Aelius woke to the distinct sound of someone attempting—and failing—to be quiet. The shuffle of movement, the occasional clatter of metal against metal, and a muffled string of curses reached his ears. His eyes remained closed for a moment, his mind sluggishly catching up to the fact that he wasn't waking up in some nameless inn or out in the wilderness but within the walls of Levy's home.
Cracking one eye open, he glanced toward the source of the noise. The soft morning light filtered through the window, illuminating the small apartment. In the kitchen, Levy stood hunched over the stove, her movements careful yet betraying her lack of expertise. She winced as a pan scraped too loudly against the counter, pausing as if listening to see if she'd woken him.
Aelius sighed, rolling onto his back. "If you're going to burn the place down, at least let me get outside first."
Levy jumped slightly, turning toward him with an embarrassed flush dusting her cheeks. "I was trying to be quiet."
"Emphasis on 'trying,'" he muttered, sitting up and rubbing a hand over his face. "What exactly are you doing?"
Levy huffed, placing her hands on her hips. "Making breakfast. It's the least I can do after letting you crash here."
Aelius stared at her for a long moment, then glanced toward the pan on the stove, where something that vaguely resembled food sizzled ominously. "…Right."
Levy's brow twitched. "You could at least pretend to have faith in me."
Aelius leaned back against the couch, stretching his arms above his head before muttering, "I don't even have faith in myself. Why would I waste it on your cooking?"
Levy groaned, tossing a nearby dish towel at his head. "I hate you."
"No, for some unknown reason, you don't," he replied smoothly, catching the towel before it could hit him and setting it aside. He exhaled through his nose, the teasing edge to his voice fading slightly. "But… thanks."
Levy blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before she smiled. "Yeah, yeah. Now, sit tight and try not to die of skepticism. Breakfast is almost ready."
Aelius smirked—just a little—and settled back, listening to the continued sounds of her cooking. For once, the morning didn't feel quite as heavy.
Levy turned back toward the stove, her shoulders tensing slightly. "You know," she said, stirring whatever was in the pan with a little more force than necessary, "for someone who acts all high and mighty, you sure do say a lot of concerning things."
Aelius, still lounging on the couch, exhaled slowly. "I never claimed to be high and mighty."
"That's not the point," Levy huffed, turning back to face him, arms crossed. "You said it like it was just a fact. Like it didn't even matter."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, regarding her with a measured gaze. "And?"
Levy's frown deepened. "And that's not normal, Aelius. You should have some faith in yourself."
Aelius let out a low chuckle—dry, humorless. "Levy, the last time someone had faith in me, they died." His words were blunt but not cruel. Just… factual. A statement of history, not emotion.
Levy's expression softened, but Aelius could already see the argument brewing in her mind. He sighed, standing up from the couch and walking toward the kitchen, leaning slightly against the counter. "Enough of that. If we're going to be having a heart-to-heart, at least let me have coffee first."
Levy, still frowning, grabbed a mug from the counter and shoved it toward him. "Fine. But this conversation isn't over."
Aelius took the mug with a quiet "Hmph" of acknowledgement and took a sip. The coffee was… well, drinkable. He'd had worse.
Levy, seemingly deciding to ease up for now, leaned against the counter beside him. "So, are you planning to do anything today? Or are you just going to skulk around the guild looking broody?"
Aelius snorted. "I don't skulk."
"You do."
"I don't."
Levy smirked. "Master would agree with me."
Aelius rolled his eyes, taking another sip of coffee. "Tch. That old man just likes to talk."
Levy let out a small laugh. "So you don't deny you're broody?"
Aelius didn't answer, instead reaching for the food she had finally plated. He stared at it for a moment before cautiously taking a bite. To his mild surprise, it wasn't terrible.
Levy watched him expectantly. "Well?"
He chewed thoughtfully, then shrugged. "Edible."
Levy groaned. "You're impossible."
Aelius smirked slightly, setting his coffee down. "And yet, you willingly invited me in."
Levy huffed but smiled anyway. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't disappear on us again, alright?"
Aelius glanced at her, something unreadable passing behind his emerald eyes. He didn't answer right away, but eventually, he muttered, "I'll think about it."
Levy sighed, but she seemed to accept that as the best she'd get. "Come on, we should head to the guild. If we're late, Natsu might actually set something on fire out of boredom."
Aelius rolled his eyes but followed her toward the door. Just another day in Fairy Tail.
A flash of light enveloped Aelius, and in an instant, his usual attire returned—the cloak draping over his tall frame, the mask once again concealing his face. The moment it settled into place, another burst of light flickered between his fingers, and suddenly, a small pouch of jewels materialized in his hand. Without a word, he placed it on the counter beside Levy.
Levy blinked at it, then at him, her brows furrowing. "…What's that?"
Aelius crossed his arms. "Payment. For the inconvenience. And the supplies you wasted on me." His voice was flat, matter-of-fact.
Levy stared at him as if he had just suggested she burn down the guild. "Are you serious?"
He nodded once. "Completely."
Levy's lips parted slightly before her face twisted in frustration. "You—! I—! That's not—!" She groaned loudly, snatching up the pouch and shoving it against his chest. "Take it back."
Aelius didn't budge. "No."
