Chapter Text
Izuku gasped as he looked up at the structure in front of him. They stood in front of a large building. It was pretty normal at first glance, when looking at the base.
There were large doors on each side of the hexagonal brick building, and as he looked up he saw the roof had stretched outward to look like an upside down dome. Floating a few feet above the dome were large, rectangular panels. The ten panels had some sort of markings on them, looking like red dots.
However it was the structure floating high above them that had surprised Izuku the most. There was another building, sitting on a round platform that looked like it would sit comfortably in the dome. At least four large towers clustered together, a large fence around the perimeter, presumably to keep people from falling.
“This is where the Magic Council meets?” Izuku asked.
“Indeed, this is one of their branches anyway.” Makarov walked forward, prompting Izuku to follow after him. “This is their Fiore Branch, by all means getting called here isn’t the worst thing in the world. It’s getting called to their main headquarters when you should be worried.”
“Huh?”
“What kind of geezers need more than one place to meet up huh?”
Makarov sighed as the doors swung open. It was rather plain inside, the thing of note was a desk to the side, housing a…frog person. The walls were white but adorned with blue, red, and green patterns. The thing that caught Izuku’s attention the most was the center of the room. It looked like a large circle had been carved into the ground, there were nine points that reflected the position of the panels.
“Geezers that need to travel around every now and again to scold someone. This time being me.”
“How often do you get in trouble?” Izuku looked up from his observation.
“How often am I not?”
They walked up to the desk of the frog person, who looked up. She didn’t seem impressed.
“Master Makarov Dreyar of Fairy Tail?”
“That would be me.” The man nodded. The lady hummed and wrote something down.
“And your guests?”
“Introduce yourselves boys.” Makarov stepped to the side.
Izuku looked up in surprise. “I uh, I’m Izuku Midoriya ma’am.”
“Katsuki.” The cat grumbled.
“And why are they accompanying you sir?”
Makarov smiled. “These two are our newest members, and have taken up the job of couriers on behalf of Fairy Tail. Whenever the Council needs something from me, they’ll be the ones delivering documents and such. I just needed them to know where the Magic Council can be found.”
The frog lady slowly looked at the two, leading Izuku to wave awkwardly. She sighed and wrote something else down.
“Very well, you may proceed.”
Makarov nodded his thanks and walked to the center of the room, prompting Izuku to follow. Katsuki sat on his backpack and looked around.
“So, what’s so special about this?”
Makarov held up a hand, and after a moment the ground shifted. Izuku looked down and steadied himself as the circle began to rise. He looked around in awe as they rose higher and higher, up towards the structure above them.
Before Izuku could wonder how they’d get in, the bottom opened up as they approached. Then closed once they were inside.
They kept rising and rising until the platform lifted them to a courtyard. In front of them was the large, imposing building floating above it all.
“Woah…”
Izuku looked around, still taking in the amazement. The courtyard wasn’t grand by any means, but it was well maintained, with flowers planted along the sides of the path leading toward the main building.
“Big whoop.” Katsuki rolled his eyes. “I could have gotten the nerd up here faster than that lame thing.”
“You can admit you’re impressed Kacchan, no one will think less of you.”
“Shut up, no one asked you!”
Makarov cleared his throat, stopping the pair, before walking forward and leading them onward.
“So, how long is it gonna take for the geezers to lecture you?” Katsuki asked. “Can’t be that long.”
“You’d be surprised.” Makarov sighed. “But it’s fine, you boys can have a chance to explore and look around. You may as well occupy yourselves while you’re here.”
“I don’t think allowing a teenager and a cat to wander around a government building is wise, Master.” Izuku said. “Plus, I’m probably going to get lost.”
Makarov shrugged as the doors to the large building opened up. Revealing a long hallway with large entrances along the side. More of those frog people rushing around with papers in hand and speaking to one another.
“As long as you don’t get yourselves in trouble. I’d say anything is game.”
“Really? In the same building as the Magic Council?” Katsuki asked, a sharp grin on his face.
“Whatever you’re thinking Kacchan, no.”
“Ugh!”
“Anything within reason .”
“Yeah, yeah old man.”
Makarov ignored the annoyed glare he got from the cat and laughed to himself.
“My my, it’s rather lively over here, isn’t it?” They all looked up at the sound of a new voice.
The group looked up to see another old man with bushy eyebrows, about Makarov’s height walking over with his hands behind his back. His hat with three black spikes faintly reminded Izuku of the hat Makarov would wear when at the guild and in casual attire.
“I don’t think it’s been long enough since we’ve seen each other.” The man stopped a short distance away from the group. “Fairy Tail just can’t stay out of trouble, can they?”
“Hmph.” Makarov crossed his arms. “It’s good to see you too Yajima.”
The man, Yajima, smiled. Then looked over to Izuku and Katsuki. “And who are these two? You don’t usually bring guests.”
“These two are Fairy Tail’s couriers, as well as our newest members. Boys, this is one of the members of the Magic Council- Yajima.”
Izuku looked at Yajima in surprise. “O-Oh! Hello sir, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Izuku Midoriya!”
“Kiss ass.”
Izuku shot Katsuki a look before gesturing to the cat on his shoulder. “And this is Kacchan, I’m sorry for his rudeness.”
