Holy crap! I was not expecting to get such a positive response with chapter 1! Thank you so very much! You guys blow my mind with your reception!
Alright! I'm all fired up! Here we go with chapter two! This was fun to write though it took me awhile cause I was constantly revising what I wrote. New ideas and all that jazz.
Anyway in Whom She Found I got into the habit of replying to reviews before each chapter. I'm not sure if I want to do that with this fic cause it looks like I'm gonna get a few more reviews per chapter than my other fic. I'll do it this time and maybe the next one but unless you guys really want me to I might stop. Don't take it as me being ungrateful, I love each review I get, but it might get a little overwhelming and wordy in the future.
So for now:
To:
Mzr90: Yay! First review! Thank you! I'm sorry if you don't like the pairing but she's my favourite character and I really wanted to write it. I hope you won't hold it against me.
Oowoon: Thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy this story!
Fuzzyjacket: Thanks!
Wraith54: Hi! Glad to see I've perked your interest with this story as well! I'm gonna try and write more over the summer. I have more time right now, but we'll see how things go. I really hope you like what I have planned for this!
FierceLink: Thanks! Will do!
Vxgpako: I love that pairing too! Which is why I'm doing it! And there is definitely going to be some tension between them and Mira of course. Link is after all an established lady killer XD. And Ocarina of Time Link is my favourite and I'm super excited to throw him against Earthland and see how the world reacts to the Hero of Time!
Streetsurfer95: Yeah I wanted to have young Link grow up with the rest of them. Makes things more interesting and builds better, more realistic connections than if he just kinda showed up like Lucy in canon, at least for him.
Kratos Pendragon: Yay! Glad you love it! Hope you love the rest as well!
Piperboyy: Hahaha hope I live up to your expectations
Ziden115: As you wish sir! All my skill will be on display!
OniHelix: Hooray for the awesome use of an original word! Shhhhh spoilers! Actually might take you up on that outfit design.
Guest: Nope. Not in this story. He needs to talk.
Undertaker5: So it's basically a perfect match of all your favourites? Excellent! I hope I can satisfy your expectations!
JustAPerson: Why hello there! I have returned once more! Wish I could have seen your face! Thank you very much for your opinions and review! I'm glad I was able to live up to the standards you have come to expect from me. You're reviews are always wonderfully appreciated and I hope you don't lose too much sleep.
JohnTitor: Hey! Good luck with yours and I plan on doing faster updates since I have some time now. Oh and steed is a general term for all ridden horses but is most often used to describe particularly spirited or war horses. Technically steed is derived from the word 'stud' which is a male horse but it has come to be considered a gender-neutral term. Actually steed could be used to refer to any animal used as a mount :-P. I grew up on a cattle ranch that had horses so I do know a thing or two even if it's not nearly as much as my sister…..
XGamer7: Thanks! Hope you like it! Link's injuries were caused by the crash, not the portal itself.
Soren180: Hahaha yeah…I know that feeling…I'm sorry I caused you to go through that. I was wondering why I felt a much greater desire to put this out than usual. Must have been you. And no, I am definitely not the 7th son of a 7th son…not even sure I know the significance of that…
Cj1of4: Haha yeah I first pictured Spryte popping up in their midst and it made me giggle so…voila…I'm gonna try and maintain both stories but we'll see how things go. And if you think THAT'S a scary thought just wait till you see what I have planned in the far future! MUAHAHAHAHA!
EnduringFlames: Thank you very much! Hope you like it!
Libby8980: Thanks!
Schniedragon88: Yes! Snagged you! I win! And don't worry I have no intention whatsoever of letting Whom She Found die out.
Guest: Thanks!
Guest: Thanks to you as well!
DarkKnuckle: Hehee I hope you like it!
Guest: Glad you like the quality. I'm afraid however that the pairing is set on this one. I really like Erza, whether she is overdone or not, and so I want them to be together. I think they suit each other well and I hate Jellal sooooo…..yeah…..
Proverbsrus: Heh, sorry about the cliffhanger. Hope this makes up for it.
Bloodwolf432: I hope it keeps your interest and it's after Majora's Mask but I won't say anymore than that.
Metalgearray1: Hope you like where it goes!
Alright that's everyone who left a review! I'll respond to PM's later. For now I just have one more thing to say.
I don't know as much about Fairy Tail as I do Zelda and Fire Emblem and as of right now I've only seen up to the Tenrou Island Arc in the anime so if I miss some things here and there or I don't accurately portray a character's personality all the time I apologize and ask that you have some patience with me. I promise I will try my best to write a good fic!
The Legend of Fairy Tail
Chapter 2:
Recovery
xxx
Moments earlier…
A bright flash of golden light burst into existence over the city of Magnolia, disappearing almost as quickly as it had come. From the center of the light a figure clad in green appeared and plummeted towards the ground below.
Link felt the wind rush by him and knew that he was falling but he was barely conscious enough to recognize his plight let alone do anything about it. Even so he maintained his death hold on the bottle clutched tightly to his chest refusing even subconsciously to let it go. The small fairy sheltered within could only watch helplessly as they fell through the sky.
As the young Hero's consciousness faded further his grip on the bottle slowly relaxed until both arms were extended outwards and only one hand was maintaining its hold on the item. Spryte could see his face now and panicked fear gripped her heart when she recognized his lack of awareness. No! He was going to die!
Tiny fists pounded on the glass with all their might and she screamed his name repeatedly but to no avail. She was powerless to do anything. Tears poured from her eyes as she gazed at the rapidly approaching land below. Somehow that black void had taken them somewhere but to where exactly she did not know. All she knew was that they were no longer were they within the borders of the forest. In fact they were falling towards a city of some sort. There were forested mountains around the city as well as many trees within and it was built around a river that flowed out into the ocean. She didn't know much more that that since she had never been outside the Lost Woods before and had never even seen a human town let alone a city.
