BlackLynx17: Here we go people! Here is the Mendy and some other things you've been asking about! Hope you enjoy!
There is a secluded area in Era where the wilderness grows. No one ever ventures there unless for camping, tests of courage, or bird watching; something along the normal lines. There is no explanation for a lone teenage boy to be in the forest, none at all. If I was caught here alone people would probably think I was up to no good, that wasn't the truth though. This is the only place where I can practice, where I can be... myself.
I stare at the sky, trees nearly covering every part of it; in an instant nothing covers my view at all. It lasts for a second before I start falling, the sky getting father and father away from me. My coat whips around in the wind and I can't help but grin as I start teleporting through the forest at the speed of light. Miles pass in seconds, distances appears in an instant, this is my magic. I am free, nothing can contain me. Nothing is my prison.
My heart beats in my ears, my lungs pumping loudly in my chest as I start going faster and faster around. I stop for a short break and look back towards the town; if I really stare I can see the small dot that would be the flying circus with everyone in it.
I smell of magic, she said. She knows, and probably everyone else in there, I'm a wizard too.
Wizards aren't welcome in Era. We don't treat them any different, most of our clients and business partners are wizards. There is an unspoken rule though, wizards aren't liked here. We have a couple stray ones inside of the council, but they're nothing higher than footmen. Sure, they're to be respected, but also watched. Respecting them didn't mean anything at all though; we didn't strive to be them, we didn't think of them as lucky to have their powers. We simply didn't care. Brains were more important than flashy tricks.
I think I realize the reason I was so attracted to the circus after I saw Wendy do her trick at the plaza. I knew it was magic, I knew she was like me. I always wondered if there was those who were actually proud of this magic inside of them... and as it turns out there is. Dozens of them, people who have magic and use it to bring joy to the world. I want that, part of me does. To feel as free as I do while I'm using my magic. To feel no restraints, no boundaries.
There is another part of me though, the part I was raised to be from infancy. The part everyone in Era is raised to be, a council member. Someone reliable, to be looked highly upon for greatness. I don't know which side will win, I wish it could be both. I stare at my hands and clench them.
"Why can't I be free and be looked as a leader?" I ask no one.
I'm jealous of Lahar and my friends for knowing directly who they are, I'm jealous of Wendy and her friends for being able to be whoever they want and have no regrets. Why am I the only one stuck? That couldn't have been logically possible. I can't be the only wizard born in Era, I can't be the only one going through this... I wasn't. The only one who could possibly know what I'm going through is gone though and I have no doubt there is nothing he regrets.
Why does freedom look like this?
...
...
"Hello?" I answer my phone. It started vibrating in my pocket.
"Hey Doranbolt, you missed church today. What's more you completely disappeared at the circus yesterday, what the hell happened?" Lahar asks.
"I can't answer you Lahar, just know everything's going back to normal now. I'm no longer interested in the unknown."
He starts laughing across the receiver, "alright, if unknown means circus then that's great. That was sight though yesterday."
My eyes widen slightly, "what did you just say?"
"The show yesterday, it was really something. I've never seen wizards do that with their magic before, unbelievable. Gives me some idea to get high fundraisers if we can teach the soldiers at the council to use their magic the same way."
...
...
...
"Lahar, you are the smartest man I know. Thank you."
"Thank me? Thanks I guess, I don't what I did but hey. We're all heading over Jamie's to pick him up and get some food, want to come?"
"I can't right now, I'll talk to you later though." I say hanging up.
I just found a way to save my reputation and build up the circus... that is horrible. It is exactly what Mystogun said, I didn't want to tarnish my name. I want to help them though, so doesn't that help? Doesn't that balance my own selfish desires out? I don't know what I want, I don't. I don't want to leave the circus behind me though, that's what my heart is telling me. I can't leave behind everything I worked for as well though, that's what my head says.
In the end, ignoring everything, absolutely everything that I learned, was taught, experienced, loved, liked, all of the above. I don't want Wendy to leave yet. I don't... I want her to stay just a little bit longer... just a little bit.
"I guess that answers that," I mumble looking through my contacts for a certain old friend of the family.