"Yes!" She pressed it harder against him, but he remained unmoving. "You're not some random stranger paying for a night at an inn, Aelius!"
"I didn't ask to be a burden."
"You're not a burden!" Levy threw her arms up, exasperated. "Gods, you really don't get it, do you? I wanted you to stay. You don't owe me anything."
Aelius was silent, his mask obscuring any expression he might have had. Levy, however, wasn't done.
"You always act like being here—like having people care about you—is some kind of transaction," she snapped. "Like you have to give something back just to exist around us."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, his voice calm. "Isn't that how things work?"
Levy groaned again, dragging a hand down her face. "No, you idiot! That's not how family works."
That word. Family. It settled over him like a weight, heavy and unfamiliar. He said nothing.
Levy, still glaring, shoved the pouch back into his cloak and stepped back. "Keep it. Use it for something else. I don't want your money."
Aelius let out a quiet sigh, but he didn't argue further. Instead, he tucked the pouch away, watching as Levy crossed her arms and huffed, still visibly annoyed.
"…You're surprisingly stubborn for someone so small," he muttered.
Levy shot him a glare. "And you're frustratingly dense for someone so tall."
A pause. Then, to her absolute irritation, she swore she could see his left eye twitch slightly—just barely, almost imperceptible.
"Let's go," Aelius said, already heading for the door. "Before you start trying to lecture me again."
Levy huffed but followed, her mood still stormy. But despite her frustration, there was a small flicker of satisfaction deep down.
Maybe, just maybe, she was getting through to him.
The moment Levy gasped and her eyes lit up, Aelius knew nothing good was about to come out of her mouth.
"Oh! The Sorcerer Weekly reporter is coming today!" she said excitedly, already picking up her pace toward the guild.
Aelius immediately stopped in his tracks. Then, without hesitation, he turned on his heel to walk in the exact opposite direction.
"Oh."
Levy barely had time to process his reaction before she lunged forward and grabbed his sleeve. "Oh, yes."
Aelius barely flinched, but his head turned slightly toward her. "I fail to see why this concerns me."
Levy grinned mischievously. "Because it's always hilarious to watch how it unfolds."
"And that is exactly why I want no part in it."
Levy held on tighter, planting her feet as if she could actually stop him from leaving. "Oh, come on! You survived a god and whatever Nameless is, but you're scared of one guy with a notebook?"
Aelius exhaled through his nose. "It's not the journalist I'm concerned about. It's the inevitable stupidity that will occur in that hall when they show up."
Levy tugged on his sleeve again. "Exactly! Which is why you have to come."
Aelius looked down at her, silent, weighing his options. Then, just as Levy's grip loosened slightly, he made his move.
In a flash of movement, he twisted his wrist, easily slipping free from her hold, and took a single step back. "I'll pass."
Levy growled in frustration. "Oh, no you don't—" She lunged again, grabbing onto his cloak this time with both hands.
Aelius sighed, realizing resistance was now futile. "You're going to drag me there no matter what, aren't you?"
Levy smirked up at him. "Now you're getting it."
With a slow, resigned shake of his head, Aelius turned back toward the guild. "This is going to be a nightmare."
Levy's smirk widened. "Yup!"
Levy didn't seem to notice at first, her focus still on dragging him toward the impending chaos at the guild hall. But Aelius's sharp eyes caught the way her fingers curled just slightly into the fabric of his cloak, how she had yet to let go.
His gaze lingered for a moment before he spoke, his voice as unreadable as ever.
"You've gotten bolder in my time away."
Levy blinked up at him. "Huh?"
Aelius tilted his head just slightly, indicating her grip on his sleeve. "Even Erza hesitates to touch me, cloak or not."
Levy looked down, realizing her hand was still firmly latched onto him. Instead of letting go immediately, she flexed her fingers, gripping a bit tighter as if testing her own resolve. Then, she met his gaze with a small, confident smirk.
"Well, I am braver than Erza."
Aelius let out the softest chuckle, one barely audible, but it was there. "That's a bold claim."
"Is it?" Levy grinned. "I'm standing here holding onto you while she's probably off polishing her swords. Seems like I win."
"A flimsy victory."
"Still a victory," she quipped, finally releasing her hold as they neared the guild entrance. "Besides, someone has to make sure you don't vanish again."
Aelius gave a small, dry chuckle, his eyes flicking to her as he straightened his cloak. "You're determined to give me a headache, aren't you?" His voice held an annoyed edge, but there was a quiet undercurrent of something more light that lingered.
Levy flashed a smile. "You make it too easy."
Aelius's eye twitched. "Well, if I were to lose my temper with your precious reporter, and let's say... melt the person, at best, what would you do then? Would you still be so keen on keeping me around?"
Levy raised an eyebrow, eyes glinting with mischief. "I think you'd enjoy the chaos more than you'd like to admit." She paused for a moment, her gaze turning slightly more thoughtful. "And besides, if anyone can handle a bit of fire—it's you, right?"
Aelius's lips twitched in what could almost be mistaken for a smirk, though his eyes remained cold and unreadable. "You have an odd sense of humor," he remarked dryly, his voice holding an edge of something darker. "Last time I was in, as you put it, 'fire'—not even two days ago—I left a scar of death through an entire forest. Entire swathes of trees turned to ash. You really want to test that?"
