Author's note : Here's the next part—things are moving along little by little!
We're still in the exposition phase, and as the title suggests, we're about to meet a new character. This is the most important OC in the story, but I want to reassure anyone who might be concerned: the character was created for the story, not the other way around. What I mean is that while this character is significant, with his own personality, goals, development, strengths, and flaws, he will never overshadow the other characters, especially those from the original manga. I've done my best to make him interesting and likable, and he definitely won't be the cliché of the overpowered OC who does everything solo. I hope that puts some of you at ease ^^ (and I hope it doesn't scare anyone away). Personally, I struggle with fics where OCs take on more importance than the characters we already know. My goal in reading Fairy Tail fanfics is to see my favorite characters grow in a new story (and maybe to watch Natsu get a bit of a hard time, but that's another story... Why am I so cruel to him T_T.)
I didn't have any answer about it last chapter so I'll ask it again juste in case. There's a character later on who has the name of a character from Kingdom Hearts, and I was wondering if that would be an issue. When I first started writing this fic, before I rewrote it, I was 15, and at that time I had NO idea what I was going to do with it. I wrote without any real intention of making something original or even good, so I borrowed tons of names from other things I liked. But now that my story has grown so much, I'm trying to make it an entirely original creation and I have a more mature approach to my work.
To get to the point, I've changed a lot of names, but there are some that are very hard for me to change because I've always been used to seeing that character with that name and I can't find a name that satisfies me. One of my character is named Xehanort, and my question is: is that really a problem or not? Thanks in advance for your responses, it would really help me to have your opinion!
A little anecdote: When I created Zexion, I took the name Xion from Kingdom Hearts and added "Ze-" in front to make it seem original... completely forgetting that there was already a character named Zexion in KH. No comment. (facepalm).
That's all for now, see you at the bottom of the chapter ^^
Enjoy reading!
xxXCrimson-Wolf-MoonXxx: Hey! No worries at all, really, it's not a big deal ^^.
Each of your reviews is like a gift from the heavens for me, thank you so much. I'm especially glad that you feel the emotions of the characters so deeply because that's exactly what I aim for when writing them. As for Gajeel, I really like the relationship he has with Natsu, but I feel like it's often overlooked, which is a shame. I hope you'll enjoy his character development because it's going to be a bit of a rollercoaster. He doesn't appear as often as some of the others, but he still has some major moments that will do him justice. I can't wait to share it all with you.
It's also a relief to hear that all those place names didn't confuse you—it's important that you get a feel for the atmosphere they'll be facing once they reach that other country. The history of that place is very important for the rest of the story, and every detail matters.
As for the relationships between the characters, everyone is free to imagine what they like, but I didn't write that scene to imply any romantic feelings. That said, it doesn't bother me at all if you see it that way! Quite the opposite, actually ^^.
I'm kind of like you when it comes to Lucy—generally, I feel less connected to what she does or even to her relationships with the other characters. In this case, I agree with you: at the moment of their separation, I'm a hundred times more moved by what Natsu is feeling because we know how much he's really struggling to hold it together. So the fact that Lucy blames him for that... well, I feel less sympathetic, even though, deep down, Lucy can't know what he feels. In any case, I totally get why you might feel less for her given the current situation.
And about the end of the last chapter... hehe, you'll find out more in a few chapters, but I'm really looking forward to it. *mischievous laugh*.
Finally, about Zexion, well... as the chapter title suggests... it's time to learn more ^^. I'm excited to hear what you think of him!
I wish you a great read, and thank you SO MUCH for your review, once again!
kuroshiragami0: Hi! Thank you again for your feedback, I'm happy you like it and I hope you'll like this chapter too! Can't wait for your opinion on this one ^^.
Guest: Ah yes! THIS is a constructive criticism!
First I have one question : did you think for a second before you wrote this shit? Do you understand that the purpose of the author's note was precisely to warn people of a few important points so they can know beforehand if they might like the story or not? So don't say that you wasted your time, when this AN actually did the opposite… I know your review was just a way to be a jerk but hey, try to use your brain and be a bit coherent at least.
What was the purpose of this anyway? If AT LEAST you could have specified which part of my warnings turned you off and why, and with a bit of decency, you could have just said something similar without being a jerk. Or just do as everyone else : saying to yourself "Ah, too bad, it's not for me." and just try to find another fiction that fits your requirements? I'll never understand people like you.
But whatever, we'd know if people like that had any decency at all... For some reason it's always some guest cowards that post reviews such as these. Weird, isn't it? Anyway if you're the kind of person who just likes to be mean, you won't be a great loss. So be gone, don't worry I won't miss you. In your own words: thank you for wasting my time.
Sorry for any readers who may have read this, but I'm getting tired of these people whose only goal in life is to piss everyone off.
Lunaris: Thank you! I was so happy when I saw you left a review on this chapter too! Glad to hear everything was clear about Lüditz, because there are a lot of information to divulgue about it, and I need it to be understandable. Happy to hear that you like Gajeel development because I have some big things for him, as a Dragon Slayer and as Natsu's friend. Excited to show more about it, and about what happened a the end of chapter 4.
I hope you'll like this chapter too. Thanks again, my blessings! ^^
Chapter 5: Zexion Ventus
Gray stood with his hands in his pockets, staring out at the vast forest stretching hundreds of meters below. He nudged a pebble into the abyss with the toe of his shoe, watching it bounce off the cliff and vanish into the depths of the canopy. Then he kicked another stone with such force that it disappeared among the trunks, landing with a resounding crash that startled a flock of birds.
He sighed, realizing the futility of his actions. Exhausted by his earlier outburst of anger and overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions he had experienced in such a short time, he knew he couldn't endure this oppressive situation much longer. It needed to improve quickly before it drove him to madness.
The creak of a branch barely jolted him from his mental reclusion, and he didn't even bother to turn around, already knowing who the footsteps belonged to.
He didn't react when Lucy joined him, nor when she sat down beside him, her legs dangling over the edge. She didn't push him for a response, preferring to let him start the conversation if he felt inclined. Instead, she remained silent, savoring the calm and the shared solitude until he chose to speak—or not.
He settled beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder in gratitude. To her delight, she realized he wasn't planning to remain silent.
"Don't worry, Lucy. I'm fine."
The girl felt reassured hearing him speak so calmly despite the turmoil he must have been feeling after what they had learned about Deliora. She knew he was merely keeping his emotions in check, but they were still there, weighing heavily on his heart, unseen by anyone.
"Don't worry about my whims," Gray continued, confirming Lucy's certainty. "The most important thing is that we finally found his trail, right?"
"Yes, but you know, you have the right to... I mean, after what we just learned..."
Unsure how to address the issue without directly mentioning Deliora, she stammered, searching for the right words. Gray understood she was trying to spare him and silently thanked her for her thoughtfulness, though he felt it was unnecessary. As friends, he preferred that she didn't hold back to her own detriment. She had the right to speak her mind directly, even if it might upset him a little.
