Hi, I want to start by saying that English is not my main language, so I apologize for any grammar and writing mistakes in the story. This story is published mainly in Spanish and I do the translation myself, since in a few months, I will be going to live in New Zealand. So this is a way to practice my English.
-Conversations-
-"Thoughts"-
Memories or flashbacks.
City or town.
The rain lashed the kingdom of Fiore like a deluge rarely witnessed on the continent of Isghar. The raindrops bathed the leaves of the trees and, as they fell to the ground, created a symphony that was heard by nature. The lightning bolts were mere secondary actors, illuminating this concert and added emotion to the stage.
In a forest near to the town of Magnolia. The footsteps of a person walking over the puddles of water that the rain had created broke this melody. The steps of this figure indicated that he was indifferent to the natural spectacle unfolding around him. A large black hood protected him from the water, but his mind was somewhere, engaged in a single constant thought:
A promise.
A promise he had made five years ago and, for various reasons, had not been able to fulfill until today. His face, hidden behind a mask that barely showed his eyes, reflected regret and melancholy for not having honored that oath to his friends.
-I hope….that everyone can forgive me after all this time-His voice, deep as a veteran soldier, denoted a palpable nervousness, although there were also hints of hope that his friends, the same ones he had abandoned years ago, might forgive him for his lack of communication for so long.
His melancholy took him back to the moment of his farewell.
He was just a fourteen year old teenager, wrapped in a long dark green hood that hid his clothes and face. He watched the building exit with a few feelings in his heart, but there were two that stood out more than the rest. Fear, because of the unknown of what was to come. And enthusiasm, because he thought about how he would return from his trip, knowing that this would be something that would change his life forever.
Just as he was about to take a step toward his adventure, a familiar voice stopped him.
-Derek!-Natsu, the pink haired boy with fire powers, came running up and hugged him tightly, unable to hide his excitement-When you came back, i want to fight you! I can't believe my most worthy opponent is leaving!-
-And don't forget to bring some fish from your trip-Said Happy, the little blue cat with wings, who appeared flying above the two friends head
Derek couldn't help but laugh at his friend's reaction.
-I promise you'tll get your fight the day I get back, Natsu. I can't let Gray always humiliate you in the fights you have; you should at least have an even score against someone else. And Happy, I'll bring you the best fish I can find-A smirk appeared on his face as he looked at his friend.
Natsu saw his smile and couldn't help but frown in annoyance, but he only tapped his friends right shoulder in a friendly manner, not avoiding smiling in the same way. Soon after, two more people joined: A black haired boy wearing black pants, without his shirt, and a young red haired girl with a silver breastplate and white skirt.
-See, torch head? Even Derek knows you can't beat me-Said Gray in a mocking tone. Natsu didn't take a second to bump his head against him and start a small duel of strength with their heads. Ready to fight.
The rest of the group just watched this scene with poker faces, unable to believe they were fighting in a time like this.
-We'll see, Elsa. How about we check it out now?-Asked Natsu as he raised his right fist, preparing to face his rival.
However, Erza Scarlet, the most serious and feared of the group, could no longer put up with their stupidity. She approached them both, hit them on the back of their heads, and sent their faces to the floor, stopping their fight as they groaned in pain.
-Stop it, you idiots! We're here to say goodbye-Erza scolded them firmly.
-Sorry….-Said both boys, sore.
Derek watched all of this with a smile. He knew that even though these moments cost him some of his patience, he was going to miss them greatly.
-Derek…-Gray looked at his friend, catching his attention-Is it really necessary for you to do this alone? You know we can come with you-
Derek looked down at the floor, his heart was glad to know that his friends were willing to join him in this, but he also knew that he had to do this on his own, not only for the memory of his parents, but also to protect them all. With a last glance at his sword, the one that had belonged to his father so many years ago, he sighed heavily.
-I know…I really appreciate that, Gray. But this is something I need to do on my own. I want to become stronger, to be more helpful, to repay all the support and love that the guild and especially, all of you, have given me all these years. Besides, you have your own history here, it would be selfish to ask you to follow me-
His friends looked at him in silence. Even though they did not agree with his decision, it was useless to make him change his mind. They had tried for months since he gave them the news, and it had no effect. The only thing they could do was support him on his journey.
-We grieve for your departure, Derek. But remember, Fairy Tail will always be your family-Erza said, in a rare moment of vulnerability, she put his hand on his friend's shoulder, offering him support-We look forward to your return-
-I know…...I promise ill be back as soon as possible and we'll resume those missions, together-Derek smiled one last time to his friends before a group hug enveloped them all. A gesture that said more than a thousand words, but also indicated that this was not a goodbye…
But a "See you soon."
