"You're so annoying! You're ignoring me!" Hearing that sinister voice, Luke stood up, feeling an intense cold run down his spine. He knew that Nightmare was still present, watching him from the shadows, waiting for the right moment to act.
But now Luke was different. The experience with the dark rings and the encounter with the darkness within him had changed something fundamental in his personality. He felt colder, more distant, as if a layer of ice had formed around his heart.
"I won't let you manipulate me anymore, Nightmare." declared Luke, his voice firm and resolute.
As Luke conversed with Nightmare in his mind, he realized that the mansion's staff didn't truly know what had happened on that fateful day. They believed that a dark mage had attacked his father, leaving him in a coma. He decided to keep this story as the official version of events. He didn't want anyone to know that he himself had been responsible for the tragedy.
For two days, Luke remained in the mansion, isolated in his thoughts. The pain was still present, but he tried to focus on his new journey in pursuit of his goal. Despite his wrong choices, he knew he could still find a better path.
On the third day, Luke made a decision. He would embark on a journey far from the mansion, far from the city where he grew up, in search of self-discovery and a chance to truly control himself. Since that day, the Ring kept calling him to acquire more energy… Before leaving, he silently bid farewell to his father, who remained in a coma.
With a backpack on his back, Luke left the mansion without making a fuss. He didn't want anyone to try to stop him or convince him to stay. It was a journey he needed to undertake alone.
Walking along unfamiliar paths, Luke felt the weight of his choices on his shoulders. The cold in his heart was palpable, and he wondered if he could become the warm and affectionate person he used to be again.
"How could I let the darkness consume me like this?" he thought bitterly. "I was so foolish to believe I could control the dark rings without being corrupted by them."
The Ring of Corruption and the Ring of Eternal Thirst were now like a shadow hovering over me constantly. The power they offered was tempting, but at what price? I knew that if I gave in to the seduction of darkness again, I would lose what little humanity I had left.
"I can't afford to deny my own darkness; I need it right now." I found myself thinking. "I need to embrace all parts of myself, even the dark ones." Luke said to himself.
While my thoughts enveloped me, Nightmare's voice echoed in my mind once again, interrupting my thoughts. Her voice was lively and provocative, which only increased my irritation.
"Haha! You've finally realized you can't ignore me, my dear champion," she said with a mocking tone. "So many conflicting emotions in your heart… It's delicious!"
I rolled my eyes, resisting the urge to shout at the dark entity. I was tired of her taunts and manipulations.
"I have no more patience for your schemes, Nightmare," I retorted. "You can watch me as much as you want, but I won't fall into your traps again."
"But you're wrong, Luke," she replied, her voice becoming more serious. "Everything that has happened so far is a consequence of your own choices. You gave me a foothold in your soul, and I simply took the opportunity."
Hearing Nightmare's words filled me with anger and regret. I knew she was right. My choices had led me to this point, and I couldn't blame anyone but myself.
"However, I have to admit it was a fascinating experience to see you succumb to the darkness," she continued, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "That moment when you were about to kill your own father… It was a masterpiece!"
My hands clenched into fists, and my heart tightened with pain. I was disgusted with myself and the dark entity that seemed to revel in my suffering.
"You don't understand, do you?" I shouted, my voice laden with frustration. "I don't want to be this monster! I don't want to hurt the people I love! But you… you just want to see me fall further into darkness!"
"Ah, but that's where you're wrong again," Nightmare responded, her voice sounding even darker. "I want you to reach your full potential, to unleash the power within you. Darkness is just a means to a greater end."
Her words confused me even more. I knew I couldn't trust her, but a part of me wondered if she was right about my magical potential.
Before I could say anything else, Nightmare transformed, taking on a more lively and eccentric form. She held a battered black book in her hands.
"Ah, but enough of the dark talk, my champion!" she said, a malicious gleam in her eyes. "I have a special gift for you."
She extended the book toward me, and I looked at it cautiously. The title was written in silver and mysterious letters: "The Story of Luke."
"What is this?" I asked, suspicious.
"This is a book that tells your story, Luke," she explained, still with a mischievous smile on her face. "All your secrets, your joys, and your sorrows are recorded here. It's a precious and dangerous book at the same time."
Intrigued and cautious, I took the book in my hands. It felt heavy, as if it carried not only words but also memories.
"Why are you giving me this?" I asked, looking at her.
"Because it's your story, Luke," she replied. "You must protect it with your life. It holds the power to free you or condemn you."
I felt a little lost, not fully understanding what she meant.
"What should I do with it?" I asked, looking at the book with a mixture of curiosity and fear.
"That's something you must figure out for yourself, my champion." she said, with a tone of mystery. "Just know that the fate of the magical world might rest in your hands. In any case, I'll give you your first task: find the one from another world who roams around here."
Before I could ask anything else, Nightmare disappeared, leaving me alone with the book in my hands. I didn't know what to do with that unusual gift and didn't understand her task, but I knew I couldn't ignore it.