Her breath hitched in her throat as the ground grew closer and closer with each passing second. She noted that they were headed towards the roof of a very large building at the far end of the city. She cursed their luck. A few degrees over and they would have crashed into the ocean bay. There would have been a chance of survival then. Alas fate was truly working against them this day…
The ground drew closer and terror welled up inside the poor fairy causing her to completely stop breathing. A final scream left her lips Link crashed into and threw the roof of the building. Upon impact the bottle flew from his grip to land on the ground outside the building and bounce along the cobblestone road. Surprisingly the bottle didn't shatter on impact and the fairy inside felt very little force from hard bouncing around so much. It must have had some magic properties to protect it and whatever it contained. However, even with this protection it didn't save her from getting ridiculously dizzy.
When the bottle finally rolled to a halt Spryte lay in a dishevelled mess, her eyes swirling as the world around her continued spinning. It took several moments before she could sit up and several more before she was able to stand. When she finally managed to shake her senses back together her thoughts immediately turned to Link. Was he alive? Did he survive the fall?
She could see the building and the hole he had fallen through but nothing else to indicate anything otherwise. She had to get out and find him! She turned her attention to the cork that plugged the bottle and immediately rushed over and tried to push it out. She could tell that Link hadn't been able to push the wooden plug fully into the bottle but even so it refused to budge. She grunted and strained against the wooden barrier, shoving with all her might, flapping her wings and even body checking it, but it held fast. She felt panic well up in her chest again and more tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
She HAD to get out! Link had saved her not once now, but TWICE! She needed to get to him, NOW! She heaved again, slamming her back into the cork and pushing with everything she had.
*POP*
The cork suddenly gave way and launched out of the bottle. Spryte cried out in surprise as the sudden lack of resistance shot her out of the bottle with it. She tumbled through air a few times before managing to right herself. Finally free from the crystalline prison she took a few quick seconds to catch her breath before zooming towards the hole in the roof.
She could hear some sort of commotion from the within and arrived at the hole just in time to see Link collapse.
"LINK!" she screamed and darted through the hole.
She ignored the people around her and hovered over the prone form of the Hero of Time. She gasped as she saw the blood leaking from his injured body.
"OH NO!" She darted down to his face and flitted about frantically. "Hold on, Link! You'll be ok!"
She didn't know what to do. There was no way she could carry him and she needed help in order to treat his injuries. She then turned to face the people around them. Surely these people would help!
"Please! You have to help him!" She begged.
They didn't respond to her right away and for a moment she was afraid that they didn't understand her.
Finally a young boy with pink hair and a white, scaly scarf spoke up.
"Umm…excuse me miss…" He said with a confused voice. "But are you some kind of bug?"
"What!" Spryte immediately roared, temporarily forgetting her dilemma. A bug?! Really?! Had these people never heard of a fairy before? Why she had never been so insulted in all her life!
"I'm not a bug!" She yelled, glowing red with anger. "I'm a fairy!"
A look of dead shock fell on the faces of everyone around her. Some people let their jaws drop to gape at her like fish.
"WHAAAAAT?!"
The people suddenly cried out, startling the fairy, and actually knocking her back a bit by the force of the exclamation.
"You're a fairy?!" Someone shouted though she didn't notice exactly who through the commotion.
"Do you have a tail?!"
"Where did you come from?!"
"What's your name?"
"What kind of magic do you use?"
Spryte faltered. The intensity of their stares and the scrutiny of their questions alarmed her. Panic erupted through her body but before she could escape a sudden pulse of magic silenced everyone and Spryte turned to see a VERY large and frightening man raise himself over the crowd.
"WOULD YOU FOOLS QUIET DOWN!" the giant roared. "Can't you see this boy needs help? This is no time for your nonsense!"
Spryte gasped, having momentarily forgotten about Link, and turned back to the still bleeding boy. "Someone please lift him up for me! I need to know where his injuries are!"
The pink haired boy that had insulted her earlier and a blue haired boy beside him, whom for whatever reason was only wearing his boxers, stepped forward and quickly draped each of his arms over one of their shoulders and lifted him up. As soon as they did this Spryte darted back and forth frantically inspecting his body to try and find all his injuries. Her discoveries made her take a sharp intake of breath. His injuries were terrible! He had several gashes and cuts hidden beneath his tunic that oozed blood freely and bruises had started to form on his arms and legs. Blood flowed from somewhere on his head and she could sense several broken ribs as well as a few fractures in various places. She was amazed he had even been able to regain consciousness let alone stand long enough to collapse again. By all rights he should be dead!
"Oh no…" Spryte whispered sombrely. "This is bad…I can't heal all of this…"
Perhaps if she had the power of a Great Fairy she could do more but as she was now the young fairy wasn't strong enough to fix everything. But that wasn't going to stop her from trying! With a deep breath she flew back a bit and began to focus her power. Her wings began to glow with a faint pink light and drop specks of glittering pink dusts as they flapped. She then darted forward and flew in a fast spiral around Link. Her glittering wings created a gentle breeze around him and left a trail of pink fairy dust in their wake.
The mages of Fairy Tail watched in amazement as the wounds on the boy began to heal right before their eyes. They continued to stare while the fairy flew faster and faster, generating more light with each pass.
"It's…warm…" Gray blinked in surprise, being close enough to feel the fairy's wind.
"It feels…nice," Natsu grinned widely despite the situation.
Spryte eventually pulled away from her task and hovered, exhausted, before them. She had tried her best but she had only been able to deal with the immediately life threatening injuries before she had run out of power.
"That's all I can do for him…" She panted sadly.
"A curious ability, my dear," the giant that had quelled the noise before had now turned into a tiny man who walked forward with an air of authority. "Might I ask who you are?"
"My name is Spryte and the boy there is Link," the fae replied.
"It's nice to meet you, Spryte. I am Makarov, the Guild Master to this bunch of hooligans," he bowed his head to her. "Now then, while I have many questions for you and I'm sure you do for us as well, now is not the time to be asking them. This boy needs medical attention, yes?"
"Yes he does," Spryte smiled weakly at him. "Thank you, Mr. Makarov."
