I hope everyone is enjoying it so far and that they will continue to enjoy it. Have fun!
It was a dark morning and the sky was still covered with clouds from the previous night's rain. Like most weeks, Mirajane was at the cemetery visiting Ryker's grave. She walked around with a distant, emotionless look, almost ritually. As painful as Lisanna's presumed death had been, his loss was even more painful for her. Ryker still lived in Mira's heart and visiting him frequently had become a routine part of her life, at least in the last few months.
As she approached his resting place, she saw a small figure kneeling beside Ryker's grave, apparently praying. Mirajane knew who this person was, the only other person who would come to this place as often as she did and share the same pain.
"You miss him too, don't you Wendy?", Mira said arriving beside the little Dragon Slayer.
Wendy sighed, she had teary eyes looking at the grave. "I wanted him to come back. Why did he have to die? Wasn't there any other way, Mira-san?" Tears streamed down her young face.
Mira comforted her by placing a hand on her shoulder. "I think about it every day," she said and gently placed the bouquet of flowers on Ryker's grave and said a prayer for him. "I miss him so much, nothing has been the same. But I like to think of him as a hero."
The little girl looked at her curiously. "Like this?".
"He saved us, Wendy. The enemy was smart, they tired us out and we had no way of winning, they had everything planned. What Ryker did saved us and everyone in Fiore." Mira looked at Wendy fondly. "Does not agree?".
Wendy sighed looking at Ryker's resting place. "I think you're right Mira-san. I am very proud of what he did. But still, I wish he was here with us."
"Me too, Wendy," Mira smiled warmly.
Wendy felt a lick on her hand, Wolf was licking her and rubbing his head in her hand. She smiled at the dog and knelt down petting the animal, who enjoyed her and the touches.
"Let's go back to the guild, you can take Wolf if you want," Mira said.
"Yes, Mira-san", the little girl replied excitedly. Mira turned to the grave saying goodbye, as did Wendy.
"It's been over 6 months, I think we should let him rest," Mira said, shedding a few tears. The young Dragon Slayer looked at her and nodded and the two, along with the dog, headed back to the guild.
As usual, Fairy Tail was agitated, Wendy was playing with Wolf who was running after Carla, Happy and Lily, who obviously didn't like that dog's behavior. Many wizards around laughed at the scene and bet who the dog would get first, the main bets went to Happy. Mirajane was working as usual and smiling, taking orders efficiently every time. After a while, she looked around the guild hall and didn't see any of her sibilings.
"Laki, have you seen Lisanna?" she asked.
"She's in the library, with Lucy," she replied.
Mira found it strange, Lisanna wasn't a fan of libraries so she didn't understand what her sister would be doing there. She thanked Laki and headed towards the library. It wasn't as big a library as Fairy Tail once had, but it still had a good collection of books. Walking through the door, Mirajane saw Lisanna at the table along with Lucy and a stack of books. She went towards them.
"What are you doing?" asked Mira curiously, approaching the group.
"We were looking for some information for a job and we came across these old photos," Lisanna explained.
Mira looked at them and smiled sweetly at the memories they brought back. "These are pictures of when we arrived at the guild."
"You guys were so cute, especially Elfman. What happened to him?", Lucy said. The other Strausses looked at each other and laughed at the insinuation.
"These photos bring back good memories. There were easier times," Mira said wistfully.
"But we went through a lot before we got to Fairy Tail. Remember Mira-nee?", Lisanna and Mira looked at each other smiling.
"You must have had quite an adventure," Lucy commented.
"That is true. If it weren't for that tip, I don't think we would have made it this far," commented Lisanna.
"Hint?" asked Lucy curiously.
"Yes yes. Someone told us that there was a guild in Magnolia that would help us, as we had nowhere to go we decided to come here", Mira explained.
"It was the best thing that ever happened to us," Lisanna said. "I really appreciate him for that. It's sad, but I don't remember him well. Do you remember Mira-nee?"
"Oh my! Can't say I remember," she replied thoughtfully with her index finger on her chin.
"Was he a Fairy Tail mage?" Lucy asked.
"I don't think so. We never saw him again, but it's been so long I don't really remember," Lisanna replied.
"He wasn't," Mira stated. "I asked the master when we arrived and he said that there was no one in the guild that looked like him"
"Maybe he was a mage from another guild. But in that case, why did he send you three here?", Lucy said thoughtfully.
"Maybe he just knew Fairy Tail, I'm not sure", Lisanna commented.
"Tough, our guild wasn't that famous back then," stated Mirajane.
"So... who was he?", Lucy asked and they looked at each other.
"Shit!" Ryker exclaimed. He was lying down and in pain, forcing himself to get up with difficulty and was startled by what he saw. There was a crowd of people walking back and forth on a hot sunny day. People were so hurried or preoccupied with their affairs that they didn't even notice him. "Where am I?", he thought confused, he didn't remember that part of town and Brun... it seemed more crowded than usual.