“It’s Katsuki!”
“And any future rudeness…”
Yajima looked them over for a moment, raising a bushy eyebrow and assessing them. After a moment he smiled and looked at Makarov. “Well, he’s rather polite. They both seem like nice boys. I hope Makarov hasn’t been working you too hard.”
“We’re okay sir, really.”
“You act like I’m some slave driver.” Makarov raised an eyebrow.
Yajima stared at his old friend for a moment before looking back at Izuku and Katsuki. “I hope he won’t work you too hard. You’re going to be making a lot of trips here.”
“Great, thanks a lot geezer.” Katsuki side eyed Makarov.
Yajima let out a huff of amusement. He could see it already, that one was going to be a handful.
“Makarov said you’re the new couriers? Well, you boys should know where to drop off the mail when needed.” Yajima spoke up, making them pay attention. He pointed down the hallway to the right. “You’d be bringing any necessary documents down this hall, it’ll be the third door to your left.”
Izuku peered down the hallway to see a lot more of those frog people running from room to room. Doing a lot of the heavy lifting to keep things running.
“Anything else you can recommend to keep these boys occupied?” Makarov asked. “Just to give them something to do.”
“Hey, what happened to anything is game?” Katsuki asked, summoning his wings and floating in front of the Guild Master.
“Anything is game in places you’re allowed.”
“Quit changing the rules on us geezer!”
Izuku gently plucked his friend out of the air. “Sorry about that.”
Yajima shook his head. “There’s a library you can visit. It’s over in the next row of hallways, there’s a large door. You can’t miss it. I’m sure you boys will find something to interest you there. Bear in mind though, you can’t take any books from here.”
“You geezers got a library here?”
“Kacchan!”
Yajima chuckled good naturedly. “Even old geezers like us need something to do when we’re not working on something.”
“Hmph.”
Izuku laughed nervously and held onto Katsuki tighter. “Well, you probably have somewhere to be. We should let you go.”
Makarov sighed as Izuku began walking away. “Damn, and here I thought I could drag it out.”
“You’re late enough as it is. You don’t need to give them another reason to be upset with you.” Yajima began to walk forward, and Makarov followed after. He certainly hoped Izuku and Katsuki would have a better time than he was going to have.
-.-
Izuku stared at the hall in confusion, unsure where to go.
He had paid a visit to the mailing room first, where there had been a frog person, who looked less than happy to see him after hearing he was Fairy Tail’s courier. It wasn’t hard to see why when he spotted a bunch of shelves against the back wall. The section labeled with an ‘F’ was filled to the brim with a bunch of letters.
Izuku was willing to bet good money that a majority of those were about Fairy Tail.
It was then that he realized that this was going to be a common trip.
Any complaints in his mind disappeared when he went to look for the library. He tried to find the library with Yajima’s instructions, and instead was met with a long hallway and a bunch of large doors.
He didn’t see many of the frog people in the hall, much to his surprise. He wasn’t sure if that meant he was in the right place or the wrong place.
“You wanna bet any of these damn things have a label on them?” Katsuki glared at the doors.
“I’m not sure I’d win that bet.”
Katsuki huffed as Izuku walked around. May as well look around where they could. A few doors they tried were locked. Despite Katsuki’s insistence they try again, maybe even break the door, just a little, Izuku said no, of course.
No need to get Makarov into more trouble than he already was.
Izuku ignored the increasing moodiness coming from his companion. They would find what they were looking for sooner or later, by all means they had to kill time anyway. He wasn’t sure how long the Council would be scolding Makarov for.
One of the next doors Izuku came up to was weirdly cold. He heard a bunch of noise coming from the otherside of the door, but it was muffled.
He and Katsuki shared a look before the cat shrugged. “Just open the door.”
Izuku sighed and slowly opened the door, slowly at first, before peeking inside. He didn’t notice anything at first other than the low temperature of the room. He stepped inside and looked around, but before he could actually process anything a wall of black ice came barreling towards him.
He shouted and dodged out of the way as their exit was blocked. The ice continued to spread until it covered the entire wall.
“Woah…”
“What the fuck?” Katsuki didn’t even take a minute to admire the magic before snapping his head to look at the one responsible.
On the other side of the room, someone stood. A boy about Izuku’s age, black hair that almost looked…faded. Strands of red and white poking out here and there. It was long enough to be pulled back. He stared ahead at them with a blank look, like he was staring through them.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Katsuki summoned his wings and before he could fly too far Izuku grabbed him from the air. “Look where you’re aiming next time you asshole!”
At first the stranger said nothing, like he was still trying to realize they were there. “You’re not supposed to be here.” His voice was flat.
Izuku paused, then looked around. It was an unremarkable room for the most part. A large room with nothing but open space. There was a raised section where it looked like someone, or a group of people were supposed to sit and watch over the area.
This place was more like a training room, or more like a testing room.
Oh.
“Who the hell decided that huh? You own the place or something punk?”
“Kacchan stop . He’s right we’re probably not supposed to be here.”
“Hah?”
Izuku didn’t let go of Katsuki as he took a step forward. “S-Sorry about that. We didn’t know what this room was for…or it was in use. We’re just a little turned around.”