"Think nothing of it little one," Makarov smiled before turning to the others around them. "Let's take him to Porlyusica."
xxx
Link…
A strange, echoing, melodious voice drifted over his ears, barely registering in his haze filled mind.
Link…
There it was again. He stirred and tried to open his eyes but the result could barely pass for a weak squint. He floated in a dark void without feeling, as if riding the waves between a dream and reality. It was neither cold nor hot, neither light nor dark, no up or down; it simply was. How such a place could exist would have no doubt left anyone panicked and confused but in his semiconscious state Link barely registered any of these facts.
Link…
Again the voice echoed around him. He slowly turned his head to stare upwards in the direction of the voice and beheld a glorious sight. Three golden figures descended towards him in a slow spiralling circle perfectly spaced apart. He could not make out any of their features for they burned far brighter than the sun, yet did not hurt his eyes. The glowing outline of their bodies suggested they were female which was reinforced by their long wavy hair, the only difference he could make out between them. One of them had hair that burned a glorious ruby red, another's a sparkling sapphire blue, and the last a rich emerald green. The golden light blazing from their bodies had a soft aura around each of them that matched the color of their hair.
The three divines, for they could be nothing else, glided towards him with otherworldly grace until they formed a small triangle around him. Now that they were closer he could tell that they were definitely female though they wore no clothes, having no need since their radiant light obscured their features. Their celestial glow slowly diminished until the details of their faces could be seen.
They were impossibly beautiful. With eyes that matched their hair, their faces were so perfect that no mortal artisan of any craft could ever hope to recreate them. Such was their beauty and glory that anyone who beheld them with full possession of their faculties would be lost forever.
The one with green hair gently drifted over, a smile full of tender love directed to him.
Ah dear Hero…
Her voice was breathtaking, easily matching her divine beauty, and full of power, authority, compassion, and love all at once. One could listen to her voice till their bodies turned to dust and never notice the passing of time.
You've sacrificed so much and given to so many with no thought to reward of your own even to a land not your own. You are indeed worthy to be called my champion…
The goddess with the blue hair spoke next.
If any in this world was worthy of our power it would have been you…but alas that can no longer be…
The red haired goddess then continued.
Your journey is not over, young warrior, but you shall not return. Your struggles in this world are complete. A new world has need of you now…
A sudden glow began emanating from his left hand and Link was barely aware of seeing the shape of the Triforce of Courage lifting away from him. He watched as the golden triangle floated towards the green haired goddess before suddenly vanishing in flash of light. The goddess gave him a sad look that wrenched Link's heart at the sight. Such a look should never be worn by one such as her.
The piece you bear cannot go with you, my child, it belongs in this realm…and we have little influence where you are going…
Then her sad look returned to that tender smile that filled Link's very soul with joy.
But fear not…for you go with our blessing…
The red haired goddess spoke next.
We will give you strength…
The blue haired one.
We will be your guides…
Returning once more to the green goddess.
We will be with you always…
As one the each extended a hand and placed it over his left. A rush of divine power flooded his body and assaulted his senses. There was no pain but his body felt like it would burst. He felt their power, their love, their tender compassion, joy, sadness, serenity, and a myriad of other emotions that only a divine being could feel. How long this lasted he did not know but when they removed their hands they revealed the mark of the Triforce once again burned onto his skin.
Our gifts to you, dear Hero…We cannot give you the fullness of our essence for that was to be done only once, but we give you what we can and we know you will use it well…
The green haired goddess then drifted closer, reaching down to cup his face with her gentle hands. With all the loving tenderness of a celestial mother she placed her lips upon his, filling him once more with her glorious presence.
May you find happiness…
xxx
Link gasped and bolted upright, snapping open his eyes. His vision was blurred and he had to blink a few times to focus and raise his hand to ward against the offending sunlight that filtered through a window.
He tried to remember the details of his dream, a dream so real that he unsure if it was one. He desperately grasped at the images in his mind but failed to hold them as they slowly faded into oblivion. Try as he might he could recall nothing. He glanced down at his left hand, the fresh mark of the Triforce the only evidence of the vision he witnessed and blinked in confusion at it as if unsure where it had come from, which was true now that his memory had faded away. A sudden wave of pain jolted him from his thoughts. He gasped and pitched forward while his eyes began to water.
He clenched his teeth and waited for the pain to subside before wiping away the water in his eyes once it had. As his vision cleared his nose inhaled the sweet and familiar scent of the forest. This helped put his confused mind at ease though he noticed something…different…about the smell than he was used to. He couldn't quite put his finger on what but he knew that something was not right. Nevertheless, he was still in a forest so that was a good sign. He looked around and discovered he was lying in a bed next to a window. The room he was in was furnished with several wooden crates in the corners, a large bookshelf to the right and a smaller one on the opposite left. There was a table covered in various herbs, beakers, and other alchemic type objects directly across from him and there were various flowers, plants, and herbs littered throughout the room. Although some of the items were strange he instantly recognized that the room he was in was inside a tree. Just like what the Kokiri lived in. Was he perhaps in a Kokiri home?
He tried to move but a jolt of pain throughout his body stopped him and caused him to wince.
"Ugh…what happened?" He thought to himself. "Last thing I remember was…"
He tried to recall his last memories before he blacked out. He immediately remembered the storm, being sucked into the air, then a vague feeling of falling before crashing into something. Then he remembered pain. A LOT of pain. It was so great that it took everything he had just to sit up. He then remembered seeing someone. A red head. A girl, he recalled, wearing armour and holding a sword. She had glared at him and taken an offensive posture, something even his pain filled mind registered. Had he been more lucid perhaps a different course of action would have happened but as it was he had been confused and in a great deal of hurt; therefore, seeing a potential threat before him had made his battle honed instincts for survival take hold. He had attacked.
He only vaguely remembered the details of the fight but one thing stood clear in his mind: the girl was strong. They had been even for a while but then she had done something…summoned a sword from the air…and caught him completely off guard. He remembered her powerful blows and furious assault and then…nothing. That was all he could recall and it didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened. He had lost, although given the circumstances and his injuries that was hardly surprising.