"Good evening Yamije, how have you been?... That's great to here, I'm good myself. Listen though, there's something I want to discuss with you and hopefully, if you like the idea, the rest of the council members..."
I look like a monkey in a suit. No, I've worn this before. I never thought that before, I wonder why I think that now? Fairy Tail. I let out a sigh, my leg twitching up and down as I run my hands through my hair. I'm in the waiting room all alone, not a sound. The doors that lead to my future are beside me, I'm just waiting for entrance. There is no need to be nervous, I know my argument. If I get shot down though, that would probably be the end of me.
No, it wouldn't. If that is true I don't think I would be here right now. I know too many people, had to many contacts. I was too valuable an icon, just like Lahar. The door opened and Yajime walked in, a smile like always placed on his face. I stand up and bow my lowest to him.
"Thank you so much for this opportunity Yajime." I say.
He simply chuckles, "no need to show such respect Doranbolt. I'm just doing a old friend a favor. Listen well though, just because I'm on your side doesn't mean every else will be. There are nine more people you need to convince."
"I understand that. Still though, I'm very grateful."
"Come on then son, let's go." He said.
I take one final gulp before I walk inside the room. It is pitch black except for one spot light, the place I am suppose to stand. I walk into the middle of the room and soon ten lights appear around me, magic runes underneath the shadowy figures. Seems like magic is moving up in the Council, I remember touring the place not so many years ago and seeing everyone actually in person with just the lights off.
"Who are you?"
"Doranbolt Gryder."
I can tell they are looking up my name, reading everything about me since the first time I achieved my first award in elementary school. My record is spotless, my volunteer work outstanding, my extracurricular activities unbelievable, my friends impressive, my family even more impressive. Hopefully all of these things will make them more on my side, to seeing my way. It takes a while, but finally they address me again.
"Speak your purpose Doranbolt Gryder."
This is my part.
"Recently a circus has appeared in Era, Fairy Tail is what they have been calling themselves." I start.
Heads nod.
"I know that it's discouraged to go to such a sinful place, the churches have lectured enough about that. You know how teenagers are though, you all being ones long time ago, so I was dragged along with a friend for moral support."
I could hear Yajime's words warning in me in my head to watch my words carefully now.
"What I saw was amazing. They aren't demons, but they aren't humans either. Everyone there is a wizard, and as wizards they use their magic to bring much joy and laughter to their audience. To be honest I was mesmerized and believed that everyone should get a chance to experience such a breathtaking show."
"What is your point Doranbolt?"
"I'm suggesting the Council's full support in the circus while they are visiting and in the years to come if they ever visit again."
"The churches are clear on their thoughts of the circus."
I'm surprised they don't call them freaks since they are listening to the church.
"And we all know that the Council is the only thoughts that truly matters. You control the acts of thousands of people, everyone counts on your protection and guidance. These circus people aren't bad though, in fact they can be very benefiting to us."
I pause so I could let my words settle in before continuing.
"All I'm suggesting is an audience for them. Let them come in and show you their skills and then you can decide then."
"Decide what? You are keeping something from us?"
"You can decide if you want them to help you fill your pockets with even more money and your audiences with even more followers."
"Explain!"
Is that anxiousness and curiosity I hear?
"Even though we may not realize it being in the town we are in, circuses are very popular and well known. I plan to have you use them for your fundraisers, to draw even bigger audiences. After you see what they can do you'll see my point and even start training your own soldiers in the same way. I know you maybe laughing at this, your fundraisers has always been high but not very... interesting. I'm saying we should put this to a test, see what they can do and how big a crowd they attract. You can take all the credit, I could careless about the glory. I want them to set their payment though and I'll leave the rest of the contract to them. Really think about my proposition though. Not everyone in the country is looking at the council like they should be. This maybe the start, just the beginning. I'm not encouraging the circus, but encouraging Era to embrace wizards and start using their powers to their fullest potential."
The lights turn off after that and I am standing alone in the darkness. Eyes judge me, thoughts are thought and words are whispered behind my back. A single light turns back on and I can actually make out this person, Yajime.