The stranger said nothing at first, just eyeing Izuku and Katsuki before holding his left hand up. A magic circle appeared in front of him and the black ice was suddenly consumed by a black fire. The air in the room grew hot from its intensity before suddenly snuffing out, revealing the ice was gone.
The stranger began to walk a little closer, his movements strangely stiff. The closer he got, the more the hair raised on Katsuki, and Izuku tensed up.
There was a strange presence about him, like something great and intense was shoved into such a small space.
He looked at Izuku with dull eyes, one a dark gray and the other a turquoise color. Then there were very noticeable gashes over his left eye. There was something…off that Izuku couldn’t quite place.
He said nothing, making Izuku look at Katsuki awkwardly.
“We uh-”
“What do you want?” He asked.
“We’re looking for the library.” Izuku said as he hesitantly let go of Katsuki. The cat moved to hover beside Izuku, crossing his arms. “We’re pretty turned around. We’ve never been here before.”
The stranger raised an eyebrow, looking Izuku up and down. “Why are you here?”
“This fucker dances around the point. Let’s just go Bush Boy.”
“Kacchan, be patient.” Izuku muttered. “Sorry about that. We’re uh, we’re from Fairy Tail. We came with our Master. He wanted to show us how to get here since we’re the guild’s couriers.”
“Fairy Tail.”
“Yeah…” Izuku said. He really hoped that this guy wasn’t someone who disliked the guild too. It seemed like the entirety of the Council had something to hold against the guild.
“What, you’ve got a problem with us cause of that?” Katsuki snapped.
The stranger eyed the pair of them before letting out a sigh, his breath surprisingly creating some steam. He stepped around the pair and walked over to the door that had previously been frozen shut. He paused before opening the door and turned to look at them.
“You’re looking for the library, yes?”
Izuku glanced at Katsuki before nodding. “Yeah.”
The stranger turned around before opening the door and stepping out.
“Does that idiot expect us to follow him?”
“I guess so.” Izuku said. “Well, to be fair he knows this place better than we do so…” He shrugged and hurried to follow after the stranger.
Izuku was quick to catch up to him, keeping some distance between the stranger and himself. That was when Izuku looked over him. He was wearing a white coat that reached just above the floor, and had a hood. His shirt was black, and Izuku swore he could see the ends of the sleeves poking out around his wrists.
The only pop of color in his outfit were the yellow bracelets around his wrists.
He seemed almost unnoticeable, like he was trying to be someone who faded into the background.
While watching him, Izuku didn’t notice he stopped in his tracks and almost bumped into him. He got a little too close and backed up when he turned around. The stranger turned around and gestured to a large set of doors nearby.
“The library.”
“Oh.” Izuku looked up at the large doors and…saw a plaque on the wall, reading ‘Magic Council Library.’
If they had looked a little further they would have found it on their own.
“Huh, so he is good for something, other than being an ass.”
“Kacchan, you’re being rude again.” Izuku looked at the stranger with an awkward smile. “Thanks for this by the way, and sorry for interrupting your…training? Either way, it means a lot.”
The stranger stared at him for a while before turning away and slowly walking back down the hall.
“Uh, mind if I get your name?” Izuku asked.
He stopped, before shaking his head and continuing on his way.
“See?” Katsuki settled on his backpack. “He’s an ass.”
“Yeah, that was kind of rude…”
-FH-
Makarov sighed as sat on a ledge overlooking the city, away from the chaos inside. He had gotten quite the tongue lashing from the Council. Though overall, he would say things had ended well.
Phantom Lord was disbanded, and Jose was stripped of his title as a Wizard Saint, which opened up the spot for someone else. Makarov had a decent idea of who may be next in line for the title, two wizards in particular. Though he hadn’t heard much of them recently.
If anything they were likely holding their breaths.
Either way, things had ended well.
It certainly helped that the meeting wasn’t interrupted by being told his guests did something wrong or that they were in trouble. At least the boys behaved themselves.
He didn’t look up when he heard footsteps making their way over, and heard a sigh as someone sat down beside him.
“How are you doing Maki?”
“As well as one can be. I’m more surprised that things went as smoothly as they did, at least on our end.” Makarov nodded to himself. “Fairy Tail was found innocent, which came as a bit of a surprise.”
“I spoke in defense of your character Maki, I hope you appreciate it.”
“I do, I do. I’m glad to have the support Yaj. You should drop by the guild when it’s repaired, when you have the time of course. I’d be happy to treat you to some ramen.”
“Hmm, a fairy ramen with 12 slices of pork. That sounds rather delightful.”
Makarov gave him a look. “That’s pushing it, don’t you think?”
“Hmm…have I told you about the penalty for violating the fourth clause in the guild charter?”
“Alright fine, you can have 20 slices, better yet make it 30!”
Yajima shook his head. “12 slices is just fine with me.”
Makarov huffed and turned his gaze back on the city below, to the mountain ranges in the distance. Yajima always knew how to give him a headache.
“You know, I think it’s time you start reigning it in.”
“Excuse me?”
The Council member shrugged. “We’re just not as young as we used to be, you know. I know you care for everyone there, but you have to think of yourself too Maki.”
“No need to lecture me, I do keep myself in mind. But you know better than anyone else, that my children come first.”