He suddenly became aware of a soft sound beside him and he turned his gaze to see Spryte, his new fairy friend, curled up on the pillow where his head had been, sound asleep. He smiled at the cute noises she made while sleeping and suppressed the chuckle that threatened to escape his lips; he didn't want to wake her after all.
"I see you're awake," A voice to his side broke the silence. Link snapped his head to the sound to see an elderly woman with pink hair held up by a strange gold hairpiece and wearing an even stranger red cloak coming towards him.
"How do you feel?"
"My whole body hurts," Link replied truthfully. "But I'll live."
"Hmm," the woman nodded and strode towards him, a vial of some strange concoction in her hand. "That's good. In all honesty I'm surprised you're awake. Your injuries were severe and it's only been a few days." She held out the vial to him. "Drink this." It wasn't a suggestion and for some reason Link didn't dare question her. He took the vial and shucked it back, immediately gagging on the taste.
"Ack!" He coughed in disgust. "That's nasty! Even worse than Chu Jelly!" And THAT was saying something.
"You'll live," the women stated bluntly echoing his own words.
"I suppose I have you to thank for that, don't I?" Link responded after he finished his coughing fit.
"Actually no," She replied and nodded her head towards the sleeping fairy. "She's the one you have to thank. She spent every waking moment hovering over you and trying to heal you with her magic. That's why she is sleeping so soundly."
Link blinked in surprise at the revelation and turned back to the fairy. His smile deepened and he tenderly reached out to stroke her hair with a finger. She stirred at his touch but didn't wake, only snuggling deeper into the warm pillow.
"You should go back to sleep," the woman said after a moment. "You still have a long recovery ahead of you."
Link nodded and suppressed a wince as he settled back down. The potion she had given must have been meant to induce sleep because his eyes started to feel heavy despite how long he had been out before. It wasn't long before his thoughts became muddled and darkness overcame him.
xxx
"How is he?" Makarov asked when Porlyusica stepped outside. He sat with his limbs crossed on her porch, staring out into the trees. He tilted his head just enough to see her with the corner of his eye but no more. The old healer didn't turn to him but kept her gaze straight as she replied.
"He's recovering quicker than I ever expected. That little fairy's magic is rather impressive."
"I see," Makarov nodded. "So she is indeed a fairy then?"
"It would seem so," Porlyusica admitted. "But then again perhaps not. There's something troubling me about both of them."
"Oh? What would that be?"
"For one thing that little girl claims the two of them were sucked into the sky by a dark vortex that suddenly appeared overhead."
Makarov blinked. "That sounds like…"
Porlyusica nodded. "Yes, but they are not from Edolas."
"How can you be sure?"
"The land Spryte described sounds nothing like it for one and for another the boy's physiology is different."
"Do you mean his ears?" Makarov asked curiously.
"No," She replied but then corrected herself. "Well yes, in a way, but that wasn't the first thing I noticed. While certainly unusual it's common to see people with strange features where magic is concerned."
"Hmmm, true enough."
"That's what I believed at first and discounted his ears until I realized that he doesn't have a magic container."
At this Makarov turned his head to stare at her fully. "Are you sure?"
Porylusica met his gaze and nodded. A moment of tense silence fell between them before Makarov turned away with an expression of deep thought.
"So…" he spoke slowly in a contemplative tone. He had already been made aware of the extent of the young lad's injuries and this new piece of information was very startling. "That means…while heavily injured that boy matched Erza blow for blow without the use of magic."
"He did what?" Porlyusica demanded unaware of this fact.
"When he first crashed through the roof of the guild there was a bit of confusion that somehow resulted in the two of them fighting. They were evenly matched for a while until Erza started using her magic actively. She gained the advantage afterwards and that's when I interrupted their fight and the boy collapsed. Nobody realized how hurt he was at the time. If what you say is true then what he accomplished was no small feat."
Another silence fell between them. While she tried to avoid human contact as much as possible, Porlyusica was not ignorant to the happenings of the guild. She knew that Erza was a strong mage, one Makarov was even considering for the S-class exams in a year or two, who excelled in physical combat. Magic naturally made the people with it stronger, faster, and tougher than those without and allowed them to perform great physical feats otherwise impossible. While it was true that people without magic could train their bodies to a high level capable of matching average level mages they could never reach the full potential of someone that did. Even mages that shied away from direct physical combat could take much more punishment than a normal person. The fact that this strange boy was able to match, albeit temporarily, a close combat specializing wizard as strong as Erza without the aid of magic at all spoke volumes of his capabilities. That he was so heavily injured made the accomplishment even more impressive.
It was Makarov that finally broke the silence. "So his abilities aside, and the land description given by the fairy, what makes you so certain he's not from Edolas? It wouldn't be his lack of a magic container, that's a common feature."
"You're right." Porlyusica admitted. "It's how his body is reacting to the magic here that is startling to me. He's absorbing Eternano at an alarming rate; it's flowing through him almost like water. I've never seen anything like it. I believe his body is adapting to the change in environment and I would be astonished if he didn't develop a magic container within a couple of weeks."
THAT got Makarov's attention. "So you think he'll develop magic capabilities on his own?"
"I'm certain of it."
"Hmmm…very interesting…" He rubbed his chin in thought. "If that's the case then I'm curious to see how strong he will become. That boy will be given a rather unique opportunity."
"What do you mean?"
"There's something about him…" Makarov replied. "His eyes… Before he collapsed I met his gaze and what I saw surprised me. They hold age, wisdom, experience…those eyes have seen hardships and trials far beyond his years and yet still carry an unwavering strength. They are not the eyes of a child. I've never seen any like his, not even in Erza." He paused for a moment before continuing. "That boy is a warrior and from what I've seen a pretty strong one to boot. Normally a mage obtains some measure of power and then they temper that power and grow through experience. But he already has experience. If he were to gain magic-even I can't imagine how strong he will become."
Though her face remained stoic, Porlyusica's eyes widened slightly at the implication. If what Makarov said was true then…
"I'd like for him to stay here for a few days."