"We'll never blame you for showing or telling us how you feel; quite the opposite," she continued, echoing his own thoughts. "In situations like this, we need to help and listen to each other even more than usual."
A warm silence settled between them, the softness of her words resonating in Gray's heart. He realized how fortunate he was to have his friends by his side and how big Lucy's heart truly was. Yet, he sensed she felt excluded from the circle of support and understanding vital to their emotional balance, and he knew he had to set things right. Gray gazed at her with solemn resolve, determined to be deserving of her kindness.
"You know, that goes for you too," he said with a mix of gentleness and firmness.
Lucy was touched by his tender attention, her eyes reflecting both gratitude and uncertainty. She felt tempted to change the subject, but Gray's intense gaze never wavered, conveying his determination to support her in return.
"Thanks, but...," she began uncertainly. "To be honest, I'm not really sure how I feel. I wouldn't even know what to tell you."
Gray placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a simple touch but filled with support, like an anchor in the storm of her thoughts. She took a deep breath, feeling the weight lift just a little.
"What I mean is, don't hurt yourself by bottling everything up," the ice mage clarified, breaking the contact. "Talk to us whenever you need to. Sometimes you just have to bring up tough stuff, don't ever be afraid to tell us anything."
Gray's words resonated deeply within her, dispelling her lingering doubts. She nodded with a shy smile, feeling a newfound strength from their exchange.
"Thanks, Gray," she said with a relieved smile. "I promise I'll do my best."
The young man nodded, sealing their pact of honesty. Lucy was the first to take him up on it, fearful but resolute.
"You know," she said hesitantly, "with what we've learned today, I..."
She hesitated again, looking away, uneasy about diving into the subject despite the green light she had just been given. Noticing her reluctance, Gray gently urged her to be honest with him, even if what she was about to say made him a bit anxious.
"Tell me," he interjected encouragingly.
The stellar mage turned back to him, and his patient, comforting gaze gave her the courage to confide in him with the straightforwardness she had promised just moments earlier.
"I get that you hate Deliora," she said with more confidence. "I know what he did to you, and I'd feel the same way in your shoes. But... I'm worried that trying to make him pay might put you in danger. I'm afraid your feelings might drive you to do things you'll regret."
Her words echoed his own fears, which was why he knew immediately what to answer, even though admitting his weaknesses to others was still something he found hard to do without feeling ashamed. He turned his gaze to the distant horizon, not quite turning his back, as if seeking refuge in his memories.
"I'm not gonna lie, the pain Deliora caused me is still there and sometimes makes me lose my temper," he admitted, his voice distant. "But… I'm not planning on letting hate control me."
His expression hardened as he spoke, reassuring Lucy of his unwavering determination to remain cautious about the dangerous extent his emotions could reach. As for Gray; he remained worried that if the situation grew too dire, his feelings might explode uncontrollably and lead him to repeat past mistakes despite his vigilance. Ur had died because his hatred had blinded him, and although he knew the risks, he wasn't immune to the possibility that urgency or pressure might plunge him back into that same state of indomitable fury. He was terrified that it could cost another loved one their life.
"And at the same time, I can't act like nothing happened," he clarified. "I want to wipe out every last trace of Deliora, and anything else that might have a link with him. I won't let him ruin anyone else's life, even that idiot's." Shifting the topic to Natsu hit him like a cold shower, reigniting his anger and frustration, "I swear, when we find him, I'm going to smash his face."
Lucy might have brushed off this latest comment as she had with all the other banter aimed at his rival over the years, but something told her she shouldn't let it slide this time. She sensed a genuine bitterness in Gray's voice that made her uneasy.
"I know you're angry with him, but he didn't hide the truth to hurt you or because he didn't trust you, I'm sure of it," she affirmed, convinced of her words. "He just didn't want you to suffer."
Instead of taking offense as he usually did when it came to Natsu, Gray frowned, showing the stellar mage that her caution had been justified.
"Do you doubt it?" she asked, noticing how thoughtful and uncertain he looked.
The ice mage almost flinched at her question, jolted sharply from his memories of Natsu's insults, each more hurtful than the last. That stinging hatred his rival had unleashed seemed to seep back into his heart, compressing it with skeletal hands ready to crush it with the slightest pressure. Then, comforting images from the past came to ease their grip, healing the wounds like a soothing balm on the battered organ—memories of times when his rival had indirectly shown trust in him or saved his life. He felt more lost than ever.
"No, I…," he finally replied, confused. "I don't know. After what he said… I'm not sure of anything anymore."
"What he said?" she repeated, hoping for more details.
He turned to her at her question, then remembered that she had only arrived that evening after he and Erza had been knocked out by the Dragon Slayer. She hadn't heard any of the things he had said before that, which he now realized must have been weighing heavily on her.
"Sorry, I forgot that you…" He looked back at the forest below and tried to explain, "Let's just say… he insulted me and we ended up fighting."
Lucy raised an eyebrow in question, then sighed in bemusement, trying to stifle a facepalm. "That's nothing new, Gray," she replied with a weary look.
Gray repressed a laugh at her response, letting out an amused snort. His friend's blasé, forbidden expression brought a small smile to his face, even as he wrestled with the painful memories he was trying to share. That expression shifted to nostalgia as thoughts of him and Natsu bickering over trivial things came to his mind, then to pain as those friendly insults turned into hateful slurs. He sighed deeply, trying to relax and push those words away once again.
"That's not what I meant," he clarified once he had regained his composure. "It wasn't like usual. It was as if he was unloading everything he'd been holding in about me for a long time."
Lucy furrowed her brow in sympathy and sadness, trying to understand what Natsu could have said to affect Gray so deeply. She was starting to piece together what had happened that night and why Gray had never said a word whenever Natsu came up, even implicitly. Every time, he had shut himself off without a word, and sometimes, when his emotions ran too high, he had pretended to be busy to flee the conversation and the gaze of others. The mere mention of Natsu's name likely triggers memories of those painful words, causing him to push them out of his thoughts and feelings. She regretted not being there to help him realize that, despite what he might think, Natsu cared about him no matter what he had said.
It saddened her to realize that the ice mage had taken his rival's words and actions at face value, unable to read between the lines. She had no doubt that Natsu held Gray in high regards, it was enough to recall how he had always been there for him whenever he needed help or support. A few fleeting words couldn't erase his dedication of the past two decades. Natsu had consistently shown his loyalty and friendship to each of them, Gray included, and even the harshest insults didn't reflect his true feelings. That didn't excuse how much he had shaken him up, but Gray needed to see past the disguise.
Despite himself, Gray was dragged back into the painful memories of his helplessness against his rival and the underhanded tactics used to keep him from bringing him back home. It was a miracle that he managed not to inoculate his indescribable frustration to his voice.
