The soft scratching of quill on parchment filled the dimly lit office as Makarov Dreyar sifted through stacks of guild paperwork. Despite his small stature, the Guild Master's presence was as towering as ever, his expression a blend of focus and exasperation. With each passing minute, he muttered under his breath about the increasing chaos caused by his rambunctious guildmates.
"Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork," he grumbled, shaking his head. "I'm running a guild, not a library."
The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the room, but for someone as seasoned as Makarov, it wasn't the darkness that made him pause. It was a faint tingle in the air—a shift so subtle that most wouldn't notice.
His quill stilled.
Makarov's sharp eyes narrowed as he leaned back in his chair, his senses sharpening. Something was off.
"An illusion?" he muttered under his breath, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
With a deliberate motion, he tapped his finger against the desk, releasing a soft pulse of magic energy that rippled through the room. The flickering shadows shifted unnaturally, and then, like mist dissipating under the sun, the illusion broke.
Standing in the corner of the room, shrouded in a dark cloak, was Aurelius Nyx. His expression was unreadable, but the faintest trace of surprise flickered across his face as his presence was revealed.
"You've gotten better," Makarov said, his tone casual yet laced with amusement. "But not enough to fool me, boy."
Aurelius stepped forward, his movements deliberate yet silent. His single uncovered eye gleamed faintly in the candlelight as he pulled back his hood, revealing his face.
"I wasn't trying to fool you, Master," Aurelius replied smoothly, his voice calm. "Just... testing the waters."
Makarov raised an eyebrow, gesturing to the seat opposite his desk. "Testing me, huh? You're as cheeky as ever. Sit."
Aurelius obeyed, pulling the chair closer and sitting down. He placed his hands on the armrests, his posture relaxed but purposeful.
"So," Makarov began, leaning back in his chair. "How did your test go?"
Aurelius paused, his expression thoughtful. "Lucy held her own. She didn't break under pressure, even when faced with something she couldn't handle alone."
Makarov nodded, his expression softening. "Good. That's the kind of spirit we look for in Fairy Tail."
"She's inexperienced," Aurelius added. "Her magic is still raw, and her instincts are unrefined. But she's resourceful. She doesn't give up easily."
"That sounds about right," Makarov said with a chuckle. "She reminds me of someone else I know."
Aurelius raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into the faintest hint of a smirk. "If you're implying she's like me, Master, I'll take that as an insult."
Makarov laughed heartily at that, the sound filling the room. "Oh, don't be so modest, Aurelius. You've always had an eye for potential, even if your methods are... unconventional."
"I do what's necessary," Aurelius replied simply. "Lucy needs to be challenged if she's going to survive here. She's strong, but she doesn't know it yet."
Makarov's gaze turned more serious. "And what about you? Testing others is all well and good, but when was the last time you let yourself be challenged, Aurelius?"
Aurelius's expression didn't falter, but there was a flicker of something in his eye—hesitation, perhaps, or maybe a trace of guilt. "I have my own ways of growing, Master. You know that."
Makarov sighed, shaking his head. "Still stubborn, I see. But I trust your judgment. Lucy's in good hands, even if she doesn't know it."
A moment of silence passed between them before Makarov leaned forward, his sharp gaze locking onto Aurelius. "That reminds me... During your test, did you found the thing that has been bugging you?."
Aurelius's thoughtful expression returned, and he tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest. "My instincts are still telling me the same thing, but I haven't figured it out yet." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "It feels like it's something deep, something connected to her that I can't pinpoint. I might learn more if I take some time to investigate."
Makarov nodded, his expression somber. "You do that. If there's something about her that could bring trouble to the guild, I want you to find out."
Aurelius stood, pulling his hood back over his head. "I'll need a break from the guild while I look into it. With time, I may uncover what this feeling really means."
Makarov chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "A break, huh? You've done it before, and it's always led to answers. Take the time you need—but don't forget to report back."
Aurelius paused, considering Makarov's words. "You trust me to find the truth, Master. So, I'll try my best to have something. I've done it before, haven't I?"
Makarov nodded knowingly. "Like with Loke."
At this, Aurelius smirked faintly. "That was... an unusual discovery."
"Unusual is putting it lightly," Makarov interjected, his expression one of fond amusement. "You tested him so thoroughly he nearly broke under the pressure. Then you disappeared on one of your famous 'breaks,' and when you came back, you also brought a news that almost gave me a heart attack—he wasn't human but a Celestial Spirit."
