The chamber of the Magic Council was as imposing as ever, its high ceilings and cold marble walls exuding authority. Makarov Dreyar stood at the center of the assembly, his face shadowed with weariness. Beside him, Aelius stood silent, his piercing green eyes sweeping over the gathered Council members.
Gran Doma, Chairman of the Magic Council, spoke first, his voice stern and unyielding. "Makarov, Fairy Tail's reckless actions continue to undermine the stability of Fiore. This time, however, it is not just your guild we must address. Who is this unknown mage who defeated Jose Porla, one of the Wizard Saints, single-handedly?"
The Council's attention turned to the stoic figure beside Makarov. Aelius's expression was unreadable as he answered, his voice calm and direct but laced with irritation. "My name is Aelius."
That simple answer only intensified the whispers among the Council members. Finally, Org, one of the more senior members, leaned forward with a furrowed brow. "Aelius… That name is familiar. The same Aelius who confronted the Labyrinth of Reverie in Bellacorra?"
Gasps rippled through the chamber.
Gran Doma's gaze hardened. "Bellacorra? Are you saying this man faced the Labyrinth of Reverie, the one that began consuming the land itself?"
Org nodded gravely. "Indeed. For centuries, the Labyrinth of Reverie has grown unchecked, its twisting corridors expanding above ground and swallowing entire towns. Its magic warps reality, and no one who entered ever returned... until him."
All eyes locked on Aelius.
Gran Doma scowled. "If you truly stopped the Labyrinth's growth, why is your name not more widely known?"
Aelius's lips curled into a faint, sardonic smile. All hidden behind his mask, "Because I failed."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.
Org pressed further, his voice quieter but no less intense. "But the Labyrinth stopped growing after your departure. Bellacorra has been stable for nearly a year. What exactly happened inside?"
Aelius's gaze darkened, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something, pain, regret, behind his eyes. "What happened is irrelevant. I did what was necessary to halt its growth, but I could not destroy it. The magic that powers the Labyrinth… It is ancient, vast, and far beyond the comprehension of most mages. The price to destroy it outright was too high. So yes, I failed."
Gran Doma wasn't satisfied. "And you claim you do not know why the Labyrinth ceased its expansion?"
"I claim nothing," Aelius replied coldly. "You're free to believe what you want."
The Council chamber grew tense. Makarov, sensing the brewing storm, stepped in. "Gran Doma, with all due respect, Aelius's actions, whatever they may have been, prevented a far greater catastrophe. He stopped Jose and countless lives were saved. Isn't that enough?"
Gran Doma narrowed his eyes but said nothing.
Org, however, spoke again, his tone more measured. "Regardless of his past, Aelius has demonstrated extraordinary power, enough to defeat a Wizard Saint. Such a mage cannot act unchecked." He fixed his gaze on Aelius. "For now, we will allow you to remain under Fairy Tail's banner. But know this: the Council will be watching."
Aelius inclined his head slightly, his mask betraying no emotion. "Do as you must."
Gran Doma waved dismissively. "This meeting is adjourned."
The journey back to Magnolia was quiet at first. Makarov and Aelius walked side by side along the forested path, the rustling of leaves and occasional bird calls the only sounds accompanying them. Makarov, for once, seemed content to let the silence linger, knowing the weight of the Council's session would take time to settle.
Aelius, however, was as unreadable as ever. His sharp green eyes scanned the horizon, though his thoughts seemed far away.
Finally, Makarov broke the silence. "You handled yourself well back there."
Aelius snorted softly. "Did I? All I heard was suspicion and condescension."
Makarov chuckled. "That's the Council for you. They'll question the sun for shining if they think it steps on their authority. But you…" He glanced at Aelius thoughtfully. "You've made quite the impression I had hoped to keep your quest under wraps but I doubt that's possible anymore."
Aelius's gaze didn't waver. "It's ancient history. The less said about it, the better."
"Perhaps," Makarov said, stroking his beard. "But a mystery like that will only make people more curious. You might have to get used to questions."
"I'm used to questions," Aelius replied curtly. "I'm also used to ignoring them."
Makarov chuckled again but let the subject drop. After a few more minutes of walking, he ventured another thought. "You know, Fairy Tail might not be the Council's favorite guild, but we take care of our own. You'll find that out soon enough."
Aelius turned his head slightly, his expression skeptical. "Will I? From what I've seen, your 'own' are a chaotic bunch of fools who barely know when to stop fighting."
"True," Makarov admitted with a grin. "But they fight for each other. That's the difference. You might find it hard to trust at first, but Fairy Tail has a way of breaking down walls."
Aelius stopped in his tracks, turning to face Makarov fully. His voice was calm, but there was a steel edge to it. "Four years of walls don't crumble with a few words, old man. It'll take more than that."
Makarov met his gaze, unflinching. "Then we'll take as long as it takes. You're part of the guild now, Aelius, whether you like it or not. We'll be here when you're ready."
For a moment, the two men stood in silence, the wind rustling the leaves around them. Finally, Aelius turned back to the path and began walking again.
"I wouldn't hold your breath," he said over his shoulder.
Makarov chuckled softly but didn't press further. He simply followed, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze thoughtful.
By the time Magnolia came into view, the tension between them had softened, replaced by a quiet understanding. Though Aelius's walls remained intact, the first cracks had begun to form.
The next day, Aelius sat atop a stack of rubble, his long coat draped lazily over his shoulders as he watched the guild come alive with activity. The makeshift common area was a hive of motion, with members working to clean up the destruction left behind, while others found moments to relax amidst the chaos.
Aelius's sharp eyes darted across the scene. Lucy was chatting animatedly with Mirajane near a half-toppled table, her gestures wide and expressive. Not far off, Natsu and Gray wandered into the conversation, their usual bickering threatening to ignite another fight.
A loud crash interrupted the relative calm as a barrel flew through the air, slamming into Natsu and sending him sprawling onto the ground.
A voice boomed across the courtyard, laced with authority and irritation. Aelius turned his head, eyes narrowing slightly as he recognized the figure standing amidst the chaos.