"When we fought, he was really serious. I really thought he might be ready to kill me if it came to that. If he hadn't used that sleep seal, it could have ended very badly."
"No," she said firmly. "I don't believe that for a second."
Gray raised an eyebrow at her, first upset by her lack of confidence in him. But he quickly realized it wasn't that she didn't trust him; she simply had an unwavering faith in Natsu.
"Natsu would never do such a thing," she stated without a hint of doubt, confirming his thoughts. "There's no way. He never intended to fight you from the start, that's all. Why else would he have used a sleep seal?"
Hearing Lucy defend Natsu so passionately and show such unwavering confidence in him filled Gray with remorse. She was doing what he had been unable to do until now. He had consistently avoided facing reality, taking the easy way out by putting all the blame on Natsu. He looked away, his jaw clenching with a crushing sense of regret.
"And didn't you guys say yourselves that he was pretending to be a traitor in hope we'd hate him and let him go?" Lucy pressed on even more boldly, determined to convince Gray once and for all that Natsu deserved his trust. "It's like you're telling me he actually pulled it off."
Shame piled onto guilt on Gray's face as he recalled, with painful precision, what that moment of weakness had allowed Natsu to do. His rival had provoked him on purpose, pushed him over the edge so that he would come to him blindly, and he had fallen for it like an idiot. It enraged him to realize how easily Natsu had manipulated his emotions for his own advantage, and he cursed him for it.
He cursed himself for it.
He had given in to his impulsivity, temporarily forgetting how unusual and absurd his rival's behavior was, allowing Natsu to dominate him so easily. By the time he realized his mistake, he was already immobilized by the seal pressed against his chest. He should have known from the start that Natsu would never try to hurt them, but his doubts and Natsu's insulting words had clouded his mind, leading him straight to defeat.
His fist clenched at the painful memory. Lucy softened as she realized how firmly she had expressed herself and the sad effect it had on Gray.
"As for the rest… I know I wasn't there, and I probably can't fully understand how you feel, but… I'm sure you're overthinking it." Lucy gave a slight nod, confident in what she had just said. "Natsu really cares about you, he just doesn't know how to show it," she added softly. "And don't tell me that's not true, because you're doing the exact same thing. Don't listen to what he says. Look at what he does, what he has done. He'd never do anything against us, or against you."
Her candor left the ice mage feeling muddled, and he quickly turned away from Lucy's persistent gaze. Maybe her naivety made her believe he and Natsu had such pure feelings for each other, but he couldn't deny there was more to their rivalry than they let on. He wasn't sure what exactly, but it didn't matter at the moment. He always avoided getting too sentimental about his relationship with Natsu, and his rival was careful not to break this unspoken agreement. The time hadn't come yet to admit to anyone that their rivalry meant more to him than just a way to prove his strength, so he skillfully dodged the question.
"I don't care what he thinks," he lied, shrugging with an indifferent look. "He's going to deal with me anyway. No matter what his reasons were, he deliberately kept what he knew about Deliora from me. I'm not planning to forgive him for that. And I'm not going to forgive myself for getting distracted by his crap. I could have brought him back, and we wouldn't be here moping over this idiot."
Lucy understood why he was caught up in 'what ifs'—she did the same to herself all the time—but it was still pointless. Besides the fact that the past couldn't be changed and that dwelling on regrets wouldn't get them anywhere, bringing Natsu back by force wouldn't have solved anything, even if they had managed to do it.
"Even if you had brought him back, I don't think it would have changed anything, you know. The Master had given him permission to leave, and no matter how much we tried to persuade him, Natsu wouldn't have said a word, that's for sure."
She shivered at the thought of what they would have had to do to force Natsu to stay if they had brought him back by force. Nothing good would have come from such a situation. Coercion would have shattered their mutual trust and created an insurmountable rift between them, leading to unbearable tensions.
"We'd have had to keep an eye on him constantly to make sure he didn't leave, or lock him up somewhere, she continued, a shiver running down her spine at the thought. "I don't think anyone would have wanted to treat him like that."
Gray looked at her for a moment, then glanced away, painfully imagining the ordeal of living with the constant fear of Natsu leaving, having to keep tabs on him, or even locking him up like a traitor. He sighed inwardly in frustration, realizing that she was right. Instead of cursing his own helplessness, he cursed his idiot rival's legendary stubbornness, though with a hint of regret.
Her quick response suggested that Lucy had already given the matter considerable thought and reached this conclusion with care. She must have spent a lot of time considering the issue to avoid being overwhelmed by regret, and Gray realized then that he knew nothing about how she felt. Blinded by his own troubles, he hadn't even tried to understand hers, selfishly focusing only on himself. Overcome with shame, he resolved to make amends. He had been a poor friend, but he was determined to change that.
"And what about you?" he asked, catching the stellar mage's attention. "Did he say anything to you? If he gave you the same kind of crap he gave me, I'm going to beat the shit out of him."
Lucy was surprised he had asked this after five whole months of silence, but she still answered, glad to finally have someone to talk to without feeling like she was burdening them with her own troubles.
"No, actually... he didn't say anything," she confessed, shacking her head sadly. "He didn't want to talk to me. He just left, saying he was done with us and that I shouldn't try to follow him if I didn't want to end up in the same mess you guys were in."
It was actually almost worse than he had imagined, and Gray didn't know how to answer to this unexpected confession. He barely had time to realize how much he sympathized and think of how to reassure her before Lucy was already opening up.
"I'm not gonna lie, it hurts to have been ignored like that, but I trust him," she said affectionately. "I'm mad at him, but I'm sure he had a good reason for doing this and didn't mean to hurt me. So even though I feel betrayed... I want to give him a chance to explain himself."
Gray felt a pang of shame at her words, realizing the depth of Lucy's friendship, trust, and affection for Natsu. She had acted like a friend, while he had been a coward and selfish, blaming Natsu entirely without giving him the benefit of the doubt, his heart consumed by bitterness and anger. He wished he could be guided by such tender feelings, but he knew that Lucy's patience and compassion were unparalleled. These qualities made her invaluable, and few could claim to be as pure as she was. She demonstrated this to him with every moment.
"Meanwhile, I'm just trying to help out wherever I can," Lucy continued, not noticing the intensity of his gaze. "I just want you and Erza... I want you both to be at peace with what happened that night."
Mixed with deep regret, an immense sense of gratitude filled Gray's heart, making it ache and warm at the same time. Since that day, Lucy had been prioritizing their well-being over her own, and she had never tried to confide in them only to protect them.
"We don't deserve a friend like you, you know," he said affectionately, looking calmer.
"Right back at you. Thank you for listening to me."
The two friends exchanged shy smiles, but then Lucy spotted a small detail about the ice mage that made her chuckle affectionately. Gray raised an eyebrow, surprised by her reaction.
"What's got into you?" he asked, utterly lost.
"I think you lost something while we were talking," she teased.
"What do you—shit! Where the hell did I put my clothes again?"
