The streets of Magnolia stretched ahead, bathed in the golden noon sunlight. Aelius walked with measured, unhurried steps, his cloak shifting slightly with the breeze. Caius strode beside him, his massive frame making the path feel smaller, his axe resting on his back like it weighed nothing. His usual easy grin was still present, but now that they were away from prying eyes, there was a familiar hunger in his gaze, not malice, just the natural, restless energy of a man who lived for the thrill of battle.
"You know," Caius began, stretching his arms above his head, "I really did come to pay respects. Thought you were gone for good. But now that I know you're still kicking..." He shot Aelius a sideways look, a wolfish glint in his eyes. "That means we can fight again."
Aelius exhaled, not bothering to look at him. "Of course, that's where this was going."
Caius chuckled, undeterred. "You can't blame me. It's rare to find someone who doesn't break after a couple of swings. You? You lasted. You pushed back." His grin widened. "And now I get to see if you've gotten stronger."
Aelius finally glanced at him, unreadable behind his mask. "You're still the same."
"And you're still avoiding the question."
Aelius sighed, shaking his head. "I'm not avoiding it; I'm ignoring it."
Caius laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "C'mon, you really gonna walk away from an opportunity like this? What happened to all that fight in you?"
Aelius didn't stop walking. "I pick my battles."
"And?"
"And I pick them wisely."
Caius tilted his head. "So that's a no?"
Aelius was silent for a beat. Then- "It's a 'not right now.'"
Caius smirked, satisfied. "That's more like it."
Caius rolled his shoulders, his axe shifting slightly on his back as they walked. The streets of Magnolia were peaceful at this hour, most of the noise came from the center of town, where merchants peddled their goods and mages stirred up their usual brand of chaos. Out here, though, it was quiet, save for the occasional passerby who gave the towering man a cautious glance before wisely deciding to mind their own business.
"You know," Caius started, glancing around, "this town's got a nice feel to it. Kinda expected it to be more… I dunno, broken, considering you're living here."
Aelius didn't break stride. "Disappointed?"
"Nah," Caius grinned. "Surprised. Figured a place with you in it would be a little less... bright."
Aelius hummed in response, not taking the bait.
Caius kept going. "So, Fairy Tail, huh? Never thought I'd see you settle down. A guild? With people?" He chuckled. "Did they beg, or did you lose a bet?"
Aelius exhaled slowly. "You have an annoying habit of talking too much."
"Hey, I call it conversation," Caius smirked. "Not my fault you prefer to sulk in silence."
Aelius didn't rise to the comment, though he did shift his head slightly, just enough to give Caius a glance from the corner of his eye.
"Alright, alright," Caius lifted his hands in mock surrender, "I'll lay off." A pause. "But seriously, Fairy Tail? That's the one with all the loud idiots, right? The fire one, he looked ready to bite my head off back there."
Aelius tilted his head slightly. "Natsu. And yes, that's about right."
Caius let out a low whistle. "Bet he's tried to fight you."
Aelius finally let out something close to amusement. "More than once."
Caius barked a laugh. "Did you kill him?"
Aelius gave him a flat look. "You saw him alive."
Caius grinned. "Soft."
Aelius shook his head and kept walking. The edge of town was coming into view now, the streets thinning, the buildings giving way to the vast expanse of land beyond Magnolia's borders. The sunlight stretched long over the path, the air carrying the distant scent of the forest.
Caius took a deep breath. "Haven't been somewhere this quiet in a while."
Aelius arched a brow. "I thought you thrived in noise."
"I do," Caius admitted. "But even I need a break sometimes. Even if that break involves dragging you into a fight later."
Aelius didn't comment, but Caius could tell he wasn't denying it either.
They walked a little further in silence before Caius spoke again, his tone lighter. "You still drink as much as you used to?"
Aelius glanced at him. "More."
Caius let out a low chuckle. "Now that? That I believe."
As they left the last few buildings of Magnolia's main district behind, Caius stretched his arms behind his head, taking in the warm noon air. His axe shifted with the motion, the weight clearly something he was used to. Aelius, as always, remained quiet, his footsteps steady and deliberate, his cloak barely making a sound as it moved with him.
Caius took the silence as an invitation to keep talking.
"Man, this is weird," he said, looking around. "Walking with you, no blood, no broken bones, no screaming. Feels wrong."
Aelius gave him a sidelong glance. "That says more about you than me."
Caius grinned. "Yeah, but let's not act like you aren't enjoying the peace a little. Or did Fairy Tail turn you soft?"
Aelius exhaled, the closest he would get to a sigh. "You really haven't changed."
"And you have?" Caius shot back, clearly amused. "C'mon, Aelius, you don't just wake up one day and decide, 'Hey, I think I'll join a guild and play nice with people.' That's not how you work."
Aelius didn't reply right away. Instead, he turned down a smaller street, stepping off the main path into a quieter part of town. The noise of Magnolia faded behind them, the lively chatter of merchants replaced by the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional distant bark of a dog.
Caius raised a brow. "Where are we going?"
"A café," Aelius said simply.
