Seven years...that day Mavis told me that our friends had finally found us was the biggest relief of my life. I raised the island, still frozen in time to the surface, and Mavis parted from me, dispelling it. I fell to Tenroujima, right beside my family, smiling, but sweating all the while. I don't think I was capable of getting back up any time soon.
"Hey...Lisanna...Elman...my Mira...I did it...I stopped that thing!"
Mirajane realised what had happened, and what kind of condition I was in, and ran to give me first aid.
She managed to get enough Magic in me to get me on my feet, and I got up slowly.
Everyone teared up, and hugged me at the same time.
"Ow, watch it!" I yelled over their tears and cries of joy. Clearly, the last seven years took a toll on me.
I got everyone off of me and told them, "No celebrating yet, someone found us, and we need to make sure that everyone is alr..." I could not finish my sentance because I passed out from exaustion.
When I awoke, I was on a boat, with Jet, Droy, Bisca, and Alzack, watching over me.
"Mar! You're alive!" Alzack shouted excitedly.
I could see the time gap clearly. Jet had ditched his hat and gotten much taller, while Droy blew up like a baloon. Alzack had cut his hair, and Bisca...well, was still just Bisca, just more mature.
I smiled and tried sitting up, but realised that was a mistake, clutched my midsection in pain, and fell back down.
"Argh! Yeah, yeah I'm definatly alive all right, death doesn't hurt that damn much!"
Everyone laughed, part at my crappy joke, part out of relief that I was alright.
"Where...where is everyone? are they all okay?" I asked.
Bisca answered me, "Every one of them Mar. All of them weren't touched by that dragon, but you...you took the worst of it. We heard what you did, and we thought you were done!"
"Bah, don't worry about it. I'm going to be feeling it for awhile, but I'll be back in a couple weeks. Oh, yes, I'm also going to need to go back to Tenrou when I can walk again."
"Go back?" Bisca asked, "That wouldn't have anything to do with this nice young lady we found, would it?"
I turned my head, and there in the doorway, was Mavis. Something was off though! She was wearing my coat! And by the looks of it, not much else.
"We found this young lady with you and your family, they said she literally formed herself out of midair, naked as a baby!"
"Do you know who that is, Bisca?" I asked, smiling as wide as I could.
"No idea."
"Aw man, why would you let ME explain everything? Huh, Mavis?"
"M-Mavis? Like our first Master?"
"One and the same." Mavis replied.
Everyones jaws hit the floor, as Mavis walked up to me and kissed me on the cheek.
"Wondering how I'm up and running?"
"Uhhh, in a word? Yes."
"We shared a soul for seven years Mar! You didn't think I'd pick up a few things?"
"Not to this extent, no."
"Ha! Mar, you may not know it, but we shared all of our knowledge in that seven years, and not just from the stories we told to keep each other sane!"
"You...copied my copying Magic? Oh the irony."
"Ha! You bet Mar! I have Archive now! And you have the three great Fairy Spells!"
"So my regeneration pieced you back together? Ha, amazing! Absolutely amazing!"
At this point, the two pairs of my long lost friends took a hint, and left the room, they knew we'd need some time alone. Before she exited, however, Bisca produced my guns and sword, then leaned them against the wall.
Soon, Mirajane came in, along with Lisanna and Elfman, who all hugged me once more upon my safe awakening. Mira finally stopped ignoring the elephant in the room and asked me, "Mar, who exactly is this lady, and why did you mention your old time? Is she an ex girlfriend?" I could almost TASTE the jealousy in her last question, but I just laughed.
I responded with, "Mira, think about that for a second. Who could this woman be if she was from my time?"
Mavis turned around and smiled at Mirajane, then said, "Ohhhh, I get it! She's the one you married, isn't she! She's cute!"
Mira seemed to realise it rather suddenly, because she just blurted her answer out in a voice of heavy shock, "Wait, you can't be telling me...MAVIS?"
"That's me!" Mavis said, cheery as ever.
Poor Lisanna and Elfman were downright stunned. They looked like a pair of deer in headlights!
"Oh! I'm so sorry Master! I didn't mean to offend!"
"Mira, forget about it, her time as Master was done a long time ago. She's just one of us now." I said.
"Oh...alright then, but, why are you wearing Mar's coat? And how are you alive?"
"When we flew into the sky that day, we fused souls. We ended up sharing our Magics as a result, which gave her Regeneration, among other things. I'm just glad she didn't get her own Deliora. Can't stand that guy's formalities."
"I heard that sir."
"I know."
Everyone laughed, I didn't even notice that Deliora had used my mouth to speak his mind. I looked at my wife and my closest friend, noticing that Mira was putting an arm around Mavis. That's good. If they fought about me, it would have gotten awkward.
I tried sitting up again, the pain through my midsection told me that was a mistake, and I fell back onto the bed.
"Ah hell. I hate not being able to move." I said, smiling.
"Relax Mar, you of all people deserve a rest right now. We owe you our lives, all of us." Mira said, admiration clear in her voice. Everyone else, Mavis included nodded in agreement.
"Haha...god I love you guys. I just took the chance is all. I wasn't going to let us get messed up by a dragon if I could do something! Any one of you would have done the same in my shoes!"
Everyone smiled, as if my attitude was infectious.
Mavis spoke up, saying, "Mar? I think I can help you get on your feet, be still now."
"I have a choice?" I replied with a hint of sarcasm.
Mavis smiled while she put her hand on my head and started transferring Magic into me. My Magic. When she was done, I tried getting up. Still an enormous amount of pain, but I could at least stand now.
"Well, look at that! I guess I can walk!"
"Don't overdo it Mar, if you didn't have Regeneration, you would be dead a thousand times over right now." Elfman said. "Oh, and then you held a spell for seven years. That probably had an effect too."
Everyone shot an odd look at Elfman, even Mavis. We all knew that wasn't like him.
"What? I just learned everyone is A-OK, and my brother, who saved all our asses, is still capable of walking on his own! Cut me some slack!"
Everyone burst into laughter, myself included.
I finally spoke up, and said, "I should see how everyone is doing, make sure I didn't let time continue in that damn bubble."
"Everyone looked fine to me." Lisanna said.
"Sorry sis, I just have to make sure." I said while limping toward the door. Just before I touched the handle, I remembered something, and I asked Lisanna, "So, have you and Natsu actually gotten together yet?"
She blushed heavily and looked down, clearly embarassed about something. "I'll take that as a yes then, that's good."
As I opened the door, a resounding cheer came from outside, and everyone was on deck waiting for me. Even Natsu was up and about, probably Wendy's doing.
I could tell right there that everyone was just as I remembered. Not a hair on any of their heads had changed.
A tear fell from my right eye, I was happy, so damn happy that I preserved them so well.
They all rushed forward and hugged me at once, calling me "Hero" and "A Real Angel". I knew there would be no point in disputing it right now, so I just ran with it.
As the last person let go of me, Lucy to be precise, she noticed something about me had changed.
"Mar...your eye is green!"
I limped to the side of the boat and looked overboard, and sure enough, right there in the crystal water, it showed my face. I looked the same as I did those two days on Tenrou, all that time ago, except for my eyes. My right eye, as golden as the day I planted Archive in myself, but my left...my left eye was that of Mavis!
I yelled at the sight, causing Mavis to run out of the cabin. Mavis ran up behind me and looked overboard as well, realising she was no different!