The atmosphere in the makeshift common area was heavy, the chatter of guild members faltering as Erza's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Why don't you tell the others how you feel!" Erza yelled, her tone sharp and unyielding as she glared at Laxus.
All eyes turned toward the confrontation, the energy in the room shifting to uneasy anticipation.
Laxus chuckled darkly, his arrogant smirk growing wider. "Oh, I've got no problem doing that." He scanned the room, his golden eyes gleaming with disdain as he gestured broadly to the gathered guild members. "This whole guild has gone soft. Weak. Barely worth the name Fairy Tail anymore."
He turned his gaze toward Jet and Droy, who flinched under his piercing stare. "Especially you two," he sneered. "I heard you were Phantom Lord's personal punching bags. What an embarrassment. I'm glad I never even bothered to learn your names."
Jet bristled, his fists clenching at his sides, but Droy placed a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence, the tension almost unbearable.
Aelius, who had been reclining on a stack of rubble, let out a slow sigh. He straightened, brushed some imaginary dust off his coat, and gracefully hopped down. His boots crunched against the debris-strewn ground as he walked forward, his expression unreadable behind his mask.
Laxus barely glanced at him as Aelius approached, his attention still focused on the guild members he was mocking.
As Aelius neared, his stride faltered, and he stumbled forward with a theatrical clumsiness, the Bottle in his hand tilting dramatically. A splash of liquid flew from it, hitting Laxus squarely on the chest.
"Oh, whoops," Aelius said flatly, his voice utterly devoid of sincerity as he straightened himself. He gave Laxus a once-over, his pale eyes glinting with faint amusement. "Guess I'm a little clumsy today."
The guild froze.
"You've got a death wish, don't you?" Laxus growled, his voice low and menacing.
Aelius tilted his head, his expression remaining calm and aloof. "Death wish? No, just bad luck, I suppose." He held up the nearly empty bottle as if inspecting it. "Looks like I'm out. Shame."
The tension in the air snapped like a taut wire, and a ripple of nervous whispers passed through the guild members.
Erza took a step forward, her hand hovering near the hilt of her sword. "Don't provoke him, please"
Laxus's fists clenched, lightning crackling faintly around his knuckles. His gaze darkened, the air around him buzzing with barely contained fury. "You think you're funny?"
Aelius tilted his head slightly, the faint gleam of his mask catching the light as he spoke, his tone smooth and dripping with mock sincerity. "Me? No, I couldn't possibly take that title from you," he said. "The guild needs its resident jester, does it not?"
The guild collectively held their breath, the tension so thick it felt like the rubble beneath their feet might crumble further under the weight of it.
Laxus's eyes narrowed, electricity sparking faintly at his fingertips as he stepped closer. "And just who the hell do you think you are?" he growled, his voice low and crackling with malice.
Aelius tilted his head slightly, the glint of his mask catching the light as he spoke, his tone smooth but laced with icy disdain. "To you, I suppose I'm just another weakling, hmm? Though I must admit, I'm curious, what exactly is your criteria for that?" He paused, letting the tension build before continuing, his words cutting through the air like a blade.
"Freed still runs around with you, doesn't he? He's weaker than you, weaker than quite a few others in this guild I'd imagine, and yet you let him. Perhaps it's because he worships the ground you walk on, can't say I blame him, what with your charming personality." Aelius leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a razor-edged whisper. "Or is it because he finally convinced you to let him suck your dick?"
The guild collectively froze, the words hanging heavy in the air like a bomb that hadn't yet detonated. A few audible gasps echoed out, followed by stunned silence.
Laxus's eyes flared with rage, the electricity around him sparking violently as his fists clenched at his sides. "You've got a death wish," he snarled again, his voice low and crackling with menace.
Aelius didn't flinch, his mask tilting slightly as if he were observing Laxus with cold amusement. The room felt impossibly tense, every member of the guild watching with bated breath, unsure if they were about to witness a fight or something far worse.
"A death wish?" Aelius mused, his voice calm, almost bored. He straightened, clasping his hands loosely behind his back. "No, not really. I just have a habit of pointing out the truths that others are too polite, or too scared, to say aloud."
Laxus took a menacing step forward, the sparks around him intensifying, casting jagged shadows on the walls. "You don't know a damn thing about me," he hissed, his voice a dangerous growl.
"Oh, but I know enough," Aelius countered smoothly, his tone sharp enough to cut through Laxus's rage. "I know that you surround yourself with people like Freed because they'll never challenge you. Because they'll worship you without question. That's what you want, isn't it? Followers, not equals."
Laxus's fists tightened, and a bolt of lightning struck the floor near Aelius's feet, scorching the stone. Gasps rippled through the guild, a few members taking cautious steps back, but Aelius remained unmoved.
"And yet," Aelius continued, his tone calm but laced with an icy edge, "for all your bravado, for all the bluster, when someone capable of meeting you head-on appears, you crumble. It's almost... Sad."
"Enough!" Laxus roared, his voice echoing through the rubble like thunder. The lightning around him flared brighter, the sheer force of his magic making the air hum with energy.
Aelius tilted his head as if considering Laxus's outburst. "Temper, temper," he said softly, his tone dripping with mock sympathy. "Maybe that's why your grandfather never lets you take charge. Can't trust a child to run a guild, after all."
The jab landed like a physical blow, and for a moment, it seemed like Laxus might lose control entirely. But before he could act, Erza's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
"Enough, both of you!" Erza commanded, her voice sharp and unyielding as she stepped between them, the sheer weight of her presence demanding silence. Her gaze darted between Aelius and Laxus, each one receiving a glare that could have cut steel. "This is not the time or place for such behavior."
Aelius raised his hands slightly in a gesture of surrender, the motion languid and almost mocking. His mask tilted ever so slightly, catching the light. "As you wish, Titania," he replied, his voice calm and measured, but the faint undertone of irony in his words didn't escape her notice.
Laxus's glare was molten, his fists still crackling with residual energy. The air around him buzzed with barely-contained rage, but he didn't act. His lips curled into a sneer as his eyes locked onto Aelius one last time. "You're lucky this time," he spat, his tone dripping with venom.