Makarov raised an eyebrow in surprise. "That's an unusual request for you. Are you finally getting sick of this lonely life?"
"Don't be a fool." She snorted. "I hate humans and nothing is going to change that; but this is something new to me and I want to see how it develops. Besides," she bent down and picked up her broom. "That fairy girl isn't human and I'd like to talk to her after she's done fussing over the boy."
Makarov laughed. Leave it to his old teammate to take advantage of such a unique opportunity. "So the mystery of Fairy Tail is still intact," he mused. "If she's from another world then she may not be representative of the fairies in ours."
After another short pause he finally stood up and made to leave the forest. He called over his shoulder as he walked. "When you're done with him, give him directions to the guild. I'd like to give him the opportunity to join and I'm sure those kids would like to talk to him."
Porlyusica watched him leave before beginning to sweep her porch. "Hmmph, idiot. At this rate he's never going to retire."
xxx
The next day Porlyusica was surprised to find Link's bed empty and neatly made. It didn't take long to determine that he wasn't anywhere in the house and just as she felt her irritation beginning to rise she became aware of a strange noise coming from. Curious, she opened the door to her porch and blinked when she saw the boy sitting a ways away on a large tree root and playing some kind of flute. He was surrounded by various woodland creatures that listened raptly to the music flowing from the instrument. The fairy, Spryte, was sitting on the brim of his floppy hat and swinging her legs happily to the tune.
She wasn't aware of exactly how long she stared because she was soon caught up in the melody herself. It was happy and cheerful yet calm and soothing at the same time. The song was beautiful and the boy played it masterfully. All too soon it ended and she saw the boy turn his head towards her with a smile. The animals around him dispersed when the music stopped but they did so at a calm and leisurely pace, not at all disturbed by his presence even when he stood. Some of the animals even lingered around him. It was like he was as native to the woods as the animals themselves.
"Good morning," He called.
Porlyusica didn't respond, simply keeping her hard gaze on him for a few moments before finally replying. "I see you're awake."
"Yeah," Link nodded and stretched out his arms. "I'm still sore but I feel a lot better than I did yesterday."
"An impressive recovery," She stated.
Link smiled. "It's thanks to Spryte here," he indicated the Fairy on his hat who smiled happily. "Fairies specialize in healing magic."
"So I noticed," Porlyusica nodded. "Anyway I suppose you probably have questions and you should know that I have some for you as well. Spryte has told me a few things but she was more concerned with your well being at the time. Now that you're awake we can discuss matters more deeply."
"Sounds fair," he nodded. "I suppose first off I should introduce myself. I'm Link and, as you're already aware, this is Spryte."
"Porlyusica." She replied stonily. "Well then, Link, perhaps you can start by telling me how you ended up here."
For the next few hours Link did his best to explain what had happened to him and Spryte with the fairy adding in her own comments where she felt so inclined. Porlyusica would occasionally interject with a question but mostly listened to him. In turn she explained to him where he was, what had happened after his loss of consciousness, and his current condition. What she told him surprised Link greatly and forced him to think for a few moments in silence.
"So…" he said slowly. "I'm absorbing this… Eternano…from the air and you think I'll soon develop my own magic container to store it?"
"I knew the air here felt different!" Spryte exclaimed. "That explains it!"
It wasn't surprising that Spryte noticed the change. As a fairy she was much more in tune with the environment than a normal person. Meanwhile, Link was intrigued by the idea of magic being used in the ways that Porlyusica had described. It sounded quite different compared to the magic used in Hyrule. Although he knew a few spells and was probably a lot stronger at using what he knew than the average spell caster, he had never considered himself much of one. But this world's magic sounded right up his alley.
"Yes," Porlyusica nodded. "About 90% of the people in Earthland are unable or unwilling to use magic even though it's a part of everyday life. This is mostly due to the lack of a magical container. There are ways of artificially creating one but most of those are very difficult, painful, or expensive; usually a combination of all three. You, on the other hand, are somehow developing one naturally without being born with it."
"What type of magic do you think I'll be able to use?" Link asked curiously.
"That depends on you actually," She replied. "While mages are often naturally inclined to one type of magic or another, any type can be learned if you're willing to put forth the effort. Many mages actually know several types of magic."
"Hmmm…interesting…" Link crossed his arms and looked at the sky thoughtfully.
Porlyusica stared at him for a few moments as if weighing out some difficult decision before she finally spoke. "You will remain here for a few days so that I can monitor your recovery and the development of your magic container. After that I shall tell you how to reach the Guild Hall you crashed through." The way she said it was not a suggestion and brokered no room for argument from the young hero.
The days passed surprisingly quickly in the old healer's opinion. At first she had treated Link with the same disdain mixed with reluctant acceptance that she would any human patient; however, as time passed she noticed herself growing more comfortable with his presence. He was quiet and never bothered her with idle chatter, only asking a question now and then or answering one in turn. Hours passed between them in silence even after Link had wordlessly begun helping her with the herbs and plants around her home. She had raised an eyebrow when he had first stooped down to assist but said nothing when she noticed that he was treating the task in the same manner that she had been, something that he must have learned through careful observation.
After that she had subtly began altering how she did certain things and watched to see what he would do. She was inwardly surprised to discover that he was actively learning just by watching her and not simply imitating. Porlyusica was even more impressed when she realized that he was able to distinguish between what was beneficial and what she was deliberately trying trick him with. Although she would never admit it, it soon became a game to her between the two of them: she trying to trick him and he trying to distinguish between genuine and deliberate actions. Hours passed between them in this manner with neither of them saying so much as a syllable to each other.
There was also the manner by which the boy seemed to be so naturally at home in the forest. The animals that dwelled in the area never seemed bothered by his presence and at times Porlyusica herself failed to notice him even when she knew he was in the area and was doing nothing to conceal himself. In fact, abhorrent as she was to human company, she was amazed by how often she lost track of him when they were in the same clearing.
In the few conversations they did end up having he was polite, honest, and responded with genuine interest or curiosity in kind. His questions were not annoyingly meaningless or probing but reasonable and filled with thought. She was astonished by the level of wisdom and maturity he displayed during these times and she quickly agreed with Makarov that Link was much older in mind than he was in body.
