(Mostly New Chapter)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does
The Tale Of Mavis Vermillion
*POTD*
From the moment Team Natsu entered the Guild Hall, they were met with shocked stares from the assembled Mages.
The vast majority of them were Mages who stood behind the possessed Gray and openly called for Natsu's capture and execution. Mages who were so quick to pass judgement, refusing to acknowledge that they owed their very lives to the same man they persecuted.
Erza eyed them all with a critical glare, her upset stomach calming for the moment as she left the bucket just outside the door as to not show weakness. Standing alongside the rest of the team, she was glad Makarov was the first one to approach them, his usual Grandfatherly cheerfulness doing wonders for them all.
"You've all returned safely, and with the First Master's spirit no less," Makarov cried joyfully, noticing that all of the group, aside from Natsu, bore some form of battle damage. "I take it that there was heavy resistance?"
"Of course there was Makarov," Natsu replied neutrally. "One Spriggan. Two Leichart. All dealt with."
"I see. It seems you've all got your own tales to tell," the old man smiled, noticing Natsu not looking at anything in particular. "I understand that this probably isn't the best time to bring this up, but we need to talk in private about something."
Looking back toward the group, they all nodded in support, as Natsu headed off back outside with Makarov. The two men halted just before the stairs that led back to Magnolia, the old man sitting down on the top step, sighing audibly.
"I've got the ball rolling Natsu, and King Toma is determined to act upon what we've previously discussed," Makarov started, as Natsu remained silent, hands in his pocket as he surveyed the city. "All Guild Masters, S Class Mages, Wizard Saints and even non Mage Guild Mages have been summoned to the palace in Crocus."
"Well, at least it sounds like King Toma is going to take this seriously?"
"You should be aware that King Toma wishes for you to be there as well," the old man continued, though the news didn't really surprise him all too much. "Crime Sorciere also received an invite, and their entire Guild will be in attendance as well."
"And the Magic Council?"
"They'll be there of course, but King Toma has assured me that this meeting place shall be neutral ground."
"How? It isn't like the Magic Council haven't been running all over his authority up until this point," Natsu replied skeptically, looking down toward the old man. "How does he plan to enforce that neutrality?"
"Shortly after I met up with him, he invited me to join him on a Lacrima call… A Lacrima call, with the Ishgarian High Council."
"What!?"
"The High Council are all going to be in attendance for this meeting, along with representatives from the few remaining nations not currently under Alvarez occupation," the old man explained seriously, as Natsu looked back out toward the city, pondering this new information.
"As far as assurances go… I'll admit, that's probably the best King Toma could get. Though tell me, what's the High Council's opinion of my status as the Demon King E.N.D?"
"Believe it or not, but they actually weren't aware of your status as E.N.D, and were quite skeptical, seeing as you've met several of them in person before. But after some explaining, the High Council wishes to judge you during this meeting."
"In other words, they don't actually care about it," Natsu smiled, chuckling lightly as he looked up to the sky. "As I get older, the smaller victories feel so much greater. That old cunt Gran Doma would be rolling in his grave if he knew this."
"Let us not speak ill of the dead Natsu, and return to the matter at hand."
"Fair enough. Obviously I'm going to be there. Like it or not, Fiore is the last stop for Alvarez before it conquers all of Ishgar. So, it stands to reason that I'll make my stand here, even if hardly anyone will appreciate it."
"I think you'll be quite surprised just how much support you have among the people still, if my sources are to be believed," Makarov replied slyly, before looking back over his shoulder toward the Guild Hall. "There might be some in there who still don't trust you, but you've got many who never once wavered in their loyalty toward you, they just weren't in a position to show it at the time."
"Makarov is correct Natsu," Mavis chimed in, floating toward them from the Guild Hall, coming to hover just next to him. "Though darkness yet clouds the hearts of some within the Guild, the light of those you grew up with still shines brightly!"
"Is something the matter, First Master?"
"Oh, my apologies for interrupting, but I need to have my own discussion with Natsu," Mavis replied, her cheery tone dimming as she looked down at the ground, a motion that both men understood immediately. "Would you be able to distract the Guild so that Natsu and I can go over some things?"
"Of course. I take it you'll both be heading down?"
"We will," Mavis nodded in response, as she sat down on Natsu's shoulder. "I'm not sure how long we'll be though?"
"That's quite alright. I doubt any of them are in any position to judge Natsu for being private for the moment anyway? After what they did, they're probably quivering right about now…"
"Not the word I'd have chosen to use, but apt regardless," Mavis sniffed. "Anyway, mind taking us down Natsu?"
"Talk to you soon Makarov," Natsu smiled lightly, opening a Gate and walking through, coming out down in the secret chamber hidden deep beneath the Guild Hall. "There we are…"
Natsu walked forward as Mavis left her perch upon his shoulder, floating forward toward her real body. The First Master turned to face him once again, but this time, all traces of the happy, cheery, childlike woman were gone.
