A/N This chapter is going to start out a little differently than other chapters. I promise the explanations are not random. Makarov gave Lucy a book, and the first section of this chapter is what she is reading. The explanations will help you lovely readers understand the divisions within the Academy, as well as why certain mages will be classified in the way that they are. So, without further ado:
After exiting Makarov's office, I decide to sit down and read a little. Magic is so new to me and I can't wait to learn as much about it as possible. I sit down on the stairs and crack open the textbook Makarov had given me.
Introduction:
The forces of magic are mysterious and complex. However, the fields of study and specialties are best divided in six separate classes: Transformation, Conjuration, Maker, Alteration, Elemental and Summoning. Each class has its strengths and weaknesses and each division has a set of complimentary types as well as uncomplimentary types. These characteristics will be explained in a later chapter.
Transformation:
The transformation class is characterized by an ability to use magic to transform or shift one's physical form, including but not limited to their armor and weapons. Mages who practice beneath this class practice many different forms of magic. But one common trait that all higher-level transformation mages share, is an enhanced ability, mirroring the transformation of their choice. A requip (or armor/weapon shifting) mage who activates a weapon with high speed will also find their own speed increased. A beast soul transformation, altering the form of a mage to that of a beast, will mirror any enhancements shared by the beast. For example, if the beast has scales of diamond, the mage will have that same physical enhancement, or armor level protection. And, so forth.
Conjuration:
The conjuration class is characterized by an ability to use magic to alter the written word or art, changing its reality or state. It is a class which requires both great skill and talent as well as mental prowess. Some mages who practice under this class of magic, known as Solid Script mages, have been known to write words, which take on the quality of their meaning. The word fire will be comprised entirely of fire; the word air will be made up of this element and act accordingly. Other mages who practice under this type have been known to paint a picture and bring said picture to life. The written word and drawn image shift from a theoretical reality, entering this sphere. Another type of mage under this category can write enchantments or runes that will act according to their coding. The words themselves may not shift as with Solid Script mages, but the combination of words will create a new reality or state, within their bounds. One other common type of conjuration magic is card magic, through which a mage can make the concept of a card burst into reality. However, whereas art mages draw things to life, card magic is capable of capturing and containing the currently living.
Maker:
The Maker class is characterized by an ability to use magic to summon forth and manipulate a particular form. For example, some maker mages can manipulate memories, bringing to life and form the memory in their mind. Other maker mages are limited to a specific elemental combination, such as Ice or stone. But, even within these combinations, differences can be found. Some of the maker mages can give their forms a lifelike quality, others will be limited to still form manipulations.
Alteration:
The Alteration class is characterized by an ability to use magic to the manipulation or alteration of the state, strength, or reality of something. Alteration is often confused with transformation magic, but there is still a fundamental difference. One major difference is that while transformation mages focus their changes on themselves, alteration mages focus on the area outside of themselves. For example, some mages can alter the composition of a person or thing, breaking a whole down to individual parts. Others can manipulate the state of a person or being, such as through paralysis. Other alteration mages can alter the moment in time of a particular thing, for example they can make a seed grow rapidly, manipulating its movements and form. Other mages can take a person or object in their current moment of time and push it forward or back along it's natural timeline.
Elemental:
The Elemental class is characterized by an ability to use magic to consume, produce and utilize a particular element. The rarest type of elemental magic is that of the dragon and god slayers. These mages have learned the secret arts behind their element and can use them in a way that is unique to their sub-classification (dragon or god slayer). However, the subclasses of these mages are just as important as the elemental class as a whole. You can find information on the subclasses in their own, later chapters. While the consumption of the elements in questions are a key defining factor to these mages, the consumption can be different depending upon subclass. Some mages might use a lacrima or object as a means of consumption. Others might be made up fundamentally of the element and contact with their element might be all the consumption required. However, the most traditional form of consumption is a dietary method, in which certain mages can physically eat their element to refuel. These mages have also been known to consume, on occasion, multiple elements. However, there have always been negative side affects to this action and a high-risk factor involved.
Summoning:
The summoning class is characterized by an ability to use magic to summon and control spirits or objects. The rarest and oldest form of summoning magic is that of Celestial Wizards. These wizards use objects, keys of either a golden or silver color, to summon forth spirits from the celestial realm. However, wizards who can summon and control souls of any form can be considered mages of the summoning class. However, this is not to be confused with the transformation class, who can mimic the form and personality of souls they have encountered in the past. While the rarest of celestial wizards have been capable of enhancing their own abilities by adopting certain characteristics of their current summoned spirit (in some ways SIMILAR to a requip mage) the adoption is dependent upon the summoning of the spirit to fuel said adaptation.