Even so, despite discovering she didn't openly despise his presence, she never portrayed any emotion towards him beyond her typical stoic scowl. The only changes she made in her expression were the occasional widening of her eyes, a raised eyebrow, or a long unblinking stare. She was rather stubborn like that.
The corners of her mouth would almost twitch up into a thin smile whenever Link played on his flute, an ocarina she had learned, and she was forced to admit that he was very good at it. For a while he had kept a strange routine in which he would wonder to the edge of the clearing and play a specific song several times a day; always in the same spot and always the same song. She idly wondered why he did so but didn't really care enough to inquire. She got her answer when one morning after he played his song the loud whinny of a horse reverberated through the leaves in response.
The pure joy that broke across Link's face at the noise was enough to leave even Porlyusica breathless and she watched in silence as he dashed towards the sound just as a young flaxen mare burst through the trees. He cried out in happiness and threw his arms around her neck just as she skidded to a halt in front of him. She whinnied happily in response and vigorously pushed her snout into his chest. He laughed and stroked her muzzle affectionately. It didn't take a genius to realize that she belonged to Link although Porlyusica wondered how she had survived the fall when Link had been so injured. But then most of Link's injuries had come from crashing through the roof of Fairy Tail's Guild Hall.
She focused on the mare and noticed the horse was dirty and haggard, her mane and tail a tangled mess of snarls, twigs, and mud. Based on her appearance Porlyusica wouldn't have been surprised if she had landed in a pond or river in the woods. It would certainly explain her survival and why she was so muddy despite the lack of recent rain. Either way she doubted she'd ever know for certain and the boy didn't seem to care.
Link spent the rest of the day doting on his beloved steed. He washed, scrubbed, and brushed every inch of her until all traces of dirt and mud were removed, carefully combed out every snarl, briar, and bramble caught in her mane and tail, and tended to every scratch and scrape he could find. He never once paused in his work for rest or food until he was completely finished his task and revealed the beautiful and proud mare beneath the offending dirt and grime. Spryte constantly flitted about during this time, helping out where she could and engaging Link in excited chatter.
The fairy was another unique presence that Porlyusica had grown comfortable with. She was full of energy and although she was rather childish at times but she could also be very serious and wise as well. The fact that she had very little experience with human society and as such carried none of the darker qualities that Porlyusica hated about them made her company rather welcome despite her occasional childishness.
Spryte seemed to radiate cheerful playfulness and constantly flitted about exploring every inch of the forest around them. Sometimes she would disappear for hours only to zip up suddenly with uncontained excitement whenever she found something particularly interesting. She was constantly chatting with Link about the things she would find and would often pull him away to show him firsthand. Both she and Link were fascinated by creatures they discovered in the woods. There were familiar ones of course but many were strange and looked like nature had taken several different parts of other creatures and jammed them together into something totally new. They spent a good deal of time discussing their discoveries.
Porlyusica was quick to notice that the fairy constantly gave off a faint glow that, while didn't always emit from her whole body, never seemed to leave her wings and only ever ceased when she was asleep or exhausted. The glow would vary in intensity depending on the fairy's mood and would also change color to reflect strong emotions whenever she felt them although her default color was a pale almost white pink.
They made an interesting pair, Porlyusica decided. They had told her that the two of them had only met just before their unfortunate transportation but they had still developed a surprising bond. They would laugh, joke, and tease one another as if they'd known each other for years and shared everything. Spryte always tried to be of some use to Link and actively sought his attention and the boy in turn would always indulge the fairy and show his appreciation for her efforts. It was thanks to her that he had completely recovered after a day or two and now only stayed in order to adjust to the new world and so Porlyusica could monitor Link's reaction to the presence of Eternano.
She checked on him several times a day and noticed that the rate at which the energy flowed through him changed constantly. Sometimes it would run through him like water down a river while other times it slowed to a trickling stream. At times the energy would swirl around in varying degrees of intensity and size at certain points within his body only to unravel and continue flowing later on. All of these changes in flow were wrought without Link's notice which puzzled her greatly.
It wasn't until one night when she went to check on him while he was asleep that she discovered something interesting. While he was sleeping the flow of Eternano would stop entirely although she could still tell it was trying to reach him. As she stood there and tried to figure out the reason for this sudden change she noticed a faint golden light creeping out from his pillow where his left arm rested. Curious, she gently extracted the limb and forcefully suppressed a gasp when she saw a symbol of three golden triangles glowing on the back of his hand. It looked like a Guild Mark…but she knew of no guild with such an image and she'd never seen one act like this before. After staring at the strange mark in wonder for a few moments she noticed that the flow of Eternano around the boy was being drawn into the mark, explaining the sudden stop of energy going through his body. A sudden pulse of magic energy startled her and she sensed the wave travel down his arm and through the rest of his body only to slowly dissipate after. Then Eternano flowed through the boy as it did during the day for a few seconds before the triangles glowed again and the energy was drawn into it once more.
Porlyusica watched in fascination as the pattern repeated itself several times. Try as she might, she was unable to determine its purpose and the next day during her morning examination of him she could detect no noticeable change beyond a barely perceivable increase in the efficiency of the flow of energy through his body. If she hadn't been extra scrutinizing that morning it would have completely escaped her notice.
After that discovery she would check on him every night and find the phenomenon active each time. She spent hours trying to unravel that mystery and after the third night she finally saw a change. The pulse of energy that flowed through his body suddenly left behind a tiny droplet that swirled around his stomach; right where a typical magical container was located.
Realization suddenly flooded Porlyusica's mind. The mark on his hand was focusing the Eternano and allowing his body to adapt to it! It was what was allowing him to develop a magic container. The pulse would flood his body with the energy, building pathways, and shocking his body with overexposure at night and during the day his body was free to adjust to the natural flow around him and cool down from the sudden concentrated blasts. It was just like lifting weights to build muscle! This unconscious process had allowed Link to develop a magical container of his own just as she had predicted. It was small now, true, but it would only continue to grow and she didn't dare try to estimate how big it could get.