In its place were the cold, dead eyes of a powerful woman who brought Fiore's Guilds into the modern age. A ruthless tactician who bested nations, trounced Kings and Emperors, with nothing but a smile.
"You know something, don't you? Something neither Precht, Makarov, nor Gildarts know," Mavis spoke icily, crossing her arms as she floated above her comatose body. "What is it that you've discovered?"
"I know that Lord Life and Lady Death want you kept away from Zeref at all costs,
Natsu began, as he recalled the mission the deities had sent him on. "They directly interfered to tell me exactly where you were, and when I could get you. The main question I have, is why they want you kept away from Zeref? Or, more specifically, why they want your real body kept away from him?"
"I can't say I'm surprised they'd know the truth," Mavis sighed, her stern demeanor thawing somewhat, as she looked down at her real body. "To put it bluntly, I am one of Zeref's key objectives in the war. Perhaps its greatest objective, in fact."
"Seriously? Why?"
"Let me answer your question with another? Has Zeref told you about your origins yet," Mavis asked suddenly, as Natsu immediately recalled the memories of his old home, and of his own death.
"Yeah… Panacea Village, and Achnologia's battle with the Celestial Spirit King. He also showed me how Ahnkseram approached him in that strange form and offered him power…"
"So you know that much," Mavis nodded stiffly, slowly turning around to face the wall behind the Lacrima housing her comatose form. "That means we won't need to go over the origins of his power."
"Then what are we going to be discussing?"
"To put it simply," Mavis muttered, slowly turning around to reveal her eyes had shifted color, one of Crimson Red, and the other, Galaxy Blue. "We need to discuss my story, and how I accidentally derailed the plans of a madman for almost two centuries…"
"…I had a feeling that was the case," Natsu replied quietly, his own eyes subconsciously activating in response. "Eternal youth, unexplainable power, and a coma you can't wake from."
"Yes. My current form is the result of these accursed eyes," Mavis whispered, floating down to his level. "I cannot wake from this coma, because-."
"Your heart and soul are fractured, at war with one another," Natsu finished for her, eliciting a stern nod from the First Master. "The price one who is denied by the Primordials the power of Hybrid's Aura."
"As you know, I should be dead. However, my reason for living is tied directly with Zeref's own," Mavis explained, as the pair sat down on the floor before her real body. "Zeref and I, we have history. It's rather complicated and-well, I loved him I suppose, foolish as it is of me to say-."
"It's not foolish," Natsu replied firmly, surprising the First Master, before she slowly relaxed, a gentle smile worming its way onto her face. "You don't just get to decide something like love, the heart does that all on its own!"
"You are kind to say that. Yes, my heart did choose him, I agree," Mavis nodded gently, looking down at her lap. "But like I said, our history was complicated. So, rather than simply explain it-."
"You want to show it to me?"
As their eyes met, the world around them slowly began to fade away, much like it had when Zeref revealed their origins.
They remained deathly still as the world came back into focus, a wave of nostalgia hitting him as they found themselves back in the original version of the Fairy Tail Guild Hall. Looking around, it was almost exactly how he remembered it, minus the furniture, for obvious reasons.
"Welcome to Magnolia Town's Fairy Tail Guild Hall," Mavis spoke up, snapping him back to reality. "Age Seven Hundred and Fifteen."
*POTD*
"W-What do you mean you're leaving!? You can't just LEAVE!?"
"Well I can, and I am," a familiar voice replied cheerfully, as Mavis beamed up at a pair stunned older men, looking no older than she did in the modern day. "After all, I'm retired now, aren't I?"
"B-But Mavis, what about the Guild!? You can't just leave now, not when we need you the most!?"
"Have I not given enough to the Fairy Tail Guild," Mavis replied, a slight edge to her tone that she definitely didn't use in the modern day. "Have I not earned the right to live out the rest of my days as I see fit? Or, am I to be enslaved once again?"
"Of course not! How could you even say such a thing!?"
"We've spent over forty years together," Mavis spoke softly, surprising the two men before her. "Forty years ago, we were a ragtag group of strangers. A bunch of weirdos who managed to come together and make something as grand as Fairy Tail. But forty years is a long time ago, and the world is changing. I've chosen Precht as my successor, since I know neither of you two are interested."
"But Mavis-!"
"Yuri," Mavis smiled, looking into the eyes of the grey-haired old man before her, noticing the faint shimmer in them. "The time has come to pass the torch, or Fairy Tail won't survive."
A Founding Member Of The Fairy Tail Guild
S Class Mage Of The Fairy Tail Guild
A Member Of Team Vermillion
The Father Of Makarov
The Static Sentinel
Yuri Dreyar (Age 64)
"Y-You're right," Yuri relented, sighing deeply as all the fight left him. "I just-I don't want you to go Mavis! After everything we've all been through, you're one of the most important people in my life! Hell, you're the Godmother to my Son for God's sake!"
