Fairy Tail Origins Episode 1: The Eternal Journey

Orion briefly gives her an odd look, then shakes her hand. Astounding. By all rights, she shouldn't even be able to move.

"A pleasure to meet you Eden, though I wish our meeting could have been under better circumstances. Your injuries aren't nearly as bad as they could have been, but they were still potentially fatal. You're either incredibly lucky, or one hell of a fighter... Though I'd say it's probably a bit of both. You had a couple broken ribs, and the gash in your abdomen was very deep. I've mended your ribs to the best of my ability and stitched the gash shut, and thankfully, I was also able to treat you in time to prevent any noticeable internal bleeding. However, you'll need to rest for some time. Any sudden movement could tear open your wound again, and if I'm not at your side, I don't know if I could reach you in time to stop the bleeding. After you get some rest, I'll finish preparing the antitoxin and give it to you. You aren't in any immediate danger, but I would give it a few days before trying to walk again. I have a letter and seal already prepared, should you wish to send word to your Guild. Is there anything else you'd like to know?"

"Wherever the wind takes me," he answers, smiling knowingly. "The best way to travel is to do so without a clear destination in mind. After all, the journey is what's truly important. But don't worry. I won't be leaving until you've fully recovered. What kind of Doctor would I be then, if I simply left while my patient was still bedridden?"

A momentary look of sadness crosses his features, though it is so brief only the most observant of people would have noticed, and he quickly concealed it. "A town full of roses, you say... That sounds... Lovely. Forgive me, but I must decline. I do not do so well around crowds, and there is no need for you to pay me. I heal merely to see a smile on those I save. That is more than enough payment for me."

He suddenly stands up and brings the chair back to the desk. He starts to walk towards the door, then stops and turns back to her, smiling. "However... If my travels take me your way, maybe I'll stop by and see how you're doing. Would that be acceptable?"

"The nearest city is Ambrosia, and even that's a couple days away on foot," Orion replies seriously. "Even after you've recovered, I still think it would be better if you took it easy. If you ended up wandering into a fight so soon after recovering, it could be very dangerous. No, I'd much prefer you were escorted home by someone you trust."

Orion hesitated for a moment, then he smiled. "I will. Is there anything you need before I leave you to your rest?"

Orion nods, and walks over to the wall where her belongings were neatly stacked. He hesitates upon seeing the swords leaning against the wall, but again, the action is so brief it's barely perceptible. He casually picks up the swords and sets them aside, almost absentmindedly so, and retrieves Eden's locket. He walks back to the desk, opens the drawer and retrieves a small jar of ink and a scrap of cloth, along with a blank piece of paper and envelope. He swiftly writes a single sentence, places the letter in the envelop and ties the envelope shut with a red ribbon. He then applies Eden's seal, marks the envelope as "Urgent" with a pen, and addresses it to the Magic Guild, Silver Chimera, in the city of Rosebud Hills.

With that done, he walks back over to Eden and returns her locket to her, placing it gently in her hands. "You owe me nothing, Eden. However, if you're adamant about repaying me, then I guess it would be rude of me to refuse. How about a thousand Sovereigns?"

He said it so sincerely and calmly that the fleeting look of shock on her face was priceless, and he laughed. "See? That look is worth more money than is in the world. Relax, my friend. I get plenty of coin from performing. As I've said, the safety and smiles of my patients is all the payment I need."

He walks away and opens the door, stopping to look at her one last time in the doorway. "Get some sleep. My room is right next door if you need anything. If I'm not there, then I'm likely downstairs performing."

He motions to a bell on a string right above her bed, which was threaded into the wall behind her. "I'd rather you not try to walk unless absolutely necessary, so ring that if you need to contact the Innkeeper, or can't reach me by shouting. If you need to use the bathroom, it's the door right across the hall. I'll bring a pair of crutches upstairs while you're asleep, so you can go to the bathroom on your own. Just try not to put too much weight on your left side, alright? Goodnight, Eden."

With that, he quit the room and quietly closed the door behind him.

A few hours later, Orion finally finished making the antitoxin for the Abnormality's blood. He leaned back in his chair and yawned, rubbing his eyes.

Still as troubling as ever to make... One would think, since I discovered and subsequently invented the darn thing, I should be able to create a faster process... But when it comes to saving a life, there truly are no shortcuts.

He looks over at the clock on the wall, and stands up. I don't wish to wake her so late... But...

He takes the small vial and carefully places it in a leather pouch, then leaves the room. He walks over to the adjacent room and quietly opens the door, walking inside. It was very dark in the room, but he could see just enough to turn on a small lantern on the desk, bathing the room in a very dim light. He quietly closed the door behind him and brought the chair up to her bedside. He very gently shook her awake.

"Eden? Forgive me for waking you, but I need to give you the medicine."

"Did you get the crown?" The darkness inside the otherwise surprisingly well-furnished cave called Grigori as the jester took a knee.

"Can I wear it a bit longer?" Grigori pleaded as he balanced it on part of his hat. "I'm just trying to get it in the right position..."

"Leave it on the platter." The voice commanded as a small rolling tray appeared from the darkness. "Now."

Before she nodded Eden had one request. "Can you at least try to pour it directly into the back of my mouth so I won't have to taste it much?"

I hope he thought to bring water or anything really to get the taste out of my mouth.