
We gazed at the stars on our way, and Lisanna began to sing. I recognised the song right away as the song that Mira had sung at kareoke night, so I joined in. "Fly me to the moon, and let me play, among the stars, let me see what sunset is like, on Jupiter and Mars..."
We touched down outside of the Strauss household, and I opened the door, Lisanna still lying in my arms. I brought her into her room and tucked her in, telling her to just let me handle it because I knew she was tired.
As I layed her head down on a freshly fluffed pillow, I asked her one last question. "How are things between you and that hot head friend of mine?"
Lisanna smiled, then said, "We're taking it slow, seeing if anything has changed for the negative over the last two years. We're catching up tommorow, I guess you could call it a date!"
"Ha! Wonderful! I'll catch up to Natsu tommorow and tell him to just act natural around ya. No doubt he's scared out of his mind at what he thinks could happen!"
"Perish the thought!"
"Haha, you're exactly as Mira described you, both in body and soul. You havn't changed a bit these last two years, have you?"
"I'd like to think I became stronger from having to live without my Magic, but otherwise, no, I really don't think so."
"Good. I hate when people change, especially into something that doesn't suit them." I said, smiling while locking eyes with Lisanna. "I guess I'm just old fashioned."
"Ha! What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, crap, that's right. You don't know about my past, do you?"
"Not alot of it. Mira mentioned you invented a Magic called Archive though, a Magic capable of copying any Magic you please, and sharing them when needed."
"Ha, she only told you that? Mira, I'm shocked!"
"Oh? Am I going to get a bedtime story?"
"Oh what the heck, you weren't planning on sleeping tonight, were you?"
"Haha, I think I can go for a day without."
"Alright then. Two hundred years ago..."
I told her everything. My life as a wretch, Raiden, the recieving of my name, details on my training, that parade that was held on my return to the small town, everything I could remember. I told her of Mavis, her parents, and how they raised me without even knowing my name, heck, without ME knowing my name! I told her of the journalists that paid my way into the city, and how I took Mavis with me. I told her how I met Leo, and how the three of us became great friends. I told her of my fascination of Magic, and wanting to find a central point from which all other Magic did branch from, leading me to Archive. I told her about how I shared my findings with the world, hoping they would help a war ridden planet, but how they were instead used as a weapon of mass destruction. I told her how I became secluded, and buried myself in books, hoping to find a way to destroy my very own creation. I told her, that when I found none, I left a note saying that I chose death once more, and used Magic to travel through time and space itself, alone. I told her of the four years of pain I endured, wondering just how many births in my new time were stopped by my very own actions, and finally seeing Natsu and his friends on the news for what was called, "The Lullaby Incident"
"I saw Natsu's mark, and I asked someone nearby where it originated. The search led me to Fairy Tail. That mark...Mavis told me that if I was ever in pain, to seek it out, even if she had passed. She said her spirit was forever entwined with her children, her 'Fairies'."
"Mar, I'm curious, where did she get the idea for the Fairy Tail brand? Do you know?"
"She never told me directly, but I know."
"Where?"
"My chest. I got a tattoo shortly after moving to the big city, to celebrate a new life. It has the actual brand over it now, and it looks all the better for it, but under my mark is the exact same symbol. I asked the artist to create something unique, something to symbolise a new beginning, and I ended up with this. Mavis loved it so much that she must have taken it for Fairy Tail, possibly to remember me."
"Must have?"
"Fairy Tail wasn't founded until I was already in the future, but the idea was with Mavis at the time. She wanted to make a positive difference in our war ravaged world, and I even pledged to be a member, an oath that I didn't carry out until eight generations later."
"You still held true big brother."
"I know, but I find myself wishing that I didn't do what I did sometimes, that I never came to this time."
"If you had stayed there, you would never have met any of us. You would never have met sis!"
"...You're right Lisanna. You're absolutely right, but it still hurts. I miss Mavis. I just want to see her, even if it's one final time so I can say goodbye. I never got the chance. The hardest part is, I know I never will, and I have no one to blame for that except myself." I said, rage nearly choking my last sentance beyond recognition.
"Mar, I can't help you with such a burden, but have you thought about talking about this with Makarov? He could at least lead you to her grave, I'm sure."
"Mavis' grave?...I...I would like that. I guess I do need some closure to be fully integrated into this time."
"There you go! If needed, me and Mira will come with you! Elfman too!"
"...Thank you Lisanna. Thank you for helping me through that. I find remembering Mavis to be painful, at best."
"Any time brother! Keep in mind, you're not the only one who's lost someone."
I thought on that, and I realised she was correct. Nearly everyone in Fairy Tail had lost someone. A sad fact, but true. Lisanna in particular, she lost everyone she knew, despite getting them back, she would still have gone through an absolute hell.
"This is getting a little depressing little sis, how about I tell you about my adventures with Natsu and the crew?"
"I'd like that!"
I laughed, such an energetic young woman.
I told her of the adventures I had had upon arriving at Fairy Tail, four years later. Galuna, Loke, Seis, Edolas, Jane, The Tower, and of course, the Phantom Lord civil war, and I took my time with telling her how Elfman saved her older sister by mastering his Beast Soul. Lisanna looked so proud, I could tell, even though she was very tired.
By the time I had finished, it was already close to 7. I didn't want to wake Mirajane, it was still too early, so I just layed next to Lisanna, on top of the sheets, and untied my trenchcoat after I realised it was still on my leg. I kissed her on the side of the head and said, "I guess we're late risers today."
She giggled, then we drifted off to sleep, my wing wrapped around Lisanna. I woke up only a couple hours later, mostly refreshed. I sat up on the big bed, and looked to Lisanna. So radiant, just like her sister. The both of them can light up an entire room.
I walked out of the room silently, grabbing my coat on the way. I came into the living room to find Mira and Elfman talking, so I decided not to interrupt, and I just snuck out the door with a bow.
I threw my coat on outside and walked to Fairy Tail. I needed time to sort through my thoughts.
I got there just in time for Makarov to make a big announcement, the S class wizard exam was to happen in one week! The canditates were Natsu, Cana, Freed, Elfman (I shouted for him in his absence), Levy, Juvia, Grey, and Mest.