"I know Yuri, and I'll always treasure your love for me, just as I hope you'll forever treasure mine. As for Makarov, he'll be fine. He has you still, along with everyone else in Fairy Tail."
"…Mavis."
"And don't think I've forgotten about you," Mavis smirked, rounding on the other man, whose dark skin seemed solid in certain sections, bearing a striking resemblance to bark. "You know in your heart that this is for the best, don't you, Warrod?"
A Founding Member Of The Fairy Tail Guild
S Class Mage Of The Fairy Tail Guild
A Candidate For The Wizard Saints
A Member Of Team Vermillion
The Lord Of Nature
Warrod Sequen (Age 62)
"Even if I know it to be true, it doesn't make the thought of this parting any easier, Mavis," Warrod replied slowly. "I always assumed your presence would be a constant in our lives, like the wind or gravity. I-I understand why you want to go, but…"
"Its hard," Mavis smiled sadly, an understanding look on her face. "Everything goes away someday Warrod, you know this better than anyone thanks to your work with Nature. But you also know that from every parting comes new encounters. Some will be grand, and others may bring hardship. But that's life, and what it means to be Human."
"Come on Mavis, why do you have to say it like that," Yuri sniffled, trying not to cry. "You look the youngest out of all of us, yet you sound and act the oldest!"
"Ordinarily I'd smack you for that comment Yuri… But not today," the First Master replied lightly. "Its simply time my friends… Time for me to go and find Zeref to learn if this mistake inflicted upon my body can be undone?"
"But do you really have to go it alone!?"
"Yeah! We can go with you-!"
Mavis silently shook her head, though both men knew that would be the case. Regardless, they couldn't bring themselves to stand in her path any longer. And so, the two men stepped aside, as Mavis strode past them, reaching the door before looking over her shoulder, a cheery smile on her face.
"We'll see each other again, before the end," Mavis declared cheerfully, spinning around and shooting the pair a peace sign. "After all, we still haven't achieved MY dream yet, have we!?"
"N-No… I suppose we haven't," Warrod laughed, as both the old men placed their right hands upon their Guild Marks. "Before the end, one final adventure then!"
"One final adventure," Mavis cheered, walked backwards out the doorway, waving to Yuri and Warrod, until the doors closed.
Once she was alone, the First Master sighed, halting in place as she pondered her next move.
"Okay, that was step one. Now for step two…"
Blinking, she idly stared at the now shut doors to the Guild Hall, as a small blush slowly worked its way across her cheeks.
"I've got absolutely no idea where to start looking for him," Mavis groaned, crossing her arms and pouting in a most adorable manner. "Curse you Zeref and your absurd ability to avoid being found!"
"You know, I think you're looking at this the wrong way?"
"AAH!"
Mavis shot several feet into the air before he Magic halted her in place. Slowly turning around, the now floating First Master narrowed her eyes, as another familiar face shook their head, having half ascended the stairs to the Guild Hall.
"So, you really were planning on leaving, despite my objections?"
"I explained my reasoning for leaving," Mavis replied sharply, floating closer to the older figure, circling their head with an adorable yet firm expression. "You chose to ignore what I was saying in favor of what you referred to as 'sound advice' which I rebuked."
"Mavis… Though it isn't impossible, searching for someone like the Black Wizard Zeref is extremely difficult. There are even rumors that he might be dead-?"
"No, he's not," Mavis replied, instantly shutting the man down. "A man like Zeref, he's not going to die. Not ever. I won't even entertain that thought, not whilst I'm rendered ageless just by wielding one of his spells. You understand what I mean, Precht?"
A Founding Member Of The Fairy Tail Guild
Second Guild Master Of Fairy Tail
Wizard Saint Rank Seven
A Former Member Of Team Vermillion
The Wandering Professor
Precht Gaebolg (Age 65)
Precht sighed as he gently stroked his medium sized beard, knowing that arguing with his friend was a futile effort. Not only was her argument sound, but she was an adult, despite her appearance.
Much like Yuri and Warrod, he had to reign in his personal feelings and think of the greater good. Of what would be for Mavis' benefit, as opposed to that of Fairy Tail, Team Vermillion…and himself.
"I should have known it would be a futile effort to try and dissuade you now," Precht replied, nodding slowly as he continued to recall their previous discussion. "You're right Mavis, none of us could ever possibly understand what its like to go through what you do every single day. Your condition hinders your ability to live your life like the rest of us, and it isn't fair to try and stop you from seeking a cure. Even if said cure comes from the source…"
"You know Zeref isn't as bad as the legends make him out to be Precht," Mavis smiled, both touched at her old friend's kindness and thoughtfulness. "You were there too when he taught us how to use powerful Magic, and he was just like us-!"
"I wouldn't go that far," Precht replied slowly. "The truth of the matter is we barely knew more than a fleeting moment of the man. But that's neither here nor there, is it? What matters is that you're looking for him, but stumped on where to start."