I hadn't even noticed before, but Mavis had one of my eyes as well, only my eye was her left eye.
Mavis just started laughing, she clearly didn't care all that much. "I guess I didn't seperate completely! Oh well, I like this eye, if you'll permit me to keep it!"
I looked at her with a huge smile on my face and said, "Only if you let me keep this green beauty."
Everyone behind us laughed, and I decided to see if they were all okay, and get their opinions on this 7 year gap of ours.
The conversations were mostly generic, "I hope not too much has changed" sort of thing. I found out Bisca and Alzack got married, and even have a kid now. I don't know why, but that made me feel...old. Juvia had no regrets, her exact words were, "Juvia is happy she was frozen with Grey, that's all that matters to Juvia." I found Erza looking over the ocean, staring into the horizon.
"It's a good day to be alive, huh Erza?"
"Oh, Mar, didn't even see you there. Yeah, yeah it is."
I could tell she was distracted by something, and I could hazard a guess as to what. "Jellal?"
"Yeah."
"You're not alone, I'm kind of wondering how Jane is doing after all this time. Hell, I'm wondering how EVERYONE is doing nowadays. I know our guild probably got downsized, despite our welcoming party not telling me."
"What makes you say that?"
"Erza, we were all stuck on Tenrou. For seven years. Trust me, I counted the hours."
"I guess that's a good point, there were ALOT of us there. Who do you think ended up as Master?"
"Huh. I guess Makarov, you, Laxus, AND Gildarts were all there. I hadn't even thought about it really."
"Seven years and the thought never crossed your mind?"
"Not once."
"Wow."
"But, my bet...would be on Wakaba."
"That pervy old man? Why's that?"
"I don't know, he just seems to fit the personality bill for a leader of Fairy Tail to me."
"Ha! I guess you're right!"
"Care to make a wager?"
"Oooh, I like wagers, what are the stakes?"
"How about, if the Master is Wakaba, you come to Fairy Tail in your underwear the next day."
"And what if it isn't?"
"Then I will."
Erza was lost in thought for a moment, then she smiled and said, "It's a bet."
Mavis walked up behind us, but tripped on the way. I tried catching her with Lightning Magic, but I just ended up falling under her. Oh well, still caught her I guess.
"Sorry about that. I'm not used to not being able to use Magic."
"Ha, sorry Mar, I was just going to ask if we had any clothes in my size, you should probably cover up, the brunette over there might pass out if you don't."
I looked over my shoulder, and sure enough, Cana was going all googly eyed at me again, just like she did when I was getting initiated to Fairy Tail. Some people never learn.
We found Mavis a decent sized set of clothes, and I slipped my trenchcoat back on, and slid my weapons back to where they belonged. It felt right putting my coat back on after all this time.
I walked back out of my room, just flat out ignoring the pain I still felt from over exerting myself, and I smiled to the breaking dawn.
I pulled Cana aside, mainly just to say, "You know? I hate it when others are right. Especially when others classifies as inanimate objects!"
She laughed, and remembered drawing those blanks for our futures. "Shut up, smartass!" she shot back.
"Haha, in all seriousness Cana, your fortune telling was spot on again, it's really an amazing talent!"
"Bah, it's not much really. I just wish it could be a bit more specific sometimes!"
I laughed, then, satisfied with our banter, I smiled and went up to find Natsu.
I found him talking with Mira, so I waited until they were finished, then I snuck up behind Mira and hugged her, resting my head on her shoulder.
"You...you I missed the most, Mira."
Mira smiled, then turned her head and kissed me. I was nothing short of ecstatic to have her back.
We enjoyed the moment for a while, looking out to sea, before I finally asked, "Is hot head back there with Lisanna? Sis didn't exactly give me a straight answer."
Mira laughed, and said, "Honestly? Lisanna told me they havn't...you know yet. They've been seriously discussing it though."
"Oh good lord! Do I have to beat the hell out of Natsu out of sheer big brother obligation now?"
"Ha! No, no I think you can make an exception here."
"Ha, good. I really don't think I'm anywhere near ready for that!"
"Ha...speaking of which Mar, are you really alright? Tell me the truth, not what you tell others to keep them happy."
"Wow, you read me way too well, come on then, let's get some privacy."
We walked back into the room I woke up in, and we sat on the bed I was using.
She started, "Mar, what's wrong? Please, tell me."
"Mira, I tried using my Lightning Magic earlier. It didn't work."
"Well, yeah, but you're tired! You held that dome up for over half a decade!"
"That's the problem Mira. I know I have enough Magic left in me that I could at least generate some heavy static, but when I try? Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"Not a single bolt. My Magic is literally so drained from that, that I have become incapable of casting."
"What? This is major Mar! Why didn't you say this earlier?"
"I didn't know until a few minutes ago. What's even worse, Archive needs a constant connection to a source of Magic Power, if it doesn't get it, the stored Magics have a tendancy to..."
"To WHAT, Mar?"
"To fade. To rot and pass away, possibly even exit my body violently."
"Fade? What about your Regeneration?"
"If it fades, every wound it has ever healed on me will open simultaniously, and there won't be a damn thing to put me back together."
"But...you've been dismembered more then once..."
"I'll die. Painfully."
"Mar, this is serious! We need to get you as much Magic as possible!" Mira said while trying to get up. I caught her arm and pulled her back down.
"They're still weak from the battles on Tenrou. They won't be enough. I doubt anyone we left behind would be able to help either. Mira, I have seven YEARS of overused Magic to make up for. I would need a half a dozen full power Gildarts' to help with that."
"No damnit, you are NOT going to die!"
"I see a single option Mira, one that shows promise."
"Tell me! I'll do anything I can to help!"
"I need Lightning. A lot of it. If I can eat enough Lightning, I could gain enough Magic to hard reset Archive."
"Mar, you can't even cast your Lighting! What if you can't eat it either!"
"A good point, and that's why I'm going to go get Laxus to hit me with some to see if I can absorb it." I said while standing up.
"Wait, you're going to do WHAT? Mar, you're not immortal anymore! You might die!"
Those words froze me still. I knew she was right. Not only had I lost Regeneration's full capabilites, I was still very weak. A direct hit from Laxus right now would likely land me in a morgue.
"Right. Thanks Mira. I'll see if I can get him to generate some anyway."
As I walked out of the room, a feeling of dread overtook me, followed by a severe pain that encompassed my entire body. I could feel a Magic trying to break it's way to the surface, to get out, and my will was the only thing holding it back now. I dropped to a knee from the pain.
My friends came to try and help, but I shook them off and took flight. I flew as high as I could as fast as I could, as a white aura enveloped me. As I flew, it expanded, and eventually exploded outward, clearing clouds and killing a large amount of birds. As it settled back down, I could feel a second wave coming, so I did my best to focus it into my arms, and I discharged the Magic through the sky. As the last bit of the Magic left me, I could tell what Archive had lost. Crash was now lost to me until I could sort this shit out.
I glided down to Laxus, who promptly asked, "What the hell was that all about?"
"Bad sign, give me some Lightning, would ya?"
"You got it." he said while generating Lightning with the arm closest to me.
To my great joy, I was still able to eat it, and I managed to get some proper Magic in me as a result.
I tried passing a current through my own arm, and to great joy once more, saw that my Dragon Slayer Magic was at least on the fast track to recovery.
