Chapter Nine.
Enjoy. :)
It was all silent within the town of Magnolia, aside from the occasional bird chirping and bug buzzing. The morning sun was currently rising up from the horizon, slowly sending daylight upon the town.
Eventually, the sun's rays hit upon a certain apartment complex; raying down through the unblinded windows. Inside this apartment held nothing special; just the normal bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room. All with the appropriate furniture.
But this apartment was not the same one Gareth Zillion resided in, but rather it was the one right next to his; owned by his first companion Lucy.
Currently, she was sitting near a front desk in her living room while placing the tip of her pencil close a blank piece of paper; wearing her pink pajamas with a wet towel covering the back of her neck, having just taken a nice hot shower.
It had been two days since the Lullaby incident, and she and all of her friends have since returned to the guild. For her, she can definitely say it was a hell of an experience, and that it did took her some time to process it all. So at moments like this, Lucy had decided the best thing she could pretty much do.
To share her story by writing a letter to her mother.
"Hi mom," Lucy said out loud, as she began writing, "Hope you're doing well. As for me,... well, these past few days have been very hectic. Me and my friends went out on my mission with Fairy Tail's Titania herself to stop the dark guild Eisenwald from using a cursed item called Lullaby on the Guild Masters, including our own. But thankfully, we were able to stop them, save everybody, and even destroyed Lullaby, which turned out to be a huge demon. Can you believe that!? I wouldn't, if I hadn't seen it," the girl giggles to herself before continuing, "After that, we contacted the Rune Knights and the Magic Council about the situation; they quickly rounded up all the Eisenwald members and they are currently waiting for their day in court. However, there has been one notable absence, their master Erigor, who unfortunately has disappeared. No one knows where he is, but I have a feeling we won't be hearing about him for a while."
At this point, Lucy started feeling it was a good time for her to finish her letter; but then she hesitated. The girl felt the need to add more context to what she was sharing, but she frowns, as she wasn't really sure how to put it into words at first.
That context had to do with her friend, Gareth Zillion. It also had to do with the actions he took during that day.
Finally, after a few moments of silence, she continued by saying, "I... do have one more thing to share with you Mom. Do you remember Gareth? The same boy I met when I was in Hargeon? Who claims to be the son of an ancient creature called a Titan? Well... it looks like I have more reasons to believe him now. You see, when we were battling Lullaby, Gareth finished it off with one of the most insane spells that I have ever seen; he released a huge amount of Ethernano from his mouth, a size that was MUCH larger than his own body. Lullaby was gone in an instant; we couldn't find the flute that it once came out of anywhere. Everyone was shocked on what Gareth did, even I am still shook by it. But on the bright side, the town we were also protecting that night wasn't destroyed as well. If it did, then I would very likely be writing a different story to you right now. Still, it does make me wonder more about him. Like who is his father really? How does he carry so much magic inside of him? And is there something else that he doesn't want to tell me yet? I know I won't be getting any of these answers anytime soon..., but I am glad to have him as my friend."
Lucy smiles at her handiwork, before placing her pencil down, leans back from her desk, and stretches her arms. "I think that's enough for now," she now says to herself, as she then stood up from her chair, "I'll finish this when I get back later today."
The girl then heads to her bedroom to get changed into her normal attire and start a new day. However, once she entered the room, she did not expect the familiar unclothed wizard slouching on her couch; with a small mess having been made all around.
"70k a month for this fricking place? You really hit the jackpot, Lucy," Gray said, giving her a greeting wave.
Lucy's eyes bugged out by his abrupt appearance, though there a small side of her that understood the predicament. This was not the first time someone trespassed into her apartment.
Still...
"INTRUDER!" Lucy screamed. She then runs up to Gray and kicks him in the face, sending him and her couch tumbling to the floor.
Gray was quick to recover, as he then stands back up and put his hands up to his face, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, take it easy, Lucy! It's just me!"
"I know who you are, Gray!" Lucy snared, stomping her feet, "What are you doing in my apartment!?"
"I just came to tell you that the fight between Natsu, Erza, and Gareth is about to begin!" Gray explained to her.
This made the girl's emotions shift to slight confusion. Wait... that's today?, Lucy thought for a moment.
If she remembered correctly, just as she and her friends were boarding the train over to Onibus, Natsu requested Erza for a fight; a friendly spar between two guild mates. She wasn't really sure what the purpose of that was, until Gareth asked the armored wizard later.
However, that all changed when they were returning to Magnolia after defeating Lullaby...
Two Days Ago...
"You seem to be a bit down, Gareth," Master Makarov called out to the boy, "Care to tell me what's wrong?"