"By your tone, it sounds like you have some idea of where I should start looking?"
"I do, actually. The Magic Council often informs us at the Wizard Saint meetings about suspected Dark Mage activity across Fiore and beyond. I heard a rumor that the Black Wizard was spotted stalking the Scarlione/Fioran border…?"
"And you think this is a trustworthy sighting?"
"Ordinarily I'd have dismissed it, since even the Councillors themselves don't seem overtly concerned when they tell us about it. However, the Councillor informing us about it was sweating profusely, and they also mentioned they were worried he might be trying to lure the Black Dragon Achnologia back into the country, as he was sighted over in Bosco, headed toward Scarlione."
Mavis processed this information, coming to much the same conclusion that Precht had. To have not just Zeref, but Achnologia mentioned in one briefing, combined with the concerned demeanor of the Councillor…
"I think I'll look into that lead. Thank you Precht," Mavis smiled, floating past him before pausing, and looking back toward the older man. "I know you'll make a great Second Master, even if you doubt yourself."
"I don't think the opinion I have of myself is going to change anytime soon but…thank you," Precht smiled lightly, sliding his hands into his pockets. "Mind you, I don't think I'll be Guild Master even half as long as you? After all, I'd like to retire soon!"
"Hopefully I can do so alongside you, once I'm cured," Mavis grinned, shooting Precht a peace sign, her body becoming engulfed in a bright, white light. "Take care!"
In a flash, Mavis was gone in a bout of Teleportation Magic, leaving the Second Master alone on the stairs. Slowly, Precht turned to look over at the Guild Hall, his expression softening as something stirred deep within him.
"I'll try to uphold what you've given me. After all we did, it's the least I can do…"
*POTD*
The image of Precht froze as Mavis floated in front of Natsu, snapping the Hybrid out of his musings. His eyes had been locked firmly onto Precht, silently studying a glimpse of what the man once was.
"Hard to believe he was so…"
"So?"
"So Grandfatherly," Natsu eventually replied, shaking his head. "Though I guess its hard not to look at him like a bastard when we fought to the death?"
"Precht was always curious about Magic, though he never went beyond ethical study until after I was reduced to a comatose state," Mavis replied sadly, looking down at Precht. "At least he did keep that promise though…"
"Yeah. If it weren't for him, Makarov wouldn't have become Third Master and made Fairy Tail into what it is today."
"I wanted to show you the day of my departure so that you could see Precht as the man I knew him as, not the man he became because of my choices following this moment."
"I must admit, you've got me rather curious now. You're telling me Precht became one of the worst Dark Mages on Ishgar because of what you're going to show me?"
"Well, about ninety percent of it will be my fault, yes. Precht isn't entirely blameless in his descent. Anyway, let me skip to when I arrived on the Scarlione/Fioran border…"
The image of Fairy Tail in the distant past faded away, as the entire space around them blurred wildly, before solidifying into yet another familiar vista for him…
*POTD*
As the world reformed around them, Natsu watched as the memory form of Mavis floated along a familiar cliff that once divided Fiore and Scarlione.
The much younger woman seemed in good spirits, humming cheerily to herself as she scaled the cliff. Reaching the top, the First Master sported a self-satisfied grin, placing her hands on her hips as she giggled to herself.
"That's one more cliff conquered! Just a few more and I'll have Yuri and Warrod beat!"
"I don't believe flying up the side of a cliff is quite the same as climbing it? Then again, I often do much the same, so I can't really talk, can I?"
Startled, memory Mavis spun around to find an absurdly tall older woman floating directly behind her. Natsu was somewhat surprised by the woman's appearance, though not as much as he would have been, had he not already known a good chunk of her history.
"W-Where did you come from!?"
"That's a rather loaded question, isn't it? But I'll humor you for the sake of my friend," the woman replied, her bright yellow sundress billowing in the wind along with her lengthy scarlet hair. "My name is Irene Belserion."
"Mavis Vermillion…"
"Oh, I already knew who you were," Irene smiled, clearly amused by the cautious First Master. "Zeref already told me all about you."
"Z-Zeref!? Wait, you're friends with Zeref!?"
"I am indeed. Have been for…quite a number of years, actually," Irene replied, making no attempt to hide her hesitance at revealing the exact period of time she'd known the Black Wizard. "In any case, you've been tracking us for some time now…"
"I-I have, yes! I've been looking to meet Zeref again, just like I met him back then-!"
"In Magnolia Forest?"
"That's right… I assume he told you everything about me?"
"Well, he didn't tell me you'd be so adorably cute," Irene smirked, eliciting a grumpy pout from the First Master.
"I don't WANT to be cute and adorable! I want to be OLDER, with big bouncing breasts and a thick body like yours!"
"…He did say you had no filter," Irene muttered, stunned into silence by Mavis' response. "Zeref also said that you'd be coming one day to see him about reversing the curse the Black Magic placed upon you during your battle with the Dark Guild Blue Skull."