When they finish the hug, what seemed like an eternity. Derek turned and left the scene, unaware that the challenges he would face over those five years would mark him forever.
The mysterious man smiled wistfully at the memory. He stopped mid-stride and lifted his left hand to his neck, where an amulet hung that he held with great affection. A reminder of his mother.
-Mom, Im ready to honor your memory…-He whispered before resuming his walk.
During his journey, his mind drifted back to the stories that had formed around the guild that had taken him twelve years ago. Many people thought of them as heroes, facing whatever it took to protect others. Others, on the other hand, remembered them more for the havoc they wreaked on each mission, even having to pay a great deal of money to repair damages, sometimes more than the mission reward itself. He remembers his own arrival at the guild when he was only seven years old. The coexistence among its members made him think he had chosen the wrong place to stay. People yelling at each other, fighting and magic flying everywhere.
Now, at nineteen, he couldn't help but laugh at it all. Fairy Tail wasn't the most serious guild when it came to taking on missions, but that party spirit made it unique among the guild on the continent, nowhere else could he find the brotherhood and family feeling that existed among its members.
Then, the millon-jewel question crossed his mind: Was it really worth leaving?
-I did it to get stronger…to be paired with an average mage-He thought firmly. He had promised himself he would never doubt his skills in combat and strategy again. A promise he intended to keep until the end of his days.
His thoughts and walk were interrupted when he stopped in front of a sign marking the entrance to his destination, it read:
"Welcome to Magnolia, home of the Fairy Tail guild."
The rain became less intense with each word he read. With a determined gesture, he took off his hood, letting the drops fall over his hair. His brown hair, combed to the right. Wearing a white mask that covers his face, nose and eyes area. Finally, he had a black mouth cover. His green iris eyes showed an unusual tiredness and maturity for someone of his age.
-Finally…-He murmured, his voice charged with nervousness and anticipation for what was to come. His body suffered another wave of nostalgia as he recalled reading those same words twelve years ago.
He walked a little further to see the city in all its splendor. Although the rain created a mist, it was not strong enough to hide the entire city. At first glance, few things had changed in the city, the same one which he had developed a deep affection.
His hands moved to the left side of his waist, where a black helmet rested. A protection against both physical and magical attacks. Carefully, he unbuckled the straps that held it to his waist, placed it on his head, and secured the straps just below his chin to keep it firm.
-"Here we go"-With that, the wizard began to walk toward the city.
MAGNOLIA.
Despite the fact that the rain had fallen over the city just a couple of minutes ago, the streets of Magnolia were bustling with lively activity. People were busy buying accessories, resources and other things they needed from the street stores. Animals were running around, playing with each other, and kids were enjoying the puddles of water that had formed on the sidewalks.
Derek smiled at the scene, remembering that he had done the same in his childhood, simpler and better times. Now, his gaze focused on the structures and streets of the city. He realized that nothing had changed during his years away. Every store, every house and every sign was the same as he remembered.
He expected to see the same thing when he reached the guild, but his surprise was huge when, as he turned a corner, he saw a large building where the guild had once stood.
Before him loomed a large building, two or three times the size of the old guild, rising three floors high. The entrance seemed to welcome visitors to a luxurious place, with elegant railing on the sides.
What caught his attention, however, was an outdoor cafe that stretched across the entrance, and to the left, a souvenir store.
-"Wait! This is the new guild the old man had in his mind all those years ago! I can tell they haven't done badly at all!"-Derek smiled at the sight. He was extremely happy to see the improvements made to the place.
With a certain nervousness in his steps, he approached the entrance and noticed that there weren't many people in the café, something obvious, considering the rain that had just passed. Before taking the big step to enter, he lowered his gaze and noticed his hand covered by brown gloves with black knuckles.
-"I think it's better to keep it in sight, just in case"-With that thought, he removed the gloves from his hand. His right hand showed the guild mark, a light green color, which seemed to glow brighter than usual.
-Time to face whatever come next-
With firm steps and his mind prepared for what lay ahead, he walked through the large door of the building.
FAIRY TAIL GUILD.
Derek was surprised to see that the dining room of the new guild was as large as the entire space of the old building, and he could even see a small theater in the back. The tables gleamed in such a way that they had been recently polished as had the floor. However, what surprised him the most, was the emptiness of the place; only a couple of wizards enjoying their daily routine.
-Im sure the old man sent everyone home early, but this place looks amazing! And this only happened in five years. I don't even want to think what the place would be like if I had been gone twice as long. Surely they'd be in a castle right now"-Derek thought, marveling at all the improvements to the place.
As he continued to analyze the room, his gaze focused on the bar, which was more elegant and large than the previous one. Behind it, an white haired girl had her back to him as she cleaned some glasses.