Ryker started wandering around town trying to figure out where he was, but people either didn't care or stop to provide any kind of information. "What's wrong with these people?" he said to himself. As he walked through town he soon realized he wasn't in Brun, but he still wasn't sure where he was and no one seemed willing to help him.
"That mage must have used space magic and sent me away," Ryker concluded. "I have to find a way back. I have a little money, but I can buy a map and try to find out where I am and which way Brun is".
When he was starting to walk, a child who came running hit him hard. The young man fell to the ground, scattering everything he was carrying, three small buns.
"Hey kid, watch out!", Ryker snapped grimly at the angry look.
"Sorry, sir", the little one apologized, got up, took the three small loaves quickly and continued running. Ryker found him strange, it was like that child was in a hurry or something, but what intrigued him the most was that he reminded him of someone, somehow.
"That kid…looks familiar." Ryker watched him walk away.
Not long after the child disappeared from sight, two men ran past him, in the same direction as the boy. They dressed like bakers and Ryker figured that kid stole the loaves and those men were after him for it.
"Well, that's not my problem", he thought and went in the opposite direction. Something, however, made him turn his face back and think of that child. Not that he hadn't seen food thieves before, on the contrary, he was quite used to it, but this one in particular was bothering him. He didn't know why, but that feeling of he knew him started to take over his mind. Ryker stopped and turned in the direction that brat had gone and sighed. "Shit!".
The boy ran down the street as fast as he could. Looking around he looked for a way to escape his pursuers, he looked back and saw the bakers approaching him. Desperate he ran again, not far ahead he saw an alley and, not knowing what to do, I entered it, but it was dead end. Realizing there was no way to escape he desperately looked for a place he could hide and avoid the owners of the bread he stole. He hid for a while, praying he wouldn't be found. His eyes were starting to water with fear and worry, when a hand landed on his shoulder, making him cry out in fright.
"Shut up, kid!", Ryker put his hand over the child's mouth to prevent him from screaming even more and drawing the attention of his pursuers. He waited a bit and saw those two men walk straight through the alley and he sighed in relief. "Did you get in trouble boy?" he asked, letting go of his mouth.
"Please don't hurt me," he begged with tears in his eyes. "I was just trying to get something for my sisters, it's been days since we've eaten anything and nobody helps us."
Ryker felt a knot in his stomach. Looking closer and more carefully, he could tell that that brat really looked like someone familiar to him. White-haired, well-dressed and polite, square-faced, he reminded her of someone, and the mention of sisters made him queasy for some reason he didn't know.
"Hey, calm down!", he reassured the child. "I won't do anything to you. But tell me, what's your name?" he asked.
"I…I'm called Elfman," he said and Ryker went white in shock.
"Sir! Sir!", Elfman called him seeing Ryker's catatonic state. "Are you okay?".
Ryker snapped out of the state he was in and looked at the child in front of him. "You said your name is... Elfman?"
"That's right. Is everything okay?" he asked worriedly. Ryker felt his legs go weak and he had to sit down to keep from falling. Elfman rushed to help, however he could, to support him.
Ryker looked him in the eye in disbelief. But there was no doubt about it, the white hair, the physique, the eyes... It could only be him, but how? Ryker thought in a daze. "Yes, yes…I'm fine," he replied to young Elfman's question.
"But you are pale"
"Yeah…it's just shortness of breath. Don't worry", she couldn't take her eyes off that child. "You said you had sisters, is that it?" Ryker asked with a stutter.
"Y…yes, I have a younger sister and my older sister," Elfman replied.
"What's their name, kid?" Ryker asked.
Elfman eyed him suspiciously, but Ryker reassured him that he wasn't there to do them any harm.
"They… they're called Lisanna and Mirajane," he replied. Ryker felt a tightness in his chest and butterflies in his stomach. If Elfman was a small child, Lisanna and Mira were also children, what do you mean he was in the past?
"What year is it?" Ryker asked. Elfman looked at him strangely and suspiciously.
"Are you sure you're okay?", Elfman asked again. "It is not common not to know the year we are in"
"Just answer it, Elfman," said Ryker, looking at him seriously.
Startled, Elfman stepped back and nodded. "It's X778," he replied.
Ryker gasped, he'd somehow gone back in time, to the same year Mira and her siblings arrived in Fairy Tail. He knew their history well enough to know what they'd been through. His stomach lurched and he felt dizzy, being supported by Elfman once more. But the only thing he could think of was Mira, a young and helpless girl who was nearby somewhere. He wanted to find her, see how she was doing, but at the same time he wasn't sure if he should, it was too much interference in the past and it could do some damage in the future. He wasn't sure.
Ryker looked down at the floor and saw the three buns. "Oh yes! Did you steal these loaves for your sisters?"
"I, I didn't have a choice," Elfman said defensively and scared. "Nobody wanted to help us, I know it's wrong, but we're hungry and...", Ryker caught him by surprise and pulled him into a hug, the young man had no reaction.