He sighed in exasperation as he got up, and Lucy's laughter rang out until he finally found what he was looking for a few meters behind them. She watched him get dressed with an amused smile before standing up herself. When Gray finished and turned to face her, he felt a wave of calm from the relaxed expression on the stellar mage's face as she walked over to him.
"Shall we head back?" he suggested as she joined him.
"Yes, let's go," Lucy agreed. "Mirajane and the others are waiting for us for the next part."
He nodded in agreement, and the two friends walked in silence toward the house, following the river to the gate. Before they reached it, they noticed Erza leaning against the wall, clearly lost in thoughts, and Gray wondered if she had been watching them from a distance while they talked. She straightened up as they approached.
"Are you ready?" she asked simply, her voice firm and steady despite the slight tension in her features.
Lucy and Gray nodded almost simultaneously, holding back from asking if she was fine when they noticed her stern and determined expression. If Erza was worried about something, she clearly had no intention of discussing it, and no one was brave enough to push her on it.
"Great," she said, uncrossing her arms. "Let's head inside. Mira needs to show us our route."
She didn't wait for their answer before following her own instructions, with Gray and Lucy close behind. Once inside, the ice mage was quickly filled in on what had been discussed during his absence, and Mirajane began to explain their plan of action, occasionally assisted by her brother's input.
For an hour, they spread out maps of Lüditz, studying every region and memorizing key locations while planning various routes to their destination in case one became impassable. With their paths set, they felt a surge of determination and eagerness to finally see Natsu again, resolved not to be slowed down by any challenges ahead.
After crossing the border, Gray, Lucy, and Erza would make their way on foot to Lüditzen, following the Mahen Road that stretched all the way to the Lanudia Desert. A few kilometers from there they would reach the capital, where they planned to spend the night and gather information about Natsu's activities. At dawn the next day, they would travel northeast to Del-Fharis, a small and modest village where they would board the Hildegarde, as the Lüditzians called it. In just a few hours, this underground train would take them to the Nalfein mountains, where the Fürg tunnels had been carved beneath.
Meanwhile, Mirajane and Elfman would separate from the rest of the group before reaching Lüditzen. They would take the Nycroc Road to Prontera, where they'd catch another Hildegarde train. This one would carry them through the Glast Heim mountains, with the streets of Ascalön lying buried to the east.
Finally, between the seventh and eighth weeks after the two groups split up, they were to meet again in the forest village of Dali, situated along the Ior River, just a few kilometers from the border between the Lanudia Desert and the Alewind Forest.
"So, how do we cross the border?" Erza asked, keeping their route in mind.
"I was thinking of paying Zexion another visit," Mirajane suggested thoughtfully. "Unlike the other locals we asked, he talked about Natsu like he actually knew him, not just in an admiring way."
"I'm not exactly thrilled about seeing that guy again, but I agree," Elfman nodded in agreement with his sister's suggestion. "It can't be a coincidence that he knows so much about Natsu and the Deliora fragments. He's definitely hiding something. He probably has more to tell us than anyone else."
The proposal was unanimously agreed upon, and the group made their way to Zexion's house, guided by Elfman and Mirajane through the twilight streets. Torches and countless fires were already lit in anticipation of nightfall, their flames casting flickering shadows on the walls. The sky was clear to the west, but dark, low-hanging clouds shrouded the southern horizon, casting a menacing veil over the Dark Lands. In the distance, a line of beeches and aspens was visible, bordering the river snaking through the Okkar Forest.
They left the warm, glowing city behind and took a path up to a small, secluded house outside the city walls. Upon reaching the doorstep, they didn't even have time to knock before the storyteller invited them in from behind the still-closed door. With a brief exchange of glances, they entered, Mirajane leading the way.
Sitting on a stool, Zexion was poring over various documents scattered across a small, worn desk in the corner of the room. A tiny cut, no longer than a needle, traced the curve of his skull to his right temple. As he stood up to greet them, the lock of hair that had been crossing his forehead fell back into place.
Contrary to their expectations, Zexion was a man in his prime, with an athletic and slender build shaped by a rigorous and undeniable training. His jet-black hair, with subtle hints of purple, framed his face with long, dark strands that flowed along his finely defined cheekbones. A thin braid, starting at the nape of his neck, traced the curve of his left ear before falling gently onto his chest.
His attire spoke of a seasoned fighter. He wore a long, thick black coat that swayed slightly with each step. Its asymmetrical cut was fastened across his chest with sturdy metal buckles, revealing a fitted dark shirt beneath that molded to his body while allowing freedom of movement. His left shoulder was adorned with an imposing piece of finely crafted ebony armor, contrasting with the bare simplicity of the right side. His left arm was fully covered by a long sleeve ending in a thick, battle-worn, but still sturdy black glove. Around his right forearm, tightly wound black leather bands accentuated his muscles and provided extra protection.
His pants were also black—snug but flexible enough for complete freedom of movement. His high boots, though worn, were impeccably maintained and made of soft yet durable leather, allowing for swift and silent steps. While functional, his entire ensemble conveyed a sense of melancholy and emotional depth, with each piece seeming to carry the weight of past fights.
His movements were smooth and light when he approached, reflecting his calm and controlled nature. The young storyteller glanced briefly at each of them, and the deep emerald of his eyes immediately evoked the intense hue of their missing friend, stirring a troubling nostalgia. Yet it was easy to dismiss this unsettling feeling; despite the similar eye color, the emotions behind his gaze were entirely different. His look was piercing and impassive, a stark contrast to Natsu's cheerful and warm personality. He seemed to be constantly assessing his surroundings, allowing no uncontrolled emotions and adding a touch of sternness to his otherwise harmonious face. If Zexion noticed their unease, he gave no sign of it.
"What do I owe the pleasure of a visit at this late hour?" he asked, stopping in front of them.
His slight accent added a melodic rhythm to his words, and his slow, clear tone gave his speech a captivating musicality.
"I know it's a lot to ask," Mirajane said, "but we need your help to get across the border."
"Please," Elfman added, giving a slight bow.
Zexion let out a resigned sigh, breaking eye contact with his visitors, "Why are all the Fairy Tail mages so reckless?"
He let his rhetorical question linger in the air, filling the room with a timid silence, as if poised to flee at the slightest movement like a frightened animal. After a brief pause, he finally motioned for them to sit at his table, stepping aside to let them pass. Once everyone was seated, he took his place, resting his elbows on the table and propping his chin on his hands, and scrutinized each visitor with a furrowed brow.
"Why are you so willing to throw away your lives for nothing? I assume you're the ones Natsu said goodbye to before he left, am I wrong?"