"That truth was buried deep," Aurelius admitted. "But it was worth digging up. It taught us more about him and his limits, not to mention his loyalty to Fairy Tail."
Makarov leaned forward, his tone turning serious again. "And this time? Does this 'truth' feel similar?"
Aurelius met Makarov's gaze, his voice calm yet resolute. "It does. There's something hidden about Lucy, and if I take the time, I'm confident I'll uncover it."
Makarov smiled. "Then go. Just don't take too long, Aurelius. This guild might fall apart without you lurking in the shadows."
Aurelius allowed himself a rare, small grin as he stepped into the shadows. "You'll manage, Master. You always do."
Makarov watched him go, his expression a mixture of trust and concern. "That boy... he always has a way of finding the truth, even when no one else can."
...
It was dusk when the rescue team entered Magnolia, . Lucy trudged along, clearly exhausted, but her spirits lifted at the sight of the town. Happy flitted above them, humming a cheerful tune, while Natsu led the group with his usual enthusiasm. Macao followed a step behind, his arm bandaged but his mood notably lighter.
As they reached a point in the town, a young boy came sprinting toward them, his eyes wide with anticipation. It was Romeo, and his face lit up when he spotted Macao.
"Dad!" Romeo shouted, his voice cracking with emotion.
Macao's steps faltered for a moment, and then he dropped his pack, opening his arms just as Romeo crashed into him with a tight hug. "Romeo…" Macao murmured, his voice choked.
"I was so scared," Romeo said, his words muffled against his father's chest. "You said you'd be back in 3 days, and you didn't come home, and—"
"I'm sorry," Macao interrupted, pulling back to ruffle his son's hair. "I didn't mean to make you worry, kiddo. I just… ran into a bit of trouble."
"But you're okay now, right?" Romeo asked, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes.
Macao smiled, though his voice was tinged with guilt. "Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks to these guys." He nodded toward the trio and Happy.
Romeo turned to them, bowing his head. "Thank you for saving my dad!"
Lucy blinked, taken aback, before giving a warm smile. "It was nothing, really." She said, clearly dismissing her hellish experience in the icy mountain.
Natsu grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Don't worry about it, kid! That's what Fairy Tail is all about!"
Happy landed beside Romeo, striking a heroic pose. "Aye, sir! We're the best rescuers ever!"
Romeo sniffled, wiping his face as he stared at the group. "I want to be strong, like all of you."
"You'll get there," Macao said, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "But remember, being strong doesn't just mean fighting. It's about protecting the people you care about."
Romeo nodded, his expression growing more determined. "I'll do my best!"
"Good answer," Natsu said, giving Romeo a playful punch on the arm.
The group resumed their journey to the guild, their mood lighter. As they approached the building, Romeo's excitement grew. He ran ahead, pushing open the heavy doors.
The guild hall was buzzing with activity as Macao and the others made their way inside, Romeo sticking close to his father. The group was warmly greeted, and Macao received pats on the back and words from his guildmates.
Amid the chatter, Natsu's loud voice echoed above the rest. "Where's Aurelius?! I wanna challenge him!"
The room quieted slightly as everyone turned toward the bar, where Mirajane was wiping down glasses. She looked up with her usual gentle smile. "I'm not sure. He just left."
"Left?" Natsu groaned, his shoulders sagging. "Man, what is it with him disappearing all the time?"
Makarov, seated on the second-floor balcony overlooking the guild, took a long sip from his mug before answering. "He's on a break."
"A break?" Natsu repeated, exasperated. "Again?!"
A ripple of laughter passed through the crowd. Someone from the back chimed in, "Yeah, he takes more breaks than anyone else in the guild."
"But he's also probably the one that completes the most mission!" Another voice was heard.
Droy, settling at a table with Jet, chuckled. "Don't let it fool you, though. He might disappear, but when he comes back, it's like he's leveled up or something."
"Exactly," Mirajane agreed. She leaned on the bar, her smile deepening. "I remember one time when he left only knowing illusion magic. When he came back, he could manipulate what people saw when they looked at him. He tricked everyone into thinking he wasn't even in the room, but he was standing right there the whole time!"
Lucy's eyes widened. "Wait, really? Where does he even learn stuff like that?"