Caius blinked, then let out a short laugh. "A café? You? You're telling me you–" He stopped, then narrowed his eyes. "Wait. Alcohol or no alcohol?"
"No alcohol," Aelius replied flatly.
Caius clutched his chest in mock agony. "What happened to you? You used to be cool."
Aelius didn't bother answering that.
The café in question was small, tucked between two older buildings with a simple wooden sign hanging above the door. A few outdoor tables sat beneath a stretched-out canopy, offering shade to the few customers already there. It wasn't flashy, not the kind of place that screamed for attention, but it had a quiet charm to it, quaint, peaceful.
Caius eyed the place as they approached. "This really where you drink your poison?"
"Not everything I drink is poison," Aelius muttered, pushing open the door.
A soft chime rang as they entered. The inside was just as unassuming as the exterior: wooden floors, a counter lined with neatly labeled jars of tea and coffee, and a few scattered tables occupied by customers either reading or quietly chatting. The air smelled faintly of roasted beans and something sweet, though Aelius ignored it as he moved toward the counter.
Caius followed, still looking around as if expecting some kind of hidden trap. "Okay, I'll admit, didn't see this coming. Thought you'd be more of a 'drink alone in a dark alley' type."
Aelius didn't look at him. "I prefer silence. This place usually provides it."
Caius snorted. "That why you brought me here? Thought I'd be impressed?"
"No," Aelius said, scanning the menu. "I wanted peace."
Caius stared at him for a second, then threw his head back and laughed. "Okay, yeah, that tracks."
Aelius ignored him as he ordered, his voice low as he spoke to the barista, who, to her credit, barely reacted to the towering, axe-wielding man behind Aelius. She simply nodded, rang him up, and moved on with practiced efficiency.
Caius leaned on the counter, watching the exchange. "So, what's the deal? You come here often?"
"Occasionally," Aelius answered.
"You got a favorite drink?"
"Black coffee."
Caius grimaced. "Figures."
Aelius glanced at him. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing," Caius smirked. "Just funny picturing you sitting in a little café, sipping coffee like some kind of scholar."
Aelius rolled his eyes, stepping aside to let Caius order. The behemoth of a man eyed the menu, frowned, then turned to the barista. "You got anything that tastes like fire?"
The barista blinked. "Um… we have spiced chai?"
Caius considered this. "That'll do. Make it strong."
She nodded and set about preparing their drinks, leaving the two men standing there in relative silence.
Caius glanced at Aelius. "So, you really gonna act like you don't miss it?"
Aelius didn't respond.
Caius grinned. "The fights, the chaos, the way the battlefield felt when it was just us, nothing else mattering. You really let that all go?"
Aelius finally met his gaze, something unreadable in his expression. "Do you really think I could?"
Caius chuckled. "Nah. Didn't think so."
Caius leaned against the counter, arms crossed as he waited for their drinks, before casually throwing out, "So, what's the deal with the red-haired one? She's cute."
Aelius, who had been calmly waiting for his coffee, slowly turned his head to look at him. His expression was unreadable behind his mask, but the silence that followed made it clear he was debating whether or not to acknowledge that statement.
Caius smirked. "What? I can't appreciate a strong woman when I see one?"
"You're talking about Erza," Aelius said flatly.
"Erza, huh?" Caius repeated as if testing the name. "She single?"
Aelius exhaled sharply through his nose, his version of a sigh. "If she wasn't, I doubt it would matter to you."
Caius grinned. "See? You do know me."
Aelius shook his head, accepting his drink from the barista and moving to a nearby table. "You're going to get yourself killed," he muttered as he sat down.
Caius followed, plopping into the seat across from him with his own drink in hand. "Killed? Please. I bet she's got a temper, though. The strong ones always do."
Aelius took a sip of his coffee before responding. "Her temper is the least of your concerns."
That only seemed to amuse Caius further. "Oh? You sound like you respect her. That means she's gotta be a real monster in a fight."
Aelius didn't confirm or deny it, simply taking another sip of his drink.
Caius chuckled. "Y'know, I think I like her already."
Aelius lowered his cup slightly, fixing him with a steady gaze. "I don't think she'd like you."
Caius laughed. "Now you're just challenging me."
"You'd lose," Aelius said simply, returning to his drink.
Caius leaned forward on his elbows, still grinning. "Lose how? In a fight? In a battle of wits? In a charm contest?"
"All of the above," Aelius answered without hesitation.
Caius let out a loud bark of laughter, drawing a few glances from the other customers. "Alright, alright. You've officially sold me. Now I have to meet her properly."
Aelius shook his head, staring down at his coffee. "I don't have the energy to deal with this."
Caius smirked, taking a sip of his own drink before leaning back in his chair. "Guess that means you'll just have to sit back and watch the chaos unfold."
Aelius didn't respond, but a slow, almost imperceptible shake of his head made it clear this was going to be a problem.
Caius took a slow sip of his drink, eyeing Aelius over the rim of his cup. "So," he began, setting it down with a soft clink, "do they know?"
Aelius didn't react, merely stirring his coffee with the spoon in slow, deliberate circles. "Know what?"