"Does that mean… Did he send you to come bring me to him!?"
"He did," Irene replied, a gentle smile on her face. "For what it's worth, I can understand your struggle, Mavis Vermillion. It is good to see that despite the darkness that has tainted you, it hasn't dulled the glow Zeref spoke of that radiates from your soul."
"Huh?"
"You'll understand it better once Zeref tells you about it. Come with me," Irene replied, as she floated past Mavis, gently landing on the ground and conjuring her signature staff to her side. "Let's not keep him waiting!"
Mavis eagerly followed Irene, eventually being led to a small village of sorts. The area wasn't full of villagers, however. Instead, a small group of soldiers wearing strange armor milled about the place, saluting Irene as she strode past.
Reaching a small hut, they were stopped by an elderly looking man who immediately had Mavis on edge. She could feel raw power from him, greater than almost any power she'd felt across her lifetime.
"Back from your little stroll in the woods, are you?"
"I know you're getting on in years, but you know Zeref sent me out there Sentomaru," Irene replied with a roll of her eyes. "I brought Mavis like he asked."
"Hmm," the elderly man hummed, his eyes slowly drifting down toward her. "Yes, I can already sense the Black Magic within. And yet, you wield True Heavenly Body Magic and Light Magic with ease?"
Sentomaru stepped right into her personal space, eyes unblinking, almost as if he were staring directly into her very soul. The old man didn't make a sound, even as Irene rather audibly cleared her throat, the attempt at drawing the old man's attention going entirely unheeded.
"The curse of Black Magic has damaged you, Mavis Vermillion, as it has damaged countless others. A stain sits upon your very being, a denial of the conceptual kind that withholds a tenet for the definition of mortal."
"W-What does that mean," Mavis asked shakily, as Irene pulled the old man away, glaring harshly at him.
"Sentomaru! Don't go frightening her like that-!"
"The truth doesn't have regard for emotion. Mavis Vermillion, despite her appearance, is far from being a child, and thus, I shall speak to her plainly."
"But-!"
"I believe that's quite enough…"
Irene fell silent in an instant as Zeref slowly strolled out of the hut, wearing his usual garb. Sending a curt nod to Sentomaru, the old man simply gave the Black Wizard a half bow, before backing away.
"Zeref…"
"Mavis," the black-haired immortal replied gently. "You've been nothing if not persistent in your attempts to find me, haven't you?"
"Well of course I have," the First Master huffed in reply. "I've decided the time has come to find you and have you help me undo this curse!"
"Ah. Come with me," the Black Wizard replied curtly, spinning on his heel and walking back into the hut.
Mavis looked toward Irene, who nodded gently in the direction of the hut. It was obvious that the man had some explaining to do, she just hoped the conversation didn't go south…
After all, he was technically one of the most wanted criminals on Ishgar.
Entering the hut, she was surprised to see the space was bigger on the inside than it was on the outside. Her jaw nearly hit the floor as hundreds of tables were spaced out evenly before her, all filled with more of the soldiers she'd seen outside.
"W-Wha-!?"
"Come along Mavis," Zeref chuckled, amused at her dumbfounded look, as he led her up to the second floor where yet another hut was located.
"This has to be the most advanced Spatial Magic I've ever seen," the First Master whispered, almost in awe, as she looked to either side of the hut. "Did you invent the Magic necessary to do this?"
"It's a little bit more complicated than that I'm afraid, but I'll explain it in due course. After all, it will subtly tie into what happened to you."
Mavis simply nodded as Zeref led her into the second hut, which had also seen its interior expanded. Unlike the first one however, this interior was a luxurious living quarters with a massive bed, large ornate bathtub and most shockingly, a balcony with a view of the camp from high above.
"What the fuck?"
"I didn't know you swore Mavis," Zeref replied, a small smirk worming its way onto his face as the First Master blushed profusely. "I'm kidding. Just a little teasing, similar to back then."
"This goes way beyond a joke Zeref. This Magic you've got here… I can't even begin to think of the potential it has!?"
"Well, fortunately for the world, it won't ever have access to it," Zeref replied plainly, sitting down at a small table on the balcony, offering her a seat opposite him. "Have a seat."
"W-What do you mean," the First Master asked, clearly confused. "Why won't the world have access to this Magic one day?"
"Simply put, this world doesn't possess the capacity to wield such Magic," the Black Wizard replied cryptically. "In fact, a lot of the powers I wield are of a more… foreign, persuasion."
"Foreign? I don't understand," Mavis replied, eyes narrowed deep in thought. "And what does this have to do with my condition?"
"Simple. Let me first answer your question with another, if I may?"
"I suppose so…?"
"You are aware of Black Magic, yes?"
"Of course. It's the power you're infamous for, and the main reason why I've ended up cursed to be ageless and immortal."
"That is technically correct. But what else do you know about it?"
"Uh… I know Magic such as Demonology, Blood Magic, Ritual Magic, Soul Magic and many others fall under the category?"
