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CHAPTER START---
"C'mon, hit harder," Gildarts yells as he blocks a few more punches from Oberon.
"What do you think I'm trying to do?" Oberon asks as he leaps backward, clearing 10m -33ft- with ease thanks to his Gravity Magic.
Oberon takes a deep breath, feeling the wind blowing against him, moving his hair, swaying the grass around them.
Then, he coats his right arm in a layer of Gravity Magic and leaps toward Gildarts once again.
Gildarts raises his hand and easily stops the attack with the back of his hand, then in one smooth motion he taps Oberon on the shoulder, sending him rolling in the grass.
While rolling, Oberon makes himself lighter to control his tumble, and skates across the grass for a few feet before ending up on his feet, crouched low.
He immediately rushes back in, this time punching forward long before reaching GIldarts, and a beam of light almost instantly fires from his fist toward the older Wizard.
Gildarts casually swats it out of the air, shattering the Magic, and allowing Oberon to close the distance between them.
Oberon punches upward at the man, coating his arm in Gravity Magic once again, this time punching Gildarts in the chest, still not hard enough for the man to even notice.
"Huh," Gildarts looks down at him, curiously. "What did you do differently that time?"
"Did you feel that one?" Oberon asks as he steps back.
"Not really, but it was harder than all the others, what'd you do differently?"
Oberon focuses on his Magic and recreates the effect, "Ahh, I finally got the hang of it and managed to only coat my fist instead of my entire arm, so it was more intense."
Gildarts strokes the stubble on his face, "Well that does make sense, concentrated Magic is generally more powerful, but the problem is your plan was to coat your arm in Gravity Magic, like armor, but that you can hit people with."
"Yeah," Oberon says. "But, I guess if I get a good opening I can lower my shield and raise my striking power, balancing offense and defense, right?"
"Yeah, but fights between Wizards can be chaotic, so your original plan of keeping a shield up at all times during fights to compensate for being unable to sense Magic was safer," Gildarts thinks about it for a moment. "Guess the answer is just to get strong enough that you won't have to alternate between offense and defense."
"Your answer is always to get stronger," Oberon says.
Gildarts shrugs, "Always worked for me."
"Why are you so strong anyway? It's like you're made of steel or something."
"Ability Type Wizards like us circulate Magic through our body to use it, for some people years of that can make you pretty tough," Gildarts looks down at Oberon, then narrows his eyes at the boy. "You know, with Gravity Magic you'll probably be pretty tough even without using your Magic, so don't worry about it so much, it'll happen naturally."
"Huh, none of the books I read mentioned that stuff."
"Not surprising, Ability Type Wizards that can actually do this aren't very common, so the impression that Wizards are frail but can cast powerful explosive spells is still a bit common. Especially since for most Wizards, all their training is mental."
"So nobody will expect punching you to be like hitting a steel wall."
"Eh, the higher level you go the more common people with incredible physical power are," Gildarts shrugs. "When you get to hunting Dark Mages you'll understand what I mean, or just watch some of the fights around the guild."
"Gildarts!" Macao calls out as he approaches the training duo. He's wearing a sparkly blue tux with tassels, much to their amusement.
"Quit laughing, both of you, this is for the Phantasia Parade," Macao grumbles as Oberon and Gildarts barely manage to stop laughing. "Anyway, we'll be heading out to get into position soon."
"Oh, it's that late already," Gildarts looks at the sun that's almost touching the horizon. "Guess we should head out too before the shop closes."
"What shop?" Oberon asks.
"Oh, right," Gildarts facepalms. "Master asked me to take you to the Magic Shop before we head over to Macao's place to watch the parade, let's get going before it closes."
"I finally get to go to a Magic Shop, this is gonna be awesome!" Oberon quickly gathers his books from nearby and packs them into his bag.
"Hey, can you fly us both over there?" Gildarts asks.
"Even if I wasn't so tired after training, controlling multiple people at once is too hard," Oberon says.
"Alright, just make us light enough to jump really far," Gildarts says.
"Oh, yeah I can do that."
"Then hang on," Gildarts grabs Oberon and holds him under his arm like luggage.
"Wait, why are you holding me like---" Gildarts immediately jumps toward the town, and with the aid of Gravity Magic he easily clears half of Magnolia.
"Seriously, not even screaming, you're no fun," Gildarts grumbles as they soar through the air.
"I've been flying all day, falling isn't scary anymore," Oberon says as he looks at the city below. "Wow, way more lights than yesterday."
"Yeah, the parade is a pretty big deal, and lots of people save their big trick till the last minute," Gidarts says as they gently land on a rooftop, thanks to some Gravity Magic.
He sets down Oberon and walks to the edge of the building, casually walking off.
Oberon leaps off, easily using his Magic to soften the two-story drop into the alleyway. "Is that what Macao meant when he said they were going to get ready, so that when the parade starts nobody knows what they have prepared?"
"Pretty much, Fairy Tail always goes all out with the Phantasia Parade."
"Will Master Makarov be upset if I don't join the parade next year?" Oberon asks while they walk through the main street.
Every few steps someone calls out to Gildarts, politely greeting him, and a fair amount of people look nervous at the idea of having him near their homes or businesses.