Caius smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Oh, you know what I mean." His fingers tapped against the table, drumming a slow, almost taunting rhythm. "Do your little guildmates know what you used to do? What you're capable of?"
Still, Aelius remained silent.
Caius leaned in slightly, eyes gleaming with something unreadable, something between amusement and curiosity. "Do they know about the towns you melted?" His voice was casual, almost conversational, but there was a weight behind his words. "The people?"
Aelius set his spoon down with a deliberate motion.
Caius didn't stop, pushing just a little further. "What do they think you are? Some brooding wanderer with a troubled past? Do they know what it really looks like when you let loose?" His grin widened slightly, watching for any sign of a reaction.
Then, for the briefest moment, he saw it.
A flicker.
A glint in Aelius's eye, sharp, burning, something barely restrained beneath the surface. It was gone as quickly as it came, but Caius had spent enough time around monsters to recognize when he'd found one.
His grin split wider, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "There it is." He leaned back, stretching his arms over his head like he had just won a game. "That's the Aelius I know."
Aelius didn't speak. Didn't blink. His fingers tapped once against the side of his cup, a subtle but telling motion.
Caius chuckled again, shaking his head. "Man, I was starting to wonder if you'd gone soft. But nah, you're still in there, aren't you?" He took another sip of his drink, humming in approval. "This is good tea, by the way."
Aelius exhaled through his nose, the only indication that he was still listening.
Caius studied him for a moment longer before leaning forward, resting his chin on his hand. "So, tell me. What's it like?" His grin turned a shade darker, more knowing. "Playing nice?"
Aelius exhaled through his nose, lifting his cup to his lips and taking a slow sip before finally answering. "I didn't join them after I came back, Caius." He set the cup down, his fingers idly tracing the rim. "I was part of Fairy Tail before I left for the Labyrinth."
Caius blinked, clearly not expecting that answer. Then, his grin returned, amused and intrigued all over again. "That's right, So, what, you were a guild mage playing hero before you went and did all that?" He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "That's rich."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, his tone as even as ever. "I take it reading between the lines has never been your strength." His fingers drummed lightly against the ceramic of his cup, the insult buried so casually that it took Caius a second to process it.
Caius's eyes narrowed slightly, but the smirk never left his face. "Oh, I read just fine. I'm just trying to picture you as a guild mage. You know, in a place where people laugh and drink and aren't actively setting each other on fire."
Aelius shrugged. "Not my problem if your imagination is lacking."
Caius let out another laugh, louder this time. "There it is again. You always had a way with words, acting like you're saying nothing when you're really just insulting someone's intelligence. Classic." He tapped a finger against the table, his grin not fading in the slightest. "But hey, you didn't answer my question."
Aelius lifted a brow slightly. "Which one?"
Caius leaned in just a bit, resting his arms on the table. "What's it like? Playing nice?" His voice was laced with curiosity, but there was something else behind it, something sharper, like a knife waiting to twist.
Aelius regarded him for a long moment before finally answering. "It's simple." He swirled his drink lightly before taking another sip. "You sit down, drink your coffee, and you don't pick a fight with the first idiot who comes looking for one."
Caius chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds boring."
"Only if you lack self-control," Aelius replied smoothly.
Caius hummed, drumming his fingers against the table again. "You really think you fit in with them?"
Aelius didn't hesitate. "No."
That made Caius laugh again. "Then why bother?"
"They have this delusion that I can change," Aelius said, his tone neutral, though there was an almost imperceptible weight behind his words. He traced the rim of his cup with a gloved finger, watching the dark liquid swirl inside. "And I won't lie, some part of me did miss them. The noise, the chaos… the way they act like the world isn't as ugly as it really is."
He exhaled, leaning back slightly in his chair. "But if I'm being honest, it'd be more trouble to leave now than it would be to stay. Fairy Tail has a way of dragging people in, and I've already spent enough time trying to outrun ghosts. I don't need to add them to the list."
Caius smirked, resting his chin on his palm as he studied Aelius. "So you're saying you're trapped?"
Aelius gave him a flat look. "I'm saying I have better things to do than waste my time shaking them off my trail. They're persistent. Irritatingly so."
Caius chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds like they actually give a damn about you."
Aelius didn't immediately respond. He just stared into his cup, watching the way the liquid settled. Finally, he sighed. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean they should."
Caius grinned wider. "Now that is the Aelius I know. Ever the sentimentalist."
Aelius shot him a sharp look. "Keep talking, and I'll leave you with the bill."
Caius laughed. "You're still the same, huh? No matter what face you put on, deep down, you're still you."
Aelius rolled his shoulders, finishing the last of his drink before setting the cup down. "Believe what you want."
Caius drained the rest of his drink in one long gulp before slamming the empty cup down onto the table with a satisfied sigh. "Ahh, nothing like a good drink before a fight. Gets the blood flowing, you know?"
Aelius rolled his eyes, already making his way toward the door. "It's noon, Caius. Try not to embarrass yourself before we even start."