-I could use a drink. I've got a couple of jewels left for this-Derek thought, recognizing that his body was asking for something to drink after hours of walking, so he headed toward the bar.
The swordsman sat in one of the chairs, patiently waiting to be attended while looking around the new bar. The variety of drinks, accessories and tools on display gave the bar a refined feel. Despite the familiar atmosphere, he didn't remove any of his gear.
-"Surely Cana is the happiest woman in the world right now with all of this, but I'm surprised not to see her here"-He thought, chuckling slightly at the memory of the card magician's taste for alcohol.
-Sorry for the delay, traveler, what can I do for you?-The girl's soft and kind voice caught Derek's attention. He turned his gaze toward the waitress and analyzed the clothes she was wearing. She wore a dark red dress with a pink bow on her chest and gave him a smile that made Derek blush slightly.
He was thankful he had his mask on to hide this.
-"She…is very pretty"-Derek thought, before clearing his throat-Eh…I…would like the special cocktail, please-He debated whether to use his normal voice or force it, but in the end, he decided to speak normally.
The girl, although she didn't show it at first glance, looked him straight in the eyes as if she recognized him from somewhere.
-Understood, the special then..-She replied in a kind and gentle tone, turning around. She began to take different accessories and drinks to prepare the cocktail. While she made the order, she realized who the mysterious traveler was, but decided that, first, she would serve his order.
Derek, for his part, took the opportunity to kill time by looking around to see what else had changed in the place.
-"So they added more floors..i hope the second floor is accessible now, although, I wonder where are the S-class request, the infirmary, and the masters office"-He lowered his gaze, and now, as those questions invaded his mind-"What happened to the people I met five years ago? Id like to think they're out on a mission, or the master sent everyone home early. I wish I could get those answers soon"-
His questions were interrupted by the voice of the waitress.
-Here you go, enjoy it-The young woman poured him the drink. He marveled at the sight of a giant glass filled with a pink liquid that foamed constantly.
Derek pulled down his mouth cover, exposing his lips, and in one gulp, he drank the whole liquid. He closed his eyes with a smile on his face as he felt the liquid run down his throat, and his body regained energy from being hydrated.
-"Gods, it's been so long since I've tasted something so good"-He thought, carefully setting the glass on the table and covering his face again. When he opened his eyes to thank the girl for her service, he noticed that she was staring at him, with a noticeable smile on his face.
-I hope you enjoyed the special "Welcome back" cocktail"-Said the girl with a knowing smile.
Derek analyzed the waitress' words for a few seconds, then blinked in disbelief before his eyes remained fixed on the girl.
-W…what do you mean?-His voice betrayed his palpable nervousness at being discovered.
The girls simply rounded the table and approached him. Once within range, she hugged him effusively.
-It's good to see you again after five years, Derek, you don't know how worried the guild is when you don't show any signs of life-The girl broke the hug and let him see her face, offering a sincere smile with her words.
-Do I…know you?-Derek asked rather quizzically, causing the girl to let out a slight giggle.
-It may surprise you…but it's me, Mirajane-The mage finally spoke, revealing herself as the former S-Class Mage.
Derek was stunned, shocked by this revelation. His mind took him back to the experience he had in the guild five years ago and he could say, with certainty, that she was nothing like the Mirajane he remembered.
-M…Mirajane?!-The mage finally found the courage to speak, still processing what he was seeing. Not only was she surprised by the mages physical change, but also by the fact she was hugging him as if they were friends from the beginning.
-This can't be the same Mirajane I knew. She was a bully and a totally terrifying girl. Now she seems like a sweet and tender-Derek was mentally debated if he was in some kind of dream right now; it was impossible that the same person who terrified him in the past, was now showing him such affection-B…but, what happened to you? You're more beautiful and much nicer than I remember-
Mirajane blushed slightly at the compliment, but it didn't take long for her to respond.
-A lot has happened in these five years. Surely you must have already noticed the main change in the place; believe me, this is only a small part of all the changes that have happened lately-Mirajane Said.
-What a change….-Commented Derek, looking around the place and also discreetly observing the body of the S-class mage. He never imagined that she would develop in such a way, but what caught his attention, after all, was her kind and understanding personality, something he never thought he'd see in her-It's…just, you look like a completely different person-
-It's normal, Derek. People change a lot over time-Mirajane replied, but something in her tone made the mage become on alert, as if she were holding back a great sadness. He decided it was best not to press the issue; whatever it was, it would be hard for her to talk about it.
-I see…well, anyway, I'm glad to see you unharmed, Mirajane-Derek said with a sincere smile. He began to remove all the gear from this head to reveal his face.