I remembered people talking about Mest the previous year, how he almost took home the gold, but was stopped just short. Couldn't remember who they said stopped him though.
Makarov announced that each of them was to choose a partner who was not already S class, and that they'd NEED them, for only one would attain S rank this year.
Balls. I was kind of hoping to help someone to S class. Oh well, at least this gives me an excuse to spend some time with Mirajane.
Makarov then said the trial would be held at Tenrou Island, Fairy Tail's 'Holy Ground'.
The pairings were done before the day was out, Natsu decided to go with Happy, Cana took Lucy, I set Lisanna up with Juvia, and Evergreen with Elfman, Freed took Bickslow, Mest took Wendy, Grey partnered with Loke, and to my surprise, Gajeel offered to go with Levy, despite their history.
Makarov pulled me aside during the excitement, and explained my role in this exam. I was to act as a block for aspiring S class wizards, to test their strength. Makarov explained the first test was one of luck and strength, and when a team chose my path, they would have to fight me to get past. I was actually going to take an odd role, as Master described it, I was going to be a "Partner" to Gildarts. In case he didn't want to fight due to his injury, or if, say, Levy, or a physically weaker member came across Gildarts' path, I was to act as a substitute, since Gildarts is horrible at holding back, and we didn't want anyone turning up dead. Makarov then told me of a hidden trail on my path, just behind where Gildatrs and I would wait for one of our guild members. He told me to take it after the S class candidate was either out cold or moving forward, saying it would lead to something important to me. He left me at that, and went back to his duties, not even giving me the chance to ask about Mavis.
The commotion over the following week kept me busy, I never got the chance to ask Makarov anything, let alone anything regarding Mavis, and Cana was, for whatever reason, in no mood to give me a re reading, so I gave her her space. I figured it would be best to just wait until the exam was done, and one of my friends was a newly crowned S class!
Six days after the announcement, a boat arrived to take the S class wizards to Tenrou, so we could get set up in preperation for the next mornings events. Nothing too exciting happened, really. I set up a couple tents, and hung a few lettered banners over the first testing area, but nothing overly exciting. It was bloody hot out though, I had to take a dip before the boat docked on Tenrou. God, I love my wings.
The next day, I sat on a high branch in a tree near the entrance to the cave systems. I was informed that the exam would actually start while they were still out to sea, so it seemed likely a couple of wizards would get here first. Juvia for sure, I thought.
The caves would erect magical barriers when everyone involved in them was inside, to prevent someone from dashing through. I knew mine was E, so I just decided to walk in with whoever took it, if for nothing but to ease their nerves a bit.
Natsu and Happy were actually the second pair to arrive, after Freed and Bickslow, and they chose E, to my great surprise. I came in after Natsu, and the cave sealed behind me. I wondered why he would have chosen this tunnel so readily, then it hit me...tunnel E...E for Erza...oh boy.
"Natsu! Happy! Wait up would you?"
"Mar?" they shouted back.
"Yeah, it's me."
Natsu said, "Are you my opponent here? Kickass! I was hoping for Erza, but never the less, kickass!"
"I am a choice. There is another here with me."
"Oh, could you tell me who?"
"You don't want to know. Trust me."
We walked on, Natsu was excited as could be, but poor Happy was scared out of his mind. I probably didn't do much to ease his fear.
"Hey, Happy, come on, get up here." I said, gesturing to my shoulder. The Exceed landed on me, and I asked, "What's wrong?"
"I'm worried about Natsu, he'll naturally seek out the strongest person here, and choose them to fight against. What if it's Gildarts? Natsu could die!"
"Don't worry about that. No one can beat Gildarts, and he knows that. He'd pass Natsu if he showed the correct qualities of an S class, and take it from me Happy, he has them."
"Okay, what if it's Erza, do you even know what lies in this tunnel?"
"Oh I know whats down there alright, but it wouldn't be fair to tell. It's not the free pass though, I'll tell you that. But, in respoce to Erza? I have nothing but confidence that Natsu could beat her if he went 100%. Mirajane too."
"You really think so?"
"You worry too much Happy! Natsu is a ball of pure potential. I see the makings of a REAL Dragon in him!"
Natsu stopped suddenly, and I could hear his irregular breathing. I looked up, away from our blue companion, and low and behold, the open room stood before us, with Gildarts in the center of it.
"Mar?"
"Yes Happy?"
"I hate you. So much."
"I know."
Gildarts jumped in and said, "Hey Natsu! I guess you drew the short straw, eh?"
"Short? This is awesome! I finally get to fight you for real!"
"Ha, that's the spirit! Hey Mar, looks like you won't be needed, go see if you can't find a way out and go cheer your little sis and bro on!"
"You got it Gildarts." I said as I walked out the back of the room, waving behind me as I did. "Good luck to you Natsu! You're going to need it!"
I continued down the system, until I came to notice some heavy shrubbery on the right hand side of the cave. I slipped in between the plants, thanking myself for bringing my trenchcoat when I started pushing through thorns. I made sure to close the gaps I made, so I wouldn't give away whatever the devil was up this way. Whatever it was, Makarov made it sound like it was of great importance.
I finally broke into a clearing, with a large gap near the bottom of Tenrou's tree decorating the far side of it. I noticed something in the gap, something made of stone. I walked closer, and I realised what it was. It was a headstone. I was standing on a grave.
I read the epitaph on the stone out loud, "Here lies the First Master of Fairy Tail, a friend, guardian, and teacher to us all. Rest well...Mavis Vermillion."
I was in shock, to say the least. Makarov had led me here without my asking, and I couldn't be more grateful for it. I came into arms length to the stone, then sat down, leaning my back against it.