I looked around and realised everyone was still staring at me for my earlier incident, so, not wanting an awkward conversation, I flew alongside the boat for the remainder of the trip home.
The Fairy Tail we found proved to be...underwhelming. As opposed to the caste we once had, this new place proved to barely stack up to a farm. Oh well, at least everyone forgot about me in a hurry.
I heard someone talking inside, saying he was froma guild called "Twilight Ogre" and that they were there to collect what they called rent. I could tell from the tone of the conversation, and sheer number of guys I saw through the window, that it was a bloody shakedown.
My blood boiled as I saw Romeo stand up to the Ogres, only to have their leader raise his weapon. Before I had time to think, I had already burst through the doors in Lightning form and slammed the leader's head into the floor, creating an impact mark. My friends took care of the others in the blink of an eye. I could hear everyone's reactions before I stood up. Shock, shortness of breath, and several people saying "No way!"
I stood up slowly, then raised my head with a wide grin while placing a caring hand on Romeo's head to ruffle his hair and announced, "We're back!"
Everyone there rushed us, and I was just swept up in the crowd. I broke free and started flying closer to the low roof after taking off my coat, mainly to get a grasp on who the current Master was. I couldn't for the life of me tell, so I just shrugged and joined the ensuing festivities, I'd settle that bet later.
I was told the celebration of the Tenrou team returning was the largest Fairy Tail had ever held, small guild or no. I still remembered Lisanna's welcome back party, but not all that well. I remembered hauling her and five or six other people home that night clearly though. I just shrugged and joined Mavis on her first dance floor in over a century, and of course, made a complete ass of myself. Bloody left feet.
During the celebration, I saw Makarov and Macao off to the side, talking by the bar. Crap.
I walked over and straight out asked, "Macao, are you the fourth Master? Please tell me no, I lose a bet if you are."
Macao laughed and said, "Sorry Mar, I am. What was the wager?"
My head sunk and I said, "I bet Erza that Wakaba was the new Master, and if I was wrong, I'd have to show up in boxers tommorow."
"Yikes, what was the POSITIVE side of that wager?"
"Erza would show up tommorow in her underwear."
Macao turned to Makarov nearly immediatly and asked, "I don't suppose I can hand the title of Master over to Wakaba for the day, can I?"
This caused both of us to burst out into laughter, then Macao shrugged and just said, "Sorry Mar, I tried. Least Grey will have company tommorow."
"Damnit! Ah, and speaking of Master, wait here a second!"
I ran over to Mavis, enjoying what I think was peach juice while watching my friends dance, and sat down next to her.
"You're not going to join them?" I asked.
"This party is for you guys, and besides, I have two left feet!" Mavis said while rubbing the back of her head.
"Ha, fair enough, but don't be anti social, come on, you're going to meet the new Master."
I took Mavis' hand and led her over to the bar, then said, "Hey Macao, guess who this lovely little lady is!"
Mavis smiled at my compliment, and Macao started thinking. "Well, I'm not seeing much here, can you give me a hint?"
"Young lady, where is your mark?"
Mavis pulled back a sleeve, revealing the mark on her forearm.
Macao was even further stumped by this. "Hmmm, I don't know anyone like her, and yet she has our mark? She would have to be older then me..."
Makarov was holding back laughter at this point.
"She is, quite older then you actually."
"Older, olde-Hey, I think I DO know this young lady!"
"Oh?" I replied with a smirk.
"Is she from your time, Mar?"
"Uhh, yes actually."
"I won't ask, but, she was a member back in Mavis' time!"
Makarov burst out laughing at this point.
"She was, yes. Is that all?"
"Uhh, I think so."
"She WAS a Fairy Tail member back then, becase this young lady FOUNDED Fairy Tail!"
Macao just laughed, "Ha! Right, and I'm eight feet tall and have accent of a Russian gay man!"
I just raised an eyebrow and smirked at him while Mavis laughed. He caught on rather quick that I wasn't kidding.
"Oh Jesus, you're not joking, that's MAVIS?"
Mavis just nodded and said, "The one and only!"
Macao's reaction was...interesting. He kind of just clutched his heart, then fell over and started foaming at the mouth. I reached over and passed some electricity through him to get him back on his feet.
After helping him regain his senses, I asked, "Ah, right, do we have any means of predicting where a large thunderstorm will take place?"
"Well, there IS the news, a large one is inbound actually, coming right over the sea. It's due here in three days if I remember. Hell, now that I think about it, they said it would set a few records, and that we should take any metal off our rooves.""
"Three days? Crap, I guess I can't fly over there, one bolt clips my wing and I fall into the water, and it's bloody impossible to fly with wet wings."
"Why so eager to get some Lightning in ya Mar? Did that seven years wreak hell on your Magic or something?"
As if on CUE, I felt another Magic welling up in me. Fire this time, likely Natsu's. I burst into flames and dashed out the door, setting the building ablaze as I did. Luckily, Grey was nearby and he the flames out, then ran for me.
"STAY BACK!" I yelled at him.
Grey stopped in his tracks, he knew that tone of voice meant I was serious.
The other members came outside to see me fly into the sky and fire off a massive torrent of fire, right over Magnowlia.
I flew back down then walked up to Macao and said, "Yeah, yeah I guess you could say that."
Three days...why do I get the feeling those three days would feel closer to three years?
The celebration continued regardless, I would have nothing else. I assured everyone it was alright, and that the situation was under control, and despite me just talking out of my arse, they bought it. Everyone except Erza, Mira, and Mavis of course.
I was worried, in truth. My life had just come together perfectly, I didn't want it to end now. I didn't want it to end a hundred years from now! My life here was perfect, and I'll be damned if I wasn't going to fight to protect it!
As night covered the sky, I noticed people started leaving with each other. I guess Fairy Tail's grand reunion could set quite a mood. I stayed and talked to Mira and Elfman, half of the conversation being me trying to assure them that I was okay, and that not alot happened to me in the seven years I held up Fairy Sphere.
As the night continued, I noticed Natsu and Lisanna leaving together, which brought a smile to my face. I finished my drink and excused myself, then went after them. I had a weird feeling that this was going to be their special night, and I wanted to help.
I flew in behind them, and was about to place a hand on each of their shoulders, when I noticed they were holding hands. I decided not to come between them and walked to Lisanna's free side, exposing myself.
"Oh, hey big brother!"
"Mar? Are you stalking us?"
"Calm down Natsu, I just wanted to say, the house is yours tonight. Elfman, Mira, and I are staying at the guild to fix the place up."
Both of them seemed shocked at what I had said. I may have played the role of a match maker before, but I was always very protective of family, only more so with Lisanna because of her unique situation.
I realised that was probably out of character for me, so I sighed and put on a smile, and closed my eyes. I turned my head to Natsu and said, "But if you make her cry, for any reason, I will kill you."
Natsu scratched the back of his head while laughing nervously, while Lisanna just giggled between us.
"Anyway, I'm invading now, so I'll be off. Hang this up for me when you get there, would you Natsu?" I said as I threw my coat at him.
"Why are you giving me this?"
"Made a bet with Erza. Lost. Showing up in my boxers tommorow."
Lisanna just burst out laughing, while Natsu shrugged and said, "Suit yourself."
Suit. That reminded me of something. Before I flew away, I smacked Natsu on the back of the neck, right on the top of his scarf, dropping something in it, and said, "Play safe."