Aelius remained unmoved, his posture relaxed. "Oh, I'm always lucky," he said, the faintest smirk audible in his tone.
Laxus's magic flared one last time, the golden arcs sparking violently before he vanished in a crackling flash of lightning, leaving behind the faint smell of ozone.
The guild was silent in the aftermath, the tension thick in the air. All eyes shifted between Erza and Aelius, waiting to see what would happen next.
Erza exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing as she turned to face Aelius. "Was that necessary?" she asked her tone firm but not accusatory.
Aelius shrugged, settling back against the rubble he had been perched on earlier. "Probably not," he admitted, his voice casual. "But it was... enlightening."
Erza's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't press further. Instead, she turned her attention to the rest of the guild, her commanding voice cutting through the lingering tension. "Back to work, everyone. There's no time for distractions."
As the guild members slowly returned to their tasks, casting wary glances at Aelius, he leaned back against the rubble, his mask giving nothing away. Whatever thoughts lingered behind that reflective surface, they were his alone.
As the tension from the confrontation with Laxus finally began to fade, Natsu's loud, boisterous voice cut through the room like a thunderclap. "That was awesome!" he shouted, practically bouncing over to Aelius with his signature wide grin.
Gray, leaning casually against a nearby pillar, rolled his eyes. "Of course, you'd think that, flame-brain. What part of that was awesome? He just provoked Laxus."
"That's the awesome part!" Natsu shot back, pointing at Aelius. "He didn't even flinch! It was like, " He threw his arms wide and tried to mimic Aelius's calm posture. "'Oh, look at me, I'm so cool and mysterious!' Bam! Laxus couldn't even touch him!"
Aelius, who had been perched quietly on a piece of rubble, turned his masked face toward Natsu. "If that's your interpretation, far be it from me to correct you," he said smoothly, his voice carrying a subtle air of amusement.
"You're just jealous because you wouldn't have the guts," Natsu teased, pointing at Gray.
Gray scoffed, pushing off the pillar. "Yeah, right. I just don't feel like getting fried, unlike some idiot I know."
"Say that again, ice princess!" Natsu growled, flames sparking in his fists.
"Don't start with me, fire-breath!" Gray snapped back, ice forming around his hands.
Before they could launch into another one of their infamous brawls, Erza's authoritative voice rang out. "Natsu! Gray! Enough!"
Both of them froze mid-motion, Gray's ice and Natsu's flames fizzling out as they turned to look at Erza like scolded children.
Erza sighed and then turned her gaze to Aelius, who had yet to move from his spot on the rubble. "You," she said, crossing her arms, "seem to have a knack for stirring up trouble."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, the blank mask making his reaction unreadable. "Trouble seems to follow me, I must admit," he said with a faint shrug. "But I assure you, Titania, I mean no harm. Simply... conversation."
"Conversation?" Erza repeated, her eyes narrowing. "That wasn't conversation. That was provocation."
"Still part of conversation," Aelius replied, tilting his head slightly, the mask making his expression unreadable. "It's hard to find a good partner to converse with these days. Jose was actually quite delightful to talk to, you know."
The air seemed to pause, collective incredulity hanging in the air. Natsu, who had been trying to sneak closer for a better listen, nearly tripped over himself. "Jose? Delightful? Are you serious?" he blurted out, his voice full of disbelief.
Gray scoffed, crossing his arms. "That guy tried to kill all of us, including you. How in the world is he 'delightful' to talk to?"
Aelius gave a nonchalant shrug, the faint amusement in his voice only making the guild's collective confusion worse. "Oh, he has his flaws, who doesn't? But he had a certain... eloquence in his threats. A shame about his execution, though. Quite literally."
Erza's eyes narrowed further, her tone sharp. "Is this some sort of joke to you? Jose was a threat to this guild, to all of us."
"Not at all," Aelius replied smoothly, turning his masked gaze toward her. "I'm merely saying it's refreshing to encounter someone who can string together a coherent sentence while plotting your demise. It's a rarity."
Mira, who had been quietly watching from the sidelines, covered her mouth to hide a small laugh. "You have... quite a unique perspective, Aelius."
"Unique is one word for it," Gray muttered, shaking his head.
Natsu jabbed a finger in Aelius's direction. "You're weird, man. Seriously weird."
"Coming from you, I'll take that as a compliment," Aelius replied without missing a beat.
Erza sighed heavily, clearly trying to maintain her composure. "This isn't about Jose's conversational skills or lack thereof. It's about you stirring up more conflict in the guild."
Aelius inclined his head slightly, as though conceding her point. "Fair enough. I'll refrain from discussing the merits of our enemies in the future, Titania."
"Good," Erza said firmly, her tone brooking no argument. "We have enough chaos to deal with as it is."
Natsu, still visibly confused by the entire exchange, leaned toward Gray and whispered loudly, "Did he really just call Jose 'delightful'?"
Gray groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't try to understand him, Natsu. It'll just make your head hurt."
"Too late," Natsu muttered, rubbing his temples as if physically trying to process Aelius's words.
Aelius, for his part, simply leaned back against the rubble, his posture relaxed. "Chaos seems to follow me, whether I seek it or not. I'll do my best to keep it at bay... for now."
Erza gave him a long, measured look before turning away, her tone clipped. "See that you do."
"Chaos, huh?" Aelius muttered to himself, his voice barely audible, his masked gaze distant. "Wonder how Neshi is these days…"
Natsu, who had been closer than Aelius realized, perked up at the unfamiliar name. "Neshie? Who's that?" he asked, his curiosity piqued as he tilted his head.
Aelius stiffened slightly, realizing he had spoken aloud. Slowly, he turned his masked face toward Natsu. "Just someone from... another time," he said, his tone carefully neutral. "Not important."
Natsu's eyes narrowed, his interest only growing. "Doesn't sound like 'not important' if you're still thinking about them. Who are they? A friend? Rival? Enemy?"
Aelius chuckled softly, though it carried a hint of melancholy. "You ask too many questions, Fire Dragon Slayer. Not everything needs to be shared."
Natsu crossed his arms, his expression stubborn. "If they're someone you care about, maybe talking about it would help. That's what the guild's for, right? We're all here for each other."