"So, you possess a basic, rudimentary understanding of what Black Magic is," Zeref replied, amused at her almost annoyed expression. "Something wrong?"
"What do you mean by rudimentary? Short of actually learning the spells themselves, what more does one need to know!?"
"There is much you don't know, Mavis. Perhaps we should start with the one who nowadays goes entirely without credit for the creation of Black Magic, mainly thanks to me."
Mavis blinked at that. It was common knowledge across all of Ishgar that Zeref held the title of Black Wizard as he was the creator of all Black Magic. The man was one of the most wanted criminals in the world because of it…
"I'm not surprised you don't know the truth. Almost no one does, save for those you've seen here today."
"B-But if you didn't create Black Magic, then who did?"
"A being much greater than we, Mavis. One who is half God, half Devil. Some call them an abomination, whilst others call them a being of balance. I know him…as Lord Ahnkseram."
"Lord…Ahnkseram?"
"Yes. Lord Ahnkseram is the origin of all the strange and unique abilities I have come to wield. Powers that defy the very founding principles of our world in some cases."
"I-I don't really understand…?"
"Perhaps I should demonstrate to you some Magic not of this world?"
"Of this world, you said?"
"That's correct," the Black Wizard replied, as he conjured a wand into his right hand.
"A wand?"
"Correct. Though this wand isn't like any you'll find on Earthland," Zeref replied, flicking it at a quill on the desk, as Mavis watched it abruptly transform into a strange little creature with dozens of spiky protrusions across its back.
"What…?"
With a wave of his wand, the creature abruptly turned back into a quill once more, stunning the usually animate First Master into complete silence.
"You are surprised at such a power I presume? The ability to wave a wand, a branch of Magic seen as weak in our world, and quite literally defy all established laws of Magic?"
"…"
"That is just one of the millions of skills Lord Ahnkseram picked up over his long life as he traveled across various worlds. However, he was not merely an acquirer of interesting abilities. Lord Ahnkseram also developed numerous ones of his own."
"Like the Black Magic you taught me… The Law Spell?"
"Correct. This particular branch of Magic Lord Ahnkseram dubbed, Ahnkseram Black Magic, is both extremely effective, and extremely costly if the caster is not a wielder of powers similar to his own."
"Those glowing eyes you have…?"
"That's right," Zeref nodded, his Hybrid Eyes activating upon his next blink. "This power shields a caster from the negative effects associated with Ahnkseram Black Magic. You were unfortunately not someone who could wield it, thus, you were cursed as a side effect."
"This strange immortality… Are you saying that its irreversible?"
"I honestly couldn't say? I'd ask Lord Ahnkseram, but he currently slumbers."
Now that had Mavis on edge, her eyes widening as she looked Zeref up and down. The way the Black Wizard worded that statement suggested that this Ahnkseram person wasn't just asleep…
"I can tell by the look in your eyes that you understand," Zeref smiled, finding amusement in her shock. "Lord Ahnkseram suffered catastrophic damage to his physical form and was forced to become a spirit. That spirit currently resides within me, allowing me to wield his power in exchange for assistance in eventually restoring his own body."
"Are you certain its wise to trust this being? Some of the powers are interesting, but the Ahnkseram Black Magic-."
"More than serves its purpose," Zeref cut in smoothly. "I owe Lord Ahnkseram a debt I cannot ever hope to repay. He gave me the power to save my Brother, and assisted in helping me put in motion a plan to eradicate the Black Dragon Achnologia, a threat to more worlds than one, should he manage to devour either his soul, or me along with it."
"But that power, it was also used to create the Demons of Zeref, wasn't it?"
"…Correct."
"It all makes sense now. Researchers have spent centuries trying to figure out how these Demons can possess both Magic, as well as the seemingly alien Etherious Aura. But all along, the answer was so simple… These Demons were made through a power not of our own world, the power of Ahnkseram Black Magic!"
"The creation of these Demons was necessary Mavis, in order for me to create a being capable of one day standing against Achnologia-."
"At the cost of countless innocent lives!? Zeref, these Demons rampage across the land, wiping out entire towns and experimenting on anyone who happens to survive!"
"It is a rather unfortunate byproduct of success, I'm sad to say…"
Mavis was stunned into silence at the Black Wizard's response. How anyone could so casually dismiss the deaths of untold thousands, just to justify the creation of a weapon, was beyond her comprehension.
"The will of Lord Ahnkseram must be carried out Mavis. He helped me save my Brother from death, has helped me put in motion a plan to avenge all those who have been killed by Achnologia. Even if I don't agree with his methods, I can't let my personal feelings get in the way of repaying him. I don't have a choice-."
"Bullshit you don't have a choice," Mavis snapped, as Zeref blinked in genuine surprise, watching as Mavis jumped onto the small table separating them and stalked toward him. "We all have a choice in all that we do!"