Levy's playful expression faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of concern that was quickly masked by a raised brow and a light chuckle. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that," she said, though her words were less teasing now. "Still, a bit of fire never hurt anyone... right?"
Aelius gave a dry laugh that lacked any real humor. "A bit of fire, huh?" He glanced at her, his tone taking on a colder edge. "Tell that to the forest that won't be growing back anytime soon."
Levy met his eyes, her smile softening into something more genuine, though she couldn't completely suppress the mischievous gleam that still danced in her gaze. "I think you just enjoy scaring people," she said, almost fondly. "And in some weird way, I think you like the chaos you leave behind. Makes life interesting."
Aelius's gaze hardened just slightly, his posture remaining still as ever, but there was something more in the way he looked at her. "I don't like the chaos, Levy," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, though the weight of his words settled in the space between them. "I create it. It's the only thing that keeps me grounded."
Levy's gaze lingered on him, her eyes softening as she took in the quiet vulnerability hidden beneath his usual mask of detachment. She almost felt as if she could reach out and touch the weight of it, but instead, she simply offered him a knowing look, one that conveyed more than words ever could.
"If it helps," she began, her voice low and steady, "you don't have to do everything on your own."
Aelius raised an eyebrow at her, his expression unreadable. "I always have," he replied, his tone colder than intended.
Levy, undeterred by his reply, stepped a little closer, her voice tinged with a quiet determination. "You might not have to now."
There was something about her words, soft yet unwavering, that caused a small, almost imperceptible shift in him—though he didn't acknowledge it. Instead, he simply looked at her, his gaze a little sharper than usual, though there was no malice behind it.
"Don't get too sentimental, Levy," Aelius said, his voice softer now, though the sharp edge still lingered. "I didn't ask for this... any of this."
Levy's smile remained, though it was faint, knowing. "I know. But that doesn't mean you can't take a step back and let someone else help you now and then."
Aelius didn't respond immediately. His eyes moved over her, watching her with an unreadable expression, before he finally let out a quiet sigh.
"I suppose," he said, the words surprisingly gentle, "but don't expect it to be easy."
Levy chuckled, the sound light but full of understanding. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
For a moment, there was nothing but the soft hum of the town in the background, but for Aelius, something in the air felt different. It wasn't just the chaos he'd come to expect—it was something else. Something he couldn't quite name, but he wasn't sure he wanted to. Not yet, anyway.
He shifted slightly, his eyes flicking away from her, but just as quickly, he returned his gaze, a brief moment of unspoken understanding passing between them. "We'll see how long that lasts," he said, his usual stoic demeanor returning.
Levy merely smiled in response, her tone playful but grounded. "I'll hold you to that."
As Aelius and Levy approached the guild hall, the familiar, loud hum of Fairy Tail greeted them. The sounds of chatter, clinking mugs, and the occasional laugh filled the air. The large wooden doors swung open, and the pair stepped inside, entering the heart of the chaos that was always waiting to greet the guild members.
"Looks like things are in full swing today," Levy remarked, her eyes scanning the lively scene in front of them. The guild members were already gathered, talking, laughing, and, as usual, creating a bit of a ruckus. There were a few scattered groups around the hall, some of them already midway through their morning training or eating breakfast, others seemingly caught up in their own ongoing debates.
Aelius didn't respond immediately, letting his gaze wander over the room, observing the various personalities at play. He could already feel the energy crackling in the air—there was no shortage of chaos in Fairy Tail, not even before the real madness arrived.
As they moved further into the hall, a few guild members waved or greeted them, but no one seemed particularly interested in lingering or interrupting their quiet walk through the madness. Everyone had their own thing going on. Aelius took in the sight of it all, hands casually tucked into the pockets of his cloak, as Levy shifted beside him, glancing around with a bit more excitement.
"Is it just me, or does it feel like everyone's a little... on edge today?" Levy said, her brow furrowing slightly as she looked toward the far end of the room.
Aelius's gaze followed hers, landing on a few members talking in hushed tones. "Maybe they sense something incoming," he mused, not offering much more in explanation. "Or perhaps they're just anticipating the usual level of ridiculousness."
Levy let out a small laugh. "Could be. But, hey, there's something about this place that makes every day feel like a new adventure. We could be sitting here, and suddenly someone will decide to break something—or start a brawl." She glanced over at him with a smirk. "Or you might just decide to melt something."
Aelius raised an eyebrow at her but didn't comment. Instead, he simply walked further into the guild hall, his eyes scanning the room, noting the usual suspects as they bickered or practiced their magic. His thoughts briefly drifted to the events of the last few days—the strange feeling of having reentered this world after so long away and the awkwardness that sometimes accompanied rejoining old bonds. He had been gone for years, after all, and the guild had changed in his absence. He himself had changed.
As they walked deeper into the hall, Makarov's familiar voice echoed from the far side of the bar, calling out to them.
"Ah, you two are back," Makarov greeted with his usual calm yet authoritative tone. He was perched on his usual spot behind the bar, his eyes scanning the room as always, ever watchful.
Levy smiled brightly. "Yeah, we got back just in time for the usual madness, it seems."