"How do you kn-"
"That day I walked in on you getting out of the shower."
"Why would you remem-"
"It's not something I could easily forget. Be gentle hot head."
I flew into the sky, riding on Lisanna's rampant laughter. That damn feeling enveloped me again. I aimed upward and prepared to dispel the Magic into the clouds.
To my surprise, a Magic I didn't know I had surfaced. The same dark beams that Deliora used against me tore across the moonlit sky.
"Deliora! Are you okay in there?"
"Just f-fine, master...just a little shaken up. Archive's destruction is wreaking hell on me as well. You need to get that lightning boost, as soon as possible!"
I nodded and flew back to the guild. I needed to find a way to slow Archive's death, or Regeneration might leave me before the lightning hit. Or worse, I might lose a friend!
I met up with Elfman and Mira, and caught Elfman up on the situation. We vowed to try everything we could to keep Archive stable.
We started with attempting to absorb new Magics, in the hope that one placed correctly would fix the entire system. It didn't work too well, in fact, I think trying to absorb Elfman's Beast Soul may be the reason I had to fire Grey's Ice Make into the sky.
Next, we tried meditation, but I just couldn't keep calm, I had too much on my mind. Namely, what that hot head was doing to my little sister right about now. The image unnerved me.
We tried slowing my heartbeat by getting me to sleep, but that worked for all of about twenty minutes before Laxus' Lightning enveloped me while I was still sleeping. I woke up in time to blast the rest of it off a nearby mirror and consume it. That seemed to help to some extent, but it was no where near enough to make up for the abuse I had put Archive through.
Next, Mira and I tried quickening my heartbeat by...well, that's really none of your damn buisness, regardless, it didn't work.
We tried all sorts of wacky methods that night, eventually leading to me passing out from exaustion well into the morning. Two days, I thought. Two days until I can sort this out.
The next day I woke up in the guild guest room, and sighed. I stood up and took off my pants, it was going to be a loooooong day.
I walked into the guilds main hall to be greeted by Erza, who got halfway through a "Hello" before she stopped dead and started staring.
"Something wrong Erza?"
Erza shook her head and turned her attention away from me and to the bar, and said, "I didn't think you'd actually go THROUGH with it!"
"I'm a man of my word...say, are you blushing?"
Erza replied by jump kicking me in the face and yelling "HELL NO!"
I just took my head out of the wall and said, "Worth it!"
After I got up, laughing all the while, I sat down next to Erza and asked, "Speaking of blush, have you heard from Jel-...Mystogan yet? I havn't seen him here."
"I talked to Makarov, he went and formed a new guild."
"A new guild? Do tell."
"A dark guild, actually, dedicated to punishing other dark guilds."
"Oooh, sounds like my kind of place."
"Ah, right, he is one of three members currently, the other two being former members of Grimoire Heart."
"Is one of them named Ultear?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"Lucky guess, the other?"
"Meredy, a close confidant of Ultear's apparently. They're all stopping by tommorow, right before we take Virgo up on that offer."
"What kind of offer?"
"A day at the beach, before the thunder comes. Ah, right, here you go Mar." she said as she handed me a request.
"From the mayor? Hmm, a general request to all who can take it, they need someone to build some lightning rods so there's no property damage. Perfect. What direction is the thunder coming in from, anyway?"
"You'll love this, the first building it will cross is the old Fairy Tail building!"
"Our old hangout? Awesome, I can get nostalgic and electrocuted at the same time. Good times."
I stood up to get the phone, but stopped and asked Makarov a question, "Is it legal for someone to be in two guilds officially?"
Makarov replied with a no, and I shrugged. Not like the guild in question was very legal to start with. Maybe I'd become an unofficial member. Yeah, I'd like that.
I smiled and grabbed the phone, then called city hall. I accepted the job, but when the mayor asked to see me in person, I said I was indisposed at the time, and I gave him my full name so he could pull up my file.
His reaction was...interesting, to say the least. It didn't occur to me that my file would say "Dead". We cleared up the minor misunderstanding, and while I was at it, I got everyone else up to date as well. After we exchanged all that nonsense, I accepted the job, explaining I would act as a lightning rod, gladly, and safely. Hopefully.
I still had two days to go, so I just decided to act normal, missing pants and randomly discharging Magic not withstanding.
I lost several minor Magics that morning, most I had forgotten about, or had no care for. The only one I lost that I even recognised was Card Magic. Oh well, I'm no Cana, she just had a way with cards.
I caught several awkward looks and conversations about my choice in attire, eventually escalating to me dancing on the bar with Mira blaring "Ain't Nothin but a Hound Dog", followed by Erza yelling at me to put my pants back on. Just in time too, I thought Cana was going to pass out from the massive nosebleed, and Mira almost lost conciousness from laughing so hard.
I decided not to wear a shirt that day, my wings just wanted to breathe, if that makes any sense. I hadn't used them nearly enough since I got back, so I decided to act as a taxi for anyone going out on jobs.
It was late into the afternoon when Natsu and Lisanna walked into the guild, hand in hand. I walked up to them and hugged them both.
"I'm proud of you, both of you. But please, make it a LITTLE less obvious."
"What do you mean big brother?"
I tapped Lisanna on a new bandage she had on her collar bone, then said, "Well, there's this, you're in the same clothes from yesterday, oh, and your shirt is backwards."
Lisanna turned red, "I-I thought I hid it rather well..."
"Ha! You did, I'm just good at looking, sis. Natsu here on the other hand, not so much."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
"Tell me Natsu, since when do you wear white? And since when do you go around without your scarf? Nice scar by the way."
Natsu looked down on himself, and noticed I spoke the truth. His shirt was inside out and his scarf was gone.
I laughed, then said, "You know Natsu, it's an unspoken big brother code that we protect our siblings, especially their innocence. I think you qualified for a fight last night."
"You're willing to fight me? Kickass!"
"Not today though, give me two days. Got something I need to take care of then."
"Well, if it's in two days, why can't we just throw down now?"
"It's important, a doctor's appointment." I lied. I didn't want them worrying any more then they were already.
"Ahhh, getting that random Magic spasm thing checked out?"
"Yeah."
"Good, I worry, you know? I don't show it often, but I really do."
"Good to know. Just don't worry too much, this should all get sorted out soon."
Natsu seemed content with my answer, and went back to escorting Lisanna around. The two were inseperable now. Huh, speaking of couples, I wonder what Juvia and Grey are doing right now?...On second thought, no, no I don't.
I noticed something later that day, that hadn't even occured to me. Gildarts walked in and I remembered that I dispelled Crash, and expected to reel over in pain, but I felt nothing. My sensory ability must be shut down until I could fix Archive too. I was neutral on this, really. Being around Gildarts without Crash FUCKING hurt.
There was a big announcement soon after, Gildarts was to be Fairy Tail's Fifth Master!
Know how long he lasted? Long enough for Makarov to show him something, then twenty minutes after that. He went out on a job and left a note, with only two orders on it. "One, Laxus will be re instated into the guild, should he wish to come back, and two, I resign my position as Master and pass it to Makarov."
Makarov was right beside himself at that, and he started rambling on angrily, despite everyone knowing he approved of the action, and we all got a good laugh.
Laxus was thrilled, the Rajin Tribe even more so. Needless to say, he accepted.