He gestured toward Erza, Gray, and Lucy, his gaze unyielding. The trio struggled to hold his stare without retreating or letting their emotions slip. While his words stirred up painful memories, their main worry was how he had come by such an information. He knew too much for their liking, more than he should, and it was hard to believe that he and Natsu were close enough for the fire mage to confide such personal details. They were so different that it seemed impossible for any kind of friendship to have formed between them; they couldn't imagine their energetic Natsu being friends with this calm and cold man. Something didn't add up, and they weren't ready to trust Zexion easily. Who knew if he had gotten this information against Natsu's will, or if someone else had fed it to him to gain their trust and lower their guard.
"Don't be so suspicious," he said, trying to reassure them as he noticed their wary expressions. "Natsu talked a lot about you. Even though we've never met, I've known about you for a while."
A sad smile lingered on his lips as he drifted into his own memories, and this melancholic behavior forced the trio's suspicion to retreat, though their skepticism only deepened. Even considering the possibility that Zexion was telling the truth and that he and Natsu had indeed been friends, it was hard for them to believe that their friendship could be as long-standing as he claimed. Natsu had joined Fairy Tail at seven, and no one had ever heard of Zexion, which was highly suspicious.
"I know what you're thinking, and it's understandable," he continued, sensing their distrust starting to crack. "But it's the truth. Natsu and I... let's just say we're more than just acquaintances, even though we lost touch for a few years."
Their unlikely theory was confirmed but they remained wary, convinced he was hiding something regardless of whether what he was saying was true. It still seemed unbelievable that this man could know them and have shared years of friendship with Natsu without anyone ever mentioning his name.
"Even if it's too personal to share, there's a reason you've never heard of me before," he concluded, hoping his explanation would be enough for them to give him the benefit of the doubt. "You have to believe me."
He seemed sincere, so no one dared to contradict him. Pushing him for personal details or accusing him of lying wouldn't help their cause either. There were more important things to confirm or learn than that at the moment.
Still, they wondered how their friend had talked about them and in what circumstances. According to Zexion, they had met shortly after Natsu's departure, and they were eager to know the details of that meeting. Ever since he had left, they had been wondering how he had handled and coped with those events, and the storyteller might have the answers to ease their worries and need for reassurance. There was also a sense of frustration, especially from Gray who couldn't bear the fact that his rival had confided in Zexion about things he had refused to share with them, as if he was more deserving of the truth than they were. Natsu had asked for his help while rejecting theirs, trusting him instead.
"If you know him so well, how could you let him do this?" Gray asked sharply, his tone accusatory. "What do you really know about him? Who are you to—"
"I guess you must be Gray, right?" Zexion interrupted with exasperation despite his impassive face. "I figured you'd react impulsively, but I hoped I was wrong and that you'd show more sense."
"E-Excuse me?!"
Gray was so dumbfounded by the storyteller's blunt and misplaced honesty that he couldn't find any words, leaving Zexion free to continue before he could gather his thoughts, "Don't take it the wrong way, I have nothing against you. I'm just noting that Natsu wasn't exaggerating when it came to you."
Gray suddenly didn't want to know what his rival had said about him, fearing another harsh dose of reality like the one he experienced when Natsu left. This rejection, this aversion from someone he'd always considered close despite everything had been a nightmare to endure; he didn't want to feel that way ever again. He was already struggling enough to cope with the first blow, he didn't want to face another. He would rather not know anything.
'I've never felt the slightest sympathy for any of you, let alone for you, loser'
The thought of what else Natsu might have told this man terrified him, leaving him speechless and frozen in place. He tried with all his might to remember Lucy's words, but Natsu's kept echoing in his mind, and he felt rage building up inside him. Zexion watched his reaction closely, his brows furrowed, which in turn drew the attention of his friends. However, they didn't get the chance to see Gray's troubled expression as he quickly regained his composure, only witnessing the anger that followed. He sprang to his feet, slamming his fist down on the table.
"I don't care who you are, that doesn't give you the right to judge us like you know us!"
Despite Gray's raw anger and hostility, Zexion remained impassive and unruffled. He didn't seem to realize that it was this very indifferent attitude that irritated the ice mage so much. Or maybe he was deliberately trying to provoke him, which wasn't entirely out of the question.
"You're right; we don't know each other, and I don't intend to judge anyone," he replied, trying to defuse the conflict. "I just know enough about you to form an opinion."
"Well, keep it to yourself, we don't want to hear it!"
Zexion let out a heavy sigh, though it was hard to tell if it was from frustration, exasperation, or disappointment—likely a mix of all three.
"Alright, alright, I get it," he conceded, crossing his arms to appear more impervious. "It seems I've touched a nerve."
Gray was about to retort sharply, but Erza intervened, grabbing his arm before he could strain further their already tenuous relationship with their host. When he turned to face her, she crossed her arms and fixed him with a commanding look.
"That's enough, sit down," she ordered. "We don't have time for this."
"What, you're just gonna let him spout his crap without saying anything?!"
"If it means that we can find out where Natsu is and how to get to him, then yes. So sit down."
The two friends exchanged hostile glares for a few seconds, brows knitted together, before Gray turned away and reluctantly sat back down. He avoided Zexion's gaze, closing his eyes to calm himself as he crossed his arms.
"Now there's someone who knows how to use her brai-"
"Shut up."
Zexion chuckled at Gray's retort, but against all expectations there wasn't a trace of contempt in his laughter.
"You're really quite interesting, you know?" he declared, amused. "I understand why Natsu values you so much."
Normally, Gray would have fired back with a sharp retort, but he restrained himself, leaving the room steeped in heavy silence. The storyteller eventually broke the silence, realizing that discussing Natsu's feelings was causing discomfort and distress.
"I'm sorry if I've hurt your feelings, that wasn't my intention," he apologized, making sure not to meet Gray's gaze. "I've been looking forward to meeting you in person for so long. Please forgive me if I seemed intrusive. I want to help Natsu just as much as you do, but-"
"Who said anything about helping him?" Gray cut in sharply, impervious to his apology.
Zexion was caught off guard by the interruption, not expecting anyone to challenge his statement.
"We're bringing him back to Fairy Tail by the scruff of the neck, even if I have to beat him to death for that," Gray continued before Zexion could recover from his surprise. "He'll regret lying to us and running off like a jerk, and he'd better beg us to forgive him—I'll make sure of it. And it's not gonna be you, whoever you are, that's gonna stop us."
His tone was sharp but lacked any aggression, replaced instead by a cold detachment. Zexion didn't dwell on trying to understand this change, but Gray's last remark and lack of tolerance toward Natsu made him want to show just how ignorant he was of the situation.
"Regardless of your reasons, that's not the point," he continued calmly. "Don't think I'm indifferent to how you feel. You feel betrayed, and that's understandable. I might not have been around Natsu as long as you have, and I'm not going to claim I know him better than you do, but I am no less affected by his situation. You can believe that."
His words seemed to hang in the heavy silence that followed. He met each of their gazes, hoping for some sign of acceptance or understanding. He was worried about not being able to convince them of his sincerity, and this concern lingered just beneath the surface of his emotions, ready to emerge, but he managed to keep it in check.