"You weren't kidding when you said you knew how to study, were you, Lucy?" I look up at Master Makarov who stands over me, a ridiculous grin painting his features.
I smile, "Not at all. And It's a good thing, too, because this is absolutely fascinating!" Makarov laughs.
"I think you may be my only student, well, besides Levy, who is entertained by a textbook."
"Levy?" I ask, curiously.
"Yup! She's our only solid script mage."
"Script magic . . . so, conjuration?" I ask, nervously.
Makarov looks at me, impressed. "Indeed, Lucy. And if you keep up like this, you might just challenge her position as biggest bookworm." A rush of pride swells over me with his words.
"I can't wait to meet her!"
"I've no doubt. Luckily for you, It's just about nine, and Mira is about to officially open the doors for breakfast. There will be a few stragglers, there always are. But, the majority of students should be waiting to eat." Makarov held out his small hand and lifted me from the step. I followed him, anxiously down and into the grand hall.
Just as Makarov had said, Mira was approaching the door. She turned at the sound of our arrival. "Ah! Lucy! I suppose you can finish your breakfast with the rest of the students!" She turns to the door and opens it.
Even though I haven't been here long, the second the doors open I half expect to see Natsu come running in. While his is the first head I see, he doesn't make it through the doors. Another boy, with dark hair, stands shoulder to shoulder with him in the doorway. They both try to push through, the second the door opens.
"I was here first, icicle brain!" Natsu blurts, pushing against the other.
"I don't give a shit, pyro pants!" The other boy pushes back.
"Pyro pants? That's the best you've got? You don't even have pants, so that's pretty lame!" Sure enough, the other boy isn't wearing any pants. Strange, I didn't even see him take them off.
"What the fuck!?" The boy screams, but he doesn't let his boxers distract him from keeping Natsu from entering the building.
"Maybe you should make some suspenders out of all your ice, then you might actually stay dressed!"
"Would you two stop arguing and just get inside the damn building?" a voice calls from outside the doors.
Perfectly in sync, the two boys flip around to yell at the unknown person, screaming, "Shut up!" Then, realizing their harmony they turn to each other once more and shove, harder.
Suddenly a shadowy figure appears behind them, shoving their heads together. "What have I told you two idiots about fighting?!" The voice, despite it's low and serious tone is distinctly female. The person shoves past the two boys, violently, and, like the cork on a bottle, once she's through, the rest of the crowd come bursting in. The two boys who had been fighting over first place, are the last inside.
Several people stop in their tracks when they see me, staring my way in confusion. Then Natsu notices me.
"'S up, Luigi!" He calls, before heading to the bar to dig into some food.
If the crowd was confused before, now they are perplexed. I hear a few people whisper 'Luigi' in an attempt to make sense of the ridiculous name.
Makarov turns to me, "Is there a reason Natsu thinks your name is Luigi?"
"Other than the fact that he's a moron?" I retort.
Makarov, snorting a bit, whispers back, "I've never heard such an accurate explanation for his actions. I take it you two have met?"
"If by met, you mean he tried to break into the kitchen and found me eating, assumed I was a thief and dragged me out of the building, then yes. We've met." Still laughing, Makarov moves in front of me.
"Listen up, brats!" He yells. Everyone but Natsu stops what they are doing and turns to him. "It's my pleasure to announce that we have a new member of Fairy Tail!" He gestures to me. "Everyone give a warm welcome to Miss Lucy Heartfilia!" I cringe a little, inside at the sound of my last night. But, I suppose my secret is probably safe here, if anywhere.
Loud cheering echoes around the room. A few people near me, curiously.
"Eat breakfast but be prepared for a brief assembly to help instruct our latest addition before the normal routine begins!" And, with that, Makarov bounces off towards Mira, probably just as hungry as the rest of the crowd.
The shadowy figure who had promptly put an end to Natsu and the other boy's tomfoolery reaches my side first. She reaches her hand out before I can even blink.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail, Lucy. My name is Erza Scarlet." Her hair, just like her surname, is a deep scarlet color. She is dressed in an odd combination of a blue skirt and a breastplate of shiny armor.