“Hmm…” Yajima eyed him, then looked away. As mean as he could be back then, when it was him, Makarov, Rob, and Porlyusica- Makarov always had a way of putting them all first. Even when he was just downright cantankerous.
“Children…like the two you brought today?”
Makarov looked up at that, then sighed. The two of them sat in silence for a moment, before the guild master shifted to look at his friend.
“Yaj, do me a favor, won’t you?”
“Hm?”
“Mind if we talk as friends?”
“Were we not before?”
Makarov gave him a look, and Yajima paused before nodding to himself.
“Alright then, what’s on your mind?”
Makarov let out another sigh and brought a hand up to rub his eyes. “Tell me, what was your first impression of him? Izuku?”
Yajima was confused, but shrugged. “He seems like a nice boy. Very polite, he has a rather gentle demeanor about him, doesn’t he?”
“He certainly does. The boy was a nervous wreck the first time I saw him, thin as a twig as well. He’s certainly come a long way, in fact it’s only just today that he asked if he could officially join the guild.”
“I see you weren’t kidding when you said they were your newest members. I don’t doubt they’ve found a home in Fairy Tail.” Yajima raised an eyebrow after a moment and looked at his old friend. “What exactly is this about Maki?”
Makarov sighed. “I need your opinion on something, regarding the boy. He’s got a particular sort of ability, and I need to know just how under wraps he should keep it.”
“...This doesn’t seem like a normal situation if you’re asking my opinion on this.”
“It’s not, far from it really.”
Yajima frowned, and couldn’t help but take a cursory glance around the area before looking back at Makarov. “What is this about?”
Makarov was quiet for a moment before letting out a quiet breath. “He wasn’t initially aware of it until recently, but the boy has a rather strange condition. He’s unable to take in magical energy the rest of us can, which unfortunately leaves him rather vulnerable, and puts him in poor health more often than not. He seems to have a natural ability to make up for it though.”
The silence hung heavy in the air, Yajima’s unspoken question urging him to answer.
“The boy can absorb magic from others.”
Yajima paused, before sighing. There was almost relief in something that seemed so simple. “That sounds like that falls within the category of draining spells. While not inherently illegal, there is the discussion of morality behind them. I’m aware you yourself fell victim to a draining spell recently, no?”
Makarov shook his head, though it did give him something to talk to Izuku about later.
“I did yes, but this boy’s ability is different. Yajima, listen to me.” He looked the man in the eyes before speaking. “He can strip away the ability for a mage to use magic altogether, let alone absorb any magic energy at all.”
Yajima stopped, of course it wasn’t that easy. Of course it wasn’t something simple, no, this sounded worse.
“He accidentally used his ability on Gray not too long ago. He fell ill, and was…closer to the grave than I think any of us are comfortable to admit. Thankfully Izuku realized, and returned it. Though of course, he fell ill himself.”
Yajima stared at his old friend, before looking away. “The ability to give and take magic…”
“As far as I know he can take magic partially from others. As far as I know he’s done so to Black Steel Gajeel, and Aria. And he can take magic from lacrima. It’s a manageable condition, and he’s got a good head on his shoulders. I don’t think there’s too much to worry about concerning him harming others to a certain degree, it’s more so how much should he keep his power on the down low.”
“...He certainly seems like he’s going to be a handful.”
“He’s a mixed bag. He doesn’t wreck the place in a fight when they break out, though when it comes to a real fight, he can be something fierce. The others told me how he took on Phantom’s Jupiter blast head on. He even stood against Jose.”
Yajima shot the man a look. That part hadn’t quite been included in the reports during the interrogations…he wondered if there was a more or less silent pact to keep the boy’s secret.
But a Jupiter cannon shot?
He looked down. It was certainly…something. The ability to give and take magic form someone in its entirety. Let alone be someone who was able to take on a Jupiter Blast, let alone some of the most powerful wizards in Phantom Lord, as far as he knew.
Though, the boy himself did seem nice. Polite, and mild mannered. There was no sense of danger or malice around him.
“As far as I know, he’s just someone with a rather creative brand of draining magic.” Yajima said. “He’s a rather nice boy. I doubt he’d misuse it.”
Makarov watched him, and nodded with a sigh.
“The Council can’t necessarily do anything, not unless someone is grievously harmed. I believe more concern should be turned towards others.” Yajima said. “There are other groups that might find benefit to a power like that.”
“I see…”
“Just keep the boy out of trouble, and I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
“I’ll be sure to give him a talking to once we get back to the Guild. There is one more thing though. It still regards Izuku though.”
“Oh dear.”
Makarov was quiet for a moment, trying to put the words together, remembering what Izuku had told him. “He’s told me things that concern me, and the more I dwell on it, the less I like it.” He looked up to make sure he had Yajima’s attention, then continued. “He’s a runaway you know, from what I can tell he’s far from home.”
“You don’t say.”
“Yaj, have you ever heard of a place called Musutafu?”
The man looked perplexed, before shaking his head. “No, I can’t say that I have. Why?”
“Thought so. Apparently, that’s where he’s from. From the thing’s he’s told me, I think it’s good to know about these things. Just in case they happen to hit too close to our home.”
Yajima sat up straighter. “What did the boy tell you?”
“It’s a rather dense concentration of mages there, he’s told me that at least 80% of the population are mages.”