That night, we celebrated Laxus' OFFICIAL return, and Mira pulled me aside.
"Mar, is it getting any better?"
"No, worse. I lost at least a dozen today. It seems to be targeting either my oldest or most powerful Magics."
"That is NOT good, lose anything important?"
"Not today, just a few really old ones and Cana's card Magic."
"Good, nothing that will be missed or lost forever, respectivly."
"Yeah, my only issue is Time Ark. If I have to expel that, who KNOWS what will happen?"
"Yeah, that would be bad."
"Well, there's nothing we can do about it right now, but in the morning, I'll get Laxus to juice me up if it gets worse. I think he's just a LITTLE pre occupied right now."
Mira and I glanced over to Laxus, being smothered by the entire Rajin tribe.
She giggled, "He's definatly gotten gentler since his time away, that much is obvious."
"Yeah, he's the same guy, just guided in the right direction for the first time since who knows how long ago."
"That's...kind of poetic, who are you?" she said sarcasticly.
I laughed and just kissed her, then said, "You can figure it out."
That evening, the Strauss family went home as a unit, with three guests. Turns out Natsu and Happy's house had blown over in the seven years we were away, so they were going to stay with us until they could rebuild it. Luckily, Happy didn't take up much space and Natsu was willing to share a bed with Lisanna for WHATEVER reason. Wink. Mavis stayed on the couch with Happy.
That night was very peaceful, with not even a single stray Magic to interrupt us. I felt at true peace for the first time in years.
"Mmmm" came a moan from my wife, "I can tell you're thinking about something honey, what is it?"
I smiled, and said, 'Wow, you really ARE good. I feel...at peace. Like I can finally relax, or at least I can when I fix Archive."
"Yeah, these are pretty peaceful times. You sure a big boost will fix Archive Mar?"
"I'm more then sure at this point. I find myself barely able to use my Dragon Slayer Magic, as if I was suffering from Magic withdrawl, despite me being here for a couple days now."
"Ahh, so you ARE just really low?"
"Yeah. Think of Archive like a freezer, and my Magics as meat. Without Magic, the power goes out, and meat must be tossed when bad."
"Hmm, good analogy, when did you think of that one?"
"I've had a lot of spare time, it's not like I'm going on jobs."
Mira laughed, she knew I was just using humour to hide my true worry, but she didn't care.
"That's good, Mira. Stay optomistic. So long as Regeneration doesn't leave me before the lightning comes, I can fix Archive completely."
"Good...Mar?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't die."
"I have no intention of dying now. Not with you, Mavis, and everyone else here. My life is as close to perfect as it's ever been."
"Close? Besides the obvious, what's wrong?"
"Well, I have this horrible muscle in my body that gets stiff every time I get near my wife."
"Ohhh, we can fix that, but first, I'm a little tense, would you be a dear Mar?"
"Of course."
Mira threw off the sheets and layed face down, then I kneeled on top of her and started massaging her shoulders.
As I moved down her body, she said, "Oh god Mar! Your hands are almost electr-ARE YOU USING MAGIC!"
"This much won't kill me, just relax."
Mira released her concern and returned to relaxing, while I dissolved any tension in her body. When I felt she was completely at peace, I leaned into her ear and said, "Now, would the young miss like a happy ending?" I said, drawing her into an embrace and a kiss.
The next morning, I woke up and went to the bathroom, and gazed into the mirror. I still couldn't believe my eye was now that of Mavis'. I loved it's colour, the most elegant of greens.
As I washed my face, I realised something was off, big time. My other eye was red. Not the gold that Archive had granted it, but the red I was born with, and I wasn't making it that way.
"Oh. Shit." was all I said, I knew it was a bad sign, but I just decided to discard it. It's not like I could do anything anyway. I just proceeded with my day like nothing was wrong.
That day, Makarov pulled me aside once more, and asked me something. "Mar, did you have any Magic tournaments in your time? Or big contests?"
"No, Magic was very professional in my time, I'm glad to see it this way though."
"Ah, very good then, how would you feel about participating ina big annual tournament?"
"Sounds like an idea alright, when?"
"Three months from now, I was just letting you know so you can practice."
"Ha, thanks Master." I said while walking away.
"Oh! One more thing!" he shouted after me.
"Yes?" I said, returning to him.
"I think you'll be special, a tag team combatent with your brother! The crowds will love it!"
"Hmm, I like that idea. Will they go for it?"
"So long as you promise not to switch out in the battle sections lest the opponent consents."
"I can work with that."
"Excellent! It will be so!"
Macao burst from behind a wall, cheering! I guess Fairy Tail would have bombed at these things without the Tenrou Team. I vowed to them that I would give it my all.
Most of the day was spent waiting, with only a recharge off of Laxus breaking up the morning before Jellal and company got there. Not a single Magic went haywire, and that scared the hell out of me.
When Mystogan walked through the door, he noticed me and came to shake my hand. I gave him a brother's hug instead, while telling him to stop being so damn formal.
He laughed and hugged back, and to my surprise, his companions both hugged me as well. Apparently I had led Ultear to Grey, exposing the truth about her mother to her, and dissolving any reason she had to be in Grimoire, or hold hate in her for that matter. Meredy was her closest confidant, so naturally she tagged along.
I let Jellal and Erza go and catch up, I would get details from Ultear and Meredy, so I got them both to sit at the bar with me.
"So, Ultear, Meredy, I heard you guys formed a guild of avengers, care to share?"
"You want this one Meredy? I heard from Jellal he asks a lot of questions!" Ultear said to her pink haired friend.
"You bet!" Meredy said while switching seats with Ultear so she would be sitting between us.
"Tell me everything." I asked with a smile.
"We are Crime Sorciere, a dark guild dedicated to routing the evil in this world, primarily, other dark guilds. We work for our lodgings and our food, but otherwise we work for ourselves. Our long term goal is to destroy Zeref before he can bring this age to a close."
"Bring this age to a close? What do you mean by that?"
"We believe Zeref plans on using that black dragon to end this age, to usher in the next one with fire and ash. Judging by his behaviour on Tenrou, it seems this is involuntary on his part, and he seeks to undo himself before that happens."
"Acnologia..."
"Yes, the only being with enough destructive power to accomplish that goal is none other then the dragon who put you guys on ice for seven years."
"Good. I want to tear that thing a new stinkhole." I said, anger completely detectable in my voice. I picked up on it myself and shook my head, "Sorry, I hate getting angry in front of friends, but that thing just itches me the wrong way."
"You consider me a friend? We've never met!"
"Doesn't matter. You're a friend of Jellal, Ultear, and likely consider Grey an ally now as well. That's more then sufficient for me."
Meredy seemed shocked by my open mind, and even wet her eyes ever so slightly. I just replied with a smile and by placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Logic comes first in my world, young one, I have no reason to hate you, and only reasons to like, so why SHOULDN'T I like you? I honestly like your personality so far, very upbeat, very organised."
Meredy's head dropped and she whispered out "Thank you, but I don't deserve your praise, I caused your guild nothing but pain."
"You did, and I don't care. People change, every member in your guild are prime examples. What you did back then was the work of an entirely different person, so cut your ties with your past and look forward to the future!"
Meredy began crying, and I could tell Ultear wasn't far behind, so I stood up and walked between them, wrapping an arm around each of them to comfort them. I drew them close, and Ultear said, "Mar, you have no idea how much that means to us, to be so readily accepted by one of Fairy Tail's greatest, and a key figure from Tenrou."