"I found you. I finally found you again. Mavis, I know you won't hear me, but I need to say this anyway. Mavis, you were...hell, still are the most important person in my life. I would not be alive had I never met you. Raiden's training, there was a really bad day. I almost died. I survived through sheer will alone, a will to meet you once more. I would not be the man I am today without your influence. You gave me everything, and in return, I abandoned you, not once, but twice. I feel no pride in my actions, only sorrow and regret. To this day I wish that I had brought you with me, with your consent or otherwise. It is a selfish regret, but all the same it is one that pains me greatly. I will very likely never get over this regret, but I am learning to like this new age. There is little to no war in this time, any of it being incredibly small scale. I have made many friends, and even been accepted into a family. To them, I am a brother, a protecter, and to one of them, a husband. I went to Fairy Tail, did you know that? I found your children. They are some of the most amazing people I have ever met, and I have grown close to all of them. I am pleased that they consider me a friend, and a brother in arms. Mavis, I think...I think I belong here. I really feel that I do, and I can find only two problems with my life. First, Fairy Tail comes under mortal danger far too often nowadays, and the second? I miss you Mavis. I just want to see you, to feel your soft hair once more, to hold you in my arms. I just wanted a chance to say goodbye...""
There was nothing. Silence. I began crying. "I just wanted a chance to say goodbye...goodbye, my oldest, most dear friend. This day, Mar Strauss, loving husband, friend of many, brother of two, former wretch and inventor...chooses...life."
I cried for a long while, alone in that grove. As I was getting up, and about to leave, I heard a voice in my head.
"Mar? It IS you! I can't believe it! Stay right there!"
I froze solid. That voice was all too familiar, and I turned back to the grave. A light appeared in front of it, and a seal formed on the ground. It was golden in colour, and out of it rose a small statured blonde woman.
I stood there, completely dumbfounded at what I was witnessing. The woman who stood before me...was Mavis herself! The same deep green eyes, the same wide dress, the same long hair...she was just like I remembered. She hadn't aged a day.
I didn't say anything, I just ran over and got her in a hug that lifted her clean off the ground. I ran so fast that my coat actually slipped off on the way, letting my wings loose. Oh well, I wasn't going to let go any time soon anyway.
She felt...real. She even smelled the same way I remembered.
"Mavis, is that really you? Please, talk to me!"
"It's me Mar...well, what's left of me."
"Your spirit still carries this level of power, along with the apparent ability to create it's former body! Amazing! You must have been a hell of a mage by the time you passed the torch on!"
"I was Mar, and I did this in hopes that you would remember my words and seek the mark. I used the Magic you taught me to preserve my soul at this grave."
"My Magic? The time Magic?"
"Arc of Time is what it is known as now...by the way Mar, when did you grow wings?"
I laughed. Mavis was always cheery, and she obviously hadn't changed a bit. She asked that question like she thought it was as much of a gift as I did, like she APPROVED of it!
"Complications from crossing over to Edolas and back, I'm kind of stuck with them. Although, I love them, I'm glad they're sticking around."
"Oh? Why do you love your wings Mar?"
"Because they let me do this." I said, as I drew Mavis in closer, wrapping my wings around her, leaving only some of her hair and her head visible to anyone who would look on to us. "And flying. Flying is a nice bonus as well." I said with a smile. "You havn't changed a bit my friend, and I'm glad."
"You havn't either, well, despite the obvious. You're still the same kind hearted man I knew. Oh, and Mar? No one could blame you for what you did, and in the end, it proved to be beneficial to the time. Your action was a major driving force behind the peace movement Mar! Your sacrifice brought peace to our time! Mar, you don't have to ask forgiveness from me, because you don't need it. However, because I know that won't be enough for you, I forgive you for leaving me and Leo."
"Leo...that reminds me, did he try anything funny after I vanished?"
Mavis laughed very hard, it felt good to hear her laugh again. "No, he paid your wishes the utmost respect as well. Heck, I never even got married in my lifetime, part because I could never find the right guy, and part because I respected your wishes as well."
"Good." I said with a smile. I pressed my forehead against Mavis', and said, "I missed you. So much. I have broken my vow before, but I will not make the same mistakes in this age. Mavis, I will with you for the rest of my eternal life, and I will enjoy every second of it."
"Eternal life? What heppened Mar?"
"Oh yes, I forgot that you weren't here for my misadventures with your modern children. Well, sit down, it's a long story." I said, seperating from Mavis and taking a seat.
When she sat down beside me, I smiled and covered her in my wing once more, drawing her close to me. "It all started a few months back, when I caught wind of the 'Lullaby Incident'..."
I finished a couple of hours later, leaving Mavis in awe.
"You've been through alot!" she said, "Yet, you still managed to find the right girl in all of the chaos! Amazing Mar, just amazing!"
A thought sprang through my head that bothered me, and caused me to say, "Please tell me this form of yours can leave the island."
"I'm sorry, I've never tried. I imagine that I'd need a physical body."
I pondered for a moment, then asked, "Would you mind sharing a soul with a sinner and a demon, by chance?"
"Ummm, what?"
"Nevermind." I said with a smirk. "A physical body...hmmmm"
"Mar, what are you thinking?"
"Mavis, what is your view on immortality?"
"Well, considering my spirit sort of IS immortal, so long as there remains a single person with the Fairy Tail mark, I aprove of it. I enjoy eternal life, although it gets boring here."
"Ah, so I take it when you're not manifesting yourself like this, you are 'Sleeping'?"
"In a sense, yes."
"Mavis, this is very important, are you buried at this grave?"
"Yes. The body that was once mine is here."
"How far down?"
"I'm not sure, but it was a long way down."
"Perfect. Mavis, how would you like your body back, just as spick and span as it once was?"
"Mar...could you really do that?"
"Regeneration, Mavis. Archive found a way to absorb it, and I met someone with a modern version of it who caught mine up to the times. I can share spells and Magics at will now. The only real problem is how I'm going to get your body to accept it."
"That's great Mar, but by now, my body has rotted away, and my clothes as well. You don't want to see me NAKED do you?"
"Heaven forbid!...But that is a problem...hmm. Ah! Mavis, do you like the colour red?"
"Quite alot."
"I'll lend you my coat! It ties up in the front, and it's so big that it will cover you completely!"
"Great! Now, how are you going to get me to accept if I'm dead again?"
"I don't know. I'm guessing that you can't just jump back into it for a second?"
"No, I'd get kicked out again."