“That’s a rather high population of mages. Was he certain?”
“Oh he was, however the thing that concerns me most are the expectations he’s told me about. The boy was shunned for the longest time, they thought he had no magic to his name. Told me he was considered…a failure there.” Makarov grimaced. “If the children there don’t start to show some form of magical prowess by the age of 6 at the most…they’re essentially thrown away.”
Yajima stared at him in abject horror. If it was only recently that the boy discovered his abilities…then no wonder he ran away.
“That is rather concerning.” Yajima muttered.
“Hmph, it only gets better. The reason the boy ran away in the first place was because of monsters. When we first found him he had been badly injured. No doubt at the hands of one of those creatures.”
“Monsters you say? Goodness…”
“He called them…Nomu I believe? Have you ever heard of anything like that?”
“I can’t say I have.”
“Of course you haven’t. I hadn’t either.”
“From the sounds of it, those creatures may be a backfire from a spell, and things just spiralled out of control.”
It wouldn’t be the first time reckless mages made a mess out of something they weren’t supposed to be doing. And if that’s the case, then it definitely won’t be the last.
“This is my first time hearing about all this, but I’ll definitely be paying attention to anything that stands out.”
Makarov let out a deep sigh. “Thank you Yaj. It means a lot.”
“Don’t thank me yet, I think I might get another hankering for another bowl of fairy ramen.’
“Yeah, yeah. You can have as much as you want.”
“That sounds like a deal Maki.”
The pair sighed and continued to watch the city for a while. Just two old friends enjoying the view, silently wishing their other friends could see it.
The only thing that interrupted the silence was a set of footsteps making their way over. Hushed and just barely audible.
“Council Member Yajima?” A flat voice caught their attention, and made them look over to see a young man standing there, blue and gray eyes staring into them. Once he realized he had his attention, he continued. “The Council is ready to go over another case.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you, I’ll be right there.”
With that the young man nodded and turned to walk away, leaving those two in silence.
Makarov hummed after a moment. “I’ve seen that boy here and there, who is he exactly?”
“That would be Null. He’s Ultear’s assistant. Poor boy is always busy doing something for her.” Yajima stood up and got to the ground. “Perhaps it’s good you’re having that Izuku boy come by to drop off the mail. It may do some good for Null to have someone his age around here.”
“Sure, sure.”
“I should get going now. Take care of yourself Maki, please try to take it easy on yourself.”
“You act like I’m some old man Yaj.”
The Council Member smiled to himself and began to walk away. “It still stands, be careful with yourself. Don’t go like Rob…”
Makarov hung his head. “I won’t. Don’t you worry. I’ve still got plenty left to do.”
-FH-
“You want me to head back to the guild?”
Makarov nodded. “Yup, you pretty much know where things are around here. How to reach the Magic Council, the mail room, you’ve got it down pat.”
“I see…”
“I just need to stay back for some more bureaucratic nonsense. Typical business of a guild master, don’t you worry.” Makarov pulled out his pipe as he looked around. Even though he was outside, he still didn’t want to be scolded for smoking. It’s happened once, it will definitely happen again.
“That so?” Katsuki narrowed his eyes.
Makarov nodded. “Yup, and once you get there you can tell Mira that you want to join, and that I gave the go ahead. She’ll help you with the rest. Though don’t be surprised if the others go and throw a party for you.”
Izuku looked up at that, then nodded to himself. That was right, Makarov said he could join, but until he had the guild mark, it wasn’t anything official.
And he had no doubt it was going to be something people wanted to celebrate, Fairy Tail always looked for any reason to go wild.
“You know your way to the train station?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good, now get going. You’ll likely get back late, but that’s fine. Just be careful on your way there.”
He smiled. “Yes sir.”
“Hmm, you be sure to take good care of him, Katsuki.”
The cat grinned at Izuku. “Gladly.”
“I thought it was the other way around.” Izuku muttered.
“Hah?”
“You two take care now.” Makarov waved them off as he went to light his pipe. And that was signal enough for Izuku and Katsuki to start heading out. There was nothing else to do, so they may as well.
Besides, it would be a lie for Izuku to say he wasn’t somewhat excited to let the others know he was going to be a full fledged member now.
Then he also realized that now there was nothing saving him from getting dragged along by Natsu when he invited Izuku on a job.
Actually, he couldn’t help but wonder what they were all up to now. Probably taking it easy, or helping with guild construction. They couldn’t quite go on jobs again just yet.
As he walked through the halls of the Magic Council’s building, towards the platform that took them up, he looked down at himself.
He was staying, meaning he wasn’t a temporary guest anymore. Not to mention he did have a decent chunk of money saved up from his odd jobs and saving up. He couldn’t exactly be borrowing Gray’s forgotten shirts anymore. They were pretty baggy on him, and he couldn’t go running around like that anymore
Not to mention, if he was going to be staying at Lucy’s place he should pull his own weight. Just until he could find his own place to stay. He couldn’t just keep taking up space.
He stopped for a moment, only able to watch the platform beneath him light up, and begin to descend.
He was…really doing this. Taking so much into account and just trying to start standing on his own.
Even if he wasn’t doing it just yet, and just planning for it- it felt good.
It felt like he was finally moving forward.