Aelius regarded him silently for a moment before shaking his head. "It's not that simple, Natsu. Neshi was... a piece of chaos in their own right. And like chaos, they're best left in the past."
Natsu frowned but didn't press further. Instead, he gave Aelius a small grin. "Well, if they're anything like you, they're probably still out there causing trouble. Maybe one day, you'll find out for sure."
Aelius barked out a laugh, the sound sharp and unexpected, drawing the attention of the others nearby. "Oh, trouble doesn't begin to describe that little bundle of pain," he said, his tone laced with amusement and exasperation.
Natsu's grin widened, clearly intrigued. "Really? That bad, huh? Now I've really gotta meet them!"
Aelius shook his head, his laughter settling into a low chuckle. "Trust me, Dragon Slayer, you wouldn't know whether to punch them or thank them. They were a storm in human form, unpredictable, relentless, and impossible to ignore."
Lucy, having overheard the exchange, tilted her head. "Who are you talking about, Aelius? Sounds like someone pretty memorable."
Erza, who had been keeping a wary eye on Aelius, stepped closer. "And dangerous," she added, her tone cautious. "Someone like that doesn't sound like an ally."
Aelius leaned back slightly, his mask glinting in the light as he crossed his arms. "Ally? Enemy? Both? Neither? Neshi defied labels. They were... chaos incarnate, and I mean that quite literally."
Gray raised an eyebrow. "Chaos incarnate? That's not exactly reassuring."
Aelius chuckled again, this time softer, almost wistful. "No, I suppose it wouldn't be. But Neshi wasn't about reassurance. They were about shaking the foundations of everything you thought you understood."
The group exchanged uncertain glances, the weight of Aelius's words sinking in. Natsu, however, just grinned wider. "Sounds like my kind of person. If they're as strong as you say, bring it on!"
Aelius tilted his head toward Natsu, his tone shifting to something more enigmatic. "Strength isn't always about power, Dragon Slayer. Sometimes, it's about being unshakable in your own madness. Neshi taught me that... in their own infuriating way."
The area fell silent for a moment, the guild members unsure how to respond. Aelius finally turned away, his masked gaze fixed on some distant memory. "But enough of that. The past is where it belongs. Let's focus on the chaos we have now."
With that, the tension broke, and the group slowly returned to their activities. But as they moved on, Natsu couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story storm still brewing beneath Aelius's calm exterior.
"Actually, I have a question," Erza said suddenly, halting mid-step. Her voice was calm, but the weight behind her words hung in the air like a sword waiting to fall. "What's changed since you came back? You're different, less cruel, less distant. Why?"
Aelius didn't answer right away. He exhaled a slow sigh, tilting his head slightly as though debating the value of a response. "You already know why, Titania. You were there. When I died" His tone was steady but carried a faint detachment. Then, with a wry edge of humor, he added, "If you're referring to the incident with the electric pomeranian… well, let's just say he reminded me of someone I'd rather not think about."
A faint glimmer of his eyes behind the mask flickered as he turned his focus fully to her. His voice grew calm yet carried an undercurrent of curiosity. "What exactly do you mean by the 'real me'?" he asked, his gaze unwavering. "If you're wondering whether this is how I act around people I trust… then yes, it is. But if you're asking if this is who I've always been…" He paused, the words deliberate, heavy. "No."
Straightening slightly, Aelius's presence seemed to darken, as if the air around him had grown heavier. "You, of all people, should understand. Time changes everything. And that quest…" He let the words linger before finishing, his tone dipping into something darker. "It just accelerated the process."
Erza stayed quiet for a moment, her expression calm but touched with a faint tension that betrayed the weight of her thoughts. "Four years is a long time," she said finally, her voice steady yet tinged with emotion. "But whatever you endured on that quest… it was more than time. It changed you, Aelius, in ways that go beyond what I can see."
Her gaze softened as she studied him, curiosity and concern mingling in her expression. "You're still you, but… you carry yourself like someone who's been through more than just the passage of years. There's a weight about you now."
Aelius let out a dry, humorless chuckle. "Weight. That's one way to put it." He looked past her as if the memories were standing just out of sight. "That accursed Labyrinth doesn't let anyone leave without taking something in return. For me… it took the person I was and shaped me into what you see now."
Erza considered his words, their gravity settling between them like an unspoken truth. "So the version of you who came back… this is who you are now?"
"More or less," Aelius replied with a faint shrug. "I'm not the same person who left, and I won't pretend to be. I won't apologize for what I've become, either. But I'll say this, the version of me standing here is the one who survived. The one who decided that living was worth whatever it cost."
Erza nodded slowly, her expression calm but thoughtful. "You've always been distant, even before you left. But now… you seem like someone trying to find where they belong. Or maybe wondering if they even can."
Aelius glanced at her, and for a moment, a flicker of something passed behind the mask, something almost vulnerable. "Belonging," he murmured, the word lingering on his tongue. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just trying to make sense of a second chance I didn't ask for."
Erza allowed herself a small smile, her voice soft yet steady. "Whether you asked for it or not, you have it. And you're here, with us. That's enough for now."
Aelius let out a quiet sigh, the sharpness in his tone giving way to something softer. "Yeah, well… it's not like I'd get far if I wanted to leave. You lot have a way of sticking together, don't you?" He paused, a faint, unseen smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Guess that's not the worst thing."
The week passed in a whirlwind for Aelius. After his dramatic brush with death, he found himself grounded, his magic reserves so thoroughly depleted that even simple tasks required effort. Most of his days were spent nursing a drink while watching the guild rebuild, a quiet observer of the chaos that defined Fairy Tail.
The week had been anything but uneventful. Early on, Loki, the smooth-talking flirt who had been a member of Fairy Tail for years, was revealed to be none other than Leo the Lion, a celestial spirit. Aelius had tilted his head at the news, his curiosity piqued. "A celestial spirit pretending to be human for years? Now that's dedication," he remarked, swirling his drink with a faint smirk behind his mask.
But the guild's peace was short-lived.