"Ah, so you CAN, it will just reject you?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
"Mavis, is your body still linked to your spirit in some way?"
"I guess it would have to be. I wouldn't even be able to try otherwise. Then again, I'm not supposed to be standing here either."
"Mavis, I have an idea, but first, I need to find that body. Is it in a coffin?"
"No, I was only buried."
"Crap, I'll have to dig the old fashioned way then, no way am I damaging the bones any more then they are."
I got up and got in position over the grave, but just as my hand touched the soil, I heard the sound of a flare being fired. I looked up to see the source of the noise, an emergency flare was deployed! What the hell was happening?
"Mavis, something's wrong. I can't stay, my friends will need me."
Mavis smiled at my determination, then hugged me one last time and told me to "Knock em dead!"
I left my coat, and flew out of the grove, then looked around for the source of the flare, spotting Erza nearby...wearing very little, next to Juvia. I landed next to them and asked, "What the devil is going on?"
"We're under attack." Erza replied. "A dark guild has invaded the island, and they want us dead, that much is certain. They already almost killed Levy and Gajeel!"
My Magic spiked for a moment, releasing a torrent of power, but I quickly subdued it, not wanting my friends to see my darker side right now. Not with Mavis here.
"How did they get here?"
"An airship" Juvia said, as she pointed out over the water.
I recognised the mark on the airship. Grimoire Heart, one of the big three Dark Guilds, and the most powerful. I didn't know whether to feel flattered or endangered.
I knew that Erza would keep Juvia safe, so I dismissed myself and flew high into the sky.
I flew around, looking for my friends, or the invaders, but before I found anyone, a horrible sight greeted me. Makarov made a stand against Grimoire Heart's ship alone, only to be shocked by something the Heart master did, then shot through the chest by the ship. He fell onto the island after regressing to his original size.
I flew over quickly to try and give Makarov first aid, but as I got there, Natsu came tubling down the hill, and told me he could handle this. I trusted the man and took off, and I would have left him alone had I not noticed the blonde haired man with murder in his eyes following Natsu. I tailed him, and not long after he caught up to Natsu, he had Makarov, Natsu, and himself in a Mexican Standoff situation. He was to be crushed by Makarov, Makarov was being burned by the man's black flames, and Natsu was being incinerated in a cloud of flame. From this close, my sensory ability was working to an extent, so I felt Natsu's presence...disappear. Rage fogged my mind and I marched into the clearing, murder on my mind as well. If Natsu hadn't burst through the fire by eating it and taken down Zancrow in the blink of an eye, I would likely have killed him.
I noticed that Master and Natsu were looking at me strangely, and I realised that they must have seen me enraged. I apologised and flew off, not wanting to damage my own image any further. I also noticed that Natsu was wearing white and that his scarf was now black. Weird.
I continued along, and tied to sense if any of my friends were in trouble. There was trouble all over, but the closest I could feel...were Mirajane and Lisanna, along with someone I'd never met. Probably another Grimoire asshole. If I remembered what I read about them, they would only have seven elite mages, along with a deputy, known as Bluenote. I landed in the clearing where Mira and the man were fighting, and I noticed that Lisanna was in an an odd contraption made of wood with a counter on it, going down. My thoughts raced and my pulse quickened, shit, a fucking BOMB?
I didn't even care about the fight right now, despite my wife participating, I knew she could win, and I knew she would see what I was going to do. I dashed to the device and tore it to pieces, then got Lisanna out and flew her high up as it exploded. I came back down quickly, making a thud when I landed and granting me the attention of the two Mages.
"Sorry I'm late." I said, "Traffic was brutal." I let Lisanna down and told her to run, then took my place beside my Mira.
"Good timing, I'm almost out of Magic."
"Ha, get a rest then, and get out of here. I got this asswipe. NO ONE endangers my sister!"
"Sister?" the man said, "Could you be...Mar? The Archivist?"
"What's it to you!"
"Magnificent! Two strong opponents the same day! Hades' orders will have to wait, this is worth disobeying for."
"A man who lives for the fight? I can respect that. Come!"
This man could actually induce explosions where he willed, and his very first strike consequently tore my arm off my body, and sent me to the ground.
"Is that really all you have to offer? Dissapointing. How could you have possibly made S class?"
"Grit, determination, and some damn powerful Magic." I said while standing up, my arm re attaching.
"Regeneration? No, it can't be! The report that said you were immortal...was true?"
"You bet your ass it is. Now, you face an Archangel!" I said, letting myself slip into Archangel mode, then rushing the man. "Name, NOW!" I yelled over my lightning tearing through the air.
"Azuma! Know it well!" he yelled while generating an explosion directly behind me. The blast knocked me off balance for only a second, but he still brought his knee to my chin, sending me back once more.
I stood up, and let my Lightning shroud me. I felt my Magic clawing to get out of me, to be used against a worthy opponent, and I granted it's wish. A seal appeared beneath my feet, and Lightning poured through it. I raised my head to the sky and screamed in both ecstacy and pain, with a healthy dose of adrenaline mixed in. My muscles tensed, and my senses sharpened, before the seal dissapeared, leaving me ready to fight.
"An impressive amount of Magical Power, was that your own? Or was it someone from Archive?"
"This is me you bastard. Me. The brother and husband of the women you were willing to murder. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way."
With those final words, I started moving at the speed of Lightning, punching Azuma several hundred times a second. After around six seconds, I finished him with my favourite move. I appeared in front of him to knock him back, behind him to knock him forward once more, then back to my original position to knock him straight up. I charged my Magic into my hand and let it loose straight up, enveloping Azuma in it's magnificent light.
Azuma landed hard near me, out cold. I left him a note saying to leave the island upon his awakening, or that I would find him, and finish the job. No one touches my family.
I ran in the direction I felt Mirajane and Lisanna, they had likely regrouped a bit further back. After I calmed down and Archangel left me, I realised I catually had already run past them. I came to where they were hiding, and realised they probably saw me beat the hell out of Azuma. I snuck behind them and put my hands on their shoulders, causing them to jump.
"What? I didn't think I was THAT scary!" I said with a smirk.