“What are you smiling about nerd?”
Izuku looked over at him and shrugged. “Nothing much, just thinking.’
“Uh huh, whatever you’re thinking better not cause any trouble. If it is, keep it in your head.”
“Whatever you say Kacchan.”
-.-
He walked through the quieter halls of the building, hearing the distant echo of the frog people running around to complete their tasks.
Blue and gray eyes kept focused on the path ahead. In the back of his mind he had to replay what his current task was again and again, before it slipped away again.
A lot of things tended to slip away.
Very few things were able to stay ingrained in his memory for long. Managed to stick out amidst the quiet chaos that would consume most of his thoughts. Leaving him with just enough room to function and serve his purpose.
He hadn’t even registered the automatic motion of opening the doors in front of him, not until they slammed shut behind him and pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up to see none other than the woman he served in front of him, standing idly in an office.
“Ah, hello there Null.” Ultear greeted him.
She was someone easy to remember. It was hard to forget her, afterall, he had known her for as long as he could remember. However far that time stretched.
He wouldn’t even have the name he has now if it weren’t for her.
At least he thinks so anyway.
Even if that name didn’t feel right. It was something he could answer to.
A snap of fingers in front of his face brought him back to the present, and he was reminded what he was there for.
“Let’s not lose focus now.” Ultear said. “Care to tell me what you found?”
He nodded to himself, replaying what he had overheard in his mind. The image of…green sticking out in his memories. Despite how fast they tend to fleet.
“Councilman Yajima and Guildmaster Makarov were talking in a secluded spot.” He began.
Ultear didn’t look too impressed, looking over some documents that were given to her. More council responsibilities. “Yes, it’s known that they are old friends. Yajima is partially the reason Fairy Tail gets away with quite a lot.”
“They were speaking about one of their new members. He actually accompanied Guildmaster Makarov.”
Ultear was still unimpressed, but she gestured for him to continue.
“They were discussing the nature of his magic.”
“And?”
He had kept his gaze averted for the most part, but slowly dragged his eyes to Ultear’s direction.
“According to Guildmaster Makarov, he has the ability to take magic, as well as give it. At his own discretion.”
That actually made her look up. “I take it they referred to it as some sort of draining magic?”
“A magic that can take the essence of a wizard, and the freedom to use it for himself. Consequently leaving the victim without the ability to absorb or use magic.” He explained simply, and quickly, straight to the point.
Ultear paused at that, and looked over at him. That sounded familiar, like something too good to be true. Something that could be…useful. If used correctly
“I see. That is quite the find.” She put down the documents and smiled at him. “Anything else you know about this person?”
He stared blankly at her before looking away again. “He is a new member…as well as their courier. Any necessary documents will be delivered by him personally.”
“Is that so?”
Ultear hummed and looked to the side. “Well, I suppose that can serve us well. I take it you’ve personally met him?”
“Yes.”
She nodded to herself. “Good. I’m sure a familiar face will put him more at ease the next time he decides to stop by.”
She said nothing else as she walked over to him. He didn’t say anything or move as she walked over to where he was, humming and she looked over him. Reaching out and looking over his hair.
“Hmm, the dye seems to be fading. That won’t do…”
He lowered his head and shut his eyes. “It’ll be taken care of.”
She smiled. “Good.”
After a moment she sighed and stepped away again. “If that’s all, you may leave.”
He nodded and turned around to walk away. Steps heavy as he made his way to the door.
“Oh, and one more thing.” Her voice stopped him in his tracks, just before he reached the door.
“Be sure to be friendly towards him, build a rapport. I understand how difficult that may be, but please make an effort.”
With that he nodded and stepped out of the room, letting the doors slam shut behind him. As he walked away he heard the sound of something crackling, and looked down to see his right hand covered in black ice.
He paused for a moment, before shattering it and moving on. Ignoring the slight shake of his hands.
He was fine, he just had a new task now.
-HoL-
“Money can’t buy you happiness! I learned that when I was a child!”
Lucy hummed to herself as she looked up at her mother’s grave. The beautiful statue above the tombstone, holding its arms out, almost in the welcoming manner. It was the beautiful statue, if there was one thing that had no expense spared, it was her mother’s grave.
She hadn’t been gone from her home, her real home in Magnolia for long, barely even a day but it already felt like she hadn’t been there in forever. She was eager to get back and relax in her own home, and be around her friends.
“It’s good to see you mom.” Lucy murmured. “I wanted to visit you one last time, since I don’t think I’ll be coming back. Not for a long time anyway.”
She swore she could feel her father’s gaze from afar, likely staring at her through the window in his office. She shook her head and focused on the grave.
“I’m doing okay, and I’m going to be alright. I’m happy where I am now, at Fairy Tail. I’ve got a bunch of friends there, I’m on a team full of crazy people, and I’ve got a new roommate for the time being. I know I told you in a letter but…it’s good to tell you in person.”
Lucy stayed quiet for a moment, like she was giving her mom a moment to respond.
“I did yell at dad, so if he comes by ranting and raving don’t be surprised. But I have a feeling you would have given him a talking to if you could.”
She smiled to herself, and lowered her head. “I’m going to be okay mom, and don’t you worry. I’ll keep writing letters, so I’ll keep you in the loop. I’ll keep working hard, but above all else…I’ll be happy. I’m sure that’s what you’d want the most.”