Natsu and his team had been on a vacation that spiraled out of control, leading to a fierce battle against Jellal, a Wizard Saint and a member of the Magic Council. The tale of their fight spread through the guild like wildfire, an epic clash against an opponent of overwhelming power. When the team returned, battered but victorious, the guild celebrated their survival and resilience.
The week's surprises didn't stop there. Following the battle with Jellal, two familiar faces walked through the guild's doors, Juvia and Gajeel, former members of Phantom Lord. Their arrival was met with a wave of tension, the room going silent as every eye turned toward them.
Juvia, with her melancholic air and lovestruck gaze fixated on Gray, contrasted sharply with Gajeel's intimidating presence and stoic demeanor. The Iron Dragon Slayer had been a terror during the Phantom Lord conflict, and his appearance now stirred unease among many members.
Aelius watched the scene unfold, his expression unreadable behind his mask. He studied Gajeel with particular interest, noting the Dragon Slayer's guarded posture and sharp gaze as he scanned the room.
Makarov's decision to accept the two into Fairy Tail was met with protests, particularly from those who still bore scars from their previous battles. But the guild master's wisdom and compassion won out, and Juvia and Gajeel were welcomed into the fold, albeit begrudgingly by some.
As the week came to a close, the guild's usual chaos resumed, the tensions gradually easing as Juvia's eccentricity and Gajeel's quiet integration added new layers to the dynamic. Aelius found himself entertained by Juvia's dramatic antics and Gajeel's dry, no-nonsense attitude.
Leaning back in his chair, Aelius observed the bustling guildhall with a faint smirk. Between Loki's revelation, the clash with Jellal, and the arrival of Juvia and Gajeel, the week had been a whirlwind of surprises.
"Fairy Tail never fails to keep things interesting," he mused, raising his glass in a quiet toast to the chaos around him.
It was only a day after Gajeel and Juvia had joined Fairy Tail when the air of calm was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of challenge.
Aelius leaned casually against the guild bar, his flask in hand as he swirled its murky contents with a lazy motion. The usual chaos of Fairy Tail swirled around him, but for once, he seemed almost at ease in the cacophony. His mask, polished to a muted shine, hid whatever expression lay beneath, but his body language suggested a rare moment of relaxation.
Levy sat beside him on a stool, her hazel-brown eyes flicking between her notebook and Aelius. Though her usual fiery curiosity was apparent, there was a subtle hesitation in her posture, one that Aelius noticed but didn't comment on. She kept her hands busy, scribbling notes and tapping her pen against the edge of her book.
"So," Levy began, her voice soft but insistent. "Four years away on a century quest. The Labyrinth of Reverie. Making you the first person to ever come back from one, and You're really not going to tell me anything about it?"
Aelius tilted his head, tipping the flask to his lips before replying. "Not much to tell. I went, I handled it, and now I'm back."
Levy frowned, her pen pausing mid-tap. "Handled it? Aelius, that's not exactly the kind of thing you just 'handle.' The stories from Bellacora alone make it sound like something out of myth. You've got to give me something, just one detail."
"Dangerous labyrinth, nearly impossible to navigate, deadly traps, and a threat that needed to be neutralized," Aelius replied dryly. "There. That about sums it up."
Levy's brow furrowed in frustration. "You're impossible," she muttered, though her voice lacked true anger. "You know people will be talking about this for years. It's not every day someone takes on a century quest and actually comes back."
"Hey, Mask. Got a minute?"
The hum of conversation quieted, and Aelius turned his head to see Gajeel Redfox standing a few steps away. His crimson eyes held a spark of curiosity, not malice, and his arms were loosely crossed. The tension that might have come from his presence was noticeably absent, as his demeanor lacked the aggression many still associated with him.
Levy's shoulders tensed ever so slightly, her gaze flickering toward Gajeel before quickly dropping to her notebook. Most in the guild wouldn't have noticed the subtle change, but Aelius did. He didn't comment, his focus shifting fully to the Iron Dragon Slayer.
"What is it?" Aelius asked, his tone calm and measured.
Gajeel took a few steps closer, his boots thudding lightly against the wooden floor. "I've been hearing a lot about you since I joined. Took down Jose, they say. Took on a century quest and came back alive. Seems like you've got a lot going for you."
Aelius tilted his head slightly. "If you're trying to flatter me, it's not working."
Gajeel smirked faintly. "Not flattery. I want to see what the hype's about. Figured I'd challenge you to a fight, see what the guy who beat Jose can do."
The room buzzed with quiet murmurs as the guild members exchanged looks, their excitement palpable. Conversations were hushed, and chairs and tables were hastily moved aside to clear a space.
Aelius's masked face tilted slightly as he turned toward Gajeel. The faint gleam from the polished surface caught the light, giving his already enigmatic figure an even more imposing aura. His tone was calm but carried a sharp undercurrent of amusement. "Do you really think you hold a candle to your old master?"
The murmurs around the room grew louder, some of the newer guild members casting uncertain glances at Gajeel, while others whispered about Aelius's victory over Phantom Lord's infamous leader.
Gajeel's smirk didn't falter, but his eyes darkened, a flicker of steel behind his crimson gaze. "I didn't come here to compare myself to Jose," he said, his tone low and firm. "That bastard's history. I just want to see what makes you so special. Or maybe you're hiding behind that mask and reputation."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, the gleam of his mask catching the light as he regarded Gajeel in silence for a long moment. Then, in a tone that was calm yet edged with unmistakable steel, he spoke. "I'll take you up on that challenge, but only on one condition."
Gajeel raised an eyebrow, his smirk faltering slightly. "Condition? This ain't a negotiation, Mask."
"It is now," Aelius replied, his posture relaxed but his voice carrying enough weight to quiet even the murmurs of the guild members. He gestured toward Levy, her gaze darting nervously between the two. "Apologize to her first. Publicly. Right here."
The room went dead silent. All eyes turned to Gajeel, whose expression darkened slightly. His jaw tightened, but to everyone's surprise, he didn't argue or lash out. Instead, he exhaled sharply through his nose and crossed his arms.
"I already did," Gajeel said, his tone quieter than before, though it held none of the defensiveness the guild had braced for. His crimson eyes flicked to Levy, who was staring at him, her hazel-brown eyes wide with surprise. "First thing after I joined. Don't need to say it again unless she wants me to."