Caius grinned as he fell into step beside him, stretching his arms lazily behind his head. "Hey, don't blame me for enjoying the simple things in life. You're the one dragging me to the outskirts of town like we're about to handle some unfinished business."
Aelius gave him a sidelong glance. "You're the one who suggested it."
"Yeah, but I didn't expect you to agree so easily. I figured you'd make me work for it a little."
Aelius didn't respond, his gaze fixed ahead as they weaved through the town's bustling streets. The people of Magnolia paid them little mind. Aelius was still somewhat of an enigma to the townsfolk, and Caius, despite his sheer size, had the kind of easygoing demeanor that kept him from being an immediate source of alarm. If only they knew.
Caius chuckled, shaking his head. "So, tell me, what's the real reason you're still with Fairy Tail? Because it sure as hell isn't convenience."
Aelius didn't slow his pace. "I already answered that."
"Yeah, yeah, you said it'd be more trouble to leave than to stay. But that doesn't explain why you're actually sticking around. Fairy Tail's a family, right? That's what they say. You don't just blend into something like that without a damn good reason."
Aelius exhaled through his nose, an almost inaudible sigh. "It's complicated."
Caius snorted. "Isn't it always?" He glanced at Aelius, his usual grin softening just a fraction. "You know, I actually respect it. You trying to live among people like that. Doesn't suit you, but hey, if you can make it work, good for you."
Aelius arched a brow. "That almost sounded like sincerity. Should I be concerned?"
Caius laughed. "Nah. Just means I'm getting old."
They finally reached the outskirts of town, where the noise of Magnolia faded into open fields and scattered trees. Aelius came to a stop, rolling his shoulders before pulling his cloak back slightly, freeing up his movement.
Caius grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Well, this brings back memories."
Aelius tilted his head slightly. "Try not to get nostalgic. You're still going to lose."
Caius barked out another laugh, drawing the massive axe from his back with a single smooth motion. "Damn, Aelius. I missed this."
Aelius flexed his fingers, dark magic coiling subtly around his hands like a living thing. "Then, let's not waste any more time."
Caius grinned, twirling his massive axe with ease, the scent of iron thick in the air. The blood-red aura surrounding him pulsed in time with his heartbeat, his very presence radiating raw, unfiltered aggression.
Aelius sighed through his nose, unimpressed. "Blood God Slayer Magic… You always did have a taste for theatrics."
Caius laughed, rolling his shoulders. "Oh, don't act surprised. You've fought it before. You know how this goes." He patted the shaft of his axe. "Just figured I'd give you a proper welcome back. Can't have you getting soft on me."
Aelius tilted his head, his masked gaze unreadable. "That would require something to soften in the first place." His fingers drummed once against his cloak before curling into a fist. The faintest ripple of blackened green mist curled around his knuckles, a subtle warning. "But if you insist on this pointless exercise, I will remind you how this ends."
Caius smirked, tightening his grip on his axe. "You always were a stubborn bastard." His voice carried a twisted sort of fondness as if reminiscing about a particularly enjoyable fight.
Aelius merely exhaled. "And you've always mistaken recklessness for strength."
Caius barked out a laugh. "You love that about me." Without another word, he lunged.
His axe cut through the air, a crimson arc trailing behind the blade. The sheer force of the swing cracked the ground beneath him, a shockwave of blood-tinged energy rushing outward.
Aelius didn't so much as flinch. His body moved in a practiced motion, stepping just out of range, the blade whistling past him. In the same instant, his own magic flared, sickly green mist coiling like a living thing before lashing outward.
"Plague God's Breath."
The miasma shot forward, roiling and twisting as it surged toward Caius, threatening to consume everything in its path.
Caius reacted instantly. He slammed his foot into the ground, twisting his body mid-motion. His free hand came up, fingers coated in blood magic, and with a quick slash of his palm,
"Blood Gods Cleave!"
A razor-thin wave of red energy erupted from his fingers, colliding with the miasma. The impact sent ripples through the battlefield, the opposing forces gnawing at each other, trying to consume one another.
Caius grinned. "Still just as nasty as ever, I see."
Aelius's voice was flat. "And you're still just as predictable."
Caius let out a booming laugh. "Predictable? Please. I'm the most consistent man you've ever met." His eyes gleamed. "And I always finish what I start."
With no further warning, his body blurred fast. Faster than something his size had any right to be. He was on Aelius in an instant, his axe a blur of red and steel as he brought it down with devastating force.
Aelius didn't hesitate. His cloak billowed as he raised one arm, his magic twisting in a sharp, concentrated burst.
"Plague God's Maw."
A putrid tendril of energy erupted from his palm, coiling like a serpent before snapping forward. The moment it connected with the axe, a sickening hiss filled the air, corrosion spreading along the blade's surface.
Caius gritted his teeth, feeling the weapon resist, the blood magic within it straining against Aelius's rot. But instead of faltering, his grin widened.
"Oh, that's more like it."
He forced his axe downward, ignoring the creeping decay, sheer brute strength pushing through the clash. The ground beneath them cracked further, the air thick with the scent of blood and rot.
Aelius's mask tilted slightly, his stance unwavering. "You never did care what you destroyed, even if it was your own weapon."
