Fairy Tail Origins Episode 1: The Eternal Journey

"To the ones we love so dearly, who taught us what it is to be able to love others when we had no one to love before, who never leave us no matter what distances may separate us. To the second, and sometimes third, fourth or more chances that they give us, right here in this place that we all inhabit together but where there is still room for everyone and more, and where no one ever worries about shelter or hunger thanks to the things we so willingly and freely share, not least of which are our bonds with each other that make all things possible. To all that this family, this guild stands for... To Silver Chimera!" Eden said as tears began to well up in her eyes from the happiness she felt.

"Um... Hecate?  Don't you think that's oversimplifying things a bit?" Leone asked.  "Shouldn't we mention the weird stuff?"

"Weird stuff?" Harland asked.

"Well, for one... that thing was huge!  Much larger than a boar should ever be," Leone began.  "But that's not the interesting part.  After we injured it, it began to... um... how do I explain this?"

"Freak out?" Atticus suggested.

"It almost seemed to grow, and it began to radiate this vile aura," Aldous explains.

"And when it roared at us - not something a boar normally does, correct? - it almost felt like... it was almost as if it was using some kind of wind or sonic magic," Leone concludes.

"You didn't try to memorize it, did you?" Harland asked.

"No, I decided to counteract it with a musical performance instead," Leone answered.

"Well, it probably wouldn't have worked, anyway," Harland shrugged.  "If it was even using magic, and not just, I dunno, super-big lungs or something."

"We'll make sure to mention that... 'aura' to the council and see if anyone else has encountered something similar," Vallory promised.  "Now, it's late, so clean yourselves up, then off to bed, the lot of you.  Run along."

"Yes, mom," Leone, Atticus, and Aldous replied in concert.  Vallory closed her eyes and sighed at their response.

Zalia's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So what would you do, in my place? Throw him out, just because he's potentially dangerous? Because he's hunted? What exactly do you think that would accomplish? We do not abandon our own just because the future will be tough. You have a lot to learn about what home and family means, child."

She softened, and sighed. "You aren't telling me anything new, child. In fact, I know far more than you do. There is always a different side to every story, and there is no such thing as a life without risk. If you're so afraid to embrace the darkness, you will never see the light."

She stood up and walked around the desk, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You assume far too much and know far too little, my dear. But such is the way of youth. You will understand in time. For now, take comfort in this: we are not helpless, and we are not alone. Should old man Nebilim ever show up on our doorstep, we will be ready and waiting. We will stand united, and give that old fool the fight of his life. And I hope, that if that day ever does arrive, you will stand with us, as part of our family. But until then, focus only on what you can do, on the here and now, and leave the rest to me. After all, that's what Guild Masters do."

She smiled and began to walk away, but stopped and turned back to him. "Oh, and let's keep this between us. There's no reason to worry everyone else over something that might happen. You've all been through enough, and you deserve a night free from worry or fear. Now let's get you some new clothes, and I'll show you to your room. "

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Rhys had been right. That night was one of the most memorable nights of Orion's life. It was a night he'd never forget. The hours seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye, and before long, midnight had already come and gone. It was a little past one when Orion retired to his room, after maybe having drunk a bit too much. Despite the time, he was actually the first to head upstairs. The others were still crowded around the table, playing game after game and drinking glass after glass.

His mind was a bit clouded as he walked into his room, but he wasn't nearly as far gone as, say, Velia, who had already passed out in the middle of the floor- twice. Both times Cenric had attempted to carry her up to her room, only for her to immediately wake up and accuse him of trying to "steal her away from the party-" and then immediately confess her undying love for him, much to his embarrassment and everyone else's amusement. Unlike her, Orion wss proud to say he still had full control of his faculties.

Smiling to himself, he undressed and slipped into a simple pair of white pants, then grabbed his harmonica from the top drawer of his dresser, and sat down in the center of his bed to play. He played a soft, gentle tune that was both wistful and a little sad. A single tear crept down his cheek.

Orion wasn't sure whether he was surprised or if he expected Eden to check on him. And since trying to decide how he felt apparently gave him a massive headache, he decided to screw it and just say it was the latter.