Mirajane stared at him while, analyzing his face. Despite the time that had passed, his physical appearance had hardly changed.
-You haven't changed a bit, Derek. I'm sure the others will be thrilled to see you after all these years-Mirajane said with a smile.
-I hope so…-He replied, smiling as he thought about what it would be like to be reunited with his old friends-Anyway, why are there so few mages now?-
-Oh, the master sent many to their homes quite early. He said that the rain is going to get worse in a few more minutes, and besides, he wanted to give those who helped in the construction of the new building some rest. As for Natsu and his team…-Mirajane let out a laugh when she remember the name of the team and their background-They're outside, taking vacations-
-Natsu and vacation in the same sentence? I never thought I'd hear those words-Derek joked-I'm glad to hear that, at least, everyone is well and still here…speaking of which, what's new in the place?-
-A souvenir store at the entrance and an outdoor café; I guess you've already seen them-Mirajane mentioned, to which the mage nodded his head-There is also a swimming pool at the back of the building. The second floor is accessible to everyone now, and it's next to the infirmary and the S-Class missions board. Master office is on the third floor-
-A pool?! Finally, the old man listened to me about that recommendation-Derek smiled, thrilled that the place finally had its own pool.
-The master really liked your suggestion after you left. He realized that it would be a good idea to have a way for the mages to relax-Mirajane explained.
-And I missed the opening of that…damn-Derek regretted.
-Dont worry, the pool isn't going anywhere-The white hair woman laughed lightly at the mages attitude.
The conversation of both was interrupted when a man of short stature, already in his eighties, sat at the bar. His presence conveyed wisdom and seriousness usual for someone powerful; it was the guild master, Makarov Dreyar.
Before Derek could say anything, the master raised his left hand in a signal to let him speak first.
-Derek…it's been five years since your departure, and although we understand your reasons for it, not sending a letter in all this time is an act that is not taken lightly. Everyone here was worried that something had happened to you, son-The masters voice was scolding, and his gaze firm.
Derek was nervous about this. He knew the master was right, and he had to admit the real reason behind his lack of communication with the guild.
-Master…I don't justify my actions, but the truth is that I do have a reason for it-Derek said, his voice full of nervousness. Something that made Mirajane and the master pay full attention on him.
-What was it?-asked Mirajane, intrigued.
Derek sighed heavily before speaking, feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment.
-Well…let's say, just maybe, maybe…I forgot the address of the guild. The paper where I had written down ended up getting lost as soon as I left Magnolia-he said, closing his eyes because of the embarrassment he felt at that moment.
Mirajane and the master stared at the mage in disbelief. Slowly, and in a coordinated movement, their hands slapped their faces in disbelief at the swordsmans explanation. Five years may have passed, but some attitudes and feelings never change.
-Derek…-Mirajane was holding back her laugh. The master, for his part, managed to recover and cleared his throat, drawing the attention
-As I was saying…this could lead to a considerable penalty…but something told me that such a reason would come from you-The master now had a smile on his face-Welcome back, son, we are glad to have you here-
-Thank you, master. I am ready to contribute to the guild-Derek said, also smiling.
-From tomorrow, you can start taking missions if you want. For now, it's better that you go home. Mirajane, start closing the guild, see you tomorrow-The master said, getting up from the bar and heading to his office to put the final details in order before leaving.
-I understand, master, good night-Said Mirajane with a smile.
-Well, thanks for the drink, Mirajane. Tomorrow I'll come to check out everything new in the guild. For now. I still need to find a place to sleep-Derek said while taking out a couple of jewels to pay for the drink. However, Mirajane raised her hand, signaling that it was not necessary.
-Dont worry, the drinks are on the house-She replied with a smile.
-Thank you, Mirajane, see you tomorrow-With that, Derek took his gear and headed for the exit, under the watchful eye of the girl.
-"I hope you didn't come back just to create havoc along with Natsu and Gray"-Mirajane chuckled lightly, before starting to put everything away to close the place.
True to the master's words, the rain got worse as the night began to descend on the city, enveloping the place in a blanket of darkness, accompanied by the constant sound of the drops hitting everything in their path. In one of the hotels in the city, located more specifically in the center, Derek placed his weapons and gear on the bedside table near his bed, being careful so that they do not fall.
Once he made sure everything was in order, he stretched a bit before lying down and staring at the ceiling, when the memories of the day flooded his mind. From his arrival in Magnolia to the reunion with the master and Mirajane. He thought about how, even if the guild was very different from what he remembered, the familiar feeling of the place was still there.
His mind had only one constant question: How much had his friend changed?
-Tomorrow I will discover that…and also, tomorrow is a new beginning-He whispered to himself, as he closed his eyes and let him be caressed by the sweet world of dreams.