"He won't really be mad about something like that, but you and I will be the only people not playing a part in it," Gildarts says.
"So everyone else likes dressing up like weirdos and doing magic tricks?"
"Nah, but the parade gets a lot of press, reporters from all over come to see it, so it's a good opportunity for the lesser-known Fairy Tail Wizards to get noticed, then clients might request them personally for a job."
"So it's for the attention, which makes them more money," Oberon sees Gildarts pointing at the Magic Shop Macaos showed him yesterday. "I guess that makes sense, but S-Class Mages like you don't need it so you can skip it."
"Pretty much," Gildarts says as they enter the shop. "Hey Gran, are you here?" he calls out loudly as they both enter.
"Just give me a moment dear," a gentle voice calls out from the other side of the room.
Oberon looks around at all the shelves, filled with glass cases that had glowing runes on them, preventing people from simply grabbing something off the shelf.
Although he's sure someone like Gildarts or Master Makarov could easily smash the runes, most people probably can't.
As they walk up to the counter, Oberon lags behind slightly, looking at all the items in the glass cases.
Wands, rings, and all sorts of other items that store Magic Spells, that way even regular people can have access to spells.
Not to mention the hundreds of different Lacrima -Crystals that store Magic Energy-, on display around the shop.
"I don't see any Magic Grimoires here," Oberon mutters.
"Because the more pricey items are in the reinforced storage room," an old woman says as she walks over to them, then moves to stand behind the counter. "If you have a request you can always tell me what you want. If I have it I'll bring it out, and if I don't I can special order it from another Magic Shop or specialized craftsman, but that will cost you more than just going there yourself."
"Good to see you're still kickin Gran, will you be closing up soon to go watch the parade?" Gildarts asks.
"Oh yes, my son spent quite a while building the parade float for our shop, I wouldn't miss it for the world," the woman says. "So, I assume Makarov sent you here for the special cards, yes?"
"Yeah, they're for this kid here," Gildarts nods toward Oberon. "Master Makarov thinks he's worth the investment, and I'm inclined to agree."
"Well if it's enough to have you acting responsible for a change, he must be," the woman says before walking into the backroom, leaving them at the counter.
"Tch, I'm usually responsible," Gildarts grumbles.
"Cards?" Oberon asks.
"Some special Card Magic items, I'll show you how to use them when we get to Macao's place," Gildarts says as the shopkeeper returns with a small wooden case.
"Here they are, four cards and two cases to hold them," she says while placing the wooden case on the counter. "Makarov is lucky I've got a friend who makes these, otherwise he would have been waiting weeks for more."
"We really appreciate it Gran'," Gildarts makes a small bow. "I hope you enjoy the parade."
"I always do, dear," she says before walking off.
"Alright, let's get out of here," Gildarts moves to grab the case, only to look at his hand and take a step back. "You know what, how about you carry that instead."
"How did you survive this long while being so clumsy with your Magic?" Oberon asks as he carefully picks up the case.
"Why do you think I'm so tough?" Gildarts asks as they leave the store and head over to Macao's apartment...
---10 Minutes Later...
"Did you see where Macao stashes his beer?" Gildarts asks while walking through Macao's small kitchen, searching the cabinets.
"No, maybe in his room," Oberon says while sitting on the couch, carefully opening the wooden case.
He opens it to see four black playing cards with two card sleeves, one black with a white Fairy Tail emblem, while the other is yellow with a black Fairy Tail emblem.
Oberon carefully picks up one of the cards, inspecting it, appreciating how smooth it is.
"I don't think it's metal, but it's tough," Oberon mutters.
"It's a special kind of Wyvern Scale," Gildarts says, leaning over the back of the couch.
Oberon looks back to see the man holding a large glass of ice and pouring rum from a small bottle into it.
"Found something better than beer," Gildarts says as he walks around and sits beside Oberon. "So, what can you tell me about those cards?"
"Well, they're heavier than playing cards, slightly thicker, and harder too since they aren't plastic, is there anything else?"
"Try passing some Magic into one, but save two of them for Laxus," Gildarts says.
"Sure," Oberon takes one of the cards and gently pushes some Magic Energy into it.
The card glows white for a moment as on the face of it a white Fairy Tail Emblem appears, the back remains unchanged.
'Are you kidding me, you aren't even trying to be subtle anymore, First Master,' Gildarts thinks as he sips his drink.
Oberon also notices the Fairy Tail Mark on his inner forearm glow for just a moment before returning to its normal black state.
"What was that?" he asks while poking the mark, "I thought this was just like Magic paint."
"For most guilds yes, but in Fairy Tail the Guild Mark is special, it connects our hearts, don't think anything of it," Gildarts expertly speaks his half-truth.
"Ok, so what does this do?" Oberon holds up the card.
"Well Card Magic is among the most versatile and common of all Magics, even for Holder Type Magics," Gildarts says. "But instead of storing spells for combat, these are for storage of items...like those super priceless books Master Makarov loaned you."
"Ohh, so he gave me these to protect the books?" Oberon asks.