I accept her hand, "Thank you, Erza. I'm truly excited to be here." We smile at each other for a small moment, before she tilts her head and asks,
"Do I even want to know why Natsu called you Luigi?
I laugh, "Probably not, and I really don't even understand it, myself. Although I'm curious what was up with his and the other boy's fight to get in first."
Her eyes become venomous as she turns to stare at the two boys in question, now arguing over a piece of sausage. "Natsu! Gray!" She yells there way. Both go ramrod straight at her outburst, slinging an arm around one another.
"Yes, Erza?" They chime out in perfect sync. (For all their fighting they do seem to be synchronized more often than not).
"Do I need to come over there?" Erza threatens. They shake their heads with stupid grins on their faces. Erza turns back to me. "The other boy is Gray Fullbuster. I've been solely responsible for keeping those two from fighting for the last several years."
As Erza says Gray, a girl with very long, very light blue hair looks up. When she sees Erza talking to me her eyes grow almost more threatening than Erza's had been before. She moves forward.
"Why is Lucy asking about Gray sama?! Juvia will not tolerate another love rival!"
"Juvia? Who's Juvia?" I ask, confused.
Erza looks at Juvia, rolling her eyes. "She is. I suppose there are two things you need to know about Juvia. She always talks in the third person, and she's madly in love with Gray." I nod my head, trying to understand.
"Why do you think I'm a love rival?" I ask Juvia, seriously confused.
"Juvia heard love rival asking Erza about Gray sama." I look over at Gray who has somehow lost his shirt, now.
"Yeah, I don't think you'll have anything to worry about, Juvia. I'm not exactly into strippers." Although, looking next to Gray at Natsu, I can't help but wishing that he would lose his shirt, too. Startled at my own thoughts, I blush and turn back to the others. Erza is giving me a strange look but I seem to have slightly appeased Juvia.
Another girl moves forward. She too has light blue hair, but hers is significantly shorter and pulled back by an orange headband. "I'm so pleased to meet you, Lucy! Mine name is Levy!"
I perk up at this news. "Levy? Then, you're the Solid Script Mage! Master Makarov was telling me all about you!" I practically gush at her.
She blushes, "Really? I have no idea why he would, but I'm flattered!"
"Well, don't worry about it. We'll have plenty of time to get to know one another, I'm sure everything he said about you is true." We smile at one another for a quick moment. I look across the room and see Natsu digging into a plate. "But, If you'll excuse me I have to take care of something." She nods briefly. I walk past a few other people, but I head straight for Natsu.
Once there, I dart my hand onto his plate and snatch a piece of sausage. His hand darts out to grab onto my wrist, but despite some ridiculous reflexes, he's too slow. I shove it into my mouth.
"What the hell was that for," He blurts glaring at me, although his eyes widen when he sees that it's me.
"That," I lean down, smirking, "Is payback for the piece you stole from me earlier." I raise my eyebrow in challenge. He stares at me, not backing down that easily.
"This doesn't make us even," he blurts out. "The sausage war is just beginning."
I giggle, "The sausage war?"
He nods, seriously, "You heard me: the sausage war. From now on out, you better protect every link of sausage you come across or you'll be sorry."
"Well then," I begin, "The same goes for you." I dart my other hand out before he can stop me and grab two more links off his plate, running away as I shove them into my mouth.
"Why you little-" He starts to run after me. I dodge him, weaving around other people and tables. A part of me is in shock. I'm brand new to this place and already causing a scene. But, as I turn around and see his confusingly attractive pink head chasing me down, I find that I don't care. We end up staring at one another, on the opposite ends of a table. When I move right, he moves left, cutting me off and vice versa.
"Get over here, Luigi," he growls.
"After you, Pinky," I tease him, back.
A fire lights in his eyes, like a real fire. "My hair is not pink!" he snaps.
"My name is not Luigi!" I snap back. We stare each other down before a smirk crosses his lips.
"Sure, it isn't, Luigi." And then, before I know it, he's leaping over the table and I'm being tackled.
We hit the floor and I shriek out, "What they hell, Natsu!" He just leans back and smirks at me.
"You asked for it, Lucy! I can't believe you took all of my sausage!"
"You started it! Who declares a freaking sausage war?" He laughs, loudly.
"I do, and don't you ever forget it."
"Whatever," I grumble, trying to push against his ridiculously perfect abs, "Can you get off of me, now?"
"Hmm," he muses, "I don't think I want to."