Kneeling down in front of him, Ryker eyed him smugly. "Understand Elfman…nothing justifies stealing or committing a crime. There's always a better option, but I understand your situation and I'm not going to judge you for it or do anything else," he said. "Now do you trust me?" he asked. The little boy looked at him and turned his face.
"I see..." Ryker smiled slightly. "You and your sisters must have been through a lot. It's hard to trust strangers. Well, my name is Koga", he introduced himself gently. "Trust me, I won't do anything, after all I saved you from those guys, didn't I?", Elfman looked at him and nodded.
"Very good. Hide here, nobody will find you", Ryker said positioning the young man in the middle of some boxes.
"What are you going to do?" Elfman asked.
"I will help you and your sisters. I'll be back in 20 minutes", Ryker smiled and started to walk out of the alley leaving little Elfman gaping. "You are important to me", he told himself and disappeared into the street.
Elfman waited for him in the same place, sitting on top of a wooden box, waiting for that man he just met. Time passed and his anxiety grew, he wanted to leave, find his sisters, but he promised to stay there and wait.
Twenty minutes later, Elfman was startled by someone calling out to him. "Elfman! Are you there?".
He came out of his hiding place and found Ryker carrying several bags, which made him even more surprised. "What's all this?" he asked incredulously.
"I didn't say I would help you. I took breads, vegetables, fruits, dried and smoked meats. There's milk and cheese, too. This should last a few days for the three of you," Ryker said.
Elfman looked at him with teary eyes and ran to him hugging him. "Thank you sir! Thanks". Ryker felt embarrassed, he would never get used to so many thanks and cries.
"So polite. What happened to you?" Ryker thought.
Ryker and Elfman left the alley and the young man led him to where his sisters were, in an abandoned house outside the city limits. As they made their way through the city, Ryker was careful that no one saw the young Elfman and they ran after him again. Due to this, they took a bigger turn than they intended.
It took a while for them to get to where his sisters were hiding. It was a lonely place, inside what appeared to be an abandoned farm. As they got closer, Ryker saw the house in the distance, a simple place with no windows and broken doors, in the middle of nowhere. He assumed they were having a hard time and that squeezed his heart, plus the fact that he was going to meet Mirajane after so long, even though she was a child, was making him anxious.
"Thank you for your help sir", Elfman thanked him again. "I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up", he smiled ruefully.
"First don't call me sir, and second is Koga. Okay!" he said, it wasn't a bad idea to use his last name. What's more, they wouldn't even remember that day in the future. X778 was a long time ago and too many things happened to them for them to remember any day.
"It's a different name. What did you… I mean what you did for us today, me and my sisters won't forget, Koga", Elfman said smiling.
"Shit!" he cursed himself.
Inside that ramshackle house Lisanna and Mirajane were anxiously waiting for her brother's return. As the hours passed, they became more and more worried, especially Mirajane, who felt responsible for her younger siblings. Anxious, she paced restlessly.
"I shouldn't have let him go," young Mira wailed. "It's been hours and he still hasn't come back."
"Don't blame yourself Mira-nee. I'm sure the homie will come back", cute little Lisanna tried to calm her sister down. "After all, I was the one who couldn't stop him from leaving."
"It wasn't your fault Lis. If we stick together, everything will be fine. I'm the one who should be taking care of you two," Mira said.
Lisanna smiled and hugged her older sister. She went to the window and climbed on a small box, she liked to see the scenery, it helped her relax, that's when she saw, in the distance, Elfman coming and she was happy and relieved. "Mira-nee, Elf is back!", she said excitedly and ran out the door. As she left the house, she saw her older brother and a tall, strong man beside him, carrying countless baskets.
"Elfman!" she screamed and waved her arms and ran towards him. He saw her and smiled back, and hugged her when they met. Lisanna's eyes shone with relief at her brother's return, but looking to the side and seeing that gigantic figure, she became suspicious. "Who is he?" she asked.
"Don't worry Lisa. He helped me, he's a good person," Elfman replied.
Ryker knelt down to little Lisanna's level and smiled fondly, more than he intended. "Hello Lisy… I mean Lisanna. I'm Koga", he stretched out his hand to greet her.
"Lisanna", she grabbed his hand and smiled gently.
The three went back into the house. They entered and Mirajane was waiting for them, what she didn't count on was the unexpected guest.
"Who is he!?", she asked suspiciously and with fear. That look she was giving him moved him, even though he knew she didn't know him at the time, it was hard being seen as an outsider and not having her trust.
"Don't worry, Mira-nee. He is reliable, he helped me in the city", Elfman said trying to calm his sister. Mira glanced at him and returned her attention to Ryker, still feeling wary of him.
"It's true Mira-nee, he's nice," Lisanna said.
"Well, I guess that's Mirajane," Ryker said, forcing himself to look nonchalant.
"Yes, why!?", she said sharply.
"Mira! There's no reason to be like this. We already told you he's cool," Elfman tried to argue, but Mira just turned her face away.
