Hey everyone, welcome to a new story of mine! Just a fun little project I wanted to write while also writing another story of mine. I have always wanted to do something with Fairy Tail and I love the character Arthur from Fate Prototype so now we are combining the two! Just for some clarification this takes place post-Protype and will have some references. Most of Arthur's character information and materials will be coming from his Grand Order self so yes. All in all, I will be taking some creative liberties in order to mesh the universes together! Thank you for checking this out and please review it, and give me feedback so I can improve. If it does well maybe I will continue!
DISCLAIMER- I do not own any characters, all property belongs to all respective owners of Fairy Tail and Fate/Stay Night.
Chapter One: Dream Awakening
"Erza, come here for a moment." A voice called out to a young girl with short scarlet red hair that fell to her shoulders.
As she turned to find the source of the voice, you could see she wore torn and dirty rags, no shoes, and her skin was cut, dirty, and bruised. Metal shackles hung around her wrists and ankles. Yet despite all of this when she heard the voice call her name she smiled brightly. Her childhood innocence and purity were barely dimmed by the rough and slave-like conditions.
"Grandpa Rob!" The young child called Erza responded, running over to the other side of their cell to greet him.
Surrounded by hundreds of others, all wearing the same pitiful attire as Erza she stood before the man she called 'Grandpa'. He too, wore rags for clothes and shackles on his wrists and ankles. His body was thin, lean to the point of seeing bone, his hair was white and long matching his beard. His face, again like everyone, looked tired, defeated, yet not broken.
When Erza stood before him he smiled, as brightly as he could, as he sat crossed-legged before her.
"Did you fare well today in the mines?" He asked her.
The young child nodded her head eagerly, her smile still on her face. "Uh-huh!" She mumbled. "All of us kids kept our heads low and did what we were told! No beatings or anything today!" She said with excitement.
Though despite the good news, the old man merely sadly smiled and nodded his head. What a cruel place to be for children to be so excited to not be beaten or starved. The conditions were bad enough, but it was unspoken law around the cells that the adults, well most of them anyway, did what they could for the bright and happy children. No one deserved to be in their situation, worked half to death, beaten when tired, and starved half of the days out of the week. Yet, it was worse to watch a child, who should be happy and playful, suffer things the adults already considered hell.
And it was because of the child's gentle and warm smile that they continued to do whatever they could to help them. Those pure smiles were just about the only joy any of them got in this hellish place.
"Very good then," Grandpa Rob muttered, he patted the ground in front of him. "Sit, I want to tell you a story." He said with a soft smile.
The small child's eyes lit up with awe. She always loved the old man's stories. It gave her something to think about and imagine, a way to escape the cells of the tower she was enslaved to. So as instructed she quickly found a seat in front of him. Crossing her legs and smiling wide for all to see.
"Thanks, Grandpa!" She proclaimed with glee. "What will it be about this time?" She asked eagerly.
The old man grinned at Erza's excitement. "Hehe, oh I think you'll like this story quite well. It's about a King who wielded a sacred sword of light. An ideal Knight who was capable of destroying all evil!" He spoke, using his hands to make grand gestures and emphasize words.
The redheaded girl's eyes widened once more, as she barely could sit still. Her imagination running wild. "Oh!"
"His name was King Arthur! He ruled a land far away, a land of powerful knights and chivalry! He and his knights were known for their honor and skill! All legends within their own right! But it was King Arthur who pulled a sword from a stone, being chosen to wield a powerful blade of light that could defeat any darkness!" Grandpa Rob began to explain, drawing pictures with his hands and fingers.
Erza sat forward, leaning closer as she listened to his words. She imagined a powerful holy knight wielding this blade of light. She imagined him slaying beasts and saving the day. Defeating darkness and saving the world with his knights.
"Wow, Grandpa tell me more!" She pleaded hoping he would continue his story of King Arthur.
"Well if you insist!" He said with a bit of a teasing tone. "King Arthur was known for bringing great peace across his kingdom. Uniting his country to defeat its enemies! His defeat of beasts and villains spread even to our own country. Among the coasts, cities have built great statues of King Arthur standing tall and ready to defend the world from darkness. A true hero of the people, a knight in shining armor!"
Erza was completely fascinated with this story of knights and powerful heroes. "How did he die?" She asked suddenly.
"Ah," He answered with a frown. "One of his knights turned on him! While he went to fight an enemy outside of his country the evil Knight of Rebellion raised an army to challenge the King! When King Arthur returned from his battles he was forced to fight once more for the survival of his once peaceful Kingdom! It was there that after slaying his treacherous knight, he died due to his wounds." He ended with a bit of a solemn tone.
"Why would they rebel against him if he was so kind, Grandpa?" She asked.