"If only life were so simple," Zeref replied quietly, an amused smile on his face even as Mavis grabbed him by the front of his robe, her expression furious. "At what point can one resist, before the obstacles they face become insurmountable?"
"Is this Ahnkseram really that strong that you'd throw away all compassion for your fellow man!? Is he really worth becoming a monster for!?"
"Even if I answered no, it doesn't matter anymore," Zeref replied wistfully, as Mavis' grip lessened slightly at his blank, accepting look. "I learned quickly what I signed up for. Ahnkseram kept his word, but the price was becoming what I am now. To save my Brother, and to avenge my parents and all the people that Dragon has killed…"
"So, you're saying that even if you wanted to, Ahnkseram is too powerful to stop? That even if you resisted, he'd just take control and destroy you?"
"That's correct," Zeref replied plainly, as Mavis released him, dropping to her knees on the table in front of him, as she stared into his eyes, almost searching for something. "For good or ill, I am a Servant of Ahnkseram. That was the price I paid for his aide…"
"Well," Mavis replied quietly, noting the sincerity of his words as he spoke of his family and his old home. "Then I suppose its time I repaid you for those lessons on Magic all those years ago, isn't it?"
"Repaid me? Mavis, I don't think that there's anything you cou-MPFFF!"
Zeref was abruptly cut off as Mavis suddenly leaned in, capturing his lips in a deep kiss. However, in an instant, he knew this wasn't solely an act of love, as he felt his very being ripple and shudder.
The Black Wizard couldn't even move, as his own power seemingly paralyzed him, along with Mavis. The pair were stuck, as Hybrid's Aura enveloped them both.
And that was when the pain began.
First, the screams from within his mindscape nearly gave him an aneurysm, as Ahnkseram abruptly woke from his slumber, screaming and roaring in what was undoubtedly agonizing pain. Pain so great that it quickly transferred to both himself, and somehow also Mavis, the pair both beginning to bleed from their eyes and noses respectively.
Zeref was shocked as he felt Ahnkseram's presence lessen, his screams becoming more primal and guttural. It was at this moment, he realized what Mavis was doing, and there was absolutely nothing he could do to stop her in his frozen state.
He watched in horror as slowly, Mavis' eyes flickered, the signature Crimson Red and Galaxy Blue of the Hybrid's Eyes emerging, as half of Ahnkseram's presence was ripped right out of him.
The screams of Ahnkseram ceased, with Zeref and Mavis collapsing almost immediately. The Black Wizard immediately scurried backward, away from Mavis, as the blonde-haired girl simply smirked in his direction, her eyes still possessing the glow of the Hybrid.
"W-What have you done," Zeref whispered, as he felt the half of Ahnkseram he had left begin to stir. "Mavis, you-!"
"We all have a choice, Zeref… If you've given all your love to save your Brother and avenge your family… I suppose I have no choice but to give you love in return… You foolish man…"
Mavis grit her teeth, eyes and nose still bleeding as she clearly struggled to maintain consciousness.
"Heh… I've spent close to forty years crushing on you… At least I can do this much…"
Mavis abruptly fell unconscious, as Zeref clutched his head, the furious voice of Ahnkseram tearing through his mind like a scythe. He wasn't too surprised that the Hybrid was angry at having his very being torn in half, though he did make a good point.
Extending his right hand out, he tried to conjure the wand just like before, but found he couldn't. Even though he knew what to do, it simply refused to come to him. Even though he could sense it, the wand refused to manifest.
"We're cut off," Zeref whispered, wincing as Ahnkseram berated him harshly within their mindscape. "Mavis she-she was willing to risk death to try and save me…"
*POTD*
Natsu was frozen in shock as the world slowly returned to the present, back in the chamber where Mavis' real body was stored. Looking up toward the ghostly form of the First Master, she was no longer smiling.
"What did you do…?"
"Utilizing Soul Magic, I had hoped to take the burden of Ahnkseram away from Zeref entirely. However, Ahnkseram's soul was unlike any I've ever encountered before, which is why it ended up being split into two halves."
"But there's got to be more to it than that!?"
"There is more. Though the soul of Ahnkseram was split in two, both lived on. It is a testament to the sheer power and skill of Ahnkseram, the First True Hybrid, that he survived such an ordeal."
"Unbelievable…"
"The soul being split did result in some issues though. The half that resides within Zeref now contains Ahnkseram's Will, Ideals and Conscience. The half within me contains the half I wanted to remove from Zeref the most when I went through with the attempt. Anger, Envy, Greed, Sorrow, Agony… Insanity."
"Mavis…"
"At the time, I wanted to take away all that which pained Zeref and forced him to become what he was. Even if the cost was my own life, I wanted Zeref to know that I cared for him in a world that despised him. I-!"
"You loved him," Natsu replied knowingly, with Mavis nodding gently as she floated closer.