"I meant what I said, those were different people back there, you two are you, right here, right now. There is no other you."
"Words of a wise man, though you sound like this is coming from experience! Were you a bad person a long time ago too Mar?" Meredy asked.
"Ah, that's right, I guess you two don't know much about me, huh?"
Meredy spoke up again, "I read your file way back when, it said that you were over 200 years old, but I didn't buy it, and I didn't really care at the time, your Magic Power was really the only thing that struck me as odd."
"Oh? What did Grimoire have on me?"
"And I quote, 'Has not shown a limit to Magic Power that had been recorded.'"
"Sounds about right, last two times I really hit bottom were the first time I died and when I held up Fairy Sphere."
Ultear broke in, "Wait, you held up that sphere? FOR SEVEN YEARS?"
"Boredom was the main combatent really, but I had friends to keep with me. I was soul fused with someone, and I already have another person in me."
"W-Wow...hang on, you DIED?"
I sighed, saying, "Yeah, I was pretty dead. Deliora and I killed each other, but due to the weapon I used, I absorbed his Regeneration with Archive, returning myself to life, and gaining Deliora's soul. Nearly took Erza's right breast off when she hugged me."
"Nearly took a WHAT off?"
"Ah, right. I was impaled, Erza hugged my body while I was regenerating. Her yelling 'Kya!' was my first memory on coming back from the grave."
Meredy popped back in, "Erza! Yelled kya! Cute!"
We all laughed, but I decided we were getting off topic, and returned us to the proper path. "But anyway, yeah, I guess I'm speaking from experience. That file you had on me? It was right."
I told my story once more, leaving Ultear and Meredy absolutely dumbstruck, and earning laughter from surrounding members. Apparently people used the telling of my story as a social event now, not that I could blame them, reactions were absolutely priceless.
As I finished and my company was regaining their composure, I felt a Magic finally well up in me, this one was going to be a BIG one.
I excused myself and dashed out the door, then took flight to the glorious sky. I flew as high as I could manage while the Magic gained speed. Whatever the devil this thing was, it had held up Archive's decay for over half a day, I knew it was going to cause a big bang.
I stopped flying higher when breathing became an extreme struggle, already perched over the clouds. I held my hands out, ready to expel the Magic, but to my surprise, there was no burst of Magic, only a single golden ball. I realised there, that this was going to suck, Fairy Law had decided to show itself!
The ball of energy split the very clouds around me as I drew it towards my chest, determined to contain it's blast as much as possible.
I held the Magic back with all my might, in it's decayed state, I had no idea if Fairy Law would only affect my enemies, so I couldn't let this one free! I would stop it at all costs!
Heat began to generate from Fairy Law, rapidly increasing. My hands began smoking, then caught fire. The pain broke my concentration, causing me to release Fairy Law, but to my surprise, the Magic did not fire. The orb instead fell through the sky, as if turned solid!
I dove after it, the G forces putting out my hands. I redirected the Magic into a lake outside of Magnowlia with air pressure from my wings, causing it to steam excessivly on contact. The orb slowly sunk to the bottom of the lake, landing between some rocks. I dove in and went after it, grabbing the orb and surfacing once more.
I tapped it, yielding no reaction. The orb was small enough to fit in one hand, and yet it was all that was left of a spell like Fairy Law? I know I didn't feel any Magic go anywhere but here, so what the hell happened?
I tried passing a small amount of Magic through the object, and it lit up like a Chirstmas tree. I felt Fairy Law well up around me once more, so I restrained it and shoved it into the lake again, cooling it off once more.
I brought the orb up and examined it. There was nothing off about it, besides containing Fairy Law anyway, it was just an orb that looked and felt like glass. Almost like a big marble, a big, golden, beutifal marble.
A thought ran through my head that caused me to laugh hard enough that I had to put the orb down. "I just made Materia! I howled through my laughter, part from stress release, part from me apreciating the situation.
I thought for a moment, it was obvious that Fairy Law was still there, and could be released on a whim, so if I fixed Archive, the Magic wouldn't be lost to me! All I'd need to do is release it and absorb it. I decided to catch as many Magics as I could this way, if only just to say that I can manufacture my own Materia! God, Yuffie would be proud. I got up, shoved the "Materia" in my pocket and headed back for Fairy Tail, walking this time. Fucking wet wings.
I arrived a couple hours later to Jellal and company drinking happily and celebrating with the rest of Fairy Tail, though I did notice we were down a couple of Dragon Slayers, a celestial mage, a female knight, a water mage, her Ice Make using boyfriend, a scholar, and two exceed. I figured they were at the beach already, and decided to catch up to them later.
I sat down next to the members of Crime Sorciere, while Mira got me a drink.
"So, Mar, I heard you ran out of here with barely a goodbye earlier, what's up?" Jellal asked.
"Ah nothing. Archive is just having a hard time is all, I just got out of here to make sure if the worst came to pass that I wouldn't hurt anyone." I said, smiling, trying desperatly not to show concern.
"Ah fair enough, holding up that barrier for so long would be hard on anyone."
"Ha! Ah yes, I didn't get the chance earlier, but I wanted to ask something. Meredy, you still want to take it?"
"Sure!"
"Brilliant, I was wondering if you guys could make me an unofficial member of Crime Sorciere."
"You want to join us? Mar, you already have a guild!"
"That's why I said unofficial, I like this place too much to leave, but I would gladly lend a hand in your endeavours. Jellal could probably tell you, justice is important to me, and I DO have quite a bit to make up for from my past life."
"Hey, you said to leave the past in the past before!"
"My past is a bit different Meredy, how many people did you kill in Grimoire?"
"I never killed anyone!"
"Good! I created Archive in my time, a tool that was used as a weapon of mass destruction. I have the blood of millions on my hands, indirectly or not. I don't think I'll ever be able to redeem myself in my own eyes, but I have to try!"
"M-Millions? Why did you leave that out earlier!"
"I didn't want to bring it up. It's not something I'm proud of."
"...True. Hey, Jellal? What did he mean by 'You'd know?'"
Jellal laughed, and explained, "Mar saved me. He didn't want me to go to prison after I lost my memories and became a better person, so when a fight broke out over it, he grabbed me and flew for Fairy Tail!"
Ultear nearly choked on her drink, so Jellal tapped her on the back with some slight force, clearing her throat. She said, "Thanks, but Jellal! You never told us that! Heck, you never told us anything before you were at Fairy Tail!"
"You know most of it Ultear." Jellal said with a smile.
"Uhhh, someone catch me up?" I said.
"Oh, sorry, turns out it was Ultear here who was in my head during the Tower incident. That was both of our past lives though, so I don't hold a grudge."
"Fair enough. But about that joining?"
"Right, here, this will do. Mind if I use your locket?"
"What are you going to do to it?"
"I'm going to turn it into a beacon, so we can find you when we need you."
"It's a Magic item, is that alright?"
"All the more reason, the beacon will be easier to track."
"...Very well, just be careful, this thing is precious to me."
Jellal's hand glowed briefly, then he withdrew it, saying, "I'm done."
The locket was no different, but I imagined if I could still sense Magic that there would be a charm on it.
"Thank you Jellal, feel free to call on me any time."