Said boy momentarily looks up at the master, before looking back down in deep thought.
It hadn't been too long since he and the rest of his companions managed to save the masters from the giant Etherious Demon that was Lullaby. After Gareth unleashed his Ethernano Breath upon the demon, what he experienced next was a long series of praise and amazement from his companions and, to his slight surprise, the masters themselves. Though his instincts did tell him that part of the reason why that occurred was because of him sparing the town, which to them he eventually realized was a rarity to Fairy Tail's reputation, Gareth nonetheless welcomed it all; they were happy it was all over, and that is what mattered to everyone in the end. When that died down, the masters then put a word out to the Rune Knights about the situation; seeing that situation was now being handled by the authorities, the group decided to head home.
He and the others were steadily making their way back to the guild on the Magic Mobile, with Makarov having volunteered to take the driver's seat; Gareth was seated next to the open window to his right, with Erza and Gray seated next to his left. Natsu was slouching in front of him on the other side, with Lucy and Happy seated next to him; the former keeping him steady every now and then.
But despite everything, Gareth couldn't help but ponder on how it all played out. To him, since arriving, this was the most serious situation he had ever been a part of. He never expected today to turn out the way it did, which made him wonder if this was just an isolated incident... or if things turned out differently.
The boy then lets out a heavy sigh, as he leans back into his seat and looks out toward the quiet landscape before him. "It has been a rough day," he began, "Since the day me joined Fairy Tail, was able to learn about civilization more... clearly. Understood the good and the bad... and sometimes the ugly. But when we were fighting Eisenwald and Lullaby, realized that there was more me did not know; that this society has... ...a much more darker side. Am glad everyone is safe and sound, but it feels like this will not be the only time."
His companions inside the vehicle look at him with slight concern, even Natsu had his attention despite the grogginess. They all wouldn't say they didn't agree with him; today was also a stressful day for all of them as well. So they understood the sentiment he was dealing with.
"And unfortunately, you are right," Makarov agreed with Gareth, "Magic can do so many wonderful things, but sometimes there are those who take a turn for the worse. I have heard, and sometimes witnessed, some truly awful things throughout my life Gareth; and today was no different... But that is part of what being a carrier of magic is all about," Gareth finally directs his attention to the old master, who then continues, "We may hone these skills to bring good to this world, but we also use them to fight off evil. If we didn't do either,... then who knows what would've happened to these lands. But why bother on thinking of the worst, when we can still think of the best that we can do? ...That is what your father and the other Titans had been doing since the very beginning, right?"
Gareth can sense the soft sincere smile coming from Makarov's lips; the boy was silent for a moment before nodding back, "Yes."
"Then do the same thing, Gareth. It won't prevent any more bad things, but if you keep your head high, then I'm sure you'll overcome it, just like you've done today... just don't get carried away," Makarov replied back, though he felt a little uneasy on the last part.
Nevertheless, Gareth understood what he said, and softly smiles back, "Will try to, Master Makarov."
"Speaking of that, there is something I would like to say to you, Gareth," Erza opens up, making said boy look at her, "I apologize for doubting your heritage today. When I learned about the Titans earlier, I wasn't really sure if you were telling the truth. But after seeing you display your magic on Lullaby, I then realized how capable you are."
"Like was said earlier, did not mind if you doubted me Erza," Gareth repeated before nodding in gratitude, "But do appreciate your sincerity."
"I was also wondering if you would like to join me and Natsu in our spar," Erza then says, forcing Lucy, Gray, and Happy to look at her in shock.
Even Gareth looks at her with slight surprise, "You... want to fight me?"
The armored wizard nods in response and smiles, "I honestly find your fighting skills interesting, and I'm quite curious to see how you would fare against me and Natsu."
Gareth hums in acknowledgement and takes a brief look at Natsu; said wizard sluggishly gives him a thumbs up, signaling his agreement with Erza.
Well... it does not sound negative; it is a friendly fight between us three after all, Gareth thought, Plus, it will make up for all the odd actions Erza took today.
The boy then nods, "Very well then. Will accept the offer."
Present Day...
"Y'know, I still can't believe Erza wanted to fight Gareth, and that he agreed so on top of it," Gray said, crossing his arms.
"I still can't believe it's happening at all!" Lucy gave her own opinion, as they both looked upon their three friends facing each other, while many within the guild encircling around them.
The two had already made their way to the front of the guildhall, and by the time they arrived the atmosphere everyone was bringing lived up the excitement and anticipation. Even so, there were some who were just as surprised as Lucy and Gray are that Gareth was added into the fight; having learned of the news once the group returned to the guild that night. But it nevertheless stopped them from placing bets on who would emerge victorious; with Cana moderating that process.