"Oh, Mar, thank goodness." Mira said.
"You were awesome brother!" Lisanna said while getting up and hug me. "Thank you for saving me. I don't want to think what would have happened if you weren't here."
"Easy, easy Lisanna. It's not like it was a concious choice, I see my family is in trouble, then I'll help them. Speaking of, where's Elfman?"
"He's with Evergreen, Mar, and besides, he can look after himself." Mira said.
I chuckled, then said, "Yeah, yeah I guess you're right. Oh, yes, I just remembered. Once we're all reunited, I have someone I'd like you all to meet."
"Oh? How did you meet someone new on this island?" Lisanna asked.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you, it's better to just SEE."
I started looking looking around the island, hoping to sense another of the Seven Liutenants. I didn't find one, but I felt what seemed like Cana putting Lucy to sleep, then running!
"I just felt something odd you two. Stay low, and stay safe, I need to check this out."
I spread my wings and prepared to lift off, then left my family with, "I find one hair out of place on either of your heads, and there will be hell to pay!"
I got a lock on where Lucy was, then flew over there, feeling an unfamiliar presence near her. Shit! One of the seven!
I quickly came across a sleeping Lucy, with a rather large man standing above her. The moment I saw him raise his foot, my heart sank, and I dove at him as fast as I could.
"HEY FAT BOY! CATCH THIS!" I screamed at him to draw his attention. He receded his foot and turned to me just in time to recieve a full force tackle. The two of us went tumbling through the woods, exchanging blows on the way. We soon came to a large rock formation, so I shifted our weight and threw him against the rocks with all the momentum we still had. I could see that hit home, but I didn't relent. I got to my feet and dashed to him before he slid off the rock, and I continued pounding his midsection and head with lightning enhanced blows. I wound up my right hand for a haymaker, and delivered it across his jaw, shattering the rock when I made impact. He slid to the ground, eyes glazed over, but breathing.
I turned to the trail of destruction we left and started for it, hoping Lucy was okay, but as I did, the man got back up, slowly, but surely.
"Pal, I have no idea who you are, but I saw that mark on your chest, you're Fairy Tail, and my enemy! DIE!"
I turned just in time to recieve one of his massive fists across my face, sending me flying through the woods, splitting several trees horizontally before I finally landed. I got up, noting the large splinters in my back. I walked back through the tree line to the man and said, "Huh, not a bad punch. Was that your best?"
He could only growl and sweat. He was nervous, that's a good sign. That was likely all he had in him.
"No answer?" I said, before shifting to Deliora's demonic voice, "THEN LET ME SHOW YOU REAL PAIN BOY!"
My eyes adopted their red glow, and I went Archangel, burning the wood out of my back. I dashed at the man and pounded him once in the gut with an uppercut, sending him into the air. I then spread my wings and flew after him, and when I caught him, I grabbed his arms from behind, pinning them.
"What are you doing?" he shouted at me.
"Taking you down is what."
I turned us toward the earth, heads first, and began to spin us.
"ARE YOU CRAZY? YOU'LL KILL US BOTH!"
"Speak for yourself. And besides, you're resistant, you'll live. Barely."
We accelerated to an incredible speed, spinning as fast as a drill. Just as we were about to hit the ground, I let him go and pulled up, leaving him to make a large crater in the ground.
He was out cold all right, and I don't think that he was capable of getting back up for a long while. I checked his pulse just to make sure he was alive, and I got a heartbeat. Once I confirmed he was alive, I left another note, then I ran back to Lucy and shook her awake.
"What the- Where am I!" Lucy asked, franticly.
"Calm down Lucy, I have you." I said in a caring tone.
"Ohh, my head? Where's Cana?"
"Lucy, tell me what happened, I felt Cana run away!"
"I found out where the grave was, and told her. She must want to get to it alone, to prove she alone is worth S class!"
"The grave? Is that the second test? To find it?"
"You didn't know?"
"I had no real reason to know. But, I do know where the grave IS."
Just as I finished my sentance, Natsu and a woman clad in white tumbled through the trees, fighting, and landed near us. Her smell was far too familiar.
I seperated the two of them and stared into the woman's eyes, then said, "Yes, you ARE the one from Galuna! The short fellow! I owe you my thanks."
The woman receeded at the unexpected reaction, and seemed to lose her hostility. "What do you mean?"
"Ma'am, did yo-"
"Ultear. My name is Ultear, please don't use ma'am."
"Alright then, Ultear, did you ever find out what happened to Deliora?"
"I ceased caring once I knew the demon was free. If I remember correctly, you were not only the only one standing before it, but the one who released it as well."
"I was. Ultear, that demon killed me."
"You're lying, everyone only dies once."
"Really?" I said, taking out Ivory, then blowing my own arm off, causing both Natsu and Lucy to scream. As it re attached itself, I said, "I seem to have made a habit out of it since I took down Deliora."
Ultear was stunned, then said, "I can see my winning here is impossible, may I retreat?"
"Because I owe you, just this once. Also, you'll find Grey on this island...somewhere. I have a feeling you need to talk to him, Daughter of Ul."
"H-How do you know that?"
"The ice. It had the same feel of Magic as yours, and you certainly don't look old enough to be Ul's mom. Now go, but cause my friends any problems, and I will not have any mercy in my heart."
"Fair warning. I shall go now." Ultear said as she began to walk away.
"Mar, why did you let her go?" Natsu asked.
"I have a feeling that Grey needs to talk to her as well." I said with a smile.
I then took flight once more, my work there was done. On they way up, I yelled to Natsu, Happy, and Lucy, "I know I can't ask you to stay out of this, so stay safe you three! Don't split up!"
I flew back toward Mavis' grave. This wasn't like Cana, there must be some reason that she wants to be S class so badly, and I was going to find out what!
I arrived in the grove before Cana showed, so I hid in the shadows in the surrounding treeline, telling Mavis to ignore me for now, and get out of sight.
She showed up quickly, and inspected the grave. To my surprise, runes showed up, and she read them out. Something about a grand spell of Fairy Tail being sealed at the grave, named Fairy Glitter.
I never even noticed before, but there was a golden glow in the center of the grave. Could that be the seal?