Lucy looked up at the statue one last time, before nodding her head.
“I should get going now, I’m sure the others are worried about me. Bye mom, I love you…and you’ll hear from me soon. I promise.”
With that she turned away, away from the mansion, away from her mother’s grave. Away from the place that she used to consider her home.
She let out a deep sigh once she walked far enough away, refusing to turn around and look back.
She made her point, and she got her closure. That’s all she needed out of this place. Now she could go home to her-
“Lucy!”
She stopped, and looked up. “Oh no…”
“Lucy!” A blue blur came speeding towards her and crashed into her, hugging her.
“H-Happy? Wait why are you-”
She didn’t get to finish her question as the others caught up, bombarding her with questions. Asking if she was okay, what happened. What was she thinking? Why did she go back? Did her dad do anything?
All the while Happy was clinging to her and crying. Erza looked like she was ready to shake some sense into her. Natsu was a bit too close to her and Gray looked ready to storm the place if needed.
“I’m okay, I’m okay!” She reassured them. “I promise. I just came back to set some things straight. I never had any intention of staying.” She began to walk forward. Nudging them to do the same, to walk away from the mansion.
“I just needed to clear some stuff up.”
“You coulda given us some more detail.” Gray raised an eyebrow, and rubbed his face. “If you did, maybe we wouldn’t have freaked out.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t think I had to. Why would I go back and stay after all you guys did to make sure I wouldn’t be forced to go back?”
“Admittedly the wording worried us.” Erza sighed.
“Well forgive me for not putting in too much detail. There was also a faint hope that you guys wouldn’t go breaking into my apartment again.”
“We hadn’t seen you all day. How else were we supposed to see you?” Natsu asked.
“Not break into my apartment?”
“Not happening!” Happy responded, most of his tears subsiding.
“Of course…” Lucy sighed and looked around, taking in the grounds. “You know I’m more surprised Izuku isn’t with you guys. He’d probably be worried too.”
“Yeah, and Katsuki would be yelling at you.” Happy said.
Erza smiled and shook her head, now that the initial shock was gone and an explanation was given. She was relieved to say the least.
“Izuku went with Master Makarov for some business. It’s probably for the best he did. I can only imagine he’d be worried sick if he knew about any of this.”
Lucy laughed to herself. That was true. And she had considered asking Izuku to pass along the message of her going home…she was glad she decided against it.
“Too bad.” Gray muttered, looking around. “He’s missing out. Your hometown is a pretty nice place.”
“Oh this isn’t a town.” Lucy said, looking around. “These are just the gardens and servant quarters. You see the grounds go all the way to that mountain over there.” She pointed it out.
Before she could continue she saw the way Natsu and Gray turned towards her. Their mouths agape as they looked between her and the mountain she so kindly pointed out.
“H-Holy crap she’s rich!” Gray shouted.
“And she talks about it like it’s no big deal?!” Natsu shouted alongside him.
Lucy laughed nervously as Happy flew up, looking between the two. “Two of our top men are down. Erza, what do we do?”
Erza seemed to be just as stunned as the others, looking over the houses that were deemed as gardens and quarters for the workers, then to the mountain.
“The sky is rather lovely, isn’t it?”
“Erza’s got a screw loose! You’re the only one we got left Lucy! What do we do?”
Lucy shook her head and laughed, gently pushing the others forward and away from her old home.
“Let’s go home you guys! I think we’ve stayed here long enough.”
-HoL-
“Are you seriously just gonna stand there you damn nerd?”
“I’m a little nervous, can you blame me?”
“Yeah I can, because the old man already gave you the go ahead, why the hell are you nervous?”
“I don’t know, I can't help it!”
They stood outside the guild hall that was under construction. Izuku had gotten home late, and woke up late. And so far it looked like he was the last one arriving at the guildhall for the day.
“I still need to do my mail run…” He mumbled.
“Is that really your biggest priority nerd?”
“I mean it is my job.”
Izuku only sighed as he got a swat for his troubles. Katsuki was right about one thing, he couldn't just linger outside the guildhall forever. He already made his decision.
He was moving forward.
Izuku slowly walked in. Seeing a mix of people working, and others sitting around. Either on break or just looking for company.
“Hey kid, we were wondering when you were gonna show up!” Macao waved over to him.
“You probably slept in huh? It happens.” Wakaba shrugged.
“Hey Izuku, hi Katsuki!” Happy waved as he flew by, going over to where Natsu and Gray were having another one of their spats.
“Well if it isn’t the little man.” Elfman nodded his way before moving on, carrying a bunch of lumber.
“About time you showed up.” Cana gave a wave.
“Morning Izuku.” Erza smiled his way.
He got a few more hellos and greetings from other guild members. Had they always been like this and Izuku just never really paid attention? Just overlooking it all, because he planned on leaving?
Probably.
He smiled to himself as he walked over to where Mira was, behind the makeshift bar and talking to Lucy.
Lucy looked up as she spotted Izuku. “Well, look who’s finally awake. It was kind of weird being up before you.”