Levy blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected statement. Her hands tightened around the edges of her notebook, and she hesitated before giving a small nod. "He… he did," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "And he meant it."
Aelius tilted his head again, as if weighing her words, before straightening with a faint shrug. "Fair enough," he said. "I'll take your word for it, Levy." He stepped away from the bar and adjusted the edges of his cloak. "In that case, Gajeel, let's see what you've got."
The room buzzed again, the tension shifting as anticipation for the fight reignited. Gajeel smirked faintly, his arms dropping to his sides as he rolled his shoulders. "Didn't think you'd let me off that easy, Mask," he said. "Guess I owe you a good fight now."
Aelius chuckled softly, the sound dry and almost dismissive. "We'll see if you're worth the effort," he replied before raising a hand to still the murmurs around the guild. "But not here. Let's take this outside."
"Why?" Gajeel asked, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Worried about breaking something?"
"More worried about the master's wrath," Aelius said calmly, turning toward Levy, who had been quietly watching from her stool. "Levy. Did you keep working on the containment runes while I was gone?"
The room paused in collective confusion, the term unfamiliar to most of the guild. Levy blinked at the question, momentarily startled.
"Y-Yeah," she said, clutching her notebook a little tighter. "I have Been tweaking them, refining the formulas. They should be able to hold you."
"Good," Aelius said with a curt nod. "Let's use them."
"Containment runes?" Natsu said, scratching his head in bafflement as he stepped forward. "What are those? And why do we need them for a fight?"
"You want to feel the aftereffects of my magic when I'm not even facing you?" Aelius said plainly, his tone as flat as ever. He gestured toward the guild hall around them with a lazy wave of his flask. "And I doubt you'd enjoy rebuilding the guild brick by brick. Again."
Natsu blinked, scratching the back of his head as the memory of their last destructive battle came to mind. "Uh, yeah… that sucked," he admitted sheepishly, earning a few chuckles and nods of agreement from the guild.
The guild murmured again, now realizing the potential scale of the battle they were about to witness. Chairs scraped across the floor as members rushed to follow Aelius and Gajeel, eager to see what warranted such precautions.
Levy hopped off her stool, falling in step beside Aelius as they exited the hall. "I wasn't sure if you'd even remember the runes," she admitted softly.
"How could I forget?" Aelius replied, his tone lighter than usual. "They were a good idea. I'm glad you stuck with them."
Levy glanced up at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks. I wasn't sure they'd ever get used, but... well, here we are."
By the time Gajeel and the others arrived at the open grounds outside, Levy had already activated the runes. Faint, glowing symbols hovered in the air, forming a translucent barrier around the space. The air felt charged, a low hum resonating from the intricate magic at work.
Gajeel cracked his knuckles, stepping into the ring with a wide smirk. "Hope you're ready to regret this, Mask. I don't go easy."
The guild members cheered and jeered from the sidelines, excitement building as the two squared off. Aelius's stance was relaxed but poised, while Gajeel radiated raw energy, his fists already gleaming with a metallic sheen.
"Hmmm, I wonder," Aelius murmured, his tone low and thoughtful, though the faintest edge of amusement crept into his words. His eyes flicked to Levy for a brief moment before settling back on Gajeel.
"Yeah," he finally said, a smirk audible in his voice, "I think I will."
Gajeel frowned, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly as he stepped closer. "What do you mean, you think you will?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of challenge.
"Dragon Slayers tend to be pretty durable," Aelius said, his tone even as he adjusted his mask and leaned back slightly. His gaze locked onto Gajeel. "And since you're an Iron Dragon slayer, I imagine you lean into that durability a lot more. Am I right?"
Gajeel smirked, crossing his arms as a faint metallic sheen rippled across his skin. "You got that right. Tougher than steel, and I can prove it. Why you askin'?"
Aelius tilted his head slightly, the faint curve of his lips hidden beneath his mask as he regarded Gajeel with a calm yet intense gaze. "Just making sure... I'm not entirely sure how my magic will react after my Death," he said, his tone low and measured. "That's why I asked Levy to set these up". He gestured subtly at the faintly glowing runes Levy had painstakingly etched into the ground, their intricate patterns pulsating faintly in response to the oppressive energy in the air.
Gajeel smirked, cracking his knuckles with audible pops. "Doesn't matter. Whatever fancy tricks you've got, I'll tear 'em apart! Iron Dragon's Roar!" He inhaled deeply, the air around him warping as metallic shards formed within his lungs before he unleashed a devastating torrent of razor-sharp iron toward Aelius.
"Plague God's Shroud!" Aelius called out, his voice ringing with a chilling resonance. Sickly black and green mist erupted from his outstretched hand, surging forward to meet the iron storm. The runes beneath his feet flickered violently as the mist expanded, reflecting some of its corrosive tendrils outward in a chaotic, uncontrolled dance. Each shard of iron that touched the mist disintegrated into dust, falling harmlessly to the ground.
Levy's eyes widened as she observed the interaction. "The runes are... redirecting his magic? That's not what it's supposed to do," she murmured, frantically scribbling notes.
Gajeel barked a laugh, though his tone held a nervous edge. "Guess your fancy setup's not doing so hot against this guy's poison cloud."
Aelius remained unbothered, stepping through the swirling chaos. "The runes are making sure my magic can't escape. If it works it's not broken.." His hand moved in a sharp gesture. "Plague God's Touch!" The mist surged again, forming tendrils that shot toward Gajeel, each one pulsating with infectious energy.
"Not a chance!" Gajeel roared, his arms morphing into massive iron clubs. "Iron Dragon's Iron Fist!" He charged forward, smashing the tendrils aside. The mist hissed and sizzled as it collided with his metallic arms, leaving behind faint patches of corrosion. "What kind of fight are you bringing, Mask? Playing around with poison?"
Aelius's voice was calm, almost clinical. "You don't understand yet. This isn't poison, it's inevitability." He raised both hands, the mist condensing into grotesque, flower-like formations. "Plague God's Bloom." The flowers pulsed ominously, releasing bursts of spore-like energy in Gajeel's direction. The spores scattered unpredictably, forcing Gajeel to leap aside to avoid the chaotic spread.