It seemed it would soon be time for him to meet Makarov.
xxx
It was early afternoon when Link reached the edge of Magnolia Town, though the name was a bit of a misnomer since it was far more a city than a town. He and Spryte couldn't help but marvel at the sight of it. Not only was the city much bigger than any settlement either of them had seen before but the buildings were of a design and style that Link was unfamiliar with. Spryte was even more awestruck as this was the first human city she had ever seen. It both frightened and excited her. She longed to fly this way and that, to explore the new sights, sounds, and smells, yet she was also afraid of the alien environment and chose to cling tightly to the cloth on Link's shoulder where she sat and remained.
They slowly made their way through the city, not out of any sense of caution, but rather in an attempt to see everything around. They saw many people bustling about their business; people carrying various items, couples walking with linked arms and laughing faces, children playing in the streets, merchants doing business, and many others. They were greeted by men steering small boats down the canals that ran through the city and many others that they passed by. Asking for directions to the Guild Hall was met with friendly and open responses and several times they had to pause as children gleefully ran up to get a better look at Epona. He was rather surprised that he could understand and speak their language, a gift from the Goddesses although he was unaware of it, yet still able to speak in his native tongue. He was very grateful for this fact as he would be in dire straits if such a barrier existed between him and the people of this world. The entire city radiated peace and good cheer and Link couldn't suppress the smile on his face from the atmosphere. The people wore strange clothes and he easily noticed that society seemed to be more advanced than Hyrule, but not so much that it completely overwhelmed him.
They soon came upon their destination and gazed at the large doors of the Fairy Tail Guild Hall. The building was significantly larger than any of the others nearby and far more colourful making it stand out like a sore thumb. Link couldn't help but smile as he looked at the sign over the doors.
"Fairy Tail, huh?"
"Seems like a silly name to me," huffed Spryte with puffed cheeks. "What idiot would believe that fairies have tails?"
Link chuckled. "Hey now, remember we're in a different world. Maybe the fairies here really do have tails."
"Hmmph," Spryte turned her head away and pouted. "Maybe, but until I find out otherwise I think it's stupid."
"Fair enough," Link smiled. "So what do you think about this?"
"Does it really matter at this point?" Spryte replied. "You need to learn more about this world's magic and these people did help me save you. We might never be able to return to Hyrule and if that's the case then we should make friends and allies here as soon as possible."
Link nodded in agreement before dismounting. He patted Epona's neck as he walked past her and placed a hand on the door. With a calm and smooth motion he pushed the door wide open.
xxx
"What did you call me you icy blockhead?!" Natsu growled and shoved his face directly against Gray's.
"What are you deaf? Your ears so full of hot air you can't hear? I called you an overgrown candle head!" Gray replied with equal vehemence. Sparks flew between the boys' eyes as they pushed against one another with gritted teeth.
"Alright that's enough you two!" the authoritative voice of a certain red haired girl broke through their clash as she stepped forward. "No more fighting!"
"STAY OUT OF THIS!" the two boys roared at her.
*Clunk*
The solid sound of the two boys' heads bashing together reverberated through the guild and knocked both of them two the ground in a dazed heap. Erza dusted her hands calmly as if having just finished a casual chore and walked away, leaving the two boys moaning on the floor.
"Ara, ara," Mira clucked her tongue with a cruel smirk. She stood casually leaning against bar counter while surveying the scene. "Such a violent way to stop a fight."
"Errrzaaaaa…" Her younger sister Lisanna pouted. "Did you have to hit them so hard?"
"It's what she does," Mira lectured her. "She enjoys beating down people weaker than her, just like that boy from before."
"What was that?!" Erza growled and her gaze darkened.
"You heard me," Mira stood up straight smirked again.
Erza glared at her. She didn't need her rival to remind her of the mistake she made. Some argument could be made that the boy had started the fight but later reasoning would say that he had only done so because she had taken an aggressive stance first. Either way it was she that had not noticed his injuries and continued with the fight when she could have stopped it. Even after he had finally collapsed the sudden appearance of the fairy with him had everyone clamouring in wonder and excitement, making them all temporarily forget the boy altogether; another shameful act. She had spent every night since he was taken to Porlyusica agonizing over whether or not he was alright. Unfortunately the Master had been very close lipped on the subject leaving everyone to wonder about his condition and the circumstances surrounding him on their own.
Erza had been greatly surprised when she learned the extent of his injuries. She had been hard pressed to match him during their initial exchange even though she was able to easily overwhelm him later. That he challenged her so much with such a handicap left her both impressed at his abilities and ashamed that she wasn't similarly weakened. It had been a touchy subject for her ever since.
She spent hours replaying the scene in her mind, trying to remember the details of the fight through the flurry of movement. Some parts of it were hazy to her but one thing stood out perfectly clear: his eyes. She remembered his piercing and unyielding blue eyes boring into hers with a gaze so intense that it was burned into her mind. They were hard, sharp, focused, analysing, impossibly deep…and familiar. They were eyes that, like her, had seen and experienced much hardship and strife; the first she had seen in one as young as she since her escape from that accursed tower. Yet, unlike her, his eyes were strong, pure, and full of resolve. She wished she had those eyes…. Eyes that would not hide her pain from others…Eyes that would not shed tears when no one watched… Eyes that would not reveal the fear in her heart.
She wanted to see him again, to apologize and to talk. She wanted to know why he could remain strong where she had become weak. Why his heart had remained intact when hers had broken. How he had pressed on where she froze in fear. She wanted to know how he had gained such eyes…
She was about to respond to her rival's challenge when the door to the guild suddenly swung open. All eyes, including hers, turned to the entrance and they gaped at what they saw. There, standing in the archway, was the very boy they were arguing about.
He stood calm and straight, surveying the guild members with a calculating scrutiny. His gaze seemed to fall on each individual and they couldn't help but feel like he was judging them through his silent inspection. Even the two semi-conscious young boys on the floor had regained enough coherence to meet his eyes. Erza tensed when his gaze fell upon her. Their eyes met in a silent exchange that lasted for a mere few seconds but they felt like an eternity for her.