Now, everybody was eager for the fight to begin.
"They are really gonna do this," Lucy then added softly, realizing the stakes here.
"Well, it's not like this is the first time Natsu and Erza fought one another," the two turned to their left and saw Mira and Elfman having walked up and standing by their side, with the former speaking, "Still, I would have to agree with you Gray. It is surprising to learn Gareth taking part in this, considering how it hasn't been long since he joined... If I recall, it was Erza who asked him, right?"
Both Lucy and Gray nod back at her, with the latter adding, "Yeah, you two should've seen the spell he pulled off. It was an amazing sight to see, and that's putting it lightly."
"And to think Gareth already made an impression on the Titania herself... now that is manly!" Elfman said, giving off a huge smirk.
"I am worried though," Lucy then opens up, "They are all part of the strongest team here. Wouldn't this fight cause some concern too?"
"Strongest team?" Gray repeated, giving the girl a confused look, "What are you talking about?"
"Well.. you know; you, me, Happy, Natsu, Erza, and Gareth! Together we make up the strongest team in Fairy Tail! You don't remember that?" Lucy explained.
"No," Gray shakes his head before chuckling, "but it does sound a bit stupid. Who gave you that idea?"
Lucy didn't respond at first, as she wasn't really sure what to say; but Mira beat her right to it, as she covered her face and lets out a fake wail.
Gray immediately recognized what he done, "Oh, uhhhh, t-that was you Mira? I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."
Elfman nevertheless gave Gray a disapproving head shake, while Mira explained as she rubs her eyes, "I just thought that seeing you all together would be beneficial to the guild and to each other."
"...Well, when you put it that way, I guess it has been proving well so far," Gray slowly admitted, while scratching the back of his head. Though I'm still not sure about working with flame-brain yet, he then privately thought to himself.
It did fortunately 'made' Mira feel better, thus giving the half-naked wizard an inward sigh of relief.
"You need to give yourself some credit, Gray," Elfman stated, as he turns back to the incoming fight, "I'll admit; you and Natsu have proven your strengths very well over the years."
Gray couldn't help but smile at the compliment.
"But even then, just remember that there's always gonna be those who will be leagues above you. Like me, of course!" Elfman then went on smiling, as he pointed to himself.
Gray, and even Lucy, then sweatdropped.
"Don't be so sure about Erza though," all then heard Levy to their right, as she along with Jet and Droy stood beside them, "It can safely be said that she is strongest woman here in Fairy Tail."
"Then there's Mystogan and Laxus," Jet added in, "They're pretty much competing for the strongest male here."
"More like second strongest male, realistically," Droy then added his take, "We can't forget about Gildarts; there's no way any of us can go up against him."
"I am curious about Gareth though," Levy then opens up, "This will be the first time most of us will see him in action, so I do wonder how he will fare up against Natsu and Erza."
"I'm pretty sure he will hold his own for some time," Elfman said confidently, "He did get Erza's attention, after all."
"There's also the fact of the origins of his magic. I'm really curious on what else he can do," Levy responded, cupping her chin.
"Always the curious bookworm; aren't you Levy?" Mira stated, giggling playfully.
"I'm serious," Levy smiles back, "Gareth's father and the Titans; I find them truly fascinating. I really want to ask Gareth more about these creatures, but I haven't really gotten the time to do so yet."
From the corner of her eye, Lucy couldn't help but see Jet and Droy giving Gareth a bit of a stink eye; she could tell right away that they were jealous of the boy and how much attention Levy was giving him. But, knowing Gareth, she figured he wasn't aware of this.
Even still, she also couldn't help but agree with Levy and think back on the letter she wrote earlier today. Gareth never really told her what his father looked like, nor anything beyond what he and the master told her and the guild about the Titans. Yet, she was still curious; to her, and most likely to Levy as well, it felt like they were a great unknown to the world. Gareth and Makarov looked upon the Titans with great respect, and yet no one else knew about them. Lucy can only wonder why that was so.
Perhaps she'll never know, or perhaps she will one day in the future. The girl knew there was a slim chance for the latter, but she nevertheless remained hopeful.
Meanwhile, Gareth, Natsu, and Erza were still silently staring at each other; with the former occasionally switching between them. But every now and then, the boy would catch a glimpse at all the members surrounding them, the excitement becoming obvious from his instincts. Now let me see; never really done this sort of thing before, but it does feel like this will be good for all three of us, Gareth began thinking, Do not know much about their fighting abilities, more so for Erza than Natsu, but can assume this fight will more likely be up front. Need to keep my guard up at all times and attack when there is an opening.