I looked at the book once again and felt a determination ignite within me. I didn't want to be a mere pawn in Nightmare's hands. I wanted to be the master of my destiny, and that meant confronting my darkness and my choices.
Carefully stowing the book in my backpack, I knew I needed to strengthen myself, face my fears, and learn to control my power so it wouldn't control me.
A light suddenly illuminated behind Luke, making way for Virgo, who without hesitation sat on the blonde's lap and hugged him warmly.
"Virgo!?" Luke exclaimed in surprise.
"Master, you always liked dwelling in the past. I'll probably be punished for this behavior later," the servant said simply.
Luke couldn't help but smile. "Yes… you will, huh." The blonde then closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the spirit's embrace.
(Scene transition)
I was finally at my destination, Crocus, the capital of the Kingdom of Fiore. The bustling streets of Crocus were filled with people coming and going, and the sound of lively conversations echoed everywhere. It was a busy city, but at the same time, a sense of peace seemed to linger in the air. It was hard not to be impressed by the grandeur of the capital of the Kingdom of Fiore.
As I walked through the streets of Crocus, absorbing the bustling yet serene atmosphere of the capital, a glimpse of blue hair and distinctive attire caught my attention.
It seemed impossible, but it was him! Mystogan, one of Fairy Tail's S-class mages. He had disappeared completely in my previous timeline without a trace. The guild had searched for him for months, and there were no leads.
My heart raced, and a mixture of emotions washed over me. Him being here! And what was he doing in Crocus, walking among this crowd? It didn't seem like his typical environment.
My steps slowed, and I found myself unable to look away. For a moment, our gazes met, and a shiver ran down my spine. I didn't know how he would see me, whether as a complete stranger or perhaps, by some miracle, a guildmate.
As we finally stood next to each other, the silence grew even more palpable. I wanted to say something, but the words felt stuck in my throat.
"Mystogan..." I murmured, almost in a whisper.
He looked at me for a moment, his green eyes seeming to penetrate my soul. Then, he smiled slightly, as if he had understood something that I hadn't yet comprehended.
"You're new here, aren't you?" he asked, his voice calm and serene.
I nodded, unable to say anything more. It was as if my mind was frozen, trying to process his presence in my current reality.
His eyes went to the single ring on my finger "That's a unique piece, to say the least. Dark energy taints your being. Tell me, are you my enemy or not?" Mystogan asked.
Luke became nervous with Mystogan's question. His thoughts became jumbled as he tried to formulate an appropriate response. He knew that the appearance of his dark rings could raise suspicions, and he didn't want the situation to become hostile. After all, Mystogan was an S-class mage from Fairy Tail, and getting into conflict with him wouldn't be a good idea.
Taking a deep breath, Luke decided to be honest, at least to some extent.
"I'm not your enemy," he replied, choosing his words carefully. "I'm a mage in search of self-discovery and control over this dark energy that affects me. I don't want to cause trouble or harm anyone."
Mystogan seemed to consider his words, observing him with a keen eye. It was hard to decipher his expressions, but Luke could sense that he was being assessed. The blonde hoped that the mage would understand his situation and not see him as an immediate threat.
"Self-discovery, huh?" Mystogan said, still with that enigmatic smile. "It's not an easy journey, but it's one worth taking. I believe that everyone has the potential to find the light within themselves, even when surrounded by darkness."
Mystogan's words were comforting, yet they also left Luke with more questions. How could he find this inner light and rid himself of the influence of the dark rings? And what did Mystogan know about their presence in his life?
"Do you know anything about these rings?" Luke asked, curious.
Mystogan seemed to meditate for a moment before responding, "I know some legends and stories about dark magical artifacts," he said vaguely. "But each case is unique, and only you can uncover the truth about these rings and what they mean for you."
That answer didn't provide many concrete answers, but Luke felt there was more to those words. Mystogan seemed to be hiding something, but why was he being so mysterious? Did he know more about the true nature of the dark rings?
Before Luke could continue questioning, something caught Mystogan's attention. He looked toward the horizon, as if sensing something in the distance.
"It seems I have a matter to attend to." Mystogan said, again with that enigmatic smile. "But perhaps we'll meet again. Good luck on your journey of self-discovery."
"Wait!" Mystogan turned and looked at a now-head-bowed Luke. "Please help me solve this puzzle!" Luke requested, almost pleadingly.
Mystogan looked at him solemnly.
"And why should I involve myself in your troubles?" The mage asked.
"Because mages of Fairy Tail are that kind of people," Luke said with absolute certainty.
Mystogan just observed him in a different way now. "I understand..."
Mystogan decided that it might be best to help Luke in his quest for answers. The presence of the dark rings was intriguing and could represent a greater danger if not controlled properly.
Besides, he was curious about the young blonde mage. There seemed to be a strange connection between them.
"Alright, I'll help you," Mystogan said, his voice serious and pondering. "But keep in mind that the journey you seek won't be easy. The darkness you carry is dangerous, and facing it will require courage and determination."