Cana began ranting to herself, as if someone was there to help her. She asked the very air if she had passed the S class trial, and was finally strong enough to meet her father. She recounted her tale in bitter words, telling the trees and the plants of her strong Magic lineage. I learned right there, that Cana was the daughter of none other then Gildarts. That explained the rash action, that's a hell of a dad to live up to. She yelled that her own father didn't recognise her, and she vowed to tell him once she achieved S class. She said that this was around the sixth time she had been nominated, but she failed every time. She stated that if she failed this year, she would quit the guild.
Cana broke down, and began crying. She seemed to be remembering something, when I heard what sounded like Lucy saying "Help! Help!"
Cana took out a card and said she had been a fool, and apologised to Lucy for putting her in danger.
Danger? Shit! I sensed around the Island,a nd sure enough, Lucy, and a number of others were facing an opponent, a DAMN strong one. This man must be Grimoire Heart's second in command!
Cana screamed and begged Mavis to lend her her power, and Mavis replied, "Precious, troubled child of mine. Your heart is true. Take my Magic, take Fairy Glitter, and show your enemies what it means to oppose Fairy Tail!"
I smiled, that was probably the most serious thing I'd ever heard Mavis say.
Cana plunged her arm into the light on the grave, and her sleeve disintegrated. There was a large amount of light pouring from the grave, followed by Cana pulling her arm out, with an intricate mark on it. I had never seen this mark before, which surprised me.
She smiled, then dashed off into the woods, using that card as a guide. I followed her as fast as I could, but damn she could run like the wind.
We broke into a clearing that had rain falling, and a large man with a long ponytail standing tall on an elevated area. Cana went in to attack, but was deflected. She yelled for Natsu to help distract him, but Natsu appeared unable to move, so I lept out of the trees and dove at the man, knocking him to the ground, and stradling on top of him. I could tell this man was almost as powerful as Gildarts, if not on par with him. I had to keep him occupied!
I punched at him with all my strength, and yelled at Cana, "FIRE FAIRY GLITTER! DO IT NOW DAMNIT!"
"But, I'll hit you! You might di-"
"DON'T TELL ME THE DAMN ODDS! JUST HIT ME!"
Cana could sense the seriousness in my voice, so she started casting. "Gather! O river of light that's guided by the fairies! Shine! In order to perish the fangs of evil! Fairy Glitter!"
A ring of light appeared around me and the man I assumed to be Bluenote, and I could feel every cell in my body tearing up.
He wasn't doing much better, he was screaming at the top of his lungs, but then, to everyone's surprise, he raised his hands, then lowered them, sending Fairy Glitter into the ground!
He threw me off of him, and sent me to the ground using Gravity Magic. My body felt like it weighed several hundred times what it usually did.
He walked toward Cana, saying that he would take Fairy Glitter from her when she was dead. That set something off in my head. I heard Cana scream in agony, and it tore it. I went Archangel immediatly, and stood up, despite the gravity, attracting Bluenote's attention. He put Cana down to investigate me.
"Interesting, how can you still stand?"
"I find strength wherever I can you bastard. Now, are you wondering why Fairy Glitter didn't work on you?"
"Wondering? I know. This trash has no where near the right level of Magic Power to cast it!"
"I don't agree with your trash comment, but you're right. She doesn't have enough bang in her. Now, ME on the other hand..."
"Ha! Cute bluff kid. She is the only one here with Fairy Glitter! The mark is still on her pathetic arm!"
"You don't know who I am, do you? Bluenote."
"You obviously know me, may I have the honor? I can sense a great power in you, let me know your name before I take it!"
"Mar. Mar Strauss. Archangel, Archivist, and new owner of Fairy Glitter!" I said while raising my arm, Fairy Glitter's mark appearing on it in a shining gold.
"Archive? No...that means..."
"When Cana hit both of us, I inherited Fairy Glitter!" This comment caused my friends to cheer, and Cana to smile. She knew what came next.
Bluenote ran in to strike me, but I parried him and sent him to the ground with Gravity Magic, then stepped on his throat. "Oh, almost forgot. I took yours as well. Not one of your Magics can harm me now, I know everything about them. Now, I don't normally kill, but I think I'll make an exception here." My last statement shocked my friends, but I began casting Fairy Glitter regardless. "Gather! O river of light that's guided by the fairies! Shine! In order to perish the fangs of evil! Fairy Glitter!"
The ring of light appeared once more, locking Bluenote to the ground. He couldn't move, and shoving this one into the ground would bisect him. He was traped.
He began screaming as Fairy Glitter ripped through him once more, and thrashing around in pain.
"Oh, do you want it to stop?"
"KILL ME! DO IT NOW!"
"Mercy? You wish for mercy? WOULD YOU HAVE DONE THE SAME FOR CANA!"
"KILL ME!"
"Ha, pathetic." I said as I intesified Fairy Glitter, lighting the man ablaze, then causing him to be enveloped by a holy light and disintegrate.
I stood up straight, and looked at the mark on my arm. I liked it, another scar from my adventures.
I looked to Cana, to see if she was alright, then helped her up, letting Archangel slip away.
"You alright?"
"No, I'm not. I'm a failure."
"Cana, knock it off. I heard you at the grave."
"Wait, you were there?"
"Yes. It doesn't matter who your parents are, or what your legacy is. You are you. You are Cana, the woman I currently hold in my arms, Card Magic extrodinare! Besides, Cana, Fairy Glitter is a complicated spell. I had to channel both sunlight and moonlight to get it to work. Had it not been for Deliora helping me, I would likely have failed as well."
"Even you?"
"Yep. You have nothing to be ashamed of, my friend."
"...Thank you."
"Oh yes, I just remembered, your reading was right. Two thirds of it anyway."
"It was?"
"Yes, I reunited with Mavis earlier, and have been serving as a protecter against the Seven. He was actually the third Grimoire I've taken out today. First fatality though."
"So, you havn't 'Died' yet?"
"No. Although Bluenote...what's left of him, might have been what you fortold."
"Maybe. Heck, I hope so. I like you too much to lose you now!"