"Dammit," Gajeel growled, landing heavily as he readied his next attack. "Iron Dragon's Sword!" His arm shifted into a massive blade, and with a powerful swing, he sent a shockwave of iron slicing through the air at Aelius.
The runes flickered again, glowing brighter with each passing moment as they absorbed the remnants of Aelius's magic. The air was thick with tension, the hum of power building with each pulse. Gajeel lunged forward, iron scales shimmering across his arms as he shouted, "Iron Dragon's Iron Fist!" His punch sent a shockwave ripping through the ground toward Aelius.
"Plague God's Shroud," Aelius intoned, his hand rising in a smooth arc. A swirling mist erupted around him, creating a vortex of toxic energy. The shockwave slammed into the mist, the iron dissipating into harmless fragments as the shroud consumed it. Tendrils of green energy shot outward, brushing against Gajeel's arm.
The Iron Dragon Slayer hissed, shaking his arm as the tendrils left faint, glowing marks on his scales. "What the hell?!" Gajeel growled, glaring at the faint trails of energy that seemed to sap his strength.
Gajeel flexed his arm, the faint, glowing marks left by Aelius's attack still clinging to his iron scales like a persistent curse. His crimson eyes locked onto Aelius, frustration bubbling beneath his cool facade. "You've got some tricks, I'll give you that," he muttered, his fists clenching as iron scales thickened across his arms. "But don't think I'm goin' down that easy!"
Aelius's mask tilted slightly as if analyzing Gajeel's response. Without a word, he inhaled deeply, the air around him growing dense with a sickly green haze. His voice resonated low and steady as he declared, "Plague God's Bellow!"
A sudden vortex of energy surged forward, the mist coalescing into a massive torrent of corrosive, swirling energy. It roared through the air like an unholy tempest, twisting violently as it hurtled toward Gajeel. The noxious wind carried with it the faint sound of agonized whispers, an eerie echo that clawed at the mind.
Gajeel reacted immediately, slamming his fists together. "Iron Dragon's Shield!" A barrier of dense, interlocked iron scales erupted before him, forming a jagged wall. The plague bellow collided with the shield, an ear-splitting screech filling the air as the corrosive magic began eating away at the iron surface.
"Damn it!" Gajeel grunted, pushing more magic into the shield. The barrier held but cracked under the relentless assault. The sickly green mist seeped through the fractures, tendrils licking at Gajeel's exposed skin, leaving faint, glowing marks in their wake. He coughed, his breath catching in his throat as the miasma began to affect him.
"You'll feel it soon," Aelius said coldly, his voice cutting through the chaos. "The weight of decay. Even the strongest metal corrodes over time."
Gajeel growled, his teeth gritted against the strain. "Like hell, I'm lettin' you win with your creepy mist!" He roared, shattering his shield into a spray of shards. "Iron Dragon's Lance!" He surged forward, the shards coalescing into a massive iron spear in his hands. With a powerful leap, he drove it down toward Aelius.
Aelius reacted swiftly, raising his hand. "Plague God's Aegis!" The swirling green mist condensed around him, forming a thick, pulsating barrier that absorbed the impact of the iron lance. Sparks and shards flew, the energy from the two magics colliding creating shockwaves that rippled across the battlefield.
As the mist shield dissolved, Aelius stepped forward, unscathed, the faint glow of the runes etched by Levy casting eerie shadows across his form. The intricate designs pulsed erratically, their energy clearly strained from containing the fallout of his magic. He paused briefly, his masked face tilting toward the unstable patterns.
"The runes…" His voice was calm but tinged with a faint note of amusement. "They're struggling to keep up… I suppose I should end this." His tone grew colder, and his head tilted slightly as if considering an unspoken calculation. "The master will get mad if someone gets hurt."
Gajeel wiped at his mouth, his iron-coated arms tensing as he stared down Aelius. "Tch. What's that supposed to mean? You think you're just gonna walk away from this fight?!" He took a step forward, the ground cracking beneath his weight as iron scales rippled across his skin.
Aelius raised a hand, palm outward, green mist swirling around it like an unholy storm. "It means, Iron Dragon, that our spar ends here." His voice carried a finality that made Gajeel hesitate. "But if you insist, I'll oblige."
The glowing runes flared brighter, reacting to Aelius's escalating power. Levy's voice rang out, sharp and alarmed. "Aelius! Stop! The runes can't take any more of this!" She clutched her notebook tightly, her knuckles white with tension. "You'll overload them!"
Aelius's eyes flicked to her, the glowing green orbs narrowing slightly. "If this becomes a common occurrence then we'll have to work on them," he murmured, his hand lowering slightly. The mist began to dissipate, its oppressive weight lifting as the energy around him stabilized.
Aelius turned back to Gajeel, his voice softer but still edged with authority. "You're strong, Gajeel. But you're not ready for what I can unleash. Not today." Without another word, the swirling mist retracted fully into his form, leaving the battlefield eerily quiet, the lingering tension palpable.
Gajeel growled, his iron-clad fists loosening slightly as he straightened up. "Tch. Backin' off now, huh? Fine. But next time, you'd better not hold back."
Aelius paused mid-step, his hand reaching out. With a flash, a small glass vial filled with a shimmering, greenish-gold liquid appeared in his hand, and he tossed it toward Gajeel. The Dragon Slayer caught it effortlessly, narrowing his eyes as he inspected the strange substance inside.
"What the hell is this?" Gajeel demanded, holding the vial up to the light. The liquid inside seemed to glow faintly, swirling with an almost hypnotic energy.
"Drink it," Aelius said simply, his tone unreadable.
Gajeel's brow furrowed in suspicion as he held up the vial, the faintly glowing liquid inside swirling hypnotically. "Why should I trust whatever's in this? Could be poison for all I know."
Aelius stopped in his tracks, turning his head just enough for his glowing green eyes to meet Gajeel's. His voice was calm but carried an Amused Edge. "You're already poisoned. That's the antidote. The plague in my magic's name isn't just for show."