"Do you still remember the last time we fought, Natsu?" Erza suddenly called out to her friend, smiling.
The Salamander smiles back and pumps his fist out, "That was back then. This is now! I've said I grown much stronger than our last bout, so today's the day where I'm gonna prove it to you!"
Erza casually hums, as she closes her eyes, "I see. Well then, how about we both get serious?"
Once she said that, the Fairy Queen then requips into a set of armor not seen before from Gareth. This new set of armor had red and gold plating on her chest, legs, and gauntlets, a pair of black wings attached to her back, as well as a crimson red sword with a gold shining and a black hilt. Additionally, her hair was also tied into a set of twin-tails.
This was her FLAME EMPRESS ARMOR.
"The flame empress armor? Hehe, looks like Natsu's gonna be in for a tough time," Gareth overheard Macao saying.
"His magic will be half as effective now," Wakaba then added.
Rather getting nervous, Natsu just cackles and said, "Now you're talking my language! Looks like it's time for me to go all out!" He then lights his fists on fire, before turning to the other male, "That goes for you too, Gareth!"
"Rather not hurt you both too much, if me does so," Gareth called out to them.
"Do not worry, Gareth," the boy turns around and noticed Makarov standing on a wooden box, reassuring him, "It has never gotten to that point between these two. But if it ever does, I will immediately call off the match."
Gareth momentarily nods at the master before turning back. "If Master Makarov is alright with it, then will as well," he then says, before his Ethernano slowly covered his body.
Both fighters smiled back at his bravado.
Back in the crowd though, a certain blue cat was having a difficult time on who to bet on; originally he was gonna do so on Erza, but after Gareth joined in, Happy wasn't really sure.
After a few minutes of deep thought, Happy just placed his ticket back in his bag and walked away from the betting pool, "Y'know what? I'm just gonna hold off. Let's see what happens."
"Are you all ready?" Makarov then called out.
The sounds from the large crowd immediately died down, as all three wizards nod their heads at the master.
"Alrighty then," Makarov forms an wide, excited grin, "Let the fight... begin! ROUND ONE; START!"
Natsu immediately zooms toward Erza with a Fire Dragon's Iron Fist, but said woman blocks the attack with her arm guard.
Erza then pushes and attempts to slash him with her sword, but Natsu jumps away in time.
Rather than continue, Erza moves past Natsu and heads toward Gareth.
Gareth saw this coming and raises up his arms, while covering them with more layers of Ethernano. Rather than getting cut, the sword bounces off the boy's skin, catching a few onlookers and even Erza with slight surprise.
Erza nevertheless continues her assault, with each swing being countered by his arms; Ethernano sparking from each impact.
After a few more attempts, Gareth parries and attempts to land a punch with his right hand, but Erza moves her head to the side, barely evading, and grabs his arm.
Before anything else was done, Gareth's instincts spike; he blocks a Fire Dragon's Wind Attack from Natsu with his left arm.
Not wanting to be cornered now, Gareth begins to release an Ethernano Pulse; however, that is cancelled when both Natsu and Erza jump away.
Natsu then unleashes a Fire Dragon's Roar upon them, but both avoid with Erza flying over and Gareth rolling to the side.
Erza then zooms down at Natsu, preparing to strike. Natsu fortunately sees this coming and catches the sword and her backup punch, though it does make him slide back a bit.
Natsu pushes her away, but as he does Erza is able to kick him in the stomach; however, Natsu attempts to counter with another Dragon Roar, but Erza block it with her sword.
Both land safely back, but Gareth, seeing the opening, runs up and slams his fist down on the ground; sending an Ethernano Pulse from his arm that created a shockwave that shakes them both.
Gareth then rushes up and swings his fist at Erza. She blocks with her arm, but what the woman just realized that the boy was feinting it.
Gareth then quickly swings his other fist below; Erza tries to counter with her knee, but Gareth's instincts sense her movements in time, allowing him to scrap past her plating and land his fist at her side.
This sends Erza over him and into the air, but with quick reflexes lands safely away.
After witnessing this, Natsu attempts to attack her as well, but with quick movement Gareth rushes up to the Salamander, catches him mid-flight, and flings him to the side, causing Natsu to tumble across the ground.
Gareth quickly follows up by unleashing an Ethernano Roar upon him; this one much smaller than the one previously, but with enough force to hit the wizard on.
However, Natsu barely notices this and unleashes a roar of his own.