Aelius gave Makarov a brief nod of acknowledgment, but he didn't linger. He was already starting to sense a strange undercurrent in the room. It was like the guild knew something was about to happen, though no one was speaking it out loud. His eyes flicked over the various members, each of them doing their best to appear like everything was normal. But there was a tension in the air that wasn't usually there.
"Where's the reporter, anyway?" Aelius asked quietly as his gaze scanned the room.
Levy's eyes flickered in the direction of the bar, but she didn't seem to have an immediate answer. "He's not here yet. Probably still preparing for the circus that's about to unfold," she said with a wry smile.
Aelius gave a small shrug, his expression unreadable. "I'm sure it'll be the usual chaos. People will say ridiculous things, and that'll be the story they get. Nothing ever changes."
Levy smirked but didn't say anything in response. She simply walked to the bar, leaning against it and glancing at Makarov as Aelius followed her.
"Things seem a bit quieter than usual," she said, her tone reflecting the fact that even she could sense the underlying tension. "Do you think people are actually trying to behave today?"
"Highly unlikely," Aelius muttered under his breath, crossing his arms as he took his usual spot beside Makarov. His eyes scanned the room again, waiting for the inevitable eruption of chaos that always followed when Fairy Tail was in the same room with the outside world.
Levy, meanwhile, seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself as she watched the guildmates prepare for the arrival of the journalist. Her eyes glinted with mischief, clearly eager to see how the day would unfold.
And as they waited, the sounds of the guild grew louder. There was laughter, shouting, and the familiar sounds of bar stools scraping against the floor as people moved around. Aelius was about to ask Makarov something, but before he could speak, a sudden wave of energy from the guild doors drew his attention.
It wasn't the arrival of the reporter—at least, not yet—but something about the atmosphere felt different, more charged.
"Looks like it's about to get interesting," Aelius murmured to Levy, his tone betraying no particular emotion, but something in his eyes suggested he was already done with what would come next.
Levy simply grinned, her eyes lighting up. "It's fairytail, things are always interesting."
Before Aelius could respond, the doors to the guild slammed open with enough force to make several members flinch, though the reaction was nothing compared to what followed.
"COOOOL!"
The voice rang out like a bell, energetic and utterly uncontainable, as Jason from Sorcerer Weekly practically exploded into the guild hall, eyes wide with excitement. His notepad was already in hand, pen poised as if he were ready to capture history in real time. He stood there for half a second, taking in the guild with the enthusiasm of a child seeing magic for the first time.
Then, he spotted Natsu.
"NAATSUUUUU!" Jason shouted, practically vibrating as he sprinted toward the Dragon Slayer. "TELL ME, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ONE OF THE STRONGEST WIZARDS IN FAIRY TAIL?! HOW DO YOU KEEP GETTING INTO THESE INSANE ADVENTURES?! HOW DID YOU EVEN SURVIVE THE LAST ONE—COOOOL!"
Natsu blinked, then grinned, throwing an arm around Happy as he puffed out his chest. "Well, y'know, I just keep pushing forward, and if something strong gets in my way—"
"I PUNCH IT IN THE FACE, AYE!" Happy chimed in.
Jason nearly fell over in sheer delight, his pen furiously scribbling as he muttered, "So. Cool."
Meanwhile, Lucy stood off to the side, her expression shifting between irritation and mild betrayal as Jason completely bypassed her. She opened her mouth to say something, but Jason had already turned to Erza, immediately launching into a flurry of questions about her armor, her strength, and if she really was as terrifying as the rumors said.
Levy, who had been watching this unfold with increasing amusement, perked up at the sight of Jason's arrival. "Oh, this is going to be good," she murmured before turning on her heel and briskly making her way toward Jet and Droy.
Aelius, walking just a step behind her, caught the way Jet and Droy's expressions flickered when they noticed him. It wasn't open hostility, nor was it particularly aggressive, but the glance they exchanged spoke volumes. They weren't thrilled to see him with Levy.
He said nothing. It wasn't worth acknowledging.
Instead, as Levy seamlessly slipped into conversation with her old teammates, Aelius continued toward the bar, where Makarov was already watching the chaos unfold from his usual perch.
The old man gave him a sideways glance as he sat down. "Thought you'd be making an effort to avoid all this."
"I did try," Aelius replied evenly, settling in. "Levy is determined to give me a headache."
Makarov chuckled, taking a slow sip of his drink. "She's got a stubborn streak, that one." He exhaled, setting his mug down. "Still, better than her ignoring you outright."
Aelius tilted his head slightly at that but didn't comment.
The two of them lapsed into silence, watching as Jason flitted from one guild member to another, his energy never once faltering. Every time someone said anything remotely interesting, he'd respond with his signature, "COOOOL!" before jotting it down furiously in his notebook.
Makarov swirled his drink, breaking the silence after a beat. "Been a while since you really sat down like this."
Aelius hummed in acknowledgment. "Didn't have much reason to."
The guild master studied him, his sharp little eyes narrowing slightly. "You still don't think of this place as home, do you?"
Aelius didn't answer immediately. His fingers lightly tapped against the wood of the bar, his gaze distant. Finally, he exhaled. "Home is a word that doesn't mean much to me."