I glare at him, before smirking wildly. "Erza!" I suddenly call out, "Natsu won't leave me alone!" His eyes go cold in fear.
"You didn't," he whispers, terrified. But before I can react, two metal clad arms reach down and yank him off of me.
"How dare you assault a lady, Natsu!" Red eyes, almost as red as the hair that frames them, glare at Natsu, before a hand punches forward to knock him out.
An intense feeling of guilt comes over me but I brush it aside, he started it, I try justifying. Erza balances Natsu over one of her shoulders before bending slightly to offer me a hand.
Once I'm firmly on my feet, Erza speaks once more. "I apologize for Natsu's terrible behavior," Erza begins, "I will make absolutely certain that he learns his lesson." I shiver a little at her tone.
I've been in this place for less than three hours and already I'm learning who not to mess with.
"Don't worry about it, Erza. I'm pretty sure he already has." She gives me an uncertain look, but nods once, before moving Natsu's unconscious body back to his seat. She plops him down and moves back to her own table where, surprisingly, no assorted meets lay in wait. Instead, what looks to be a strawberry cake is centered on her plate and once seated, she delicately takes a bite.
Once my eyes are off of her, and I've had a chance to brush off any dust I might have gathered on the floor, I take a second to look around. Any eyes that were on me in shock are now trained on their plates. I notice Juvia trying to cuddle up to Gray. The headmaster is still at the bar, seemingly flirting with Mira, a very disturbing thought. I spot Levy sitting with two other boys, although she keeps looking away from them towards a far-off table, where a tall boy, with thick long black hair sits, eating his silverware? I shake my head a little at that but keep looking over the room. One girl with brown hair is sitting on top of a table, drinking out of what looks to be, I kid you not, a keg. There are so many people that I don't even know where to look anymore. But, satisfied that I'll have time, later, I move over to the bar.
"If I didn't know any better, Lucy," Mira chirps, "I'd say you and Natsu have been friends for years." I blush at her comment, equally puzzled by our comfortable behavior with one another, especially considering he didn't even know my name ten minutes ago.
But, I shrug, not really knowing how to respond. She just smiles at me, ignoring a comment from the headmaster, a very inappropriate comment I am disturbed to hear come out of his mouth.
She smiles, good naturedly, but then warns him, "I'd be careful if I were you, your grandson just walked in."
I turn around and look at the door where three new people have just entered the building.
The first one is tall, and so ripped I don't even know where to look to make sense of his ridiculous proportions. His hair is bright yellow, and a scar shaped like a lighting bolt cuts down one of his eyes.
The second is equally tall, but where the first gives off an aura of brawn, the second exudes brains. His hair is long and a pale green color. He has what looks to be a dagger in a sheath around his waist and a long button up coat trails towards the floor.
The final of the trio is the strangest of the three. He wears what looks to be a warrior's helmet over his head, the only thing that is really visible about him being a ridiculously long tongue. I feel weird noticing such an unusual thing about the man, but every time he talks it's the most noticeable thing. Well, besides the things following him. Several mug shaped items are floating around his head. As the three walk forward, his arms remain crossed over his chest, like he's too cool for anything here.
The first heads straight over to Mira, leaning over the bar to kiss her. "Smells amazing, Mira." Then, he turns to Makarov. "Morning, Pops."
Makarov gives a slight incline of his head in recognition, "Laxus." I wonder if he is gruff because he's jealous his grandson has the affection of the beautiful Mirajane. Which is seriously weird for somebody's grandpa to care about.
Laxus looks my way, "Who's the blonde?" The fact that he just talked over me as if I wasn't there annoys me to no end.
"'The blonde' is named Lucy," I state. He blinks.
"Lucy? As in Heartfilia?"
"Yes," I respond slowly, "But how did you know that?"
"Well, Laxus here will be taking over for me, someday. As such he's privy to all the little details other aren't. He's been aware of your existence as a potential for the last year or so."
"A potential?" I ask, confused.
"A potential student," Mr. Tongue states, coming up to my side.
"Or a potential problem," Brainy adds.
Mira, noticing my confused look, turns to each of the men. "Lucy, meet Freed" she points to the one with the long green hair, "and Bixlow," she points to the other.
I give a small curtsy out of habit, "Pleasure to meet you," I mumble.
"All three of these men are teachers here. Laxus is in charge of the elementals, Freed oversees the conjuration students, and Bixlow there, would be in charge of the summoners, if we had any." Mira finished her summary with a smile.