Caius just laughed. "You think this is about the axe? It's never been about the damn axe!" His aura surged, the crimson energy around him pulsing violently. "It's about the fight!"
Aelius's response was immediate. "Then let's end it. I would rather not add to the list of questions I'm gonna have to avoid."
And with that, the battlefield truly erupted.
Caius didn't hesitate, he thrived in moments like this, in the raw, unchecked chaos of battle. His aura swelled, blood-red energy twisting like living veins around his frame as he drove forward, pressing against Aelius with relentless force.
Aelius met him without a single wasted movement. His magic roiled outward, thick tendrils of decay snapping at Caius like starving beasts eager to consume. Each strike of Caius's axe clashed against the Plague God's corruption, the ground beneath them warping and cracking, stained with a mixture of congealed blood and rotted earth.
Caius grinned, his fangs bared as he slammed his foot into the ground. "Hah! That's the Aelius I remember! The one that fights like the whole world's gotta burn with him!"
Aelius didn't respond, only shifting his stance, his fingers flexing before a sudden pulse of magic erupted outward. The very air grew thick, diseased, and hostile.
"Plague God's Grasp."
The space between them twisted, dark mist coiling around Caius's limbs, clinging to his axe, eating away at the enchanted steel. The oppressive weight of the spell bore down, the earth itself seeming to wither in response.
Caius gritted his teeth as his weapon groaned under the strain, flecks of its surface flaking away as if it had aged centuries in seconds. But rather than falter, he laughed, a deep, guttural sound full of pure joy.
"Finally."
And then, he moved.
A flicker of red, his form blurred, impossibly fast for a man of his size. He broke through the grasp of decay with sheer will, his blood magic surging, pushing back against the rot trying to consume him. He reappeared just beside Aelius, his axe raised, the corroded parts sloughing off as fresh, newly-forged steel regrew in its place, formed from raw magic.
"Bloods Reforging."
The weapon came down like a guillotine.
Aelius barely shifted, his cloak billowing from the force of the strike. His arm came up, and with a sharp, fluid motion,
"Plague God's Maw."
A clawed tendril of sickly energy lashed outward, intercepting the axe mid-swing. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield, and for the briefest of moments, they were locked in a perfect, violent stalemate.
Caius's grin never faltered. "Still standing, huh?" His voice was rich with approval. "You really are back."
Aelius exhaled sharply. "I never left."
Their clash sent another ripple outward, a violent storm of blood and disease locked in eternal opposition.
And then, just as suddenly, the pressure shifted.
Caius hesitated, only for a fraction of a second. But Aelius saw it.
With ruthless precision, Aelius moved. His free hand shot forward, fingers pressing against Caius's chest plate,
"Plague God's Touch."
A pulse of decay. Deep, invasive, meant to linger.
Caius snarled, his body reacting on instinct. He leaped back, his axe carving a defensive arc in the air, forcing distance between them. His blood magic surged, burning away the immediate effects of the spell, but not before he felt the telltale sting of something rotting in his core.
He exhaled. Then, a deep, guttural chuckle rumbled from his chest. "That's new."
Aelius tilted his head, his mask betraying nothing. "You're slower than I remember."
Caius grinned, rolling his shoulders. "And you're sharper than I remember. Got a few new tricks, huh?" He exhaled, his stance relaxing just slightly. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised. 2 years is a long time."
A tense silence stretched between them, the battlefield still thick with the remnants of their magic.
Then, Caius let out a booming laugh. "Damn! I missed this!" He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes gleaming. "Fighting you's better than any drink I've ever had."
Aelius slowly lowered his hand, his magic withdrawing. "You would compare combat to alcohol."
Caius grinned. "You say that like it's a bad thing." He shook out his arms, the last traces of Aelius's magic dissipating from his body. "Alright, alright. That'll do for now. I'll let you keep your strength for now." His grin sharpened. "Next time, though? I won't hold back."
Aelius regarded him for a long moment before exhaling. "You never do."
Caius barked out another laugh. "Damn right."
And just like that, the tension broke. The battlefield, once charged with the promise of destruction, settled into something else, something almost comfortable.
Caius rolled his shoulders before clapping a heavy hand against Aelius's back. "Now, let's get a proper drink. You owe me for letting me think you were dead."
Aelius sighed but didn't protest as the two of them began walking back toward town, the remnants of their battle fading into the noon air.
As they made their way back toward town, the remnants of their battle lingering in the warped earth and dissipating energy, Aelius finally broke the silence.
"You held back," he stated, not as a question but as an observation.
Caius snorted, shoving his axe onto his back with a casual ease that belied its weight. "Obviously." He cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders like he was shaking off a warm-up rather than a serious fight. "Didn't see the point in going all out."
Aelius shot him a sidelong glance. "That's never stopped you before."
Caius let out a sharp chuckle. "True. But you just got back. Thought I'd be polite and not wreck your home." His grin widened, sharp and easy. "You're welcome, by the way."
Aelius exhaled through his nose. "Right. Polite. That's definitely a word for it."