Izuku rubbed his neck and nodded. “Yeah, yesterday was a lot. I kinda forgot just how tiring traveling can be. And then getting used to the Council building…”
“Well at least you’re back now. I hope it was a good trip.” Mira smiled, setting a plate down in front of Lucy.
“Yeah, it was.” He rubbed his arm and looked around, getting a sharp look from Katuski. “Actually Mira, I’ve uh, got something to talk to you about.”
“Oh? Is everything alright?” She asked.
Izuku nodded. “Y-Yeah, it is. It’s just that uh, well…while on the trip to the Magic Council I talked to the Master about something. He gave me the go ahead and then told me to talk to you.”
Lucy watched on curiously, trying to pretend she was focused on the meal in front of her. Though not succeeding.
“Oh? What did he tell you to talk to me about?” Mira asked.
“Uh…well…” Izuku shrugged, feeling himself smile and his face heat up. “I’ve…I’ve decided to join Fairy Tail!”
Mira stopped, as did Lucy. Most people around him did, and that’s when he realized he may have said that last part a bit too loudly.
Mira gave him a big smile after a moment with a small laugh. “Well, I was starting to wonder when you were going to make it official!”
Mira moved to go get something, and before she did Lucy looked up at him. “You’re really joining?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “I got permission from the Master, I explained everything to him too. And he said he has no issue with me joining. Even when I…uh…explained what happened with Gray.” He muttered quietly.
“That’s great!” Lucy said, then she looked over at Natsu who was looking in their direction. Izuku was none the wiser. But she had a feeling their local pyro was going to be the most ecstatic about the news.
“I won’t lie, I was terrified of getting rejected.”
Mira hummed as she came over with a stamp in hand, looking eager, only having heard the last part. “I can’t imagine a world where he’d turn you away. You’ve been with us for a while, you’re practically already part of the guild. Now, you just need the stamp. Where would you like your guild mark?”
Izuku stopped. He…more or less forgot about that part. He forgot that all members had the mark on them, and that meant he’d be getting one too.
Katsuki huffed and swatted at Izuku as he passed by. “Well the nerd’s broken so I’ll just go first. Just put it on my back waiter girl.” He landed on the counter and huffed as he turned around, crossing his arms and scowling ahead.
Though his tail was slightly swishing, making Mira and Lucy laugh to themselves.
“The color?”
“Orange. Whatever, I don’t care.”
Izuku smiled to himself, knowing he’d be going next. Still deciding where he'd put his mark.
It was important, at least it felt that way to him. Proof he was moving forward and taking that next step in his life. Leaving the past behind, as much as he could anyway.
He looked down at his hands, which he was wringing in anxiety. Hands that seemed to be where his power stemmed from. Hands that could hurt…
Gray came to mind, as did Aria.
But they were also hands that could help.
Gray, Lucy, all of Fairy Tail really came to mind right then. Throwing back the Jupister cannon shot, fighting as hard as he could. Righting a wrong.
A power he had to be careful with, but one that wasn’t the end all be all of himself. One that he had to use with care.
“Izuku, it’s your turn.” Mira pulled him from his thoughts and he looked up. “Where do you want your mark?”
He was quiet for a moment, before sighing and holding up his right hand. “The back of my hand, if that’s alright.”
“And the color?”
“Green.”
Lucy smiled at him as he held his hand out and Mira pressed the stamp down on his hand, there was a bit of pressure before the stamp was taken off, revealing the Fairy Tail mark on his hand.
He was with the guild now, officially. But it was also a reminder. If he was going to use his power, he was going to remember what or who he was using it for.
“Look at that, we match!” Lucy held up her own hand, making Izuku laugh a bit.
“Hey everyone!” Mira shouted.
“M-Mira?”
“Guess who decided to become an official member of the guild!” Mira looked at Izuku, whose face was turning a bright red.
There was silence for a moment, before loud cheers erupted throughout the area.
“Yeah!”
“It’s about time!”
“He finally joined!”
Izuku didn’t get much chance to process before a intense heat came barreling towards him and Natsu nearly knocked him over in his excitement. Grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. “You’re finally part of the guild? Heck yeah!”
“I was wondering when you were gonna make it official.” Gray shook his head, following Natsu.
“Yeah well…”
A small pat on his shoulder made him look to see Erza smiling at him. Looking rather pleased. “So you’ve made your decision. I’m proud of you.” She pulled him into a hug, making him slam his head against her armor.
“O-Ow…”
Izuku didn’t linger on the pain for too long, looking up to see everyone shouting and getting more drinks. Master Makarov wasn’t wrong in saying they’d throw a party, it seemed like they’d do that for anything.
It seemed any idea of work was thrown out the window as some of the others asked Mira for drinks.
“I say we pour the little guy a drink!” Cana shouted from her seat. “You’re 15 right? You can drink!”
“I uh…I don’t-”
“Yeah! The little man’s joined the guild. Now he can start calling himself a real man!” Elfman yelled.
“And you know what that means.” Natsu slung an arm around Izuku, grinning. “You get to come with us on jobs now!”
Ah, there went any excuse he could throw now.
“I guess it does!”
Suddenly, the idea didn’t sound as daunting as it did before.
Yeah. He was glad he made it official, that he finally joined.
“Welcome to Fairy Tail, Izuku, and Katsuki.” Erza smiled at both of them. “Officially.”