"Some people did not understand the King and his kindness. Some wished to seize his power and wealth for themselves. You could almost argue that because of his kindness people could not relate to him, for he was too pure. The perfect image of what it meant to be the ideal king and knight. A true hero." The old man answered simply.
Erza looked confused for a moment, thinking about the answer to her question. "I still don't understand. . .Why would they kill him." She mumbled a bit of sadness in her voice.
Grandpa Rob looked at her face and smiled, laughing as she pouted over the mythical hero. "Do not worry Erza. For King Arthur is not dead."
The young girl raised her head. "What do you mean? I thought you said he died?"
"I did, but death was not the end, for the King rests in the afterlife. Waiting to return when the world needs him most." He said with a soft smile.
Erza's face seemed to light up once more. "Do you think he'll come and save us, Grandpa?" She asked innocently.
The question caught the old man by surprise. He looked at Erza shocked for a moment, seeing the plea in her eyes. A hope that someone will free them from this prison. The old man closed his eyes and smiled. "Maybe, but that is the beauty of King Arthur and his Knights. They do not need to be here right now to fight for us. For their heroism lives in every knight that fights for justice and peace." He says rubbing the top of Erza's head.
The young child looked at the ground for a second with a bit of sadness. Why could King Arthur not come and save them? Though with that sadness came a bit of frustration and also inspiration. Erza jumped up and threw her fist into the sky. "Don't worry Grandpa, I'll become a knight just like King Arthur and save everyone! I'll even find a blade of light and scare away all the darkness!" She proclaimed seriously, a smirk of confidence forming on her face.
The old man looked at the little girl and her promise. He smile, it would seem that the story of King Arthur had done for her what it did for him when he was a boy. Inspire and motivate.
So in response, the old man nodded his head. "I know you will."
A golden sky stretched as far as the eye could see with a green peaceful grass plain that ran across the horizon. Among this green grass and golden sky were patches of pink and beautiful flowers. A soft wind that forced the grass and flowers to dance and shift. Everything, including the air and quiet sounds, said tranquility and peace. This was the paradise that King Arthur fought for, and paid for with his actions in life and now afterward.
Avalon.
Yet this King Arthur was not allowed into Avalon, at least not yet. For he still had a job to do in death. To find and kill Beast VI. Thanks to this mission Arthur had been summoned across the multi-verse. Visiting different planets and realities in search of a monster that threatened to destroy humanity. That was his responsibility as holder of the sacred sword.
He was unsuccessful thus far. He succeeded in protecting many realities and times, sometimes. But, either way, he was always summoned with a mission to destroy some evil or monster related or closely resembling that of Beast VI. He saved as many lives as he could now as a traveler, a simple Knight with a quest. Not a King.
"Are you dreaming well, my King?" A soft female voice spoke out, almost whispering in his ear.
The blonde knight of the past opened his eyes. Laying among the grass plain of Avalon. "Huh?" He muttered with some confusion before sitting up slightly. "Avalon? Merlin?" He asked, his confusion clearly as he blinked his eyes. Trying to dismiss his groggy nature.
The woman clad in all white with matching white hair nodded with a smile on her face.
"What is it?" He asked, not truly phased by his current situation.
It was not unusual for Merlin to visit him in strange and unexpected ways. Sometimes she came to him in dreams, others he appeared here in Avalon. Sometimes she projected herself within the reality he was summoned. And more often than he would like to admit she completely ignored him and allowed him to stumble and fall in the dark alone. Not anything he was not used to from Merlin but truly frustrating.
"You are being sent elsewhere once more. A new place, much different from those you have experienced before." She answered simply. Continuing to stand before him.
Arthur's crystal green eyes narrowed. His expression turned serious. "Is it Beast VI?" He asked,
Another simple nod from Merlin, no verbal answer.
The former king looked below at the grass of Avalon. Beast VI continued to evade him, who knew how long it had been now? Sometimes he arrived too late in reality and showed up when everything was already destroyed. He hoped that wasn't the case this time around.
"Find Fairy Tail and the Master. They will guide you and be your allies, Arthur." She spoke, breaking the silence and removing him from his thoughts.
"Huh?" He questioned, looking up to face her once more. "Fairy tale? What do you mean? Merlin?" He asked for clarification, but just like in typical Merlin fashion, his body began to fade from Avalon without any more answers. "Hey wait a moment, Merlin?" He tried again, her hint confusing enough already.
"Be careful my King, for evil has already rooted itself in this world plentiful with magic." She spoke softly again.
It was at that moment Arthur opened his eyes, staring upwards at a blue sky with large trees towering over him. The knight blinked a couple of times, looking around to see where he had ended up. Leaning against a tree Arthur felt as if he had just awoke from a long nap. Though the dream, or memory, of Merlin, was quite clear in his mind. Rising to his feet he stood up, adjusting his shining armor and blue underclothes. Brushing himself off and grabbing his hood and pulling it over his head.