"The summoners?" I ask, excited. Bixlow nods, once. "Well, then. It's your lucky day!" I proclaim, excited. I pull the chain of keys out from below the hem of my shirt and wiggle them for the small group to see. "I do believe celestial wizards fall under the category of summoning, do they not?"
The teachers all seem to perk up at my revelation. "There you go again, Lucy," Makarov states, "Proving that you'll have no trouble catching up." I smile, once more ecstatic to receive his praise.
"Alright!" Bixlow cheers, "I finally get to do more than teach defense!"
"Celestial magic is rare, indeed," Freed states. "I'm impressed you have as many golden keys as you do, at so young an age."
"I can't profess to be responsible for their acquisition. The keys belonged to my mother, and I only just learned that magic is real, yesterday." All of the eyes around me widen, surprised.
"I'm sure it's been a hectic day, then," Mira states. "If you'd like I can fix you up a remedy or two for headaches, as I've no doubt the stress of what you've been through will catch up with you sooner, rather than later."
"That would be wonderful," I accept with a sincere smile.
"Not as wonderful as an extra helping of sausage would be," a grumpy voice states from behind me.
"Oh dear," I state, "Ready to lose again, so soon, Natsu!" I taunt.
Natsu hands his plate over to Mira, who apparently had moved the remains of breakfast back into the kitchen. She pushes through the doors and disappears for a moment.
"I can't believe you sent Erza after me," Natsu grumbles, lips pulling into a pout.
"And I can't believe you tackled me."
"Now, now, kids," Mira hums, pushing back into the room with a tray. On it sits both Natsu's plate and my own from earlier, as well as my cocoa. I notice that each plate has an equal amount of sausage piled on it. "How about a temporary cease fire?"
I look at Natsu, "I'll agree if he does."
He appraises me, before slowly nodding his head. "But only a temporary one." Giddily I take my plate at the same time Natsu does his.
"Come on, Luigi," he tilts his head, "Let's go finish breakfast."
"Really? Again with the Luigi? I thought we'd finally made progress!"
"That was before you sent Erza after me," He winks at me and I roll my eyes but turn to follow him, saying a quick goodbye to the teachers and headmaster.
We make it back to his table where, surprisingly, nobody else is currently sitting. I sit across from him, not fully believing he'll leave my sausage alone. Once seated, I take a long sip of the hot chocolate, a small moan escapes my lips at the taste.
"You're weird," Natsu states, mouth full of sausage.
"Says the guy with pink hair."
"How many times do I have to tell you? My hair is not,"
"I know; I know. It's 'salmon'," I finish, mockingly.
"Don't you forget it!" He confirms, adamantly.
We eat in silence for the smallest moment before he tilts his head, "So what's your story, Luigi?"
I look up at him, annoyed, "Call me my real name and you might just get some answers."
He sighs, dramatically. "Fine. What's your story, LUCY?" he says my name so loudly I see several heads around the room pop up, curiously.
I groan, "I didn't say scream my name."
"You're right, you said to 'call' it. So, I did." My lips twitch at his clever retort, there's no way he just beat me in words.
"Are you always so obnoxious?" The words slip out before I can stop them.
He just shrugs. "Depends on who you ask."
"I asked you."
"Well, then I'll happily tell you that no. I don't think I'm obnoxious at all." I roll my eyes.
"Fair. And if I asked Erza?"
"No way. You are not dragging her into this twice in one day."
"Okay, then. I'll just ask her tomorrow." We stare at each other for a brief second before bursting into laughter. This whole thing was getting ridiculous.
"You're weird, Lucy. But that just means you're going to fit in, here." Natsu finally offers.
I smile at him, before noticing his hand inching ever closer to my plate.
"Don't even think about it," I hiss, "We called a cease fire,"
"Yeah, but only a temporary one," He reminds me.
"If I give you a link, will you let me finish the rest of my breakfast in peace?"
"Make it two, and you've got a deal."
I hand him three.
You can thank Galp and Morenoel for the third update, today. I'm telling you, when you review, I want to keep writing. It's not that I'm planning on disappearing or anything. It's just, when I have a free day like today and people are encouraging, I want to say thank you in the only way I can: writing more! I'm officially exhausted and considering I wrote almost 12000 words today, I think it's time for me to sleep.
Enjoy the latest section!
(I'm too tired to read through it a second time, right now, but I'll proofread extensively later)
~M