Makarov sighed but didn't push. Instead, he simply turned back toward the guild hall, watching the chaos continue. "Well, whether you call it home or not, you're still one of us."
Aelius didn't respond, his gaze flicking across the room. The energy of Fairy Tail surged around him, a storm of voices, laughter, and barely-contained destruction.
Aelius tapped his fingers against the bar once more, his gaze still surveying the chaos unfolding before him. After a quiet moment, he spoke, though his tone was more casual than committed.
"If someone were to… hypothetically… look for a place in town," he mused, "would you have any idea of good locations?"
Makarov turned to him fully at that, bushy brows raising in surprise. "Hypothetically?" he echoed, his voice tinged with amusement. "I thought you were already set on staying."
"I said I'd give it a try." Aelius admitted, "but there's a difference between staying and… settling."
Makarov chuckled. "Fair enough." He took another sip of his drink, then rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, Fairy Hills is out of the question, even if men were allowed—Levy would have your head before the rest of the girls even started arguing about it."
Aelius made a faint sound of agreement, the idea of living in a building full of Fairy Tail's more… animated women sounding more dangerous than any battlefield he'd walked.
"There are a few places on the east side of town," Makarov continued, "a bit quieter, away from the guild's daily… enthusiasm." He smirked at his own wording. "Might suit someone who values their peace and quiet."
Aelius gave a slow nod, considering. "And if someone didn't mind being closer?"
Makarov leaned back, crossing his arms. "Then they'd best be prepared for the occasional wall getting blown in. But there are a few spots—old guild members' homes that have been empty for a while. Some left for work, others just… moved on." His voice held a quiet note of nostalgia, but he shook it off. "If you're serious, I could put in a word with some of the owners."
Aelius exhaled through his nose, thoughtful. He hadn't given much weight to the idea of actually securing a place, but… he had agreed to stay. At least for now.
"…That would be appreciated," he finally said.
Makarov gave him a knowing smile, but, to his credit, he didn't tease him about the decision. "I'll look into it, then."
Aelius nodded once, glancing again toward the guild, where Jason had now climbed onto a table, frantically taking notes while Natsu and Gray got into what was bound to be a building-demolishing brawl.
"…Not near them," he added dryly.
Makarov laughed. "Oh, that part's a given."
Makarov swirled his drink in his glass, eyes flicking from the growing chaos in the hall back to Aelius. "So, since you're sticking around, what's your plan?"
Aelius exhaled through his nose, a quiet sound that could have been amusement or mild exasperation. "You're assuming I have one."
Makarov snorted. "You don't strike me as the type to act without some level of forethought." He took a sip from his glass, then rested it on his knee as he continued. "You were gone for four years. Took on a Century Quest. Came back alive. That doesn't happen by accident."
Aelius leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the bar. "That's fair." He paused for a moment before adding, "But I don't have anything specific lined up. I suppose I'll take work where it comes."
Makarov hummed, studying him. "You'll have no shortage of requests. A mage of your caliber? People will come looking, mark my words."
Aelius was quiet for a moment before he spoke, his tone unreadable. "I'm used to being sought out for what I can do."
Makarov gave him a long look, hearing more in those words than what was said outright. He chose not to pry, instead nodding toward the guild hall. "And what about the guild?"
Aelius tilted his head slightly, glancing at the rowdy mess before them. "What about it?"
Makarov chuckled. "Don't play coy, boy. You know exactly what I mean. You've spent more time around Levy than anyone else since you've been back, but the guild isn't just one person." He leaned forward, resting an elbow on the bar. "You ever plan on getting to know the others? Or are you just going to skulk around in that cloak of yours, terrifying the recruits?"
Aelius's lips twitched slightly. "I'm not skulking."
Makarov gave him a dry look. "Right. And the moon isn't in the sky."
Aelius let out a quiet sigh, considering the question. "I suppose," he said finally, "it depends on whether they want to get to know me."
Makarov raised a brow. "A guild is built on its bonds, Aelius. Whether they want to or not, they will. And if you keep dodging them, they'll just get more curious."
Aelius didn't respond immediately, his gaze flicking across the hall where a few members still occasionally shot glances in his direction. Some were wary. Some curious. Jet and Droy, of course, still held onto their thinly veiled displeasure, but Aelius didn't concern himself with that.
Eventually, he leaned back, exhaling slowly. "I'll consider it."
Makarov smirked. "That's the closest thing to an admission I'll get from you, isn't it?"
Aelius didn't answer, but the way he tapped his fingers against the counter—measured, thoughtful—was enough.
Before Makarov could comment further, Jason's voice erupted from somewhere across the room.
"COOOOOOL!"
Aelius closed his eyes briefly, already feeling the headache creeping in. "…And there goes my peace."
Makarov laughed heartily. "Welcome home, boy."
The guild hall was a storm of noise and motion, as it always was. Shouts, laughter, the crash of furniture—just another afternoon in Fairy Tail. Across the room, Jason was practically vibrating with excitement, darting between brawling mages, his pen a blur as he took frantic notes.
"COOOOOL!" he bellowed as Elfman sent Wakaba soaring over a table. "TRUE MANHOOD IN ACTION!"