"It's okay, Elfman," Ryker said.
"See, Mira-nee. They brought a lot of stuff", Lisanna showed everything they brought. Mira took one look and was surprised by the amount.
"Elfman, did you get all this?" Mira asked in surprise.
"Well, actually it was Koga," he replied, scratching the back of his head.
Mira looked at him and offered a light thank you. "Th…thanks," she said awkwardly.
"It's okay, I'm not one to trust strangers either," Ryker reached over and stroked her head. When he got close, Mira hid her right arm under the cloak she was wearing. Ryker knew what it was, he would never mind, however he did everything to make her comfortable.
The Strauss sibilings ate everything they were entitled to, it had been a few days since they had been eating properly, they hadn't had so much in a long time. As they ate, Ryker just watched them, feeling the nostalgia of when he was with them in the guild, especially Mira. He didn't like seeing her like that, she didn't have those warm eyes he was used to. She was colder and sadder, aimless and alone. It was almost like it was someone else.
"Hey Koga, don't you want something to eat?", Lisanna asked.
"I am fine. This is for you, enjoy," he said.
Mira looked at him, thoughtful and uncomprehending. It wasn't common for someone to help them, even more so after she was cursed. She feared he was hiding something, that he was plotting against her and her sibilings. Once they finished eating, Elfman and Lisanna went outside to play, get some air. Meanwhile Mira went to meet Ryker.
"I… I appreciate what you did," Mirajane said as she approached Ryker, who was sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall. "But I have doubts about your real intentions", she looked at him seriously and a shadow appeared on her face, menacingly. "And if something happens to my sibilings…", she threatened him.
Ryker smiled, to Mira's astonishment. "Always standing up for his sibilings," he said. This is the Mirajane I know, he thought.
"What?", she didn't understand anything.
"Look into my eyes Mira. See if I am wanting to do more than help them."
Mira looked deep into Ryker's eyes, those brown eyes, which looked cold and lifeless. But what she saw was something else, she couldn't explain it, but she felt comfortable, safe. It was like he was always going to be there to protect her, always staying close and not letting anything bad happen. She saw life and a future, and those once cold eyes now glowed with life.
"I…I'm sorry," she said, slightly blushing. "I just wanted to be sure. People are not usually very kind to us."
"I know," Ryker said and Mira looked at him confused. "You and your sibilings have been through a lot. But don't worry, things will get better.
"How can you be so sure?" Mira asked incredulously and sadly.
Ryker gently took her hand and held it affectionately, making her look up at him. "I know," he said gently and confidently. "You were not made to live in sadness."
Mira gripped her right arm, feeling uneasy. "But I can't, I'm...".
"You're not!" Ryker said firmly and seriously. "I know what you hide and that doesn't define you", he looked at her affectionately.
"How did you...?", she asked scared.
"Can I?" he asked and gently took Mira's arm and pulled the cloak that covered him. Mirajane scared herself. She never let anyone else see her arm other than her sibilings, but he, he was different. She trusted him and didn't even know why. Gradually Mirajane's demonic arm was revealed. She turned her face away and tears welled up in her eyes, but Ryker didn't care what she looked like. With his thumb he wiped away Mira's tears and smiled fondly at her, making her blush.
"That arm doesn't define you, Mira. Your heart yes, you are much more than that", he said.
"No! It is not me! Thanks to me my sibilings are suffering and they expelled us from our city. Because of me everyone hates us wherever we go," she cried.
"I don't hate you, nor am I afraid of you. Neither do your sibilings, nor do the people who really matter," Ryker consoled her.
"And…and who are they?" Mira asked.
"You will, and there will be many," he replied.
"I don't believe".
"I'm not lying, Mira." She looked up at him and felt warmth rise in her chest, she felt hope for the first time in a long time. She believed him. In one swift movement she jumped on him and hugged him tight, burying her head in his neck. Ryker hugged her back protectively, comforting her and giving her all the care and love she deserved and he felt for her.
"Never let anyone bring you down, Mira. Say what you are not. I know and your sibilings know who you are, and it's their opinion that matters," Ryker said. "You are not a monster Mira, you are an angel and the light of the world", he whispered in her ear. Mira heard his words and wept, not from sadness but from joy…in a long time.
They pulled away from the hug and Mira looked up at him with a happy smile. "What about this arm?" she asked worriedly.
"It will disappear. It's just the effect of your magic that you still don't know how to control. When he learns he will disappear," he replied.
"Promise?"
"It is clear. You will be a beautiful little girl loved by everyone and with many friends", he smiled warmly and gently removed her hood, revealing the face of shy young Mira.
"I… I want to believe. For me and my sibilings", she said shyly and slightly blushing.
"Have faith," Ryker smiled confidently. "Let me see something…", he took a rubber band and pinned her bangs up, like grown-up Mirajane is wont to do.
"What did you do!?", she screamed indignantly.
"Oh, that's great," Ryker chuckled teasingly. How he missed it.