"Merlin. . .do you strive to make things so difficult?" He asked himself under his breath, continuing to take a look around. Would it kill her to spend a couple more seconds explaining things fully before kicking him out on another mission? One day he was sure to pay her back for all the trouble she caused him. How upsetting.
Arthur shook his head, moving past his frustrations with his mentor and court mage and focusing on the task at hand. "Find the fairy tale and its master?" He asked himself, hoping to make sense of it the second time.
Honestly, he thinks the more he said it the less sense it truly made.
Though there was something that Merlin said that made sense now that he was standing in this new world. It was plentiful with magic. The Knight raised his hand and waved it through the air. He could feel it all around him. Different than most if not all worlds he had been in before. Not that mana was ever an issue to him, technically being a summon of the world he was always connected to a powerful source of magic energy. Yet now that he was surrounded by it, it was difficult to feel or sense other magical presences because technically they all were.
Like going from a swimming pool to the ocean. He would have to rely more on his instincts than his senses when it came to hunting the evil that Merlin mentioned. That was another thing. 'Evil has already rooted itself in this world' she said. What was Arthur walking into once he found himself leaving this forest? Was it going to be a wasteland of a world? If not, then how much time did he have? Nothing felt particularly cold or evil, not that it was easy to feel out currently.
It made the King of Knights anxious, to say the least.
With a deep sigh, the hooded knight pushed past the last set of thick fauna and brush. Revealing a dirt path carved into the land. He looked right and left, trying to find the best way to turn but figured he would walk in the direction of the most condensed magic energy. Hoping that would lead him to the closest town or village. He figured in any time or reality it was always best to see the condition of the world, gather information and judge his next move.
When summoned into an already dying world it was a bit more simple. Less investigating, more fighting right off the bat. The change in pace was a nice shift for Arthur. Live trees, birds, and just nature, in general, were a good indication of a more stable world and environment. But, just as he thought about before, it also gave way to anxiety. Fear of missing something or frustration from not being able to stop an attack.
It would seem that there were trades in life and in death.
Seeing that Arthur was also summoned by the world and with the help of Merlin to chase threats to humanity he was not provided with the same knowledge that he would if he were summoned by a lesser Grail. Merlin helped with the basics, but the finer details were left up to Arthur to figure out for himself. He figured it was better for him to train and study himself anyway. It helped make him feel prepared.
As his feet connected with the dirt path, his armor shifted and clanked with each step, his eyes beneath his hood focused on something in front of him. A wagon it would seem, pulled to the side of the path. There were others too, five, surrounding the cart holding weapons to the driver who frantically waved his hands and pleaded.
Bandits.
"Give it to us geezer or you won't live to see another day!" One man with a sword screamed, shoving the point of the weapon in the driver's face.
"Please!" He screamed in response. "I have to get this delivery to the city! Or my family won't get fed!" He answers, trying to talk his way out of this situation.
"I would quit worrying about your family and worry about yourself right now!" Another with two daggers said, jumping next to the driver and placing his weapons to the innocent man's throat. "How about we just kill you and use your hand to open the back away," The bandit threatens.
The others laughed at his threat, scaring the older man even more. They seem to inch closer, growing impatient and ready to take the driver's life.
"Lower your weapons," A voice called out, grabbing the attention of the bandits and the driver of the wagon. The hooded knight approached the group of people, his armor shining underneath the sun, his face hidden by the shadow of his hood.
The bandits narrowed their eyes. "Who the hell is that?" One asked,
The one with the daggers jumped from next to the driver and walked forward, gathering the other four behind him. "Who cares, there's only one of him." He mumbled to his group awaiting the hooded Knight to approach.
"Last chance," Arthur states, standing before the other men. "The only reason I'm giving it to you is because you have yet to harm that man." He states firmly, a frown etched into the exposed part of his face.
"Haha! Please! We are gonna kill you then we'll-" The bandit had yet to finish his sentence before the hooded knight vanished from his sight.
He couldn't even mumble his surprise before Arthur reappeared right in front of him, crouched low both hands gripped tight and pulled back. He threw his hands forward the invisible blade connecting with the stomach of the bandit and sending him flying with enough force to shake the others as they stood still.
Before the first had time to smack against the ground Arthur had reset his stance and in one sweep of his weapon in a horizontal manner, caught one bandit in the side and dragged him into the others. Throwing the rest of the four into the forest with great force.
The driver watched with wide eyes as the hooded knight quickly and effectively defeated the five bandits in a manner of seconds. One crashed far up the path sending smoke and dirt into the air while the other four crashed into tall trees and brush. So hard in fact that the trees cracked and fell over due to the impact of their bodies.
Arthur stood up and lowered his weapon, of course, unknown to any onlookers thanks to the invisible air seal placed on the weapon. He adjusted his hood and looked at the wagon driver.