"We question your reasoning for this, it is a minor detail right now though. The council accepts your proposition. You are allowed an audience in three days where a selected number of us will watch. If proved successful, we'll allow them in Era and test them at a fundraiser. If proven more successful than our last, we'll be taking all your ideas into account and welcome circuses and wizards in Era and the Council. If proven wrong though, you will be brought in for questioning for having such personal relationships with them. Agreed?"
I don't smile. I simply nod and bow my head, "thank you for your time."
I am excused and it is only when I'm outside the council, on the train ride home that I start jumping up and cheering, grinning from ear to ear. Lahar is not going to like that I stole his idea which is why I had no problem at all giving the Council members all the credit. I can't believe I just did that! My legs are shaking this very instant and my heart is pumping... I can't wait. I have to see them. We may have left on bad terms, but people like me there... well Wendy does. It's only been two days and they are party animals. Maybe they don't even remember.
When I arrive at the stop and start running towards their flying circus, I spot a lot of them on the ground relaxing and stretching, wild animals like tigers and elephants roaming in the wild too. That is strange, I didn't see them last time I came. I remember what Erza said though, how no show is the same. I wonder how they include those animals in their acts? I am quickly noticed by people, some faces I remember but couldn't recall the names. Everyone knew my name though.
"Hey Doranbolt, didn't think you'd be coming back."
"Doranbolt, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see your ringleader Erza, is she here?" I ask.
The gang all look at each other before rounding everyone up, animals and friends, and sending them all back up into the circus. I am a little use to the flying, my head only hurting for a little while before I was able to think clearly. I am led into the circus tent where dozens of people are practicing their acts, Wendy and Gray being two of them. Names were called, my name echoed, and soon I had an audience with everyone. Wendy catches my eyes and smiles softly, a little knowing too as if she knew I would come back. I remember the last time we talked and look away. Erza walks through the crowds, rocking her signature hat and stares up at me. She tilts her head, a clear scowl on her face.
"I tried requesting an audience with the Council and they most 'kindly' escorted my off of the premises." She tells me.
"So they chose to ignore." I say.
"And we chose to wreck a few things before we left." Natsu snickers.
I let out a half laugh and smirk, "well I got you that audience with the Council if you still want it."
Erza grins, "you don't say?"
"I had to use a few fancy words, but they agreed to see your skills. If they like you they'll start spreading the word and hire you for a job, if you prove successful then you have a year around welcome back here to Era. Any questions?" I ask.
"Yeah, what's in this for you?" Mystogun says walking up.
"Nothing. I'm getting nothing from this, I stuck my neck out for you all for no reason. I didn't want any of the credit if this is successful and I will surly get all the blame if this fails."
"Why are you doing this then?" Wendy asks, her eyes bright.
I don't know what answer she is expecting, I think it is an honest one. "I wasn't ready to say goodbye."
She grins and Erza walks over, her face blank. The smallest of smiles appears on her face as she looks up at me.
"Was there anything else?" She asks.
"I told them that you would set up your own agreements, I just reminded them to pay you all fairly." I tell her.
"You did well then Doranbolt, for a beginning circus clown. Nice work, so tell us before we start celebrating. When is our audience?"
The smile is contagious, "Friday."
"Perfect. Tomorrow we'll think of our performances, Thursdays we'll practice, but as for today. LET'S PARTY!"
It is crazy how fast a party breaks out once the words are said, or well yelled. I want to try and see if I yell party out of nowhere next time would they start partying? Hmm, it is worth a shot. Apparently partying meant including me, of course it would though because I was the one who made this possible. If I didn't know anyone before, I knew everyone now. Natsu and Gray are good drinkers, Cana beat everyone hands down though. Erza is a sloppy drunk, Wendy a happy one, Juvia and Lucy were surprisingly able to hold their liquor while Mystogun seemed to do nothing the whole time. I myself, though students weren't supposed to drink, am able to hold my liquor very well. I don't drink very often, I've been to a party or two before just for the experience. None of that could prepare me for a Fairy Tail party though.
About half way in a little blue hair girl steals me away from the crowd and leads me into the open. She drags me to the end of the circus, our feet dangling dangerously off the edge like last time as we watch the sunset. I look at my drink and find it empty, holding it upside down before tossing it over the edge. It starts floating back up and right back towards me.