"Mira-nee!?", Lisanna said when she entered, along with Elfman, and saw Mira and Ryker together.
"Elfman, Lisanna look! Doesn't she look cute?" Ryker teasingly showed off the hairstyle he'd given Mira. The two Strauss sibilings, seeing their sister with her topknot up, began to laugh, infuriating her.
"You fool! Idiot! Idiot!" Mira started hitting Ryker angrily and angrily, while yelling furiously.
"Looks like we have a rebellious girl," he commented with amusement.
Lisanna and Elfman looked at each other and smiled, it was good for them to see their sister happy after a long time. They didn't know how, but the arrival of that stranger quickly cheered her up, bringing back the real Mirajane Strauss, if only momentarily.
"Let's see if you're ticklish," Ryker said, looking at her sadistically.
"Don't you dare!" she screamed, but it was too late. Ryker picked her up and threw her to the ground, tickling her. Mira couldn't stop laughing and thrashing around, trying to get rid of Ryker.
"Pa…stop, you…i…idiot!", she tried to say between giggles, which only incited Ryker to tease her even more.
Lisanna and Elfman laughed at their sister. They looked at each other and nodded to each other. The two ran towards Ryker and Mira and jumped on top of Ryker, joining in on the fun. Mira broke free and looked sadistically at Ryker.
"Now it's our turn", she said and the Strauss sibilings attacked Ryker, taking revenge.
"Damn it!" Ryker swallowed hard. "Three against one is cowardice!"
"Too late," Mira laughed devilishly. Everyone ended up having fun the rest of the day, bringing a little cheer to those uncertain times.
After hours of agitation, everyone was tired. Elfman was lying on a mat and Lisana was sleeping in Ryker's arms, snuggled against his chest. Mirajane was sitting relaxing.
"Do you have a destination in mind?" Ryker asked Mira as he sat down next to her.
"Not yet. But we can't stay here forever," Mira sighed. "They deserve a place to call home," she said sadly.
"Do you have a map?" Ryker asked. Mira nodded and went to get one from their belongings and brought it out for Ryker to look at. "Where are we exactly?". Mira pointed to that city's position on the map and Ryker located himself, looking for another specific city.
"I found it!" he said.
"What?" Mira asked.
"There is a town east of here called Magnolia. Go there and look for a guild called Fairy Tail. You were fine there. It's safe, there are kids your age. It will be a good place for you and your sibilings."
"A guild of mages," Mira said in surprise and mild concern.
"Don't worry, Mira. They won't care about your arm or anything else. It will be a home for you, you will make friends and have fun. They will be a family to you."
"You speak with such confidence. Are you a mage of this guild?" asked Mira.
Ryker smiled. "No, but they are famous". Luckily they hadn't seen Fairy Tail's mark on his forearm.
Mira looked at him and smiled sweetly. "If you say so I believe".
"Look! I think I've earned your trust." Ryker smiled with the corner of his mouth.
"I think so, and I don't even know how," Mira confessed.
"I'd better get this little one to bed." Ryker got up and laid Lisanna, who was in his arms, gently on the bed beside Elfman. "It got dark, it's already quite late", he commented looking at the darkness through the window.
"It's pretty dark out there. There's no moon today," Mira commented. Ryker and she looked at each other and he smiled and walked out the door into the darkness. "Hey!" Mira shouted. "What are you doing? It's dark outside!" she said and ran after him.
Mira saw Ryker move a few dozen meters away and lie down on the ground in the darkness. She ran up to stand beside him.
"Didn't you hear me? It's dark out here, it's dangerous," she said grimly.
"If it's dangerous why did you come too?" asked Ryker sarcastically.
"Aw, aw! It's not enough that I have to take care of my sibilings, I have to take care of you too?", she snorted and put her hands on her hips. Ryker couldn't contain his laughter, it sounded like an adult Mira speaking, it warmed his heart even more, but it also made him anxious. He needed to get back to his Mira as soon as possible. "What's so funny?" she asked indignantly.
"No, it was nothing," he replied. "Relax a little. Lie back and enjoy the show," he said.
Not understanding what he meant, she was indecisive and Ryker urged her to lie down on the floor. Even though she resisted a little, after a while she accepted and lay down next to him.
"Sometimes I like to be in a secluded spot and just watch the stars," Ryker said. Mira looked at the sky and let her eyes adjust to the darkness and, little by little, the stars appeared in the sky in an inexplicable show.
"It's beautiful. I never stopped to look at the sky at night," said Mira in awe.
"Where I came from the sky was always overcast with smoke or I never had the time or interest to look up. But here I can stop and admire this spectacle. Sometimes it's nice to stop and just observe the beauty of the world."
Mira turned to face him and watched him for a while. "Why did you help us?" she asked.
"One person saved my life a while ago. I didn't trust her or anyone either, but she helped me anyway," Ryker replied. "I think I owed retribution"
"I guess I should thank you. Lis and Elfman haven't been this happy in a while, so sheltered."