"Are you alright, sir?" He asked kindly, so kindly in fact it took the older man by surprise. Someone so ruthless in combat sounded so caring and sweet.
He nodded, "Yes, young man thank you. You must be one of those guild mages!" He proclaimed, hopping off his wagon to greet Arthur. Offering his hand once he landed on his feet and stood before him.
The hooded knight took his hand and shook it firmly. Though he shook his head in response. "No sir, just a traveler looking for a nearby town." He answered softly.
The older man tilted his head. "You? Not a guild mage? You sure got some skill boy. I would consider it if I were you. You'd make a killing on requests!" He says with a soft chuckle. Hobbling over to the back of the wagon. "Well, if you are looking for a nearby town I can take you there. It is the least I can do for you for protecting my business!" He says swinging the doors open to his wagon.
Arthur bows his head respectfully, "Your offer is generous, I accept gracefully. Thank you, sir." He says kindly before walking over and jumping in the back. He found a seat among the crates and supplies stacked in the back and took a deep breath.
"Ah, so full of manners. They just don't make them like you anymore boy." The driver says in response. Closing the door and hopping back into the driver's seat. With a quick couple of buttons, the wagon begins to move forward along the path, among the bumps and dips in the road.
Arthur sits quietly in the back, watching as the trees pass by.
"Where you from young man? If you don't mind me asking." The old man asks, breaking the silence from the driver's seat.
"Ah, I traveled far. Far from here." Arthur answers honestly.
"Hah! You seem to be doing it right! What I wouldn't do to be young again! To travel all over the world just as you." He answers with a jolly tone and a burst of joyous laughter. "Looking for anything in particular or just drifting along?" He follows up.
A moment of silence goes by. Arthur considers what to say in this situation. "I am looking for someone, I think." He says, "A fairy tale. And a Master." He tries to simplify Merlin's vague directions.
"Hm," The driver answered, pondering Arthur's answers. "Got anything more specific than that?" He responds.
The hooded savior drops his head. "Unfortunately no."
"Very well then, let me think for a second." A moment passes as the driver thinks over his answer. "Ah, there are tons of fairy tales around these parts. You have Zeref the black mage responsible for all sorts of dark and evil magic. Tons of talk about dragons too. Not as popular in these parts but more northwest along the coast you have legends of King Arthur and his knights."
As the old man listed the number of fairy tales and legends that exist in this world Arthur nodded but paid little attention. He would note the legend of Zeref and his dark magic for later but with the current task of finding this Master he doubted it would help him. Same with the mention of dragons. Yet at the sound of, well, him he perked his head up. "Excuse me but did you say King Arthur?"
The driver stopped his explanation for a moment due to the interruption. "Yes, I did. It's an old tale, mostly a kid's story. You familiar?"
"A little."
It was good to know that King Arthur, or some version of him, existed in this world. Whether by legend or history. There were many worlds where King Arthur did not exist, and many more that did. It was hard to tell sometimes, given the state of some of those worlds Arthur visited. But, should something more than a Beast exist here then he would need to be careful about handing out his identity. It could draw unwanted attention, or lead his enemies to exploit his time in history.
"Well, there are tons more I am forgetting I'm sure. But, we are headed to the city of Magnolia. There is a great library there that you can use in order to research some more of these fairy tales you might be looking for." The old man spoke again.
"Ah, thank you," Arthur says, a little defeated. None of these sounded too promising but getting to a place with information would be a step forward. No matter how small.
"Wait a minute!" The driver proclaims, causing Arthur to jump a little. "Hahaha! How could I have forgotten about them? I guess you just said it all funny so it didn't even come to mind." He followed up with another fit of laughter.
Arthur raised his eyebrows underneath his hood in confusion.
"I don't think you are chasing some legends boy. You were probably told to find Fairy Tail, not a fairy tale."
Still confused, Arthur spoke up. "I'm sorry I don't think I follow."
"The mage guild, boy! Fairy Tail! The most dominant guild in the area and they are set up right in downtown Magnolia! The Master there is an older smaller man named Makarov. He's been Master of the guild for a while. Even if you aren't looking for anyone there I would still recommend stopping in. With someone of your skill I'm sure they can use you and not to mention guilds are pretty good about favors and taking care of members. I'm sure in return they will point you anywhere you need to go!" The driver explained with great excitement. "Probably should be careful though, someone as good-mannered as you might have a hard time fitting in. Stories of Fairy Tail usually end in some over-top destruction. Pretty rowdy bunch those ones."
Arthur lifted his head with surprise. Could that be what Merlin was talking about? A guild of mages? This man Makarov was their Master. It would make sense no? Then again because of how vague Merlin's direction was anything could make sense if you force it. He placed a hand on his chin and thought for a moment. Still, even if it was a dead end he could end up finding someone that does know.