"Natsu is important to all of us," he continued, "and the last thing I want is to deny you the answers you deserve. But I can't betray his trust, no matter how much you care about him. I must weigh every decision carefully, as the consequences of our actions could be disastrous. I can't send those he sacrificed so much to protect to certain death. I'm sorry."
The storyteller's words brought a strange sense of resignation. Not that they were ready to give up on following him, but they were finally coming to terms with the fact that Natsu's departure had been justified, despite their lingering resentment over how he had pushed them away. They had always suspected that Natsu's actions were meant to protect them, though they didn't know from what, but until now they had resisted accepting this, fearing it might lead them to give up. They wouldn't be able to forgive themselves if their stubborn actions put Natsu and the guild in even greater danger.
Abandoning wasn't an option, though they knew they had to proceed with caution. Convincing Zexion to help them by any means necessary was crucial. Mirajane furrowed her brow, troubled by some inconsistencies in the storyteller's behavior and words since their last conversation.
"Tell me Zexion, how do you know so much about the Deliora fragments?" she asked first. "Did Natsu tell you about them?"
"Yes, mostly. I was already aware of their existence before his visit, but nothing more."
The shift in the conversation to Deliora weighed hard on Gray's heart as he wondered if Natsu had used the opportunity to talk to the man about his shared past with the demon. He wasn't sure what he hoped for, as neither possibility seemed to offer any positive outcome. If Natsu had indeed shared his dark connection with Deliora with Zexion, Gray feared that this information might allow the man he despised to corner him at the worst moment. The thought that Zexion could use this knowledge to uncover his secrets made him anxious, and he was angry that Natsu had chosen to disclose the fragments to Zexion and not to him.
One question still remained: If Natsu had revealed the existence of the fragments to Zexion, how had he learned about them in the first place?
"What about Natsu, then?" Gray asked, apprehensive about the answer. "How did he find out?"
"Mainly from your guild master, I believe," Zexion replied, thoughtful. "But I don't know much more. He was rather vague on the subject. I don't think it's something he likes to remember."
It was difficult for them to process this information, even though it made sense and they had simply been avoiding the truth. The confirmation of their worst suspicions only deepened their bitterness toward their master and his obsessive effort to keep the truth from them. They remembered clearly that he and Natsu had a lengthy conversation just before he left, and it seemed likely that Makarov had used that moment to discuss Deliora and the fragments of his shattered body with him. Gray couldn't shake the thought that their master might be behind Natsu's silence on the matter. Perhaps they had decided together to keep it from him, and he didn't like that idea at all.
His resentment was so consuming that Mirajane had to intervene to refocus the interrogation before the mounting pressure shattered his composure.
"One more thing: why did you tell us about the fragments if you didn't intend to help us?" she asked, rekindling the mistrust in her companions' hearts.
"So that you could realize the danger you're putting yourselves in by insisting on trying to find him," Zexion replied without hesitation. "Seems like it wasn't enough. From your behavior, it appears it might have had the opposite effect..." He sighed, clearly in discouragement this time. "I know you care deeply about Natsu, and his absence must be hard to bear, but… you shouldn't risk your lives. If you were to get hurt, or worse… I would never be able to face him again."
His apologetic demeanor solidified into determination as his thoughts validated his own words, reinforcing his belief that he was making the right choice. Lucy felt a pressing need to counter his assertions before convincing him became impossible.
"You're mistaken. Whether we live or die was never the issue."
It was the first time she had spoken since their conversation began, but she showed no sign of intimidation by the authoritative aura radiating from Zexion's unyielding stance.
"The question is whether it's better to abandon Natsu to protect our own lives and never find peace with ourselves, or to risk everything to save him and have no regrets," Lucy continued, maintaining her composure. "As for me, I've already made my choice. I don't know why he left, and honestly I don't care. I just need to know that he didn't do it lightheartedly to act. I'd rather die than give up on him."
A hush of admiration followed Lucy's heartfelt speech, her words brimming with unwavering determination. Behind his impassive facade, Zexion had to keep his emotions in check. Lucy's words resonated deeply with him, echoing his own past mistakes and the selfishness and cowardice he had shown by waiting passively for Natsu to do what was necessary. He knew far more than she did, aware of truths she couldn't even imagine, and it hadn't even been enough to make him take action, paralyzed by terror. While Lucy was ready to do anything for Natsu, despite not knowing the full horror of the situation, Zexion wallowed in his cowardice. He felt more sullied than ever.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm angry with him for ignoring me and treating me as if I meant nothing to him, and I intend to give him a chance to explain himself," Lucy continued, her words rekindling the memory of her conversation with Gray. "But for that, we need to find him. I don't want to live as if nothing happened while knowing he's in danger, constantly wondering if he's still alive and feeling like I abandoned him. I don't want to live in fear of discovering one day that he's dead, and regret not being there to protect him as he protected us so many times. Staying away from danger will only spare us from death, not from the years of suffering that his absence will leave behind."
Lucy's passionate tirade left Gray looking somber and Erza, Elfman, and Mirajane visibly stunned. Although Gray now understood that Lucy viewed Natsu's departure as a personal rejection, the others were unaware, having never heard her talk about it. They felt guilty and deeply selfish for not trying to understand what their friend had endured, blinded by their own troubles. Erza had thought that her absence during that critical time had spared her from the pain of those memories, but she had not considered the hurt of being left out.
The Strauss siblings knew now how tormented Lucy and her friends were by their parting with Natsu and how deeply they felt betrayed. They had never realized the battle they were waging to maintain their determination, struggling not to break under the weight of their unanswered questions. They envied Lucy's ability to articulate her feelings so resolutely, even to a stranger. Zexion received the message loud and clear and set out to clarify, eager to change her perspective on an issue that particularly troubled him.
"You're Lucy, right?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer. "You can be sure of one thing: Natsu never wanted to ignore you. He told me all about what Fairy Tail has become over the years, and he spoke very highly of you, you mean a lot to him. He knows very well that he hurt you, that he hurt all of you, and believe me when I say that he regrets it deeply. If he left without properly saying goodbye, it wasn't because he thought you didn't deserve it. It was because facing and leaving you was beyond his strength. I'm absolutely certain of that."
Lucy tried to appear strong and composed, but the glimmer of tears at the corners of her eyes revealed her emotional state, stirred by Zexion's words. Amid her fear, she found comfort in the thought of Natsu's heart being close to hers again. Seeing things from this new perspective made her feel foolish for not having thought of it herself. She must have found it hard to believe she was important to the fire mage and felt she didn't deserve his friendship. Zexion had just disproved her doubts, bringing immense relief.
She lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact with anyone. Zexion was satisfied with this indication that his message had been heard, understood, and accepted by the stellar mage.