Caius lifted a hand and made a vague, dismissive gesture. "Oh, don't get me wrong, I wanted to go all out. Thought about it real hard, too." His grin wavered for just a second, something flickering behind his red eyes. "But… it's different now."
Aelius didn't respond right away, waiting. He had long since learned that, for all Caius's bravado and reckless energy, there were moments where something genuine slipped through. Moments where the warrior wasn't just a battle-hungry force of destruction but a person with thoughts beyond the next fight.
Caius kept walking, his pace steady, but his tone was unusually level when he spoke next. "You're not the same. I mean, you are, but you're not. Years ago, you'd have thrown yourself at me without a second thought. Wouldn't have let me breathe between attacks. Would've corrupted this whole damn area just to win." He huffed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "But you're measured now. Calculated. Holding back more than you used to."
Aelius's fingers twitched at his sides. He hadn't expected that level of awareness from Caius, at least, not stated so plainly. "And that made you hold back?"
Caius shrugged. "Nah. That made me curious." He tilted his head, watching Aelius with something unreadable in his expression. "Figured I'd test the waters first. See how much of the old Aelius is still in there."
Aelius scoffed, a wry edge creeping into his voice. "And?"
Caius grinned, all teeth. "Oh, he's in there alright." His gaze flicked over to him, sharper now. "But there's something else, too."
Aelius didn't answer, his mask hiding whatever reaction he might have had. Instead, he shifted the topic. "You still haven't given me a real answer."
Caius clicked his tongue as if debating whether to push further. Then he shrugged again, the tension slipping from his shoulders as he let out a dramatic sigh. "Fine, fine. You want a real answer? Here it is." He held up a hand, ticking off his fingers. "One, like I said, you just got back. Didn't feel right tearing you apart immediately. That'd just be rude."
Aelius gave him a flat look.
Caius grinned. "Two, I was paying my respects, y'know? Not exactly a fitting tribute if I break your spine on the same day."
Aelius exhaled. "Again, that has never stopped you before."
Caius ignored him. "And three?" He jabbed a finger at Aelius's chest. "You weren't fully in it. Not yet."
Aelius's fingers twitched again. "What?"
Caius leaned in slightly, his grin turning just a touch more knowing. "You're still holding onto something. I don't know what, but it's there. You fought me, sure, but you weren't consumed by it. You weren't fighting for the sake of the fight." He tilted his head. "So tell me, Aelius. What are you fighting for these days?"
Aelius's gaze darkened, but he didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned forward, his footsteps steady as they neared the town's edge. "You're overthinking it."
Caius barked out a laugh. "Hah! That's rich, coming from you."
Aelius ignored him, and Caius let it go for now. But the grin never left his face.
"Alright, alright. Keep your secrets," he said, stretching his arms behind his head. "But next time? I won't hold back." His grin sharpened. "And neither will you."
Aelius didn't answer, but the faintest hum of energy flickered around him, an unspoken acknowledgment.
Caius just chuckled. "Good."
With that, they stepped into the town, the chaos of their battle left behind, but the weight of their conversation lingered in the air between them.
Aelius walked in silence for a while, his boots crunching against the dirt road as he and Caius made their way through the outskirts of town. The midday sun cast long shadows, stretching ahead of them, and for a moment, it almost felt like old times, like they were simply traveling again, with no guilds, no responsibilities, just a destination and whatever chaos came with it.
Caius had been relatively quiet, too, which was rare. That, more than anything, made Aelius glance at him.
"Something on your mind, or are you just struggling to put thoughts together?" Aelius asked dryly.
Caius snorted. "Funny. No, I was just thinking about something."
Aelius didn't press, waiting instead. Caius rarely had thoughts worth entertaining, but when he did, they tended to lead somewhere… interesting.
They passed a few scattered buildings, the outskirts giving way to more open land. Finally, Caius sighed, running a hand through his hair before speaking.
"It's Neshi."
Aelius didn't stop walking, but his steps slowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.
Caius didn't seem to notice, or if he did, he pretended not to. "She's in a situation. A bad one. Bad enough that she actually asked me for help."
Aelius finally came to a stop, turning his head just slightly to regard Caius. His tone was unreadable. "She asked for help?"
Caius smirked, but the usual cocky bravado wasn't there. "Yeah. I know. Didn't expect that either."
Aelius studied him for a long moment, then resumed walking, though this time, his steps were slower, more measured. "She doesn't ask for help."
"Exactly," Caius said, matching his pace. "So when she does, you listen. Even if you're me."
Aelius remained quiet, his mind already working through possibilities.
"She wasn't exactly generous with details," Caius admitted, stretching his arms behind his head. "Just said she's in a situation she can't fight her way out of."
That caught Aelius's attention. His eyes narrowed slightly.
Caius exhaled through his nose. "I don't know what kind of mess this is, but it's bad. She just gave me a location and told me to come now."
Aelius walked a few more paces before speaking. "…Where?"
Caius grinned, though it lacked his usual mischief. "A little out of the way. But we've gone further for less."
Aelius glanced back toward town, toward the direction of the guild. His return, his grudging acceptance of his old life, could wait.