This leads to a collision standstill between the two roars; Gareth eventually lets out some more Ethernano to push his spell forward, but to his surprise Natsu releases more magic of his own, making the standstill last longer.
Erza watches on, who couldn't help but let the ongoing spectacle continue.
However, nothing lasts forever, as the collision soon overloads and creates a small explosion.
Everyone covers their face from the dust being blown from the attacks.
The wind momentarily dies down, allowing Gareth to lower his arms down and see Natsu doing the same.
Both men stare at each other for a moment, before sending a smirk to the other.
Natsu and Erza are truly capable fighters, Gareth thought proudly, Best to get more serious now.
The crowd around them looked on with wonder and awe, all while the excitement they had before now only rising to new heights. They were mostly amazed by Gareth's skills and how he was able to keep up with Natsu and Erza very easily, though there were some who were starting to act nervous due to the bets they placed earlier. Overall, the anticipation they felt beforehand was well worth it, and they couldn't help but wonder who will come out on top in the end.
However, before any can continue, a loud clap was heard from a distance.
Everyone turned their heads to the source and saw an anthropomorphic frog wearing full body robes and a small cap near the edge of the crowd.
At first sight, Gareth wasn't really sure who this person was; but he was surprised by their appearance alone. This is the first time the boy encountered a non-humanoid being; they did not look human, and yet they stood and, he can only assume right now, communicate like one. Father was not specific on who was part of civilization. So it makes me wonder... what are they really? Gareth thought.
The frog being then walks toward the opened area; judging by the wide berth the members were giving them, Gareth started to assume that they were an important figure.
"This fight is over!" The frog finally spoke with a very high tone, "May I have your attention, everyone! I have come as a representative for the Magic Council!"
Gareth then immediately notice the atmosphere becoming tense. He hadn't forgotten the explanation given to him by Mirajane, so if what the frog humanoid said is true, his instincts sensed that whatever they were about to say next could be significant.
"As many are aware here, there was an incident involving the dark guild Eisenwald and members from this guild in the past few days. The Magic Council has been made aware of this as well; while they are thankful that no severe outcome was brought forth by the dark guild, that doesn't leave out the consequences that the Council must uphold!" the frog then announces, before unwrapping a scroll they would pull out from their robes, "I am also here to address two messages from the Magic Council! The first; one of your members has been criminally charged with six counts of grand larceny, five counts of assault, and two counts of unlawful entry! Erza Scarlet; you are hereby under arrest!"
Several members audibly gasped at the announcement. Gareth was also put off by a tiny bit; he then turns toward the mentioned wizard and notice the stoic look she gave off. Even so, the boy's instincts can sense her body tensing up from the frog's words; he guessed she was also surprised as well, but didn't want to show any immediate reaction to not give off any misinformed message on herself.
"WHAT!?" Though that couldn't be said for Natsu, who just shouted violently at the frog while glaring angrily at them.
"NATSU, HUSH!" Gareth then heard Makarov shout at the Salamander, his voice more loudly to prove his point.
"The second;" the frog continued, unfazed by the reactions, "The Magic Council has also requested the appearance of another wizard of yours, by the name of Gareth Zillion."
Said boy looks back at the frog and widen his eyes, as he never expected his name to be heard as well. But the boy then took a moment to think it over, and began to understand the circumstances. That attack used to destroy Lullaby would definitely not go unnoticed; plus the Magic Council would have eventually found out about me anyway, Gareth thought. However, he wasn't sure what they really want from him.
"Am also under arrest?" Gareth then politely asked.
The frog turns their attention to the boy and silently stared at him for a few moments. They then pocket the scroll back inside their robes, and replied, "That is not for me to determine. The Magic Council has a need to ask you several questions on several topics; a few which you can already assume. And if you agree with their request, we can avoid that possibility from happening."
...That almost sounded like a threat, Gareth thought, lowering his eyebrows in concern.
He then turns toward Makarov, catching the master looking at him with the same expression; this was also shared by his companions in the crowd, along with a few others he had the chance to talk to. The Master momentarily then gives him a determined look and nods; silently requesting that he followed through.
Gareth got the message and looks back at the frog, "Alright; will go."
Uh oh.
Anyway, that is it for this chapter. I do apologize for the wait; not long after the previous chapter was released, I had gotten a bad take of allergies. It left me exhausted and poorly motivated to continue writing. But fortunately, I came back a few days ago and was able to finish this.
With that said, I do hope you enjoy reading this chapter. As the story goes, the next chapter will feature Gareth meeting the Magic Council, including the likes of a few certain individuals.
I hope you all have a good day, night, wherever you are, and I'll see you all next time. See you later, everyone. :)