Gajeel stiffened, his grip tightening on the vial. "You serious?" he growled, his tone tinged with disbelief. "You hit me with somethin' during the fight?"
Aelius's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone slightly exasperated. "The plague lingers in every strike I deliver. You've felt it, haven't you? The fatigue creeping into your muscles, the faint burn in your lungs. That's my magic at work. Drink the antidote, or let it run its course, your choice."
Gajeel glared at the vial, his jaw clenched. He hated the idea of being at anyone's mercy, especially someone he barely knew. But the telltale ache in his body, the sluggishness he couldn't quite shake, confirmed Aelius wasn't bluffing. With a low growl, he popped the cork and tipped the vial back, downing the liquid in one swift motion.
The taste was sharp and bitter, but as it slid down his throat, a soothing warmth spread through his body. The lingering exhaustion melted away, and the dull ache in his limbs vanished entirely. Gajeel flexed his fingers experimentally, feeling his strength return in full.
"Guess you weren't lying," he muttered, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He shot Aelius a wary glare. "But don't think this means I owe you."
Aelius offered a faint nod as he stepped back toward Levy, his gaze softening as it shifted to the trembling runes. "You've done impressive work, Levy," he said, his tone unusually warm. "But it seems we still have room for improvement. We'll refine them together."
Levy let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "Thanks… I'll get started on adjustments, but maybe next time, give me a heads-up before you push them that hard?"
As Aelius re-entered the guild hall, the lively chatter of Fairy Tail filled the air. His sharp eyes quickly caught the sight of a small crowd gathered near a table, exchanging jewels and muttering in low voices. Some grinned sheepishly while others groaned as notes were passed around.
"Seriously?" Aelius muttered under his breath, shaking his head slightly. "Did they really bet against me?"
Natsu, leaning back in his chair with his trademark cocky grin, caught Aelius's reaction and burst out laughing. "Of course they did! You were up against Gajeel, and let's be honest, not many of us have seen what you can do."
"Or lived to tell about it," Cana chimed in with a smirk, sipping from her mug.
Aelius turned his gaze to the group, his expression unreadable behind his mask, though the faint tilt of his head betrayed mild amusement. "I didn't realize the guild had so little faith in me."
"It's not that!" Levy piped up, her face a bit flushed as she hurried to his defense. "They were just curious… and, uh, maybe a little reckless."
"Speak for yourself, Levy!" Wakaba called out, exhaling a puff of smoke from his cigar. "I had my money on Gajeel. Thought he'd at least last longer!"
Aelius's posture stiffened slightly, his eyes narrowing beneath the shadow of his mask. He folded his arms, a faint irritation seeping into his otherwise composed tone. "Apparently, everyone forgot that Jose was a Wizard Saint."
The room's chatter died down slightly as the weight of his words settled over the crowd. Many of the guild members exchanged glances, remembering the Phantom Lord Guild Master that Fairy Tail had defeated years ago, a foe who was once considered among the most powerful mages in Fiore.
"Damn," Gray muttered, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "He's got a point. Gajeel might be tough, but facing someone who's taken down a Wizard Saint? That's a whole different league."
"Pfft!" Natsu scoffed, his fists clenching with renewed energy. "So what if you fought Jose? I could take you on right now, Plague-Man!"
Erza, who had been observing quietly, stepped forward, her commanding presence immediately silencing the escalating tension. "Natsu. Stand down. Aelius's accomplishments speak for themselves. And if you're wise, you'll recognize the skill it takes to face someone like Jose and survive."
"More than survive," Aelius corrected softly, his tone cold but matter-of-fact. "I didn't just face him, I dismantled him. So forgive me if I find bets against me... amusing."
Wakaba raised his hands in mock surrender, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Alright, alright! Point taken, Aelius. No hard feelings, eh?"
Aelius's gaze lingered on Wakaba for a moment before he let out a low chuckle. "No hard feelings. Just don't waste your jewels next time."
The room lightened with scattered laughter, and the tension diffused as the guild resumed its usual rowdy antics. Yet, in the corner of the hall, Levy watched Aelius closely. Despite his calm demeanor, she could sense the layers beneath his words, the quiet pride, the frustration.
As the guild's lively atmosphere surged back to its usual chaos, Aelius felt a tug on his sleeve. He glanced down to see Levy, her usual bright energy tempered by a thoughtful expression.
"You know," he said with a faint smirk, "you still do this even as adults. I'd have thought you'd outgrow the habit."
Levy rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "And I'd have thought you'd stop being so freakishly tall, but here we are. Anyway," she waved off his remark, "I've been thinking about something tied to the runes. I want to check a few things in the library before we really dive in tomorrow."
Aelius inclined his head, mildly surprised. "You're taking the prep work seriously. I'd offer to help, but…"
Levy raised a hand to stop him, grinning. "No, no, you'd just get bored and start complaining about the smell of old paper. I'll handle it myself. You can relax for once, or whatever it is you do when you're not busy scheming."
Aelius gave a low chuckle, folding his arms. "Suit yourself, but don't get buried under those books. I won't be digging you out."
Levy laughed as she turned to leave. "Thanks for the concern, but I think I'll manage. See you tomorrow, Aelius!"
As she disappeared into the crowd, Aelius found himself alone for the first time that evening. His eyes swept the guild hall, taking in the vibrant chaos that was Fairy Tail's trademark. Groups of members gathered in clusters, some laughing boisterously over shared drinks, others passionately recounting their latest battles or missions. The familiar cacophony of voices and clinking glasses filled the air, but Aelius barely registered it.
He moved toward an empty spot by the bar, his steps unhurried, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. Settling into the stool, he ordered a drink with a quiet word to the bartender. The glass of amber liquid appeared before him, and he lifted it, the bitter tang of poison his only companion.
As the din of the guild swirled around him, Aelius's gaze drifted, but where his thoughts wandered remained an enigma. Perhaps he considered the untested runes Levy was so determined to perfect, or the feeling that had lingered since the fight with Gajeel. Maybe his mind turned to the distant echoes of his past.
Whatever his thoughts, they stayed locked behind his stoic demeanor, as impenetrable as the mask he wore.