Aelius sat at the bar beside Makarov, watching the commotion unfold with a blank stare. His posture was relaxed, but the subtle tap of his fingers against the counter hinted at a quiet discontent.
Makarov chuckled beside him. "You look like a man questioning his life choices."
"I don't question my choices," Aelius said evenly. "I regret allowing myself to be dragged into this."
Makarov snorted. "That's the same thing."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, neither confirming nor denying it, and let his gaze wander the room. His eyes lingered on Jason, who had now focused on Natsu and Gray, frantically scrawling in his notebook as the two broke into yet another fistfight.
"COOOOOOL!"
Aelius exhaled slowly, resting his chin on one hand. "Does he ever stop?"
Makarov smirked. "Not that I've seen."
They lapsed into silence for a moment, just watching, before Makarov broke it with a more serious tone. "The Council's been asking about you."
Aelius's fingers stilled on the counter. He didn't look at Makarov, but the shift in his posture was enough of a tell.
"Of course they have," he said.
Makarov leaned back against the bar, swirling his drink. "They're not exactly pleased with what you did to the forest."
Aelius didn't immediately respond, his gaze slipping back to the room, Until finally, he let out a quiet hum, more acknowledgment than anything else. "It was an accident."
Makarov raised an eyebrow. "We know that, but do they see it that way?"
Aelius tilted his head slightly, considering the question. "Not in the way they think. I lost my temper. The land suffered for it."
Makarov sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. "The Council isn't keen on accidents of that scale, you know."
Aelius finally turned to meet his gaze fully. "They have nothing to fear from me."
Makarov studied him for a moment, then let out a quiet chuckle. "Try telling them that."
Aelius scoffed softly but said nothing. His eyes drifted back toward Jason, who had somehow wedged himself into another fight—this time between Cana and a very unfortunate Alzack.
"COOOOOOOL!"
Aelius exhaled through his nose. "At least the Council isn't that loud."
Makarov laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Give it time, boy. Give it time."
Aelius tapped his fingers idly against the bar, his expression unreadable as he mulled over Makarov's words. "Do I need to go before the Council?" he finally asked, his tone more of a measured inquiry than one of concern.
Makarov exhaled, swirling the drink in his glass. "Maybe." He glanced up at Aelius with a wry smirk. "From what I've been told, they're playing around with a few ideas."
Aelius hummed in acknowledgment, his gaze still on the chaos unfolding around them. Across the room, Jason was enthusiastically scribbling in his notebook, shouting praises at every little thing, no matter how mundane. Someone tripped over a chair? "COOOOL!" A minor spell misfired? "AMAZING!"
Makarov continued, voice dipping into something more serious. "A trial is one of the worst-case scenarios they're considering."
Aelius's fingers stilled. "Hnn. So they're making a show of it."
"Possibly," Makarov admitted. "It's not just about you, you know. The Council has its politics, and you—" he gestured vaguely at him, "—are an anomaly. A powerful one."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, considering the implications. "And a problem, depending on who you ask."
Makarov chuckled. "Exactly." He took a long sip of his drink before setting the glass down. "But they haven't summoned you yet. Which means there's still room for things to shift in a different direction."
Aelius remained silent for a moment, weighing his options. The Council had always been wary of destructive magic, but his… well, his wasn't exactly subtle. And the scar he'd left behind had made sure no one could ignore it.
"If they decide on a trial," Aelius said finally, "I assume you'll hear of it before I do."
Makarov nodded. "I'd say so. And if it comes to that, we'll figure something out." He shot Aelius a sideways glance. "That is, if you actually let me help."
Aelius exhaled through his nose in something that could almost be amusement. "You're determined to keep me around."
Makarov grinned. "What can I say? You make things interesting."
Aelius shook his head slightly but said nothing more, his attention briefly shifting as Jason suddenly gasped loud enough to draw several heads. "UNBELIEVABLE! THIS ENERGY! SO COOOOOL!"
Makarov sighed, rubbing his temples. "I hope you're ready."
Aelius exhaled slowly. "I think I would've rather stayed dead."
Before he could process the weight of his own words, there was a blur of movement—then whack.
Makarov's tiny hand came down hard atop Aelius's head.
For the first time in a long time, Aelius was genuinely caught off guard. He blinked, frozen, processing the sheer audacity of what had just happened. There was no malice in it, no magic—just a sharp, sudden chop to the skull from the Guild Master himself.
The room didn't exactly go silent, but a few people definitely noticed. A couple of guild members exchanged wary glances, more shocked by Aelius's lack of reaction than Makarov's action itself.
Aelius slowly turned his head, staring at Makarov as if trying to decipher some ancient riddle. "…Did you just hit me?"
Makarov took a slow sip from his mug. "Sure did."
Aelius blinked again. His mind ran through the possible responses. Retaliation? No, pointless. Intimidation? Also pointless. Verbal protest? Equally pointless. His brain refused to categorize this properly—it was like trying to fit a burning building into a neatly labeled box.
So he settled for the only thing that felt reasonable.
"…Why?"
Makarov scoffed. "Because you're being an idiot."
Aelius blinked yet again. "That is not an explanation."
Makarov shrugged. "Sure it is. You said something stupid, so I hit you."