"That we will. Now, Mar, a young miss asked us where you went, and when we told her that you stepped out for some air, she told us to tell you, 'Kasumi waits in the clear cut forest.' Any idea what it means?"
"Ha, perfectly, it seems I have to take my leave. It was a pleasure seeing you both again, and a pleasure meeting you as well, Meredy."
"Likewise!" the pink haired woman said, perky as Mavis herself.
Speak of the devil, I gained a companion on my way out this time. Mavis tagged along with me after over hearing our conversation. I had told her of Jane several times during the seven years, and she was very eager to meet her. Plus, the sheer shock value of seeing Fairy Tail's founder seemed to have a hillarious effect on people, so I looked forward to the meeting.
On the way, Mavis confronted me about my bursting out of the guild earlier.
"Mar, what did you lose this time? I know it was something big, I could sense it from the guild!" she said, her usual aura of cheerfulness replaced by one of worry and sadness.
"Don't worry Mavis, I took care of it, check THIS out!" I said, pulling my homemeade materia from my pocket.
"Woah! What is it?"
"My way of keeping Magics after they leave me, I pass some Magic through these guys, and BAM! Instant energy release, and instant absorbtion."
"Wow! Which one is this?"
"Promise not to freak out?"
"No guarantees."
"It's Fairy Law. The entire spell is contained in this little ball."
Mavis gently lifted the ball from my hand and examined it, then placed it back where it came.
"Amazing! There's no mistake in it, that's Law! Your own sensory ability confirms it!"
"You figured that out already? Holy crap, that took me weeks."
"I think I inherited your skill with it, I had it nearly immediatly!"
"Ha! Good to hear."
"But Mar, Fairy Law abandoned you? This is bad! Archive has large enough holes in it that such a Magic can slip through, are you sure you can fix it?"
"Honestly? I have no idea, and that scares the hell out of me. There is no power greater then nature herself, however, so it's my best bet. This time tommorow I'll be gorging on her energy, and if it doesn't fix me, I'll at least know I went down doing my best."
"Mar, I'm not going to let you die damnit! I will NOT lose you again! NEVER AGAIN!"
I was shocked at Mavis when she said this. It was rare for her to lose her cool, let alone have an outburst like that. I embraced her, and wrapped my wings around her. She began crying on my bare chest, right on my mark.
To my surprise, a woman walked up behind us and placed a hand on both of our shoulders, then said, "Quiet down you two, I don't know what is so wrong, but I'm sure the angel here can fix it, he has a bloody good streak going."
That voice, it sounded familliar! I looked up into the waiting eyes of Jane, seven years of maturity on clear display. She had grown, and her features had developed fully, including some freckles around her nose. Her...intimate features had matured as well. Quite substantially actually.
"Jane! Holy hell, how have you been!"
"This is Jane Mar? She has really big-"
'Mavis!"
"Right, sorry." she said, her smile still as innocent as ever.
We all walked to the clearing, talking and laughing the whole way. Mavis and Jane seemed to take an immediate shining to each other, and that pleased me. When we got to the clearing, we went to a nearby cliff and sat down, legs hanging off the edge and me in the middle.
I finally asked a question that was bugging me, "So Jane, how did Fire Magic turn out for you?"
"I stayed with that for a long time Mar, but I eventually learned I was just trying to stick to what I know. I switched not too long ago actually, and I'm already twice as strong as I was when I used fire!"
"Oh wow, what's the new Magic!" Mavis asked, her voice laced with excitement.
"Illusionary Magic! Combined with a black belt in Judo, and this puppy!" she said, pulling out a gun that looked to be about one of mine in size. It was also red, oh so very red.
"Ahhh, make them think you're not there, then take them down and put them to sleep!"
"Something like that, or shoot them if I need to. It's a Magic gun, just like Mar's, I only asked for one though. I'm perfectly capable of beating someone with only illusions, however."
I jumped in here, "How could you beat someone with JUST illusions?"
"I'm gradually learning how to make my illusions more realistic, I can even inflict pain with them as I am right now."
"Wow. Fooling even the human senses, that's an achievement."
Jane giggled at this. Then said, "So, Mar? I never caught the name of your new squeeze."
Her implication caught me off guard, and I tried to stand up from human habit. Unfortunatly, cliff. I ended up looping around and landing back between them, then, very calmly, said, "Oh no, we're not like that, I'm married, remember? This is my oldest, greatest friend, her name is Mavis."
"Mavis? Like our first Master Mavis?"
"More then you know."
"Woah, what do you mean by that?...How old is she?"
"Uhhh, two hundred and twenty, I'd guess."
"Huh. So it IS Mavis. Pleased to be aquainted with ya, I've heard to end of good about you!"
"Likewise!" Mavis replied with a smile.
I sighed and let my head sink. "That's it? I was expecting a freak out at least! Oh well."
We all laughed and watched the sun set over the horizon, barely even moving.
As the sun drew on it's final moments, a cold wind swept across the clearing, chilling both Mavis and Jane to the bone. I was rather unaffected, being physically hardened by a dragon and all, so I just smiled, then spread my wings to take both women under them.
"Thanks Mar, this is too beautiful to miss for some cold wind." Jane said.
I smiled and worked my arms in between my wings and their backs, and drew them both in close. I loved these precious moments, not a care in the world, not a worry in my head. Here, there is no Archive, no Magic, no fighting, and no evil. Right here, this very moment, is a true paradise.
Unfortunatly, paradise would have to wait. The moment the sun set I felt another Magic trying to break free. I could tell this one for a mile away, I had held it up for seven fucking years after all.
I stood and said, "Sorry, but I need to go explode now."
I flew toward where the sun once hung in the sky, and once I was far enough away from my friends, I let loose with Fairy Sphere. It first expanded to the size of a large comet, then quickly retracted as I restrained it. Eventually, it shrunk to the same size as Fairy Law's Materia, with the same feel as well. I knew now that the Materia process was one I could replicate, and that would save me alot of trouble when I finally got Archive working again.
Mavis and I escorted Jane home, then I flew Mavis back to the Strauss household.
Elfman and Mira greeted us at the door, and told us Lisanna and hot head already went to bed.
Mira and I retired after I tucked Mavis in. A kiss on the forehead, and a caring hug, to show that I never wanted her to leave.
Mira almost immediatly bombarded me with questions regarding my health.
"Did Archive fare well today?"
"No, it's getting worse. I only lost two Magics today, but both of them were of the three great Fairy Spells. Glitter will likely be the next, after that, the only Magic I could consider more powerful is Regeneration."
"Oh god! Mar, are you sure you'll have enough time?"
"I've done some calculations Mira, a Magic doesn't truely leave me entirely for around three hours after it's departure. I'll have three hours after Regeneration leaves me before wounds start opening. So long as they stay minor, I'll be fine. I'm fucked if my head comes off though."
"This isn't good Mar...is there a way you could substitute what Magics you're losing with others?"
"I don't think so, but I have noticed the spells it throws away are increasing in power lately, it seems to want to exterminate my strongest Magic, and is working it's way up the ladder."
"Not good...what time is that storm coming in?"
"Around 3 PM. I'll be on the roof well before then with Laxus."
"Good...Mar?"
"Yeah?"
"Promise me something."
"Alright."
"Don't die. Whatever you do, DON'T FUCKING DIE!" she said, tears clouding her eyes. I embraced her and drew her close, and we retired as she settled down.