Aelius exhaled through his nose, tilting his head slightly as he continued walking. His gaze remained forward, but there was a sharpness to it now, a shift in his presence that hadn't been there before.
"So, is this your way of asking for help?" he asked, his tone unreadable.
Caius grinned, the expression lazy, but his eyes gave away more than he probably intended. "What, me? Asking for help? No way." He stretched his arms behind his head, voice light. "I'm just letting you know where I'm headed. If you happened to show up, well, that's on you."
Aelius hummed, unconvinced. "Right. Because you've always been the type to inform people of your plans out of the goodness of your heart."
"Exactly!" Caius shot back, grin widening. "I'm a very considerate guy."
Aelius stopped. The suddenness of it made Caius pause, too, glancing over at him. Aelius turned slightly, just enough to meet his gaze.
"Why me?"
For a moment, Caius didn't answer. He just stood there, rolling his jaw slightly, his fingers twitching once at his side before he finally sighed.
"Because if I go alone, I might be walking into something worse than I can handle," he admitted. "And if it's that bad, then I figured… I might as well bring someone impossible to kill."
Aelius didn't react, but Caius could tell he was thinking. That ever-calculating mind of his was already picking apart every possibility, every risk, and every reason why he shouldn't do this.
Caius gave him a lazy shrug. "Look, if you don't want to, that's fine. You can go back to your little guild and pretend this isn't happening." He turned slightly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Wouldn't be the first time you walked away."
Aelius's fingers twitched at his side. And the stone under his foot aged slightly.
Caius barely managed to hide his smirk. There it is.
Aelius finally sighed, adjusting his cloak. "I'll go."
Caius blinked. "Wow. That easy?"
Aelius started walking again, his tone flat. "Before I change my mind."
Caius laughed, falling into step beside him. "Knew you'd come around. You really need to work on your 'not caring' act. You're terrible at it."
Aelius ignored him, focusing instead on the road ahead. Whatever awaited them, he would find out soon enough.
Aelius exhaled sharply through his nose, already regretting this decision. "Before we go, I need to inform the guild. I'll be gone for a few days."
Caius snorted. "Look at you, all responsible and considerate. Next thing I know, you'll be sending them postcards."
Aelius shot him a flat look. "Shut up."
Caius grinned but didn't push it further, watching as Aelius turned on his heel and started walking back toward the Fairy Tail guild. He trailed after him, hands in his pockets, clearly unbothered. "You do know they're going to ask questions, right? I mean, I'm assuming you didn't tell them much about me. I can only imagine the looks on their faces when you introduce your charming, bloodthirsty old friend."
Aelius didn't break stride. "I don't owe them an explanation."
Caius hummed in amusement. "Fair, but I am curious how you'll spin this." He waved a hand vaguely. "'Hey, I'm heading out with this giant axe-wielding menace, don't wait up'?"
Aelius sighed. "Something like that."
As they walked through the midday-lit streets, Caius kept his usual smirk, clearly entertained by the conversation.
"So, before we go, mind clearing something up for me?"
Aelius didn't spare him a glance. "You're going to ask regardless."
Caius chuckled. "See? You do know me."
Aelius exhaled through his nose.
"Alright, let's start simple, the redhead Erza you said. She looked like she could carve me up before I even blinked. What's her deal?"
"One of the strongest in the guild," Aelius said flatly.
Caius raised a brow. "And?"
"If you fight her, you'll enjoy yourself," Aelius replied, tone unbothered.
Caius grinned. "Oh, you do respect someone here. Noted."
Aelius didn't dignify that with a response.
"What about the two who looked like they wanted to rip my throat out? The loud one and the metal one?"
"Natsu and Gajeel," Aelius answered, voice as cold as ever. "Both Dragon Slayers. Both impulsive. If you antagonize them, expect a fight. They don't know when to quit."
Caius smirked. "Think I could take them?"
Aelius gave him a sideways glance, unimpressed. "Easily. They're weak but stubborn."
Caius let out a bark of laughter. "Brutal. I like it."
Aelius continued walking, ignoring the amusement in Caius's voice.
"And the blue-haired one with the book? She kept staring at you," Caius mused.
"Levy McGarden," Aelius said. "She's intelligent."
Caius raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
"She's tolerable," Aelius said simply.
Caius smirked. "And the blonde?"
"Lucy," Aelius replied. "Celestial Spirit Mage."
Caius grinned. "And?"
"Annoying," Aelius said without hesitation.
Caius chuckled. "You really hate small talk, huh?"
Aelius didn't bother answering.
Caius exhaled, stretching his arms behind his head. "So, this Fairy Tail of yours, how much of a problem are they going to be if I just take you with me?"
"If I disappear without a word?" Aelius finally looked at him, his expression sharp and cold. "They will track me down."
Caius snorted. "That sounds like a headache."
"Which is why I'm telling them," Aelius muttered.
"Fine, fine," Caius sighed, waving a hand lazily. "Go on, then. I'll just be right here, admiring the beautiful town you've apparently decided not to burn to the ground."
Aelius ignored him and stepped into the guild.