Aelius opened his mouth, then closed it. The sheer absurdity of it all gnawed at his composure. His mind was a finely honed instrument, built to navigate the complexities of battle, strategy, and survival. This? This was outside his expertise.
Across the room, Levy had stopped mid-conversation, her eyes flickering between the two with barely restrained amusement. Jason, meanwhile, seemed completely oblivious, still lost in his own world of exaggerated enthusiasm.
Aelius exhaled through his nose. "I feel as though I should retaliate."
Makarov smirked. "You could try."
A beat of silence.
Then, without a word, Aelius turned back to his drink. "…I'll let this one go."
"Good choice."
"Now, if you're done being an idiot." Makarov sighed, rubbing his temples as if already anticipating the headache this conversation would bring. "Like I said, the Magic Council's been throwing around ideas on what to do with you."
Aelius, who had just brought his flask up to take a sip, paused mid-motion. His emerald eyes flicked toward Makarov, waiting.
The Guild Master leaned back slightly, watching the usual chaos of Fairy Tail unfold before him. "One of their brighter ideas," he continued, "is making you one of the Ten Wizard Saints."
Aelius lowered the flask with deliberate care, his fingers tightening slightly around the ornate metal. He blinked once, slowly.
"…That," he said, voice utterly flat, "is a terrible idea."
Makarov chuckled dryly. "They seem to think otherwise."
Aelius tilted his head slightly, expression unreadable. "Do they?"
Makarov took a long sip of his drink before setting the mug down with a sigh. "Well, let's be honest. You're powerful enough to be considered; that much isn't in question. But more importantly, if they give you some sort of… obligation to follow, then maybe—just maybe—you'll be of use to them." He gave Aelius a pointed look. "Or at the very least, not wipe out half an ecosystem again."
Aelius exhaled sharply through his nose, the closest thing to a laugh he was willing to grant the comment. "Still an accident."
"An accident that left a scar deep enough the Council is debating what to do about it," Makarov countered, shaking his head. "Giving you a title, a position with some oversight? It might be their way of keeping an eye on you. But it also might be their way of preventing another… incident."
Aelius leaned back slightly, eyes drifting toward the chaos in the hall. It was a strategic move, he could see that much. The Council had never been comfortable with him, but if they could put him on a leash under the guise of prestige, then he supposed that made sense.
Still.
He turned back to Makarov, his mask glinting in the light. "And what do you think?"
Makarov studied him for a moment before shrugging. "I think it could go either way. You might end up throwing the title back in their faces, which wouldn't surprise me." He smirked. "Or, you might actually find some use in it."
Aelius huffed. "Unlikely."
Makarov chuckled. "Maybe. But consider this—if you take it, you hold power in a way that isn't just destruction. You have a say in things. You influence things." He gave him a measured look. "And it's better than letting them put some idiot in that seat instead."
Aelius didn't answer immediately. His fingers tapped once against the metal of his flask before he finally exhaled, his gaze unreadable.
Jose had been proof that the title alone didn't guarantee morality or wisdom. If the Council was willing to hand that power to a man like him, what was stopping them from choosing someone just as corrupt?
Still…
Aelius let out a slow breath. "I don't do well with rules, Makarov."
Makarov smirked. "You wouldn't be the first Wizard Saint like that."
Silence stretched between them for a long moment. Aelius finally tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly.
"You knew I wouldn't give you an immediate answer," he mused.
Makarov nodded. "Of course. But you'll think about it."
Aelius huffed through his nose, amused despite himself.
"…I suppose I will."
Makarov merely chuckled at that, taking another slow sip from his mug as the two of them settled into silence. The guildhall remained as chaotic as ever, a blur of motion, laughter, and occasional violence unfolding before them.
Jason had somehow managed to get himself caught up in Natsu and Gray's latest argument, which had, predictably, devolved into a full-blown wrestling match in the middle of the hall. Across the way, Elfman was loudly declaring something about true manliness while trying to lift a table with one hand. Cana, unfazed, continued to down drink after drink, barely sparing the commotion a glance.
Aelius watched it all with that same detached stare, but something about the scene felt… familiar. Comfortable, even. He let out a slow breath, fingers drumming absently against the worn wood of the counter.
Then, a thought struck him.
"…If I didn't know better," he murmured, voice dry, "I'd think you were telling me this as another way to get me to stay."
Makarov didn't react right away. Instead, he set his mug down with a quiet thunk and glanced at Aelius out of the corner of his eye, the lines on his face deepening ever so slightly. "And if I was?"
Aelius said nothing at first, letting the weight of the unspoken linger between them. He wasn't a fool—he knew Makarov wasn't just telling him about the Council's plans out of obligation. There was intent behind it, deliberate or not.
"…Then I'd say you're more stubborn than I gave you credit for."
Makarov barked a laugh. "Takes one to know one."
Aelius exhaled, huffing through his nose again. He didn't push the conversation further, and neither did Makarov. Instead, they simply sat there, watching as Fairy Tail continued its usual brand of barely contained chaos.
At some point, Jason was sent flying across the hall—whether by Natsu, Gray, or Erza, Aelius couldn't quite tell—but the reporter popped right back up, eyes shining as he shouted, "COOOOL!"
Makarov sighed. "I need another drink."