"No problem", he looked at her. "It's getting late, we'd better get back so you can rest. If you are going to leave tomorrow, you better rest." Ryker and Mirajane got up and walked back inside the abandoned house.
As they entered, Mirajane went straight to the mat on the floor and lay down in thought for a moment. Ryker was standing at the window looking out, watching.
"Aren't you going to sleep?", asked Mira, seeing him standing looking out the window.
"I am fine. I don't need to sleep that much, I'm used to going days without sleep", he replied. Mira snorted and got up from her mattress going towards him, she took him by the arm and pulled him to the corner of the house and made him sit with his back against the wall.
"You look tired, better sleep," she said, almost commanding. Mira went back to her mat and grabbed the blanket and voted for where Ryker was and sat next to him covering them.
"Weren't you going to sleep?" Ryker asked Mira snuggled next to him.
"I will," she replied.
"Then why are you here?"
"I don't know… I guess because you're a nice guy," Mira said.
"If you say so," Ryker smiled slightly with the corner of his mouth. "You better get that elastic off your bangs," he said and pulled the elastic that was keeping Mira's bangs up.
"What!?"
"You didn't even realize you had your bangs up this whole time," he chuckled. "It's best to keep it low, so it covers that big forehead of yours"
"My forehead is not big!" she exclaimed irritably.
"Of course it's not," Ryker replied sarcastically.
"Idiot!" roared Mira sullenly.
Ryker teased her some more until sleep crept up on them. Even a little irritated, Mira settled back and laid her head on Ryker's shoulder. She wrapped her little arms around him and snuggled into him. "Thank you, Koga", she said smiling and closed her eyes, letting sleep take her and falling asleep.
Sighing, he looked at her leaning against him and put his arm around her, stroking his head gently, without waking her. "I will always protect you Mira, and everything that's important to you. I need to go back to my time and find you again, so wait for me", he whispered stroking her white hair.
On the other mats, Lisanna was awake listening to her sister's conversation with Ryker, surreptitiously.
"Elfman! Elfman, are you sleeping?", Lisanna said in a whisper.
"What's up Lisanna?" he replied.
"I think we're going to a guild. I overheard Koga suggesting it to Mira-nee and it looks like she's accepted," she said.
"Serious!? That might be cool," Elfman whispered excitedly.
"I also think. He said it's very good there, no one will judge us and there are other children too".
"I already like it! We can stay there then!", Elfman said.
"Will Koga, go with us? He's cool, I didn't want him to leave."
"We can ask him. I bet he won't deny it," said Elfman.
"Mira-nee became very attached to him, they were even playing with each other. She'll be sad if he doesn't," Lisanna commented.
"Is weird. She's never gotten attached to anyone that fast," Elfman commented.
"Does she like him?", Lisanna asked slightly blushing.
"Tsh! She's too young for this and he's too old," said Elfman, who turned away. "You'd better sleep," he said, slightly irritated. Lisanna laughed and closed her eyes, dreaming of the future.
"What are you doing?" asked Elfman when he reached the library. Just like Mira before, he was looking for his sisters and heard from Laki that they were all in the library. Heading there he noticed a cluster around a table, with Lucy, Lisanna and Mirajane chatting animatedly.
"We're looking at old photos from when we first arrived in Fairy Tail," Lisanna replied.
"I didn't know anyone had told you about Fairy Tail," Lucy commented when he arrived.
"If I'm not mistaken it was you who brought it, isn't it Elf?", Lisanna asked him.
Thoughtful, he took a moment to answer. "It's been a long time, but I think so," he recalled. "Yes, it's true!" he exclaimed. "He helped me in the city. It was very manly of him," Elfman said with a raised fist and twinkles in his eyes.
"He seems to have been a nice guy," Lucy concluded. "From what they told me what they remembered of him, I mean."
"Hey, I think so. We've never met anyone as kind as that guy, even more so back then. It gave us hope, not everyone would be against us", Lisanna smiled happily and nostalgically. "Besides, Mira-nee had a crush on him," she said teasingly to her sister.
"Aw, aw! Where did you get that from, Lis?", Mira said slightly blushing and with a silly smile on her face.
"You got so close to him, don't you remember?", Lisanna teased her.
"But you were the one who cried when we left that town", Elfman said and Lisanna looked at him in amazement.
"I didn't cry at all!" she shouted, eliciting laughter from everyone else.
"Take all your stuff?" Ryker asked.
"All set!" they replied.
"The journey will be long and the roads full of bandits. Go carefully," Ryker warned them. Day had broken after a good night's sleep, and the Strausses prepared to go to Magnolia, as Ryker had instructed. They were getting ready to leave early.
"You're coming with us, aren't you?", Lisanna said looking at him with the cutest face she could muster.
Ryker looked at her, feeling the pain in his chest, an ache that was caused by the disappointment he would create in her. For the pain of knowing he wouldn't be with them. He knelt down and looked her in the eye, as gently as he could. "I'd like Lisy, but… I can't," he replied.