"Cool." I say catching it.
"It's our circus safety system, so people won't fall off to their death. I don't know the science to it, just that before I joined with my magic the circus used to move by foot." Wendy says.
She takes a breath and looks at me, hurt shining in her eyes. "Doranbolt listen, whatever I said last time I'm sorry. It wasn't my right to say and I just hope you forgive me." She says.
"It's alright Wendy, I just took everything way too personal last time... there's been something I've been meaning to tell you to." I say clearing my voice.
She blinks with a bright smile, "thank goodness. I was worried I scared you off; I'm glad we're still friends though. Tell me, what is it?" She says tilting her head.
She is really pretty, beautiful even in the near future. She is a child though, looks like one and acts as well. I have no prejudice against them anymore, it would never work out between us though. I don't want anything awkward between us because, because I really did like Wendy. Just not that way.
"Wendy, you have to know... I don't love you."
Wendy's smile stays in place, but her eyes blink. "What?"
"I'm not in love with you."
Now she looks straight out confused, "Doranbolt? What are you talking about? Loving me?"
Now I look confused right back at her. "Don't... aren't you in love with me?" I ask.
"No," she snorts. I take offense to that. "What would ever give you that idea?"
"All those times, you told me you liked me."
"And?"
"And, and, and I'm sounding like an idiot right now." I tell her.
Wendy starts laughing so hard that she leans back into the ground and rolls around on it.
"Oh my God Doranbolt! I didn't believe, I didn't believe Mystogun, but he was right! You people are so literal, so just, just, real!" She laughs.
"Hey!" I yell out.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She sighs leaning back up and clearing her voice.
"You must know Doranbolt when I said that I meant it as a person, as a friend. I like you Doranbolt, I like your personality and who you are. That's what I meant by saying those words. Don't you like me as well?" I ask.
"Yeah, I do... as a friend of course!" I blush lightly.
Wendy giggles and leans over, moving the hair from my face. She smiles, her fangs showing as her giggles increase.
"Wow, you're blushing. Cute."
I shake my head away and run my hands through my hair.
"Oh and by the way, calling you cute doesn't mean I have a crush. Some people are cute." She says.
"I get it, let it go." I say, embarrassed.
"Really though, I'm curious. Why wouldn't you like a cutie pie like me?" She asks with a wink.
"You're childish."
Wendy blew a raspberry at me, "I could say the same about you."
I stare directly at her.
"It would be a lie though." She says right after.
I roll my eyes and chuckle.
"I don't know why I'm so childish at my age though, I'm nearly hitting 17."
"17?!" I repeat.
Wendy looks back at me, "I get that a lot."
"You can't be 17, just look at you!"
"WELL EXCUSE ME FOR BEING A LATE BLOOMER!" She screams at me.
"Super late." I joke around with her.
"Well I wouldn't love you because you're freakishly tall!" She shouts.
"Everyone in the circus is taller than you though, a handful taller than me. That doesn't make sense." I say.
Wendy glares and huffs, "yes it does!"
"And the child comes to play."
She pounces on me and starts tugging at my hair. I yell out in surprise and laugh, holding her back.
"Apologize!" She says.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
Wendy pouts then leans down, stealing a kiss from my lips. It is... unreal. My first kiss stolen by a circus girl. I freeze and stare at her when she leans up and smirks at me.
"Why'd you do that?"
"Because it'd annoy you." She tells me.
I blush brightly and she grins, pushing the hair from my face.
"Plus I like seeing this embarrassing face on you."
She laughs and stands up, leaving me on the ground; I lean up after, staring at her fleeting figure as she walks away.
"Wendy." I call out.
She turns back, raising an eyebrow.
"This still means you don't like me, right?"
She laughs, "calm down. It's just a kiss."
Just a kiss. I cover my mouth with my hand and look away. Just a kiss. Just a kiss. Just a kiss. Meant nothing. It felt like nothing.
"Are you coming?!" She asks.
Making a face, I get up and start walking after her back to the party. This circus is crazy and now I seem to be apart of it.