Chapter 03: Nero VermillionFanfic by: Geraint(Nero's POV)
Beneath the shimmering surface of the sea, I swam with practiced ease, the water cool against my tanned skin. Three years of living on Tenrou Island had made me one with nature—my body hardened by survival, my senses sharpened by solitude.
My old clothes from my past life had long since been reduced to rags. Now, I wore simple garments bought with the money I earned selling fish at the Akane Beach harbor. I had crafted a small boat from driftwood, sturdy enough to make trips across the coast to exchange fish for essentials like spices, cooking utensils, and clothing.
Underwater, the view was breathtaking—colorful coral reefs swayed with the currents, and schools of fish danced in harmony with the sea. I spotted a group ahead, their glinting scales catching the sunlight from above.
Gripping a makeshift net in one hand, I extended my other palm.
"Universal Pull."
Peeeeeeewww!
A surge of attractive force swept through the water, pulling the startled fish straight into my net. With my catch secured, I shot upward toward the surface before my lungs could give out.
Breaking through the surface, I swam over to my boat, tossed the fish inside, and climbed aboard. Then, I began paddling back toward Tenrou Island.
As I neared the island, a familiar figure stood waiting on the shore—Lolibaba, waving excitedly like a child.
"Nero, did you catch anything?" she called out, her eyes gleaming.
"Of course I did. I always do, Lolibaba," I replied smugly, holding up the net full of fish.
"Yay!" she cheered, spinning like a little girl.
I chuckled. "Hey, Lolibaba, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."
She tilted her head. "Hmm? What is it, Nero?"
"You're incorporeal—a thought projection, right? Basically a ghost. So how are you even able to taste the food I make?"
She blinked, thoughtful. "Now that you mention it... I shouldn't be able to taste anything in this form. It's strange..."
She scanned me from head to toe, frowning in curiosity. "There's some kind of mysterious magic flowing through you. It's unfamiliar to me—ancient, even. Whatever it is, it affects everything you cook. I wonder..."
That damn yandere goddess must've done something to me during reincarnation...
"What about the fruit here? What does it taste like when you try it raw?" I asked.
"Absolutely nothing. But when you turn them into one of your dishes, like a fruit tart or a salad... I can taste it. And it's delicious."
"Huh. That's so weird. Let's just call it 'Cooking Magic.' A unique magic that makes even ghosts taste my food. Sound good?"
"Hah! Sure, let's go with that," she giggled. "So, what's for lunch?"
"Garlic butter fish. I found a new kind of fish—looks edible and delicious."
"Yum! I can't wait!" she cheered.
"Then let's go, Lolibaba."
"Yes!"
She drifted off toward her tomb, while I returned to the old Red Lizard Guild building—our makeshift home. It had been abandoned long ago, but I'd made it livable. For three years, it had been my sanctuary, and Lolibaba's.
After cooking, I placed the food onto large leaves and carried the dish to her tomb.
When I arrived, I paused.
"Huh...? She's not here..."
I looked around, confused.
"Lolibaba? The food's going to get cold!"
Still no response.
"If this is your idea of hide and seek before lunch, I've gotten way faster than before." I placed the food on her tombstone and stretched my arms.
Suddenly—footsteps behind me.
I turned, alert.
An elderly man approached. Short, stocky, with a balding head, thick white mustache, and sharp eyes. He wore a white tunic with the Fairy Tail emblem, black trousers, and a regal white coat lined with fur. The symbol of the Ten Wizard Saints glimmered on his back.
I recognized him instantly.
Makarov Dreyar—the current Guild Master of Fairy Tail.
"Who are you, kid? What are you doing in this sacred place?" he asked sternly.
"That's what I should be asking, old man. I've been living here for three years, and this is the first time I've seen you."
"Cheeky brat. Seems I need to discipline you."
"Try me, if you can," I said, grinning.
"My name is Makarov Dreyar. Third Guild Master of Fairy Tail."
"I'm... Nero."
Crap. I forgot I don't have a last name yet.
"Nero... what?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice whispered telepathically.
'Stinky Nero, just use my last name. I already think of you as my grandson.'
Lolibaba... Where the hell were you?
'Fairy Tail visits the island once a year. You always miss them because you're off fishing or trading. I can't show myself—I'm dead to them, remember?'
Thank you, Grandma... I mean it.
Makarov raised an eyebrow. "Why so quiet, kid?"
"Just... needed to take a dump. But the urge vanished."
"This brat..."
"Full name: Nero Vermillion. Just a kid who's lived here for years."
His eyes widened. "Vermillion... As in Mavis Vermillion?! How are you related to the First Guild Master?"
"Lolibaba? She's my adopted grandmother."
"I've never heard of her adopting anyone. Did you just take her name from her tomb?! I won't allow that kind of disrespect!"
He leapt toward me, arm enlarging with magic.
He's holding back... Kind soul.
I smirked.
Before his hand could land—
PEEEEEEEWWW!
A force pushed him back before he touched me.
"Almighty Push!" I shouted, thrusting my palm.
A wave of repulsion tore through the area, sending Makarov flying across the shoreline.
"Ugh! What... kind of magic was that...?" he groaned, stunned.
'You brat! Why'd you do that?!' Lolibaba scolded telepathically.
He attacked first—but don't worry, I held back. Just a gentle push.
'Sigh... Fine. Then prove you're my grandson.'
Would've been easier if you showed up...
'Not the time. You've got this, Nero. I believe in you.'
What a motivational ghost grandma...
Makarov was already back on his feet, glaring at me warily.
"So... want proof I'm her grandson?" I asked. "Then pick one of the three Great Fairy Magics."
"You know those?" he said, shocked.
"Of course. I wouldn't be her grandson if I didn't."
"You even call her Lolibaba..."
"She doesn't mind. Now—Fairy Law, Fairy Glitter, or Fairy Sphere? Choose one."
He was sweating now.
"Fairy Law and Glitter are a bit too destructive, and I don't want to damage the island. So... Fairy Sphere it is."
I lifted my arms.
"Great Fairy Magic... Fairy Sphere!"
The island glowed. A radiant barrier formed, enveloping Tenrou Island in a vast dome. The Fairy Tail emblem shimmered brightly across the surface.
Makarov's jaw dropped. "Impossible..."
"Believe me now?"
He slowly nodded. "Yeah... I believe you, Nero Vermillion."
I lowered my arms, deactivating the barrier.
Whew... That spell always drains me. I'm starving.
I turned to check on my dish.
...
It was gone.
That sneaky Lolibaba!!
(To be continued.)