"I suppose that you must be feeling overwhelmed by the situation and worried about Natsu, but I believe you already have what it takes to get through this," the storyteller said, trying to infuse his voice with a note of hope. "Support one another, and you'll be able to overcome anything. I gather that this has always been Fairy Tail's way. Am I wrong?"
He gave a faint, affectionate smile as the image of Natsu naturally came to his mind. If anyone truly embodied the guild's spirit, it was undoubtedly its fire Dragon Slayer. A similar expression appeared on everyone's faces, subtly varying with each person's personality and relationship with Natsu. Witnessing this, Zexion resumed after observing them for a few seconds.
"I was wrong," he admitted, surprising his listeners. "I thought you didn't fully grasp the dangers involved, but it seems I underestimated your determination. Natsu made me promise to stop you from following him if your search brought you this far, and so far I intended to keep that promise. But in the end I've changed my mind."
His words brought a fresh surge of energy to his listeners, who felt uplifted by this unexpected breakthrough. A quiet sense of triumph spread among them as they realized they had succeeded in overcoming his reluctance, boosting their confidence.
"Without meaning to alarm you, I think that you're his only hope," he continued, his voice betraying a hint of his nervousness. "I have a feeling that you'll know what to do when the time comes. Your friendship might be the only thing that can help him. I failed to live up to that, but you... you have a chance to succeed."
Zexion's last statement caused him to make a sudden grimace, which Lucy found puzzling.
"What do you mean? I'm sure that Natsu cares about you."
"But that doesn't mean I deserve it," he retorted spontaneously, not realizing what he was revealing. "After what I've..." His look of disgust intensified, and although Lucy thought he might finally open up, the storyteller hesitated. "Never mind. Forget it."
Lucy continued to scrutinize him closely, and Zexion was keen to avoid giving her the opportunity to ask the questions he dreaded.
"In any case," he continued, changing the subject, "I agree to help you. But under one condition."
"What is it?" Erza asked, both wary and hopeful.
"I want to come with you." The request itself wasn't surprising, though they had expected something more problematic. It seemed almost inevitable that they would comply, especially after Zexion presented his reasoning. "I know Lüditz well, and I'm the only one familiar with Natsu's plans. You'll need me to guide you. Furthermore, I want to help him as much as you do, despite what Mr. Grumpy might say. By the way, beautiful underpants, if I may say so."
All eyes converged on Gray, who was indeed already shirtless and blushing bright red with embarrassment. He sprang up and began actively searching for his lost clothes, grumbling under Zexion's amused smile. Soon, the other guests joined in, exchanging knowing glances and chuckles. The atmosphere lightened immediately, as if the weight of their concerns had lifted and nothing could bring them down anymore.
Although Zexion didn't inspire trust in everyone, they recognized that he was the only one who could help them and they should at least give him the benefit of the doubt. Suspicion still remained about him, and they needed to keep a close watch on him until he proved himself. Everything indicated he was telling the truth, but he was still too well-informed for their comfort, so they couldn't fully trust him—at least not yet.
Regardless of his motives, the key was that they had succeeded in getting him to join them and that they could now cross the Lüditzian border to reach Natsu. This thought sharpened their determination so much that it buried all their doubts under its light. Enough to make Gray forget how much the storyteller frustrated him, if only for the few seconds needed to accept Zexion's request.
As soon as Zexion received the positive answer, his satisfaction was evident, though still restrained by his reserved personality. With that settled, they scheduled the meeting for the following dawn and said their goodbyes to the storyteller. As soon as the door closed behind them, Zexion sank into his chair and closed his eyes, feeling exhausted.
"You're not planning to tell them the truth, are you?"
Zexion immediately opened his eyes and sighed, a mix of exasperation and weariness.
"Can't we get a minute to ourselves?" he complained, running a hand over his face. "You can come down now, Gajeel. I knew you were eavesdropping."
At those words, the roof window opened, and the Iron Dragon Slayer came in, exactly as the storyteller had predicted. He landed heavily in front of Zexion with his usual lack of finesse, glaring with a furrowed brow and a hand on his hip. Zexion chuckled softly at the predictability of his unexpected guest.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm not planning to tell them anything for now. You can sleep easy."
Gajeel narrowed his eyes further in response, sharpening his piercing gaze as if expecting something more from him. His interlocutor immediately grasped what he was waiting for but deliberately avoided the topic.
"Ah, and no need to hit me again. I've got the message," he warned with indifference, feeling his wound with his fingertips.
"I wouldn't have had to do it if you weren't so damn stubborn," Gajeel shot back with a shrug. "Sometimes you're even worse than Salamander."
The storyteller's expression grew nostalgic, with a touch of mockery toward his interlocutor subtly piercing through his affection for Natsu.
"You really sure about that?" he scoffed, knowing full well that his way of dodging the topic would really piss off the iron mage. "Didn't know that was even possible."
"Right, try to buy time," the Dragon Slayer retorted sharply. "You said you'd make a decision after seeing them. So I'm waiting for your answer, Zexion."
"Or else what, you—"
"Zexion," Gajeel cut in dryly. "You're being a pain in the ass."
His reprimand made Zexion sigh again, but a small, amused smile played on his lips, a reaction to the frustration he had intentionally stirred up in Gajeel.
"Alright, I'll stop," the storyteller conceded, regaining his seriousness but with one last discreet chuckle. "I'll provide what you need to get through as well. I have no reason not to let you go."
"That's not what you said earlier."
"I lied," the storyteller admitted, his candid tone drawing another exasperated look from the Dragon Slayer.
"Can you stop fucking with me?" he grumbled, rolling his eyes in annoyance
His features tightened, and a shadow of anger crossed his eyes, showing that his patience was wearing thin with his interlocutor's constant evasions. Gajeel was clearly getting irritated, so Zexion decided to stop pushing. He figured it was time to quit teasing the Dragon Slayer's legendary impulsiveness before this little game—though devilishly entertaining—ended with another fist to his face.
"I've already told you everything I know," he said, regaining his usual composure. "If you still want to join Natsu despite that, I have no intention of stopping you. Though I doubt Fairy Tail will view your plans favorably."
"It's still better than just sitting on my ass and not doing a damn thing," Gajeel countered coldly.
The underlying accusation was unmistakable, his words cutting like blades, clearly intended to provoke a reaction. The remark tipped the balance against him despite his previous dominance in the conversation, but Zexion didn't let the shame and guilt he felt bubbling beneath the surface take control.
"That's why I'm not planning on sitting on my ass and not doing a damn thing," he replied, deliberately echoing his interlocutor's words.
Gajeel frowned with suspicion, but his eyes betrayed a mixture of curiosity and relief. Zexion's conversation with Fairy Tail had already revealed his intention to finally react to the horror of the situation despite the deplorable cowardice that had held him back until now, but getting this confirmation filled Gajeel's heart with deep relief for their mutual acquaintance. He needed all the support they could get, and after the gaping wound Zexion had inflicted on his heart by withholding his own, his participation would be the most crucial of all. The most dangerous, too.