A better step in the right direction.
"Thank you, I may have a better idea where to look." Arthur finally replies.
A nod from the driver. "Of course, glad I could help! Now don't worry. We'll be in Magnolia in no time."
A couple of hours had passed, silent hours on the dirt road that lead Arthur to the city of Magnolia. The sun was setting now, the orange and red tint of the clouds filled the horizon. Aside from the shakes from the cart when it rolled over bumps and dips there was not much side between the driver and the hooded knight. Admittedly, Arthur enjoyed the peace and quiet. Watching the trees silently go by as the machine hummed forward.
Now the trees were fewer and the buildings were more common. The Knight of Sky Silver was surprised to see people openly walking around. Smiling, laughing, and screaming as they walked between the city blocks. A lively and peaceful town. Something he had not seen in a long time. Jumping between universes, and fighting monsters that feed on humanity, caused time to fly and mesh together. Who knew how long it had been since he began his journey? Time flowed differently between each one.
He could spend years here and travel to the next one only to find out it was a day somewhere else.
Still, the sight was enough to get a smirk from the King of Knights.
"You still alive back there young man?" The driver asked, bringing the vehicle to a slow stop.
"Yes,"
"Good, we are here. This is about as far into the city as I can take you. Just a couple blocks from here are the city center and the market. Down the street, a couple of blocks from that is the guild hall. There you should be able to find someone that can help you." He said, jumping out of the driver's seat and walking over to the back door which he opened from Arthur to jump out of.
The knight landed with both feet and a clank of his armor before adjusting the hood on his head. He turned and looked down at the man that had helped him thus far. "Thank you, for everything." He finished bowing his head once more.
"Nonsense, I should be thanking you. Because of you, I can return home to my family. A debt I fear I can never repay back to you." The old man said offering his hand once more, to give a respectful and thankful farewell.
Arthur took it firmly, his smile seen beneath the shadow cast from his hood. "You have done more than enough. Thank you again." He said caringly. So much so that his presence reminded the old man of the setting sun in the background. It was enough to warm his own heart.
"I wish there were more people like you in the world, son. Continue to grace people with that kindness. The world needs it." The driver said dropping his hand and walking back to his vehicle. Upon climbing back into the driver seat he turned to his side and looked upon the hooded knight once more. "I never asked for your name boy."
In response, the knight's mouth gasped a little in surprise. He thought for a moment about what to say, then he smiled. "I'm Saber."
The old man smirked, "Funny name. But, nevertheless, thank you, Saber." He said one last farewell while offering a wave before riding off down the street.
Offering the man a wave of his own, Arthur saw the man off. Watching as he rode far down the road and turned. Lowering his hand Arthur followed the directions the man had given him. Walking down the city street, which now had been slowing down thanks to the time of day. He strolled along a canal that flowed through the city, people on row boats gracefully passed by as others walked next to him. No one gave him a second glance as he noticed others walking among the streets in all sorts of attire.
And just as he noticed before, he could feel the amount of magic that flowed from everything. The people, the objects, and even the bulbs in the street lights. It was fascinating. Not entirely different from some of his experiences with Magus families and facilities. Yet for all of this to be so open, so available to everyone. Another breath of fresh air to see among a long journey.
It was then that he found himself before a tall building of two or three stories. A sign above the large red door, which seemed to have a heart shape lining the center, read 'Fairy Tail'. It was accompanied on each side by metal Fairies with, you guessed, tails. A more simplified version of those fairies hung from the top of a building sowed onto a flag.
By all obvious signs, he figured he had reached his destination.
Placing his armored hands on the door Arthur pushed the double door open. The red metal door creaked with each inch it moved. As Arthur slowly pushed his way inside he could make out the interior details of the building. The tables, the chairs, even the bar off to the right.
That and all the people that stared as he entered.
Fairy Tail, is a guild known for its rowdy-like atmosphere and crazy members that toe the line of breaking the rules on a daily basis. This reputation is what made the guild so popular among the citizens of Magnolia but also so unpopular with the council and authority figures of the government. Either way, anyone will tell you that the guild hall of Fairy Tail was never boring, never quiet, and always fun to be around.
Usually anyway.
Currently, inside the guild hall, the members of Fairy Tail continued their usual activities of talking, drinking, and the occasional fight between members. Yet despite on the surface looking like nothing had changed the atmosphere of the popular and powerful guild was different. It was more quiet, sad even.
Close to a week ago, their Master had gone off to meet with the other guild masters for a conference. A usual responsibility that came up every now and then and was good for the guilds to maintain a positive relationship with each other. Following their Master's departure a powerful team of up-and-coming mages, including one a part of the S-class division had gone on a mission to stop an unknown plot of a dark guild.