Finally, with a lazy blink, the boy's eyes moved passed her to fall upon Mirajane who stiffened at the sudden attention and then toward the two boys on the floor. After he had stared at each of the mages inside, his head angled slightly upwards and he took in the general appearance of the hall itself. If he noticed that the hole he had fallen through before was already repaired he made no indication of such although anybody who bore witness to the intensity of his eyes would never believe he hadn't. Despite the famous reputation of rowdiness that Fairy Tail was known for, everyone remained silent and still as the strange boy made his inspection.
With his visual sweep complete he took a step forward unperturbed by the silence and the stares. He made his way several feet into the hall before stopping and standing still once again. He looked around once more before finally breaking the silence.
"Is Master Makarov here?" He asked politely. For a moment nobody answered his question but then a voice overhead responded.
"Ah, I see you have recovered my boy."
He looked up to see the diminutive Guild Master staring down at him from a banister on the second floor with a broad smile. A nimble jump of surprising athleticism landed him a couple of feet from the boy. He crossed his arms behind his back greeted him cheerfully.
"I am the Guild Master, Makarov, nice to meetcha!" Makarov smiled. The boy, who seemed unsurprised by his size and acrobatics, met his greeting with a smile of his own.
"I'm Link," He introduced himself and pointed to the fairy on his shoulder. "And this is Spryte."
"Welcome to Fairy Tail's Guild Hall," Makarov bowed. "I've already had the pleasure of being introduced to your little friend, although you were not awake at the time. It's a shame that your first time here wasn't under, er, better circumstances."
Link chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah…Sorry about that…"
Makarov laughed. "Nonsense! Magic is a mysterious power that touches all our lives. We can't be held responsible for the things that happen around us that are beyond our control."
"So you're not mad that I got into a fight here?"
"Bah," Makarov shook his head. "Such a little scrap could hardly be called a fight in this guild. No, dear boy, it is we who should apologize for not tending to your wounds sooner than we did."
"Ah," this time it was Link who shook his head. "It's alright. I imagine my…entrance…was a bit surprising. And I did strike first so that didn't help matters either."
"A wise answer indeed. Either way, I'm glad that you are alright and that you've seem to have made a full recovery," Makarov nodded to him.
"I have, thank you," Link replied. "Porlyusica told me you wanted to see me?"
"Hmmm yes…" Makarov's voice turned more serious. "I'll be frank; you're something of an enigma to us. Porlyusica discussed a few things when you were still unconscious and we came to some rather interesting conclusions. I would hear your full story at a later time but what I want to know right now is whether or not you can use magic."
Link looked at him for a moment. "I…I'm not sure," he replied truthfully. "Your magic is different than what I am used to but Porlyusica says I that I can."
"I see, so you have developed a magic container then." Makarov lowered his gaze to the floor between them. It was a statement not a question and gave the Guild Master pause to think for a moment. After a short time he raised his head back to the youth. "I must admit that I am impressed with your ability, Link. You are clearly much more than you seem. Do you know what this place is?"
"Porlyusica said it was a guild; a gathering place for wizards." Link replied.
"That is true," Makarov nodded but continued on with a gentle smile. "But Fairy Tail is much more than just a guild. It's a place where we can develop our powers while following our hearts and our dreams and a place where friends and those without a home can call their own. In short Fairy Tail is a family and we treat our comrades as such. Their pain is our pain and their happiness is our happiness. The spirit of adventure burns within us all. Do fairies really have tails? Do they even exist... Like them, this place as an eternal mystery... A never ending adventure!"
At that proclamation all the Fairy Tail member around them that had previously been silent cheered loudly and raised their fists to the air.
Makarov grinned broadly at him and waited for the noise to subside. "That is who we are, Link. Although," he cocked his head to the side and stared at Spryte, who once again crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. "Your little friend might have something to say about that."
Link laughed. "Maybe," he replied after he reigned in his mirth. "Your guild sounds amazing, Makarov."
"Well we certainly think so," Makarov chuckled. "And since you have the potential to use magic, I'd like to extend an invitation for you to join Fairy Tail. We can teach you how to use your power and give you a place to call home."
"Well," Link tilted his head back and tapped his chin in thought. "Right now I'm alone in this world except for Spryte and my horse Epona…We're strangers to this land with no direction." He gave a light shake of his head then smiled. "I don't know what the future may bring but for now I think…I think I would like to join you."
More cheers erupted around them as Makarov extended his hand to Link who eagerly shook it.
"Well then, Link," The Guild Master grinned. "Welcome to Fairy Tail."
xxx
A/N: Annnnnnd done. So what do you think? Not really a whole lot action wise happening this time but it was necessary step to put down. If I didn't make this clear then let me just say that Link no longer possesses the Triforce of Courage and was not given a copy all three. He was given several different things at once, which he will discover as he grows, but in general just think of him as having a little bit of the entire Triforce but not the fullness of it. Also, he does not remember his meeting with the Goddesses. He may recall bits and pieces of it later but for now that experience is lost to him.
Call it lazy but I didn't want to expand upon how Epona got there. She landed in river in the East Forest and eventually found her way back to Link thanks to Epona's Song. Link's injuries were from smashing through the roof of the guild and all that debris. You try surviving something like that unscathed.
So next chapter will have Link getting to know the members of Fairy Tail and learning some magic. Yay!
I do have a couple of things I would like opinions on however:
1. Color (I was thinking either green or gold) and position of Link's guild mark
2. A future Epithet for him. Eg – Titania Erza or Natsu the Salamander
3. Some ideas for jobs that he could go on
I have ideas for these things of course but I would like to hear what some of you guys think as well. Drop me a PM or a review if you feel like sharing. I can't say I'll use them but I will definitely give credit where it is due if I choose to incorporate something.
Oh also…should I have Lisanna stay in Earthland or have the circumstances that happened in canon happen?
I think that's it so until next time I hope you enjoy this chapter!