"Why?" she asked, tears forming in her eyes.
"Don't do that, Lisy!", he couldn't measure the pain he was feeling at that moment.
"Come with us... please", Lisanna begged, crying and wiping her tears with her hand.
"Please, Koga", Elfman asked with a sad face.
Sighing with a heavy heart, Ryker looked at them and hugged the three sibilings, tighter than he could, a last goodbye until they saw each other again, as adults. Lisanna was crying with her head buried in his chest, Elfman had tears streaming down his face and Mira was serious though, sad inside. She knew her siblings had grown fond of that stranger and would miss him, especially Lisanna. But she would also miss him, however she had to be strong for her sibilings.
"I'm sorry," Ryker apologized. "I'd really like to stay with you guys, but I can't, not right now. Please understand."
Pulling away from him, Lisanna looked at him with teary eyes. "Are we going to see each other again?" she asked in a cracked voice, which distressed Ryker even more. He felt even more guilty.
"Yes, we will," he replied, looking at her fondly and, reaching out, he ruffled Lisanna's hair. They gave each other one last hug before saying goodbye. "You'd better go," he said and they all split up.
Ryker watched them, out the door, across the grassy field, his heart sinking at the sight of them leaving and the feeling that he was failing them by leaving them alone. He knew it was right, he couldn't stay in that timeline. He needed to go back, but his heart said he needed to do just one more thing. He yelled and called out to Mira.
"What are they talking about?" Elfman asked no one in particular.
"I don't know," Lisanna replied.
Ryker was whispering something in Mirajane's ear before letting her go, a confused expression on his face.
"What did he say?" Lisanna asked when Mira caught up with them again.
"Eh, what did he say?", Elfman asked, with a certain air of jealousy.
"I don't know. I didn't quite understand," Mira replied and didn't say more about it, even though the sibilings insisted. Even she hadn't quite understood it so she decided to ignore it, one last oddity of a strange man.
In a final goodbye, they turned and waved to Ryker who waved back smiling slightly. He watched them disappear over the horizon.
Ryker sighed and concentrated on his own problems. "Now I have to find a way to get back to where I belong. This is going to be a problem," he huffed.
For two more days he wandered, wondering how he could return. In that city there was only a small library that didn't have any great books on magic, let alone one that talked about time travel. You could say he was feeling like Marty McFly himself, now he needed to find a DeLorean. Not knowing what to do, Ryker was walking through the countryside, it always helped him to think better of the view of nature and the calm of the countryside. With no other viable alternative, he decided that he should go to a guild and ask for help, if only to the Council. The problem was, would they believe him? That doubt was consuming his mind. Halfway there, distracted by his thoughts, Ryker was caught in a bright light that engulfed him instantly. He didn't even realize what hit him.
As soon as that light disappeared, he could feel that he was lying on a hard and cold floor and he slowly opened his eyes, letting them get used to the brightness. When he regained his sight he saw a familiar figure.
"A...Alice?" he said in surprise. She looked at him with relief and concern.
"Thank God you're okay?", she sighed in relief and hugged him and helped him up.
"What, what happened?" Ryker looked around and realized he was in Brun, in the same place he'd faced that band of thieving dark mages.
"Where have you been?" Alice asked.
"It's a long story. How did I get back?", he asked confused.
"I made him bring you back," she pointed out to the last of the mages, tied to a tree and his face all swollen and bleeding.
Ryker looked at him dumbfounded and turned his attention to Alice who shrugged. "Thank you", he thanked her, happy to be back. "How long was I gone?".
"About three hours," she replied.
Ryker approached the mage trapped in the tree and slapped him awake. The magician looked at him with difficulty and without quite understanding what was happening.
"Hey!" Ryker called after him. "Thank you," he said, leaving the trapped wizard and Alice baffled.
"'Thank you' for what!?" she asked completely confused.
He smirked. "I'll explain later," he said. Ryker turned to the prisoner and punched him in the face, knocking him out again. "And that's for sending me into the past, you piece of shit!" Alice eyed him disapprovingly. "What is it!?", he replied to her attitude and shrugged.
"Awww! So cute Lisanna!", Lucy said passionately. "You wanted him to come with you", Lucy looked at her with a fond expression.
"It's not like that at all!", Lisanna huffed and sulked. "I just didn't like goodbyes." Elfman and Mirajane laughed at their younger sister.
"And you never saw him again?" asked Lucy.
"No, it was just that one time. We are grateful, but he never showed up again," Elfman replied.
"What a mystery", Lucy became thoughtful and shrugged. "This is very weird. A man comes out of nowhere and decides to help you like that. At least he warned you about the guild," she said. "Do you remember what he was like?"
"No, I can't say we remember," replied Lisanna. "I was too young for this"
"Me much less. All I can say is he was tall," said Elfman. "And you Nee-san?"
Mirara denied it. "Almost nothing, it's been a long time," she replied.
Lucy looked at Mirajane and smirked. "But then Mira, do you think he was cute?" she asked.