"Of course," he answered softly, placing his harmonica on the nightstand by his bed and quickly wiping his eye on his arm. "Is everything alright, Eden? Do you need something?"

... This would have to happen when I'm plastered as hell, wouldn't it. Damn. Ah, screw it. What have I got to lose? Besides everything, of course.

"Come here Eden," he said softly, patting a space on the bed next to him. She seemed to hesitate for a moment, then nodded and closed the door behind her. She sat down on the bed next to him, and Orion smiled at her. He ran his hand through her hair for a moment, then scooted back in the bed to lean against the wooden headboard. He looked up at the ceiling, as a resigned, lonely smile spread across his face.

"Have you figured out why I was always a wanderer yet? Before coming here, I mean. I never stayed in one place for longer than a night. Do you know why?"

He nodded, and closed his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was only a whisper. "Yes. I'm a wanted man, Eden. I've been hunted for so long now it feels like a lifetime... Though when I think about it... I guess it's really only been five years. Huh. Five years... Is that all? It feels so much longer..."

He took a deep breath and sighed. "I guess you could say I ran afoul of a certain Dark Guild with extremely dangerous connections. They've been hunting me ever since. And now... They've finally found me. After all this time, they caught up to me anyway... Don't you see, Eden? What happened to the town... To Zalia, to... To you, to everyone... It's all my fault. I know I should just leave while I can. If I do, they'll probably leave the Guild alone and follow me, but I... I'm so tired, Eden. I'm so very tired, and I... I don't want to leave you. I don't want to leave the Guild. If I have to wander again, I don't think I'll survive for more than a couple months... Forgive me. I know I'm being selfish. I don't want to put anyone in any more danger. I know I don't deserve this kind of happiness, but I... I don't want to leave. Is that really too much to ask?"

Unbidden, tears appeared in the corners of his eyes, and he made no move to wipe them away. After a moment of silence, he whispered quietly, "If you tell me to leave Eden, I will. You're the only one who... I'll understand Eden, I promise. I won't be angry."

He closed his eyes tightly to prevent his tears from falling, as he tightened his arms around her and leaned down to bury his face in her hair. They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, just holding each other in silence. In those moments, Orion made the conscious decision that he would never let her go. No matter what storm may come their way, he would never let her go.

Finally, he leaned back and gently placed his hand under Eden's chin, lifting her face to look up at him. He moved his thumb to her cheek, tenderly caressing her, and leaned down to rest his forehead against hers. "I won't leave," he promised quietly. "No matter what happens. Nothing, and no one, will ever separate us, Eden. This I swear to you. I will follow you to the ends of the world and beyond."

He suddenly smiled, a bit bashfully, as he moved his hand away from her cheek and down to her lower back, tightening his arms around her once more. "That is... If you can put up with me. I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with."

Orion suddenly grinned as he held her close and began to suggestively massage her lower back, realizing for the first time just how... Close they really were at the moment. He leaned down to whisper softly, teasingly to her, only a couple inches away from her mouth. "I think I could definitely be... Convinced to put up with you, Eden."

His grin widened. I just can't help it. Even if it means her leaving my arms in a huff, I just can't help teasing her. Her reaction is always so priceless.

It was fairly late the next morning- close to midday- when everyone started to trickle downstairs. Zalia was already up and about, cleaning up after last night's celebration, and finishing any leftover booze in the process. She seemed to be completely immune to any form of hangover, which only added to her reputation as the world's best drinker. Or at the very least, the Empire's.

Velia plopped down in her usual spot at the end of the left table, groaning and rubbing her eyes. "Get any sleep, dear?" Zalia asked knowingly, smiling, as she wiped down the bar top with a wet cloth.

"No," she groaned. "I feel like death. I hate hangovers."

Zalia gave a light laugh. Cenric was the next to stumble downstairs like the walking dead, and he took a seat next to Velia. In a few minutes, everyone was present and gathered around the table, save Orion and Eden, who were still upstairs.

Zalia finished setting breakfast on the table and returned to the bar, hiding a knowing grin.