Long story short an attack ensued on the Master's conference, the dark guild attempting to kill the Masters with Death Magic. The plot was foiled by the team consisting of Fairy Tail mages. A great accomplishment.
Yet, there has been no word from Fairy Tail's Master or guildmates since. It had been almost a week, three days since the guild had sent some of their own to look for them. The mystery of where their comrades and Master were was weighing on the guild. Casting a dark and sad cloud that hung over the worried members. They all had faith they would return, they had to. But, still, there were slight thoughts of doubt that only grew with each passing day.
"Mira, still no word?" A member of the guild asked. He was an older man, his hair was a light brown that was combed into a long and rounded spike, and a pipe was placed between his lips.
The woman behind the bar turned to face the man when he asked the question. She was a gorgeous white-haired woman with a soft face and smile. "No, sorry Wakaba." She said sadly, shaking her head as she spoke.
"Man," The man now known as Wakaba sighed. "I know the Master and them kids are strong but I never thought it would take them this long to come back. It's startin' to worry everyone." He said turning on his barstool to face the other members scattered within the guild hall.
Mira followed his eyes as she too looked up at everyone. All sitting amongst the tables or standing around with some sort of frown or sad look. Usually, despite the day, this time of night was rowdy for the guild. Even the rate at which their members took jobs was starting to slow down. Everyone seemed to be affected by this past week.
"Yeah, losing the Master for a week or two is one thing but losing Natsu, Erza, and the others has really caused this place to slow down." She commented, holding her hands in front of her as she looked at the bar. "Master appointed me to take care of everyone while he was gone but, I don't know what to do." She mumbled, she wanted everyone to smile and be happy. She knew that they were out there okay somewhere, she had faith. But still. . .seeing everyone like this it was heartbreaking.
Wakaba turned to see Mira's face and frowned. "Don't worry about it, Mira. Things will go back to normal in no time. Just give it a couple more days." He reassured her, he wasn't quite sure how much he believed his own words but hoped that it would be enough to keep Mira standing on her feet. She was a pillar of Fairy Tail and losing her too with this whole thing going on would only spell trouble.
It was at that moment, like on a cue, that the door to the guild hall opened. The sound of the door creaking and scraping against the hardwood floors caused everyone to turn at look at the source. Most of them peaked their heads up with hope, hope that their teammates and Master had returned.
However, as light from the setting sun contrasted with the light in the guild all everyone could make out was one silhouette of a person. Their hope diminished into curiosity as they began to wonder who the single figure was.
As the door opened fully and the person stepped inside, it wasn't until the doors shut behind them that they could make out the features of the newcomer. Clad in silver-like shining armor from shoulders down, wearing blue and black clothes that filled the spaces underneath the armor and a hood that covered their face, everyone's mind filled with the same question.
Who is that?
They stopped their advancements within the guild to look around. Silence filled the air as they spotted the bar off to the side of the building. Ignoring the stares and gazes from the other members of Fairy Tail, the hooded knight approached Wakaba and Mira.
"Expecting someone Mira?" Wakaba whispered as he watched the figure approach them.
"No, I'm not quite sure who that is. I've never seen anyone, mage or government figure alike, wear any sort of armor like that." She replied, waiting for the person to step before the bar.
It was not long before they stood before the two members of Fairy Tail. Even this close the hood pulled over their head cast a dark shadow that covered their facial features.
"Excuse me," The male voice spoke out to Mira. It took her by surprise, her eyes widened as her mouth gasped. "I am here looking for the Master of this guild." His voice was so gentle, so kind and caring, it was strange to hear coming from such an armored person. It took Mira a second to gather her thoughts as she stared at the knight before her.
Though the others that stared daggers at the new arrival with curiosity seemed to groan and turn away at the mention of the Master. Perhaps they hoped that this person had some information, or maybe could provide some sort of distraction to the situation that weighed on them. They seemed to be wrong.
It was not Mira that spoke next but Wakaba, as he stood up from his barstool and offered the woman a farewell. "Well, I'll leave you to it, Mira. I'll be back tomorrow after my job." The man said, breaking the white-haired woman out of her daze.
"Oh," She said regaining her thoughts and nodding at the leaving member. "Be careful, Wakaba." She waved as he walked away from the conversation. Leaving her with the hooded knight. Her blue eyes looked up to him for a moment. "I'm sorry, I must have spaced out. You are looking for Master Makarov?" She asked.
Arthur beneath the hood looked at the woman, who the other man called Mira, and nodded simply. Not giving her a verbal reply.
"I'm sorry but the Master isn't here right now." She replied softly, grabbing the empty glass left behind and placing it in the sink behind the bar. "Is there anything I can help you with? Or perhaps a message for the Master?" She followed up.