I could hear Cana's usual tone again. She was back with us. I patted her shoulder and went to pick up my friends.
"You..killed him?" Natsu said, rage noticable in his voice.
"I'm sorry Natsu, but that man did not deserve his life. I can see people, and that man did not have a spec of light in him. He could have easily been the devil himself."
Natsu receeded his anger. He knew I was right. Everyone else just looked down. They knew too.
"I'm sorry you all had to see that, I'll leave now."
I took to the sky, and scanned around. There were still fights around the island, Freed and Bickslow seemed to be royaly shit kicking someone, Juvia seemed have robbed the will to fight from another, and Grey was fighting Ultear. No real surprise there I guess. I felt around for Elfman and Mira. Mira was still okay, lending support to Freed and Bickslow when she could, but she was still low on Magic. Elfman appeared to be down for the count, next to Evergreen and some others. I could tell they wasn't dead though, and that satisfied me.
The last thing I felt was distant, a whiff of...Lightning? I focused harder, and I realised who it was. Laxus had felt our plea, and was coming for us! I smiled, he probably knew where the Island was, but just to be sure, I took off in his direction at full speed. My friends could take it from here, so long as they didn't attempt to fight this "Hades" fellow without me.
It took me about twenty minutes to find Laxus, literally running across the water at a blinding speed with his Lightning Magic.
"How you doing these days Laxus!" I yelled over the sound of splashing water as I flew next to him.
"Mar! What the hell are you doing out here? You up for S class? Where the hell is your shirt?"
"Actually, I got bumped up a couple months back! I'm a tester now, and it seems to enjoy abandoning me!
"Ha! Tell me Mar, what's this weird feeling I'm getting, like if my old guild and grandfather are in danger?"
"Exactly what it is Laxus! The guild is under attack! Grimoire Heart came to play!"
"Grimoire Heart? Holy shit! Is everyone okay?"
"I could tell everyone was alive when I left to come meet you, and it wasn't likely to change unless Grimoire's Master came onto Tenrou! At least four or five of the higher ups in Grimoire were incapacitated or dead when I left, including their second in command!"
"How many higher ups are there?"
"Eight, I think! Then this so called 'Hades'!"
"Good! We'll be there for the grand finale then!"
As I led Laxus, I felt a dark Magic in the distance. This Magic...it was different. It felt like death itself. I even felt that blonde fire user from earlier die. I felt his life ebb away, slowly.
I cringed at what could have caused it, but I figured if it was aimed at Grimoire Heart, it was at least on our side.
As we neared the Island, I could feel only a single battle taking place, and I determined that it was with none other then Hades himself. All of Team Natsu was there, along with Wendy, Happy, Carla, and Lily. Poor Gajeel must be injured, he's going to hate missing out on this!
I guided Laxus to the airship where the fight was taking place, and I felt Hades gain the upper hand! He was going to kill Natsu!
Two bolts of lightning struck the side of Grimoire Heart's ship, tearing through every one of the hulls, with one striking Hades in the arm, stopping his attack, the other landing in front of Team Natsu and co.
From the lightning nearest to Hades, Laxus appeared! From the bolt closest to my friends, I appeared.
"Sorry I kept you all waiting, but look, I found a friend!" I said in my usual mannor.
Laxus spoke up, and asked Natsu a question, "Is this man my grandfather's enemy?"
When Natsu replied with yes, Laxus proceeded to headbut Hades, then proceed with beating him senseless.
When it seemed Hades would be the one to fall, he launched a Dark magic attack at a weakened Natsu, and before I could react, Laxus took the hit, weakening him immensly.
It was a downhill struggle from there, Laxus was losing horribly, and as Hades prepared his finishing attack, Laxus collapsed to his knees, unable to raise gain.
I realised the situation and jumped in the way of the blast, going Archangel as I did. My demonic skin took the blast well enough, but I saw that Laxus had fainted behind me. I also noticed that the room seemed a bit more...electric. I turned to my friends just as Natsu started screaming in pain, lightning surrounding him.
"Good lord, he didn't..." I thought to myself. I cut myself off, remembering what happened last time Natsu ate an element that wasn't his, so I decided to distract Hades for a couple minutes.
"Ha! Now it gets interesting! A demon among fairies, and a Dragon Slayer combining with an element not his own! Come to me demon, show me your strength!" Hades yelled.
I let Archangel fade from me, and spoke to Hades in Deliora's demon tone, "Pal, I have no idea what I am. Demon, Angel, Archangel, I really don't know, and right now? I really don't care. All I care about right now is taking you down, just like I did to Bluenote!"
Hades cringed at my threat, he could tell I wasn't lying. "Y-You killed him? A single man?"
"Yes, and now you face his murderer, leader of Grimoire."
I charged at Hades, striking at him with basic lightning blows, not wanting to play my entire hand at once with this guy.
I connected witha blow across Hades' chin, sending him into the air. I zipped after him in Lightning Form, grabbing his arms and restraining them when I caught him, then turning us toward the floor and spinning wildly. I let go just as he hit the ground, and pulled up, wondering if I did any real damage.
Hades stood up, unscathed, then proceeded to lock me in place with Darkness Magic.
"That's all? What a dissapointing pest. KATSU!"
I felt energy well up inside of me, and I found myself exploding. Literally. My limbs rained down from the ship's roof, showering the area in blood.
"What a shame, so much potential, wasted."
Lucy butted in, "You may want to check to make sure he's actually DEAD you bastard!"
"What the hell do you mean, I just ki-WHAT THE HELL?"
Hades looked upon my regenrating body, slowly putting itself back together. I didn't even wait for my left arm to re attach before I took my locket off. I had left Ikaruga's sword with my coat at the grave site, so this was my alternative.
I held the locket out and channeled my Magic into it, activating it's capabilities.
The turned into a beam of light, that exteneded into the shape of a katana. As my arm re attached, the blade became physical, and I immediatly took it out of it's sheath.
"Wha-HOW ARE YOU ALIVE?" Hades shouted at me.
"I'm too damn stubborn to die. Now, Yamato! Feed off my Magic, and let your blade grow sharper!"