"Yeah, these are pretty expensive so usually only nobles have them, makes traveling with all their silly luggage easier. Two for you, and two for Laxus."
"Laxus? Does he have some awesome books too?"
"Nah, Master Makarov just didn't want him to feel left out, can't have his grandson getting jealous after all," Gildarts says as he refills his glass. "Those cards can't store living things and have limited space, so use them wisely. They also can't be used by anyone but whoever imprinted their Magic Energy into it, so you can't loan them out."
"But, what if something happens to me and the books are trapped in there?"
"The Master can crack them open if needed, and I'm sure he has some way to track those books, but enough talk, try it out."
"Finally, some new Magic!" Oberon says as he takes the black and white card sleeve and touches the card with it.
Flowing his Magic Energy into it, the card glows for a moment before the face changes, showing the card sleeve like a picture on it.
"Just remember you can't store anything that's too magical inside them," Gildarts says, but Oberon is too busy constantly taking the card sleeve in and out of storage to listen.
After activating the second card Oberon takes out his books and places them in it, then puts both cards in the sleeve and shoves it into his pocket.
"Wow, this is way better than a backpack," Oberon says.
"Must be nice," Gildarts grumbles. "Do me a favor and give those to Laxus when you see him tomorrow, I don't want to accidentally break them."
"Sure thing, h---"
The sound of fireworks going off interrupts them, startling Oberon.
"---What was that?"
"Fireworks, means the Phantasia Parade is starting. Let's head up to the roof to get a good view."
---Moments Later...
"Wow!" Oberon's eyes go wide to soak in all the colors of the parade as the different floats go through the main street. "Is it always like this?"
"Every year," Gildarts says with a broad smile on his face. "People come from all over the country to see it, and it's always a great show to bring kids to."
After a few marching bands pass by and Oberon can hear his own voice again, he sees children waving Fairy Tail flags in the crowd.
"Do you have any kids?" Oberon asks Gildarts.
"Nah, being S-Class means you're away for months or years at a time, not something my ex-wife appreciated, and I'm sure if I had kids they'd hate it too," Gildarts says with obvious sadness in his voice.
"Oh, but, if you want that, then why not quit?"
Gildarts downs his drink and begins refilling his glass.
"You know, when I was younger I considered that," Gildarts says. "When I first met Cornelia, that's my ex-wife. But every time I completed an S-Class Job, or worse, one of those S-Class Emergency Requests."
"What's that?"
"Could be anything really. A volcano about to explode, villages collapsing, usually its wild monsters or demons destroying towns or cities," Gildarts sighs. "Hundreds of people, if not a lot, lot more, can die if there isn't anyone there to handle these requests."
"Is that what S-Class Wizards do?"
"Nah, not all of them, but some Guilds, like Fairy Tail, submit a list of Wizards for that kind of thing, and I'm the only one in our Guild on that list," Gildarts says. "I've saved hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people by now. If I quit, who would save them?"
"Other Wizards would, right?"
"That's the thing, there aren't many Wizards as powerful as me, there aren't enough of us," Gildarts says. "So Cornelia and I decided that it would be pretty selfish to stay home instead of helping people."
Gildarts feels the mood become more tense, even as Oberon continues watching the parade.
So he ruffles the boy's hair and gives a hearty laugh.
"But this is way better, the world is too big to be tied down to one place, too many adventures out there waiting for brave men like us, don't ya think?"
Oberon smiles, "Yeah, especially when you've spent all your life in one village until now."
"Exactly, in a world full of adventure, beautiful places, and incredible women, you owe it to yourself as a man to explore it all!" Gildarts downs his drink and pours the last of the bottle into his glass.
"Look, it's Fairy Tail!" Oberon points down at the floats as his guildmates finally pass by them. "The Guild has a lot more people than I realized."
"Almost eighty people," Gildarts says. "Pretty incredible, right?"
"Yeah," Oberon goes silent as he takes in all the color and lights. The Magics being used to entertain the crowd, dancing, and singing. Along with the parade floats his guildmates built.
And eventually, on the last parade float of Fairy Tail's section, at the very top of what looks like a giant yellow and pink cake.
Master Makarov and Laxus were performing a show with their Magic, ending with Laxus creating a Fairy Tail Emblem out of lightning above the float.
Then lifting his right hand high, index finger pointing at the sky, and thumb facing outward.
And a moment later all the Fairy Tail Wizards do the same pose.
Oberon looks on, confused, only for Gildarts to nudge him.
He then looks over to see Gildarts standing on the roof, doing the same pose.
"It's a Fairy Tail thing, means that even if we can't see each other, we're always looking out for each other, no matter what."
Oberon smiles and immediately copies Gildarts, "Being in a Wizard Guild is really awesome."
"Damn right about that," Gildarts says.
As the final Fairy Tail parade float passes by, Laxus and Oberon look directly at each other.
And an understanding is silently made, that this Guild, it's theirs, and they won't let anyone ruin it.
END CHAPTER---
Discord: discord .gg /eHuxNeZfyS [Come chat with me]
pat.reon: Keanu_Eugene [Read ahead & support me]
You.tube: @KeanuEugene [Giving away all my writing knowledge]