He shook his head in response. "I'm afraid not. I was instructed to speak with him directly," He stated, offering her a gentle response despite declining her offer. "Do you happen to know when he will return? Or perhaps where I can find him?"
Silence fell upon the bartender and the bar room, a heavy question that left the hooded knight confused by the silenced reaction. The woman with white hair bit her lip and frowned. "No, I don't. It's actually more a problem around here." She started, raising her head to clear any confusion. "Master Makarov and some others have been gone for close to a week. We are hoping they will return any day but there's no word officially. I'm sorry but we just don't know when he'll be back." She said, her apology was genuine as she spoke with a soft voice.
Mira always liked to support Fairy Tail as much as she could now that she was no longer considered a mage. The guild was left in her care and not being able to raise the spirits of her fellow guild mates was weighing on her heavily. Now that a stranger as come looking for the Master's help, she was still in no position to assist. She truly felt helpless and she couldn't figure out how to change it.
Arthur listened to her explanation and his exposed mouth formed a frown. Lowering his head visibly his thoughts began to wander. Another roadblock and dead end. It had been less than a day since he had arrived in this world but still no end in sight for deciphering Merlin's cryptic instructions. Every hour he wasted wandering in the dark looking for where to start was more time an evil could grow stronger, another innocent life that was at risk. He could search himself, traveling from town to town in search of this great evil but he knew that in the end, he would waste more time endlessly searching than following the only lead he had.
Still, it was disheartening.
However, he knew that he would have to keep pressing forward. Have faith that this was a part of the plan. More importantly, it was not this woman's fault, so he raised his head and offered her a soft smile. "Thank you," He spoke kindly, bowing his head respectfully. "I hope your Master returns safely, soon. I shall return another time and see if he has returned from his journey." He finished and at that time he went to turn around and head out of the guild building. Where he would go? He didn't know. But, he would fill his time with something. He had to.
"Wait!" Mira called out to him, stopping him before he took another step. There was something about this man that Mira could not let go of. The way he held himself, the way he spoke, it was all so caring and warm. Her heart ached at the idea that this man had traveled, presumably from afar, to get help only to be turned away. "You traveled quite far, haven't you? I can offer you a place to stay. At least for a day or so in case the Master does return."
Arthur turned to face Mira, a slight shock etched on his face. He was taken aback by this offer, it was extremely kind, especially for a stranger she didn't even know the name of. "That's very kind but I can't accept." He said raising his hand in front of him. "I have no money to compensate for your hospitality and I fear that I have already overstayed my welcome." He continued, his voice carrying consideration for those around them and their emotions. The last thing he wanted to do was take advantage of someone trying to help while they themselves were in a situation.
Mira shook her head in response to his statements. "On the house. It's just a small room in the back, nothing special. Please, let me help." She finished softly, the tail end of her words coming out with a determined yet pleading look in her eyes.
He could see the emotions in her blue eyes, her determination to help someone. She was a kind woman, kindness Arthur feared he would not be able to repay. Plus, it wasn't like he needed a place to sleep or eat. However, since he couldn't dematerialize it wasn't an unwelcome offer. So, he sighed in defeat. This could prove beneficial. Perhaps leading to a great relationship with the guild and its members that Merlin had told him about.
He just hoped that this wouldn't lead to any trouble for them.
"Very well," He said nodding his head in agreement. "I am in your debt."
It would seem at the mention of accepting her offer, Mira's mood brightened. A smile was quickly etched into her face as she waved him off. "No, not at all. That's what this guild is all about!" She proclaimed. "Here, let me take you there now. I'm about to close down the bar and lock up anyway."
Arthur wanted to protest the sudden accommodations but quickly dropped it. He did not want to seem rude or ungrateful and the change in her mood did not go unnoticed by him. So, instead, he just nodded his head and watched as she finished wiping down the tabletop of the bar before walking out from behind it and over to him.
Standing in front of him and looking up at him, Mira noticed that she could still not see his face very clearly. That hood did wonders to hide his identity. It made her extremely curious. But, everything else about him was so. . .well put together. The armor, the way he talked and held himself. It was like she was talking to royalty or a knight from kids' stories. It was a bit romantic in thought alone.
"Come this way." She said, waving him over to a door next to the bar that lead to the back of the guild building.
He followed silently, walking behind her and closing the door as they stepped through. They seemed to step into a hallway of sorts that was lined with wooden walls and floors. Lanterns that glowed a light yellow illuminated the hallway as they walked over the sometimes creaky floorboards. The hallway connected a couple of wooden doors, most were closed but the ones that weren't led to small closets and storage for food and drinks.
As they walked down the hallway it was Arthur that spoke first. "Thank you again," He said softly, "You are very kind." He complimented, turning slightly to face Mira as he offered her a small smile.