The next morning, I got up well before Mira. I could barely sleep, so I was up early. I leaned over her ear and whispered, "I promise, you have my word that I will not die."
I slipped my coat on and started toward Fairy Tail.
I got there early, Laxus wasn't even there yet, and I'm pretty sure both of our Masters were out too.
I flew up to a raftor and sat there, my back against a support. My head swiftly buried itself in between my hands and I found myself in thought. "Is this really going to work? Am I going to see tommorow? Will Laxus be the last person to see me alive? I didn't even say goodbye..."
Deliora picked up on my distress, and came in, "Master, snap out of it! Is this who you are? No! This is some crying son of a bitch who fears death! Face it Mar! Face the reaper, and spit in his face once more!"
My head lifted, and I smiled. "You called me Mar."
"I did indeed Master! I needed your attention!"
"Ha, thank you Deliora, tough love is just what I needed. Thank you. Now, I think Laxus just came in, it's time to get ready."
"Mar! You in here buddy! I got a call from Mira, said you needed me today! Where are ya?" Laxus yelled.
"Up here!" I yelled back as I waved my hand from the wooden beams.
"What the hell are you doing up there? Get down here and tell me what's so important as to wake me up at five AM!"
She was awake? Damn, guess I HAVE to live now, she probably heard me promise.
I flew down and we both sat at the bar with Laxus, and we helped ourselves to some water, since we were the only ones present.
"Laxus, have you caught wind of what's happening to me?"
"I wasn't aware there was anything serious, I remember you had a few incidents in the past few days, Magics overloading you or something I guessed."
"That's a no then. At least Mavis is still as tight lipped as I remember. Laxus, you know that I held up the sphere for seven years, right?"
"Yeah, and I'm damn grateful for it, everyone else too. You saved our lives Mar!"
"Thank you. Unfortunatly, in doing so, I may have damned myself. I used enough Magic in that seven years that Archive is in severe withdrawl. It's dumping Magic when it becomes too much to maintain, and it's going straight for my most powerful ones currently."
"That's pretty bad. Fromt he sound of it, you probably think a massive Magic boost will fix that, right?"
"Right. Hence the thunderstorm coming this afternoon."
"Ahh, nature hereself! Smart, there is none stronger. But Mar? What Magic will you lose next? Do you know?"
"Yes, I have only two super powerful Magics left. Fairy Glitter, and Regeneration."
"Wait, your Regeneration isn't a natural ability? Oh fuck, I can see the problem now!"
"Yeah. I lose Regeneration, it stops holding my wounds closed, and every injury I healed with Regeneration re opens. The very first will kill me."
"Oh shit! Mar, what can I do to help?"
"My goal here is to do a sort of hard reset on Archive, so I'll need a massive boost in Magical Power. I was hoping you would combine your fullest strength with that of Nature."
"Gladly! Why so early though?"
"I couldn't sleep, and that storm could come in early. Plus, should shit go south, I need someone with a strong stomach to torch my remains to ash. I will not have my family see me gutted."
"...You're asking for a second."
"I am. The man who holds my very fate, is now you Laxus. There can be no one else."
"...I am...honored that you would even consider, let alone CHOOSE me for this. I know we've been at odds before, but I'll do my best. I will not let you die damnit!"
"Perfect! I should hope you won't, my wife will kill me if I die!"
We both laughed, partially out of nerves, partially out of our newfound bond. We set out for Fairy Tail's old HQ.
We took our time while watching the sky. The sky was already dark with blackened clouds, but no thunder and no rain were falling. By the time we arrived, it was close to nine.
I flew to the top of the building, and Laxus used his Lightning Form, then we just sat and waited. It's the waiting that's the worst. Not knowing if you will live or die, not knowing if you will meet a headsman's axe or the loving embrace of a sibling, or a beautiful wife.
Around ten thirty, I lost Fairy Glitter. I compressed it into Materia form, much to Laxus' surprise. I thought since Glitter took so long that I would be safe. I was wrong.
Barely quarter after noon, I felt another Magic well up. I knew this one well. Regeneration was getting ready to leave me.
Laxus threw his hands on my shoulders and started yelling at me. I couldn't hear what he was saying, I was listening to Deliora instead. We were going to hold this one in as long as we could damnit!
Through my suffering, I managed to say, "Laxus! Don't disturb my focus! I'm holding this bastard in!"
I fought with my own Magic for what felt like years, but was only a couple hours. I managed to hold it long enough that the storm drew close. Must have been at least two and half to three hours I stood motionless, my Magic swirling around me like a tornado.
I realised that I wouldn't be able to eat the thunder and hold Regeneration back at the same time, so I tasked Deliora to do his best to hold it back as best he could.
"LAXUS! NOW! COMBINE YOUSELF WITH NATURE'S MIGHT NOW!"
Laxus nodded and jumped into the air, firing a Lightning Dragon's Roar through the darkened clouds, taking nature's fury with it.
Deliora had to release Regeration just before the Lightning struck, but I absorbed all of nature's fury regardless. I felt a sharp pain in my chest as I sucked it down, we must have used up all of Regeneration's time when we were holding it back! Fuck!
I finished eating the lightning, just as my wound from Deliora tore itself open. I...failed?
I fell from Fairy Tail's old roof, and everything went dark as I hit the ground.
My senses were all offline, minus my hearing. For some odd reason, I could still hear everything!
"MAR! MAAAAAR!" I heard Laxus yell as he closed in on me. I heard his knees hit the ground beside me. "No...No, it can't be! WAKE UP YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
I heard crying. My apparent death had reduced the once feared Laxus to tears.
I heard more footsteps following coming up the way. Voices I had never heard before filled the air, probably people who lived nearby. But among them, I made out several familiar voices. Lisanna, Mavis, Elfman, and Mira. They all came to see if I succeeded. They all saw me in that terrible state.
Tears ran through the crowds, even on those I did not know. I guess everyone weeps when a good guy dies.
The crying was interrupted by Laxus, who said, "Mar made me promise that he would not be seen like this, that I was to reduce the body to ash if he failed. I have already broken this promise, but I intend to fill it now."
I heard lightning start to crackle, but it was stopped by what sounded like someone grabbing Laxus' arm.
"Don't. We want to bury him ourselves, no matter the pain." Mira. That was definatly Mira.
"Yeah, yeah I thought you would. The dumba-WHAT THE FUCK?"
I had no idea why Laxus would have been that surprised, until my senses started coming back. Once more, I could taste the lightning from Laxus and nature herself. Bittersweet, like dark chocolate. I could smell the grass I now lay upon. I could feel the hand of another, grasping mine, and a SEVERE pain in my chest. Finally, my eyes opened once more, and I found myself staring into Laxus' face.
I stood slowly, noting there was still a large hole in my chest. Once I stood tall, what appeared to be organic tendrils sprouted out of my body at the edges of the wound and covered it. In no time at all, the tendrils disappeared, leaving only skin in it's place.
People backed away from me in fear, thinking I was some sort of monster apparently. Laxus was absolutely stunned, as were my family and Mavis. I looked myself over, noticing there was something VERY wrong with my right arm. The arm that hadn't been held by Laxus, had turned into some sort of organic weapon! The tendrils pulsated both black and red, and each one of my fingers had been made larger, with metal blades on each. I tugged at one of them with my free hand, noticing the metal was actually a PART of me!
"What the fuck?"