Inside, the usual raucous atmosphere carried on, but a few eyes turned to him immediately. Levy looked up from her book, gaze flicking to him with mild concern.
"Back already?" she asked.
"Not for long," Aelius replied.
Erza, standing near the center of the room, narrowed her eyes. "Something wrong?"
"I'll be gone for a few days," Aelius stated. "Handle whatever comes up."
As Aelius turned to leave, Erza moved. In a blink, she stepped directly into his path, her stance firm, arms crossed over her chest. Her scarlet hair caught the light streaming in from the open door, but her eyes were even sharper, locked onto him with unwavering resolve.
"I can't let you leave with him," she stated, her voice low but carrying enough weight to silence what little chatter remained in the guild.
Aelius tilted his head slightly, the shadows of his hood obscuring his expression. "Step aside."
"Not until you explain," she shot back. "You expect me to just watch as you walk out with that?" Her gaze flicked toward Caius, who remained casually leaning against the open doorway, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with clear amusement.
"Oh? That?" Caius echoed, a lazy grin pulling at his lips. "You wound me, Red. Didn't know Fairy Tail was in the business of making assumptions."
"You're wearing a human skull," Erza stated coldly. "You like to kill for fun, I can tell just by looking at you."
Caius chuckled, shaking his head. "Guilty as charged. But if that's your concern, I'm not the only one in this room with blood on my hands, am I?" His crimson eyes flicked back to Aelius, grin widening. "Right?"
Aelius remained still, but his presence darkened. The room seemed colder for a brief moment, the air heavier. "This is a waste of time."
Erza narrowed her eyes. "Tell me where you're going, or you're not going at all."
Caius let out a low whistle. "Man, she really thinks she can stop you."
"She can try," Aelius muttered.
The tension between them stretched, the weight of unspoken history pressing down on the guild. Natsu and Gajeel were already on edge, standing a few feet away, ready to intervene. Lucy had tensed near the bar, her fingers tightening around her drink. Levy's gaze flickered nervously between them, lips pressed into a thin line.
Then, Aelius sighed. "If it makes you sleep better at night, I'll tell you this: I'm leaving, and I'll be back."
"Not good enough," Erza countered.
"It'll have to be," Aelius replied flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument. His gaze was steady, unreadable beneath the shadow of his hood. "I'm going. Whether you approve or not is irrelevant."
Erza's jaw tightened, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "You can't just expect-"
"I'm not asking," Aelius cut in, his voice sharper now. "I said I'll be back. That should be enough."
Caius whistled under his breath, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Damn, Red. You don't get stonewalled often, huh?"
Erza shot him a glare that could have cut through steel, but he only grinned wider.
"Aelius," she said, softer now but still firm. "If something happens-"
"Then something happens," he interrupted.
There was a long silence before Erza finally exhaled, stepping aside with obvious reluctance. "Just make sure you do come back."
Aelius didn't respond, merely brushing past her without another glance.
Caius chuckled as he followed, hands behind his head. "She's got a real soft spot for you, huh?"
Aelius ignored him, his pace steady as they disappeared into the streets.
As they walked away from the guild, Caius cast a glance over his shoulder, the massive doors still slightly ajar behind them. "You really think that'll be enough to keep them from following?" he asked, amused.
Aelius exhaled sharply. "Definitely not." His pace quickened slightly, purposeful. "Which is why we need to leave before they make up their minds."
Caius snorted. "See, this is why I like you. You actually think ahead." He paused, then cocked his head. "But why not just tell them what we're doing? Might've saved you the trouble."
Aelius gave him a sidelong look, his tone as cold as ever. "Because most of them are weak. They'd insist on helping, and that would slow us down."
Caius let out a short laugh. "Most of them, huh? That mean some of 'em aren't?"
Aelius didn't hesitate. "Erza barely makes the bar for being useful."
Caius raised a brow. "That so?" He glanced back toward the guild, as if considering the redhead again. "She seemed strong enough."
"She's disciplined," Aelius corrected. "And she has experience. But strength?" He shook his head. "She's still bound by too many things."
Caius grinned. "See, this is what I missed. Everyone else would've just said, 'Oh, she's strong' and left it at that. You actually think about it."
Aelius didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed ahead as if already thinking miles beyond this conversation. Then, finally, he muttered, "They're not ready for this."
Caius rolled his shoulders. "Yeah? And what exactly is this?"
Aelius stopped walking. His voice was eerily calm, but there was an edge to it, something weighty, something final. "You, Neshi. Her chaos. Whatever it is that made her ask for help."
Caius blinked, then let out a low whistle. "Damn. If I didn't know better, I'd almost say you're embarrassed of us?"
Aelius resumed walking, unfazed. "If you're just now realizing that, you're slower than I thought."
Caius grinned. "See, there's that sharp tongue. I'm happy you didn't lighten up in my absence."
Aelius didn't dignify that with a response, but his pace quickened. Whatever trouble Neshi had gotten herself into, they were already wasting too much time.
Caius smirked, rolling his shoulders before matching Aelius's stride. "Guess we better pick up the pace, then."