"I know it sounds ridiculous. How can I love a man I barely knew, but… From when I first met him all those years ago in Magnolia Forest when I was just shy of seventeen, all the way into what should have been my twilight years, Zeref was the only man I found myself attracted to."
"I understand Mavis, you don't need to justify yourself to me. Some might not get it, but love is complex, and far out of our control."
"Yes," Mavis laughed lightly. "You're completely right about that. Even now, despite all my suffering, I still love him, even if he doesn't feel the same way about me. I can't help it. In many ways, he ruined my ability to desire anyone else on our very first encounter…"
"Ah, so you're just as damaged as everyone else in Fairy Tail then," Natsu joked lightly, shaking his head. "For real though, I understand."
"Thank you Natsu," Mavis replied, her expression dropping back into one of total seriousness once again. "Now, the reason why I've explained all this to you is to highlight that Zeref still has the intelligent half of Ahnkseram within him. I don't doubt that Ahnkseram will want his revenge on me for what I did to him, and to reunite both sides of himself."
"Can't say I don't understand why he'd want that."
"Nor can I. However, we mustn't allow the two halves of Ahnkseram to reuinite! He's had years to reacquire the raw power he lost when I took half of him from Zeref. With all that power, I don't doubt Ahnkseram would be capable of reforging his true form and returning to the land of the living once again."
"I see…"
"There's something else though, is this is something that relates to you specifically," Mavis continued, as Natsu nodded silently in response. "When I took half of Ahnkseram into myself, that came with scattered memories. Within those memories I saw Ahnkseram fighting against Gods and Devils alike, powerful ones. But his eyes and hair were different…"
"Different how?"
"Unlike those eyes of Crimson Red and Galaxy Blue, the ones I see Ahnkseram with were Pitch Black and Pure White respectively. His hair was also a more grayish silver color in that memory too…"
"It sounds like the memory you saw was Ahnkseram wielding what I can only assume was the Elder variant of Hybrid's Aura," Natsu theorized, pondering the description. "The Gods and Devils who are capable of wielding the Arch variant of Aura possess Pure White and Pitch-Black eyes and Aura respectively. But I've been told that Hybrid's Aura works a little bit differently, so I think that's what you saw Mavis?"
"If that's true, then its imperative that Ahnkseram doesn't acquire the ability to wield that power ever again. If he can wield a higher tier of Aura than you, then you won't stand a chance against him without direct support from the higher realms."
"Ahnkseram," Natsu muttered to himself, pondering the strange deity. "Between him and Achnologia, I wonder who would be worse?"
"I pray we never need to find that out," Mavis replied solemnly, with Natsu nodding stiffly in agreement. "With all that being said, we need to come up with a plan to keep the two halves from reuniting?"
"I've already got a plan in mind Mavis," Natsu replied instantly, surprising the First Master, who floated around him curiously.
"Really? Already?"
"Its probably the best way to keep the half of Ahnkseram's soul you've taken out of his clutches for the entire duration of the war," Natsu replied honestly, as he turned and looked toward Mavis' real body.
Mavis' eyes narrowed as she looked between Natsu and her comatose body.
"You'd better not be thinking what I think you're thinking," Mavis warned him, her tone dropping several decibels. "Natsu…"
The First Master's fears were confirmed as Natsu started walking toward her real body, cocking back and shattering the Lacrima she was stored within.
"Natsu-!"
"I will do everything to prevent Ahnkseram's return, I swear it!"
"What the Hell are you doing you complete idiot!?"
"I'm doing something either really smart, or really really stupid," Natsu replied, catching her body and gently placing it on the floor, as he fully activated his Hybrid's Aura.
"Don't you dare-!"
"You've been burdened with this for long enough Mavis," Natsu smiled, gently running his index and middle fingers along her stomach and up to her chest, before lightly pressing just above her heart. "For what you've done, you might as well be my Sister already."
"Y-YOU CAN'T JUST SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND EXPECT ME TO JUST LET YOU DO THIS!?"
"Well, I can, actually," Natsu grinned cheekily, flaring his power lightly. "Feel free to scold me after all this is over, eh?"
"DON'T-!"
Mavis' words died in her throat as Natsu released a powerful pulse of Hybrid's Aura directly into her body, her ghostly form flickering out instantly. His arm pulsed, the veins turning black, as he slowly started to pull backward, dragging what was clearly half a translucent soul out of her body.
Pressing the two fingers up against his own chest, the halved soul immediately entered his body, causing the Hybrid to collapse on his back, groaning audibly before he suddenly froze, seemingly paralysed.
At the same time, as the last wisp of the halved soul of Ahnkseram left her body, Mavis' real body drew breath. Inhaling loudly and deeply, the First Master immediately rolled onto her front, her naked flesh feeling the cool of the stone floor beneath her.
"I-Wha…"
Looking up, she saw Natsu frozen in place, Aura active, and immediately started trying to crawl toward him.
"Nononononono! You fool," the First Master hissed, noticing his eyes constantly flickering in and out of their active state. "What have you done…"