Luke nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew he could no longer run from his problems; he had to face them head-on if he wanted to move forward.
"If you want my help, you must follow my instructions to the letter," Mystogan continued. "This is not a game, and every step you take may have consequences."
"I understand," Luke replied, with a serious expression. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to understand the influence of these dark rings."
Mystogan seemed satisfied with the young mage's response and then explained what needed to be done. He led Luke to an isolated location, far from the curious eyes of the people in the city. Mystogan's magic was unique, and he knew he could help Luke better understand the nature of the dark rings.
"Close your eyes and focus," instructed Mystogan, tracing magical symbols in the air "Feel the energy around you, but don't let it overpower you. You must be the master of your own power."
Luke followed Mystogan's instructions and tried to clear his mind, concentrating only on the energy surrounding him. He felt the presence of the dark rings, a cold and oppressive sensation that seemed to want to dominate him.
"Don't fear the darkness within you," Mystogan said in a reassuring tone. "It's part of who you are, but you also have light within you. Embrace both parts, for that is what makes you human."
As Luke struggled to follow Mystogan's words, something strange began to happen. The dark glow of the rings seemed to gradually diminish, and a gentler, more controlled aura enveloped the blonde. It was as if he was learning to balance the opposing energies within himself.
"This is impressive." Mystogan murmured, observing the transformation. "You possess a unique power, but you need to learn to control it. Only when you find the balance between light and darkness will you have true mastery."
Luke felt a sense of relief and hope. With Mystogan's guidance, he began to make better progress, learning to control his magic and gaining a deeper understanding of the nature of the dark rings. The young mage proved to be a dedicated student, willing to face his fears and limitations.
It was then that, like a light bulb, an idea lit up in Luke's mind. "Mystogan!" He lowered his head. "Please be my teacher!" he exclaimed.
"Huh!?" Mystogan grunted.
"I feel that if I try by myself, I won't reach a conclusion. I need help, please!" he implored again.
Mystogan looked at Luke with surprise. He hadn't expected this proposal, but at the same time, he could understand the young mage's desire to control his abilities and find answers.
"You want me to be your teacher?" Mystogan questioned, pondering the idea. "It's a significant responsibility, Luke. Training a mage isn't an easy task, especially someone with the dark power you carry."
Luke looked directly into Mystogan's eyes, determined. "I know it's a tough task, but I trust you. I know you're one of Fairy Tail's S-class mages, and I know you have the knowledge and experience necessary to help me."
Mystogan remained silent for a moment, evaluating the sincerity of Luke's words. He had his own reasons for wanting to help the young mage, but he also knew he couldn't do everything for him.
"Very well." Mystogan said finally. "I'll be your teacher, but with one condition: you must promise to dedicate yourself fully to the training and be willing to face the challenges that will come."
Luke vigorously nodded. "I promise! I'll give my best, and I won't give up, no matter how difficult it gets."
(With Mystogan)
Talking with Luke, Mystogan realized that the young mage was going through an internal journey similar to the one he had faced in the past. The dark burden that Luke carried reminded him of his own dark and lonely past. Empathy ignited within him.
He saw himself reflected in Luke's lost gaze, in the search to understand his own shadows and find the light that existed within himself.
In that moment, Mystogan couldn't help but identify with the young man, and a subtle connection began to form between them. It was as if fate had brought together two mages with similar experiences, and Mystogan knew he couldn't ignore this coincidence. He felt he had something to offer Luke, something that could help him find inner peace and overcome the challenges that the dark rings represented.
As they continued to talk, Mystogan recognized the sincerity and genuine desire in Luke to change, to find a better path for himself. It deeply impressed him, and the S-class mage knew he could make a difference in the young man's life.
The decision to help Luke wasn't merely out of pity or an attempt to correct a possible misjudgment. It went deeper, stemming from the call of empathy and compassion, feelings Mystogan had kept hidden in his heart for a long time.
Over the years, he had learned to hide behind the mask of Mystogan, the enigmatic and distant mage. But Luke, somehow, managed to see beyond that mask, to see the tormented soul that hid behind it.
Mystogan knew that by helping Luke, he could also find a way to heal himself. Helping the young mage embrace his darkness and find the light could be an opportunity for him to redeem himself from his own past mistakes.
(With Luke)
I almost felt like jumping with joy at this moment. I managed to convince Mystogan to help me. The two of us had returned to Crocus and were staying in separate rooms, of course.
Aside from Mystogan aiding me in my training, which was incredible on its own just having a mage of his caliber helping me was beyond amazing, he also had another plan in mind. To keep Mystogan close, in my timeline, the S-class mage had disappeared without a trace, but this time would be different...
I was determined to keep Mystogan by my side until the Tenrou confrontation, no matter what it took.
With this thought in mind, another one emerged. I went to my backpack, something I had been putting off... The book Nightmare had given me.
I observed the cover between my fingers... The time was now, and I opened it!
(To be continued...)