Turning to face the man that complimented her, Mira could feel her face heating up at his soft and gentle words. Not to mention his warm smile. She offered a smile of her own, regaining her composure. "As I said, that's what this guild is all about." She repeated, this time a little more seriously. "The Master is constantly offering his aid and the guild to anyone that looks like they need it. He's been doing it for as long as I can remember. It's what makes this place special. I know for a fact he wouldn't want that to change just because he wasn't here at the moment."
Listening to her words Arthur couldn't help but feel moved. It was rare to see, even throughout the countless worlds he has been to and even when he was alive, finding a place that spoke of such generosity and charity. He had only been here an hour or so, but if what she said was true there might even be more to this place than that. Comradery, family.
"Master Makarov sounds like a pretty kind man himself." Arthur commented.
"He's one of a kind, always has been." Mira finished, smiling as she thought of her own past and the impact the Master has had on everyone. "He can be goofy at times. But there are all sorts of backgrounds here. Those that came because they heard about how strong and great this place is. Others stumbled in on accident. Even those that were lost and picked up by the Master himself. Despite all that diversity and change, he has always given them a chance and place to be a part of something more." Lowering her head slightly, "It's kind of the reason why he means so much to everyone around here. He isn't just our Master."
The hooded knight nodded his head in response. He could see how meaningful this place was to Mira, and if she was anything to go by he was sure everyone else too. He wasn't too sure when coming to this place what the guild would be like. From what he had pieced together before he thought it was close to just an organization used to manage mages. Fairy Tail just seemed to be a little wilder than others.
He was starting to realize that he was very wrong.
"Hearing what you have to say about Master Makarov, it makes sense why his disappearance would affect the whole guild so much." When he entered Arthur could feel the tension in the air. Once again, he thought it was because he was new, a stranger in the guild. Now, he was starting to think he had just walked in on a tense situation.
Mira laughed softly at his comment, she was able to tell right away what he was hinting at. Not that she took offense to it by any means. "Sorry about earlier. The Master isn't the only one to not have come back in a while. Everyone is just worried. Usually, this guild is full of life and excitement. I'm sure deep down they were just curious."
Arthur's ear perked up a little bit when she mentioned that last bit. "Curious?"
"Well yes. It's quite obvious that you aren't from around here." She added, turned to face Arthur once more, and offer him a smile.
In response, he seemed to form a slight frown. Almost like a small pout as he sighed in defeat. Even when he was trying to not bring attention to himself it would seem that he only succeeded in doing it more. Mira caught this and laughed at his expense, causing him to turn and face her.
"Sorry, sorry. It's just funny is all. We don't get many visitors like you. So it's quite easy to tell." She said, stopping her small fit of laughter and tilting her head to think for a moment. "I guess everything about you is just. . .different than most. It's hard to explain. You're just one of a kind."
Arthur pondered the comment for a moment. She wasn't entirely wrong, he was a heroic spirit sent from world to world to fight evil and save humanity. He guessed it was just natural for people to know that something was different or off about him. He was just glad it was left at a 'far traveling wanderer'.
They walked in silence for a minute more before Mira stopped before a door. She raised a ring of keys and placed one into the door and turned it. Opening the wooden door revealed a small room with a bed. It wasn't fancy, but it was cozy and it was a room. A nice place to relax, think, and collect himself. If there was going to be any of that tonight. Arthur figured he would spend his time pondering his thoughts, and his movements, and try to gather a plan for tomorrow should the Master not arrive. He could only waste so much time.
"Here you are." She said stepping to the side and allowing access to the room.
"Thank you, once more I don't know how I can repay you."
Mira shook her head with a smile. "You already have. This past week has been rough for me. Not being able to help my fellow guildmates with the stress of losing the Master and the others, I just needed to feel useful. You gave me that. I'm happy I could help someone."
He sat silently for a moment, shifting his mouth as he tried to hold back a frown. His lips pressed together in a serious tone. "No matter how rough, I know for a fact that you are never useless. No one is. Your heart, your kindness, is more than enough, Mira." He said sternly. Though his words were still soft they hit hard for Mira. As she stared with her mouth gasped with shock. She wasn't expecting these words again. It made her feel. . .happy, light, honestly she almost wanted to cry.
"Thank you." She smiled brightly. The best gift Arthur could ask for. "I never got your name." She added, realizing all this time she had yet to thank him properly.
"It's Saber."
"Thank you, Saber." She stated again, her voice light and happy. "Goodnight."
So there it is. The first chapter. I had fun writing this one at a bit more of a faster pace than I usually do. I wanted to end it here but didn't know it would be so long. I'm glad it came out this length and hope it is a good first chapter to start with. The first one can be the hardest sometimes to nail and get in the grove for a new story. I know there is always some adjusting when writing new characters but I hope you stick with me as I tweak and improve as we go. Either way, thank you all for checking it out and please review! I hope to continue soon!
Peace!