Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail

YY5

I wandered through the woods, pondering over the mages. Obviously, they were a… family. One that cared much for each other. Naturally, I would never want to join a guild – too much danger for those involved.

But, it begs a question. What is having a real family like?

Sometimes I wondered what it would be like if my father wasn't a heartless monster. I would never have been so compelled to help others, I guess. Oh well. It's better to not dwell on the past – not like I could have changed anything.

I twisted round, launching myself into the air as I heard a scream of pain. Fast as lightning, I ran off towards the noise. A loud bellow rang out after it, causing the birds to fly off of the trees.

Sprinting through, I ducked and dodged branches and roots. I had to get there fast. Someone was in danger, and while I knew about it, it was my responsibility to help them.

The shriek cut off abruptly, and I ran even faster, if it was possible.

I rushed into a clearing, pulling my staff out. Standing there in front of me, was a monster. Ten metres high, he towered over me. Horns protruded from its gruesome head, as green skin was burnt and peeling in several places. Lying there crumpled on the ground before it was a small… flaming body. What? No, it can't be, because fire isn't black! Is it?

Nevertheless, I leapt in front of the monster.

"Supernova!" I cried out, worried for the being on the floor.

Twinkling specks of light begun gathering into the orb on the staff. Once a bright glow was held within it, I pushed the staff out in front of me and propelled a shining star out of it. It hit the monster head on, exploding close up.

With a howl of pain, the creature started dissolving into dark particles. A… demon? Only one of them would react so harshly to pure magic. Soon, it had disappeared, the only clue of it being a scream echoing throughout the trees.

I flashed over to the body on the ground. It wasn't human, definitely. I jumped as the head shifted weakly to face me. Staring at me, engulfed in black flickering flames, was the body of a bird.

A phoenix.

"Hello, little one," I greeted it softly, "Is there a way to help you?"

Slowly, the phoenix nodded its head. The flames started to dim and the life seemed to be seeping out.

"Fire," I realized.

Quickly, I cupped my hands together, gathering a small flame. It grew, becoming the size of a household fire. I stretched my arms out, and gently placed it on the bird's body. The fire roared as it came into contact until it was absorbed.

Said phoenix's flames brightened considerably. It shivered mildly as the spark was reborn into its eyes.

Thank you, a voice resounded in my head.

Reeling back with shock, I unconsciously reached out with my telepathy.

'I gather that was you?' I asked, a corner of my lips quirking up.

'Hah, as if it'd be anyone else,' the phoenix huffed.

'Do you have a name?'

'No. But I do have a question.'

By now, the phoenix was up, ruffling its feathers and preening them.

'Go ahead.' I replied quickly.

'Would you mind if I joined you in your quest?' the phoenix asked, tilting its head to the side.

Wow, what's with this phoenix and unexpected questions?

'My quest?'

'Yes. You are trying to find the Katana, are you not?'

'Ah, yes I am. But if you don't mind me asking, how did you know?'

'Really? You actually need to ask that? Look at what you're holding in your hand!'

I blushed with embarrassment as I realised the staff was still in my hand. Sending it back to my requip store, I thought carefully.

"Sure, I don't mind you joining. But if you do, you need a name!" I exclaimed out loud, clapping my hands in delight.

"Well then, why don't you pick one for me? I am your companion, after all." A sweet voice told me.

Yet another shock. This phoenix could speak aloud? Interesting indeed.

"Well, my friend, I would suggest telling me whether you are a he or a she first," I smirked.

Ha! If a phoenix could blush, this one would have. As it was, the flames surrounding it highlighted with grey – the equivalent probably.

It shifted on its feet before murmuring quietly to me, "Female."

"Alright then," I pondered on the situation.

To be honest, I was kind of nervous. It's not often that a person gets to name a rare bird, is it? Um… is a phoenix even technically a bird?

"How about… Rea?"

A shake of her head.

"Lumina?"

Another shake, this time with a snort.

"What about Ryse?"

This one brought a firm nod, the newly-named Ryse cooing with pleasure. The name was a success.

"So, Ryse, what do you know about the katana?" I inquired.

The phoenix seemed to sigh, shoulders slumping a bit before answering, "Not much, I'm afraid. I know that it's a part of a set, and that you're meant to find it, but nothing else springs to mind. I'm sorry – um…"

"Oh!" I gasped, "I didn't tell you my name!"

I smiled sheepishly at Ryse with a muttered 'Sorry'.

I continued, "I have many names. Too many, to be honest. You can call me Nyx in private, Ryse."

She nodded her head before cocking it to the side, "And the others?"

"Well, my father called me 'Lucy'," I spat out, "But please, never call me that. He was a – a bastard!"

I struggled to get the profanity out. I'm not an heiress any longer, so I'd better act like it! That means that I'm allowed to swear as well. Take that, Jude!

"In public, please call me Celestia."

"A pretty name. May I ask why you have so many of them?"

I laughed a little before answering, "Because I don't want others to know my true name. Oh, and Ryse? You don't need to ask if you can ask a question!"

She hummed an amusing little tune that I took as laughter. Leaping off the branch she was perched on, she glided towards the fallen tree trunk in front of me. For a while, she scrutinized me.

"Nyx? Who are you as Celestia?" she asked softly, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Ever the smart one, eh? I am known as the First Wizard Saint," I smiled a bit at the memory of a stuttering Jura, "This is because… well, I'm the, umm, strongest-wizard-in-the-land?"

I muttered the last part quickly in the hopes that she wouldn't hear. Unfortunately for me, Ryse did. Her eyes widened in amazement, silently regarding me with respect. I groaned at the prospect of a humble phoenix.

"Ryse, please don't," I whined, "I get enough of that in public! Yeah, it's fun sometimes, but not with friends…"

To my surprise, she burst out in melodious laughter. My cheeks heated as I directed my gaze towards a suddenly very interesting piece of grass. Very, very interesting piece of grass. Extremely.

"Oi, shut it!" I muttered sullenly.

"Forgive me, forgive me," she chuckled quietly.

Hellooooooo!

I am sorry that I didn't get one out this week - I realized that I still had an unfinished chapter at home! So annoying...

Anyway, Bubye!

MG