"Ara, ara!", she blushed embarrassed. "I… I don't know. Maybe?" she replied shyly. Lisanna beamed happily as Elfman made an unfriendly expression.
As if in a flash, Lisanna remembered the day they left for Magnolia and the man's goodbye. "Hey Mira-nee, before we left he whispered something in your ear. You never said what he said. What was?"
"Is that true!?", Lucy asked anxiously. "What did he say?", she teased the white haired mage. "Was it a confession?" she prodded.
"I want to know too," Elfman said a little irritably.
Mira looked at them and smiled. "It's been so long I don't remember," she replied.
"Convenient," Lucy grumbled.
"Anything against it, Lucy?" Mira said eerily calm.
"N… no! Not at all...", the blonde hurriedly said, breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Come on Mira-nee! Make an effort," pleaded Lisanna.
"Oh my!" Mira was uncomfortable. She made an effort to remember something that happened 16 years ago, adding up to the 7 they were trapped in Tenrou. An ephemeral event, it wouldn't be easy to remember. With effort, little by little the images began to come to her mind and take shape.
"Did he say something about…a person? I think, I think so. An important person that I…" As Mira was talking she remembered, the blurred face in the memories began to take shape. She remembered his name, which was the last name only she knew. She remembered that voice, that smile… Mira went white and clasped her hands to her mouth, trembling.
"Mira, are you okay?", Lucy asked worried seeing her catatonic state.
"Mira what happened?", Lisanna asked scared.
She didn't hear anything else, just the memory that came to her mind...
16 years ago...
"Mira, come here a sec," Ryker called out. She looked at her sibilings who nodded and she walked towards him.
"What do you want now?" she asked a little too sharply.
"Eh I love you too," he said sarcastically. Mira turned her face away sullenly. Ryker crouched down to his level and pulled her close to him, whispering in her ear.
"Mira, in a few years you will meet someone who will be important to you. Stuff will happen and you'll think you've lost it. But you haven't lost him, he'll come back." He looked her in the eyes, Mira looked confused, but didn't say anything. "Remember what I told you today. He'll be back," Ryker said, gently cupping her face in his hands.
Mirajane had no reaction, she just listened without understanding what he was talking about. "Who do I have to wait for?", she asked confused.
"One day you'll find out," Ryker replied vaguely. "Now go! Take care of your sibilings," he said and without thinking, Mira turned her back on him and went back to her sibilings, more confused than before.
Current days...
"Mira!" Lisanna screamed desperately.
Mirajane came out of her trance, dazed and with mixed feelings. "Ryker…" she said softly putting her hands over her mouth in shock.
"What did you say?", Lucy asked, I don't understand what she had just said.
Mira started to cry. "What happened? Tell us Mira-nee", Lisanna asked anguished, watching her sister break down in tears.
"Let us help, Mira," Elfman insisted, seeing his sister in that state.
"It's…it's Ry…Ryker", she replied in tears.
"Ah, Mira…", Lisanna wailed sadly. They had thought Mira had gotten over it, or at least was getting better, getting over his death, but from what they were seeing, they figured she still hadn't gotten over his death, and they were doubting that she ever would.
"He… he's alive!", Mira exclaimed with a happy smile like she hadn't had in a long time. Everyone looked at each other in shock, not believing what she said.
"Mana, he died. There is no way to. I'm sorry, but you have to accept it," Elfman said.
"He's right, Mira-san. Ryker is no longer with us. I miss him too, but we have to move on. It's what he would like. Isn't that what he asked you to do?", Lucy argued.
"You don't understand!" Mirajane screamed. "That man, that was him. 'Koga' is Ryker's last name, and that's how he introduced himself to us. Elfman, Lisanna don't you remember?
The two Strauss sibilings looked at each other in confusion, and Mira was irritated when she realized her sibilings didn't remember. "Sorry, Mira-nee, but…".
She looked at them in disappointment. "He is alive! My Ryker is alive and he'll be back soon", she said and ran out of the library, ignoring her sibilings and Lucy calling her. Mira ran past the guild hall and disappeared into the city. Lisanna, Elfman and Lucy came after her, but it was too late.
"What's going on?", Erza asked them.
"What are you looking at?" Alice asked Ryker. He was on the balcony of the hotel where they were staying, watching the stars.
"Just looking at the sky," he replied.
"Any special reason? Maybe your reunion with Mirajane," she nudged him with her elbow. Ryker just smiled in response.
"I don't know if I was right to have said some things to her. This may have spoiled the timing. But I couldn't leave them with nothing, I had to say I was alive, somehow. I needed to tell her."
"I understand. You will be reunited soon and I'm sure she will accept you with open arms."
"I know," Ryker smiled and looked up at the same sky as Mirajane.
She was stargazing, the same place Ryker always went in Magnolia. On that cliff, sitting leaning against that tree with the best view of the lake and city.
"I'll be waiting for you, Love. Come back soon", she said with happy tears running down her cheeks.