"No one knows," Levy said, shaking her head. "He doesn't talk about what he does during those breaks. He just shows up one day with some crazy new skill."
"Like the time he came back like a ghost," someone added from another table. "He came back, Natsu challenged him and probably no one except master was able to sense his ethernano when he cast spells!"
The guild erupted into laughter at the memory, and Natsu groaned loudly, disapointed that he won't be able to challenge Aurelius. "Fine, fine! But next time, I'm making him show me what he's learned!"
Romeo, who had been listening intently, tugged at his father's sleeve. "Dad, is he really that strong?"
Macao grinned, ruffling Romeo's hair. "Strong doesn't even begin to describe it. Aurelius has his own way of doing things, and it's worked for him so far. Maybe one day, you'll get to see it yourself."
Lucy leaned back in her chair, intrigued. She could feel the weight of everyone's respect for Aurelius, even through their jokes and teasing. There was a sense of awe when they spoke about him—a recognition of his growth and mastery over his craft.
"But what does he do during these breaks?" Lucy pressed. "Does anyone know where he goes?"
"Nope," Mirajane said, shaking her head. "And if anyone's asked, he hasn't answered. That's just Aurelius for you."
"Great," Natsu muttered, crossing his arms. "Now I'm even more curious."
The group continued their lively banter, but Lucy's mind lingered on the enigmatic mage. She couldn't help but wonder where he was now and what he might be learning. Whatever it was, she had no doubt he would return with abilities that would leave everyone in the guild amazed once again.
...
Meanwhile, a few hours earlier, the topic of the talk, Aurelius, stood outside the guild, the air heavy with the weight of his purpose.
Before taking a step, Aurelius glanced around, his instincts sharp. He had already cast a series of illusions to mislead anyone who might be watching, weaving his presence into a web of confusion. Several illusions of himself had already dispersed, heading off in different directions, twisting and turning down paths through the dense forest and over rocky terrain. Some walked in loops; others seemed to pause and retrace their steps.
Aurelius himself, also moved, hidden from view, and kept to a much longer route, occasionally veering off to throw off any potential followers. He took side trails that led nowhere, reversed direction when it seemed suspicious, and even hid his footsteps from the earth itself. It was all part of the plan. His illusions would lead anyone who dared follow him on a wild chase, while he proceeded toward his true destination, unseen.
After a few hours, when he was certain he had thrown off any potential pursuers, Aurelius allowed the illusions to disappear, leaving nothing behind but an eerie emptiness. With the distractions behind him, he walked straight toward a mountain, his gaze unwavering.
He reached the base of the mountain, standing before its imposing stone exterior. The mountain seemed real, solid, but to Aurelius, it was just another illusion—one that had been placed here long ago to hide something more important. He reached out and placed his hand on a stone, feeling the familiar hum of magic pulse beneath his fingers.
His ethernano surged into the rock, threading through it with precision. The illusion held steady, but it wasn't the mountain he was interacting with. With the flow of magic, he activated a hidden barrier that was disguised by the illusion. The mountain, which had seemed like a massive, unmovable object, was simply a cover—an illusionary veil hiding the true nature of the place.
Without hesitation, Aurelius stepped forward, walking straight through the illusionary mountain as if it was nothing more than air. The barrier revealed itself in full, a subtle shimmer that was invisible to most, but undeniable to someone like him as he passed right through it.
Straight ahead, three graves lay undisturbed, silent reminders of a past he could never escape. His family—his father, mother, and younger sister—were buried here, their names etched into stone. The weight of their loss was something he had carried with him for years, and though time had passed, the ache in his chest never truly subsided.
"I'm back home..." Aurelius whispered softly, his voice barely a murmur against the wind. He stood there for a moment, his gaze fixed on the graves. "...I hope you missed me."
The words were not just a greeting—they were a promise. He had come here with a purpose, not only to pay his respects but to remind himself of the reasons he fought, the reasons he endured. The grief of losing them was something he would never forget, nor would he ever stop seeking justice for their deaths.
He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing the memories to flood in—his father's smile, his mother's warmth, his sister's laughter. These were the things that had shaped him, that had turned him into the person he was today.
But now, there was no time for lingering in the past. Aurelius opened his eyes and, with a final glance at the graves, turned away. He had made a vow, one that he would fulfill no matter the cost.
"Sorry..." he said quietly, his voice steady with resolve. "I'll make sure to get revenge..."