On request, the blade established a link to my Magic, gaining a bright golden glow. I swung at Hades, creating a wave of Magic that sliced clean through the ship, despite Hades dodging the strike.
The action gave me an idea, although I hated myself for ripping off a TV show.
I jumped back and took flight as Hades counter attacked, then forced a large amount of Magic into the blade, causing it to glow so brightly that the blade was no longer visible.
"GETSUGA TENSHOU!" I yelled, silently scolding myself as I did. I swung the blade vertically at Hades, causing a massive wave of Magic Power to spew forth, carving the ship down the middle from where I was standing. Hades dodged this as well, but it didn't stop me from hitting what I wanted too.
Hades crouched over, clutching his chest.
"H-How would you know about that?"
"Magic Sensory ability. I could tell from a distance that there were two of you on this ship. I assumed the other was a sort of battery for you, considering your age and Magic Power, it seems likely that you would need some support to maintain it. Also, you refused to leave your own ship."
I looked down at the destruction, and saw three familiar Exceed fly toward me, mildly shaken.
"What the hell Mar! You nearly hit us!" Happy yelled.
"Ha, sorry about that. If it helps, I felt you guys up there, and I made sure to miss."
"Well...fair enough. We would have needed help with that...thing anyways."
Hades got back up, clearly he still had some fight in him.
Natsu was up and ready to fight by now, so I retired and taged him in. By the time I had everyone outside the ship, Hades was already laying on the ground, beaten to a bloody pulp. Natsu let out a roar of victory, just as the sun began rising on Tenrou Island.
Natsu and I walked back to the camp together, mainly because using an element that wasn't his own drained him nearly completely, so he needed a friend to support him.
We arrived just in time for Juvia to crawl through the woods, saying she couldn't catch Zeref.
That name, I recognised it...
"Wait, ZEREF was here?" I shouted.
"Yeah, he killed that blonde asshole, Zancrow." Natsu said weakly. "He also made my scarf black for a while there!"
That dark feeling I got while escorting Laxus...was Zeref? What in the hell? I decided it was probably best not to dwell on it until I could find out more, and disregarded it.
"Bah, Zeref or no, we're all alive and kicking, that's what counts."
My friends seemed content with this, and they began to relax for the first time since the S class exam started.
After ensuring that my family was alright, I found Cana off to the side, talking to Gildarts. I decided not to interfere, but from Gildarts' reaction, I could guess that Cana dropped the bombshell. Poor man nearly threw a fit! I saw Gildarts hug her however, and I could see his lips, so I read them.
"Cornelia. You're Cornelia's daughter."
He had to guess who her mother was? Weird, I never saw Gildarts as a player. Oh well.
I waited until tears stopped and they went their seperate ways for now. I saw Gildarts walking over to Laxus, probably wanting to catch up. Cana just sat where she was, tears of obvious joy falling from her face.
I walked over and sat next to her, letting a wing cover her.
"Warm. You're so warm." she said in a hushed voice.
I smiled and told her, "Your cards were bang on. Technically, I died earlier. Again."
"Hades?"
"Blew me the hell up."
"Wow."
"Still want to give me that other reading?"
"Why not? I'm in a really good mood right now."
She dealt the cards out, and looked even more puzzled then the last time.
"What's wrong Cana?"
"Blank! Your future is...blank!"
"Blank? What the hell? Try your own fortune, maybe the cards are just weird for me."
She dealt the cards once more, and to the same result. "I don't understand! What the hell could make our futures blank!"
I stood up at what I saw off the coast of Tenrou, shock evident on my face.
"Mar, what's wrong?" Cana yelled at me, attracting the attention of everyone nearby.
"Cana? I think I just found out why your fortunes are off!" I yelled while pointing to the sky. A large creature was approaching the island, jet black in colour. I didn't need my sensory ability to tell that that thing was a fucking dragon.
I heard Gildarts behind me, "No way! That's the bastard that took my arm and leg!"
Everyone cowered as it landed and started swinging at the closest members of Fairy Tail. Makarov quickly bulked up and took the thing on directly, yelling for all of us to run.
As we retreated, Natsu told us that we couldn't just leave Makarov, and got everyone whipped into a frenzy to go and take the thing down.
I grabbed my family out of the crowd and escorted them to Mavis' grave instead. I had an idea, and it sounded better then getting vaporised by a damn dragon.
We arrived swiftly, and I explained my plan after calling for the "Spirit of the Grave" to show herself.
"Now listen everyone, we don't have any time, so I don't want a single damn question. This woman and I are the only two people on this planet capable of using time manipulation to it's maximum extent, but it is sealed in me. I need all of you to pour your Magic into me to break this seal. Once broken, I'll lend my power to her, and she can cast Fairy Sphere. It's a Magic that she developed back in my time with the Time Magic I taught her, shortly before I left. It will seal the Island in a giant dome, freezing time within it until the Magic wears off, or until we can confirm it is safe. Now, give me your Magic!"
Without hesitation, my family began pouring every drop of Magic they had into me, and before I knew it, Archive overloaded, causing the seal I placed on Time Magic to evaporate.
The dragon flew into the air, and made a terrible roaring noise. It was getting ready to destroy the damn Island!
Mavis' spirit and I flew into the sky, and began glowing a golden colour. We needed to time this right, or that big bastard would catch on, and hunt us down.
I saw my friends, my brothers in arms, and even my family holding hands, trying their best to stay as a whole.
"Mar, I can't use this spell without a body, it will have to be you."
"Of course. I knew that when I came up."
"But, Mar! You're weak! What if it's too much for you?"
"Then to hell with it. If I finally die here, protecting those I love, then I am a happy man! I'll just have to stay here with you is all." I said with a smile.
"Mar...here, open your heart."
I let myself relax, closing my eyes, and I felt Mavis pour her Magic into me as well, her spirit becoming one with mine. Her memories...her knowledge...her everything, fused to my soul. I opened my eyes, not knowing that they were now Mavis', and I screamed to the sky, "Let's all go home! Home to Fairy Tail!"
The dragon fired it's roar, engulfing the island in pure energy, and erasing us from the annals of history.