Aelius ignored him, fingers tapping against the counter in slow, deliberate rhythm as he watched the usual chaos of the guild unfold. "So, the Council thinks making me a Wizard Saint is a good idea..." His tone was unreadable, though there was something vaguely incredulous about it. "Feels more like an elaborate joke."
Unfortunately, someone else heard him.
"COOOOOL!"
The sudden, enthusiastic yell cut through the guild like a blade, drawing the attention of nearly everyone.
Aelius barely had time to turn his head before Jason practically materialized beside him, eyes wide with manic excitement. "WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! YOU'RE THE FAIRY TAIL WIZARD EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT?!"
Aelius blinked, his expression unreadable. "…What?"
Jason was practically vibrating. "THE COUNCIL CONFIRMED IT! A FAIRY TAIL WIZARD TOOK DOWN JOSÉ FROM PHANTOM LORD! AND LEFT A MASSIVE TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION IN A FOREST JUST TWO DAYS AGO!" He took a dramatic step back, staring up at Aelius like he was seeing a legend materialize in front of him. "THAT WAS YOU?! HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF YOU?!"
The guild had gone silent.
Natsu and Gray, who had been locked in one of their usual brawls, froze mid-swing. Cana's drink stalled halfway to her lips. Even Erza, who had been in the middle of reprimanding Happy, was now watching Aelius with sharpened curiosity.
Levy pressed her lips together, her expression unreadable as Jet and Droy gawked beside her.
Mirajane's usual pleasant smile didn't falter, though there was a flicker of something thoughtful in her gaze.
Aelius, meanwhile, exhaled slowly through his nose. "...I should have kept my mouth shut."
Makarov took a long sip from his mug. "That would've been the smart choice, yes."
Jason leaned in, practically vibrating with excitement. "COOOOOL!" His grin was stretched wide, eyes shining as he leaned even closer, invading Aelius's personal space without a second thought. "SO WHAT'S YOUR NAME, MYSTERIOUS DESTRUCTION MAN?!"
Aelius exhaled sharply, his patience already fraying. "...No."
Jason blinked, momentarily thrown off. Then he grinned even wider. "WHAT?! COME ON, DUDE! YOU CAN'T JUST BE SOME LEGENDARY FAIRY TAIL WIZARD AND NOT TELL ME YOUR NAME!"
Aelius didn't even blink. "I can."
Jason clutched his notebook like it personally betrayed him. "BUT—!"
Before Jason could launch into another plea, Makarov chuckled, the old master leaning back with a knowing smirk. "Aelius, my boy, you should be more open to our guests."
Aelius turned his head sharply, his gaze a touch withering. "You're enjoying this."
Makarov took a long, slow sip of his drink before grinning. "Immensely."
Jason gasped loudly. "AELIUS?! THAT'S SO COOOOOL!" He frantically scribbled in his notebook, muttering under his breath. "Mysterious, possibly the strongest mage in Fairy Tail, took down José, left a scar of death in a forest, and refuses to give his name—BUT NOW I HAVE IT!"
Aelius sighed, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "This is why I don't talk."
Aelius exhaled through his nose, leveling Jason with a stare. "If I give you a scoop, will you leave me alone?"
Jason practically lit up, nodding so fast it was a wonder his head stayed attached. "YES! ABSOLUTELY! COOOOOL!"
Aelius, aware of the entire guild still watching him with interest, tilted his head slightly and raised a hand. He pointed across the room, right at Levy. "She says she's braver than Erza."
A collective pause swept over the guild before a chorus of gasps and low whistles filled the air. Levy, mid-drink, sputtered violently, eyes widening in absolute horror as Jason immediately turned to her with newfound excitement.
"WHAT?! IS THIS TRUE?!" He was already sprinting across the room before Levy could even process what had just happened.
Aelius, meanwhile, was already on his feet, quietly slipping through the back door while the chaos unfolded behind him. The warm spring air met him as he stepped out onto the cliff overlooking the lake, the still water reflecting the midday sky. He exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he enjoyed the brief, blessed silence.
Aelius stood at the edge of the cliff, hands resting loosely at his sides as he gazed down at the lake below. The water was still, the reflection of the sky unbroken, yet his mind was anything but.
He exhaled slowly through his nose. That was a monumental mistake.
It wasn't just about Jason now knowing the Council wanted to name him a Wizard Saint—it was the fact that everyone knew. That damn reporter would spread it like wildfire, and with Fairy Tail's reputation for being less than subtle, it was going to reach the wrong ears faster than he had any hope of controlling.
Which meant the Council would feel pressure. Which meant they would, in turn, pressure him.
His eye twitched at the sheer inevitability of it all. He had spent years staying out of sight whenever possible, and in a matter of minutes, he had managed to all but guarantee that they wouldn't leave him alone.
He let out a sharp exhale, his gaze dropping further. And then there was Levy.
He could already feel the headache brewing. She was going to murder him. Not physically—though she had enough people in the guild who'd gladly take a swing on her behalf—but through sheer force of irritation. Braver than Erza. He had practically handed Jason an excuse to haunt her for the rest of the day. Possibly longer.
Aelius lifted a hand, pressing his fingers against his temple beneath his mask.
"…I really should've just stayed dead."