"What made you change your mind?" he asked with a feigned casualness.
Zexion remained silent, and his inscrutable expression was enough to convince Gajeel that his hope for reassurance was in vain. He wouldn't get anything from him for now.
"Never mind, it's none of my business," he conceded reluctantly. "I'll just be glad you finally decided to get off your ass. You should've done it five months ago, but better late than never. Fairy Tail was probably more convincing than me, though I guess their ignorance suits you just fine."
The storyteller resisted lowering his gaze at these words, their truth dangerously eroding his emotional balance. Lucy's tears had weighed on his decisions as much as her innocence and ignorance, which reassured the storyteller of his ability to control the situation and influence their choices until the truth came out. Additionally, he knew important details that even Gajeel didn't, giving him greater control over the situation and, by extension, over himself.
"Anyway, when I followed them here to see what they were up to I didn't expect to run into you," the Dragon Slayer said.
"And I didn't expect you to join his guild. What exactly are you hiding?"
Gajeel simply stared at him without betraying any emotion, and Zexion abandoned any idea of extracting information from him. In truth, he hadn't expected to get anything; it was just a way to let him know that he wasn't naive and that he was keeping an eye on his actions.
"I guess you don't want them knowing about your plans?" he asked, just to change the subject.
"What do you think?"
Zexion didn't take offense at his cynicism, having long been used to his interlocutor's sharp retorts.
"I think you should come with us," he suggested instead, catching Gajeel off guard. "You know how things have changed over the past five months. It might be safer to stick together. If they come after you..."
"Because you think you belong with them?" Gajeel shot back dryly, desperate to make him see the truth. "Dude, you're kidding yourself. They're not like us. I already know what they'll decide when they learn the truth, and you won't ever change their minds, trust me. They'll give their lives if it means saving Salamander."
The two men glared at each other but neither of them gave in, both equally tenacious. They both had their own reasons and arguments, and an agreement between them seems unlikely given their differing views on the situation. Gajeel quickly realized this and stopped trying to persuade him, choosing instead to offer a warning.
"Salamander has already got enough to deal with without piling another burden on his shoulders, and so do I," he added, a pleading glint in his eyes behind the hardness. "I hope you know what you're doing bringing them along. Because there would be no turning back."
"To be honest, it's Natsu's reaction that worries me more."
"Yeah, that too…"
A worried, almost fearful expression crossed the Dragon Slayer's face as he imagined his counterpart's reaction upon discovering that those he had worked so hard to keep away from the situation had followed him, and worse, because of Zexion himself.
"Anyway, don't do anything stupid," he warned. "Things are already messy enough, so don't throw any more wrench in the works."
"Are Lucy and her friends the 'wrench' you're talking about?" the storyteller quipped, further irritating his interlocutor. His tone was tinged with a slight amusement, but Gajeel's serious expression showed that he wasn't amused at all. Zexion sighed, recognizing that his attempt to lighten the mood had miserably failed. "In any case, I should be the one saying that to you," he defended himself with a confident air. "You know very well that I never leave anything to chance."
"I don't think you realize what that guild is really like," the Dragon Slayer warned, annoyed by his condescending tone. "Watch out or they might rub off on you."
"What, are you afraid I might not be on your side anymore?"
Gajeel flinched slightly, the question stirring up all his worries and uncertainties. While he had no doubt that Zexion intended to help Natsu, he couldn't predict which path Zexion might take for this—or if he could even choose one. There were only two possible routes to this goal, and neither of them led to a happy ending. Although he and Zexion were striving for the same objective, Gajeel had long since made up his mind while the storyteller remained paralyzed by hesitation. Given the storyteller's emotional instability regarding the situation, he feared that Zexion's indecision would only deepen the vulnerability he had already imposed on Natsu and make things worse.
He wasn't worried about Zexion 'switching sides', as much as that expression could make sense in this situation. He feared the way Zexion would cope with the dramatic consequences of his choices, whatever they might be. Gajeel had long been prepared to face these consequences himself, but the storyteller was a different matter. Despite being aware of the stakes, Zexion's fragile mental state could crack under the slightest pressure, unleashing a flood of emotions that might change everything.
"Fear, no," he finally replied, oddly calm. "It's not like I think my choice is the right one since there isn't any. But whatever path you choose, I hope you're prepared for the consequences, that's all."
"Because you think the path you've chosen will be pain-free?" Zexion shot back sharply. "Forget the lectures, you're as clueless as I am."
Gajeel couldn't deny it, but he was disappointed by the storyteller's childish stubbornness despite his well-known wisdom. He had pointed out everything that Zexion was terrified of the most, breaking through his calm facade and making any attempt at persuasion impossible. Their conversation had become a one-sided exchange, and the Dragon Slayer, exasperated, gave up completely. It was now a lost cause.
"Whatever, do what you want," he shrugged. "At least I warned you."
Gajeel left as abruptly as he had arrived, not waiting for a response, leaving Zexion to ponder his decision to involve Fairy Tail despite his promise to Natsu.
All these doubts and worries highlighted the need to resolve the situation before it became irreparable, helping him reconcile with his decision. He would do anything to alleviate the guilt he felt toward Natsu and to make amends for his past mistakes. He needed them for that.
Leaning on the table, he clasped his hands together and rested his forehead on them, closing his eyes as if in prayer.
"Please hang in there, Natsu," he thought. "We're coming."
Author's note : So, what do you think of all this? :)
I'm a bit torn about how interesting the beginning is, so I'll leave it to you to tell me what you think. Personally, I like the moments where the characters comfort each other about the situation, all while keeping Natsu at the center of the discussion. I really hope it wasn't boring ^^
As for Zexion, like I mentioned earlier, he's going to be an important character throughout the story, but he'll remain on the same level as the others without overshadowing them. I really hope you'll like him. We don't see much of him just yet, but I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts. I'm really fond of him, but I've spent so much time writing him that I might not be objective anymore. I'd really love to get as much feedback as possible on him as he evolves. I'm genuinely curious to know if he's likable enough to fit in with the other characters and make you want to learn more about him and see how he interacts with the rest.
By the way, I want to give a special shoutout to the "Shut up" Gray drops when Zexion teases him—it always gets me when I read it. I wonder if it was the same for you.
It's kind of the same towards the end when Zexion purposely annoys Gajeel by beating around the bush—it makes me smile every time ^^. This goes back to what I was saying earlier; maybe it's just me because I've "learned" to really love this OC while writing him, or maybe it's funny for you too. I'm curious to know.
Speaking of that conversation between him and Gajeel, I hope it intrigued you and that you're interested in the relationship they share with each other and with Natsu. I'm deliberately not saying much about his situation just yet, but don't worry, you'll learn more about what happened to him, and I can't wait to get there.
With that... thanks for reading, and as always, feel free to leave feedback ^^
See you next time for the next chapter!