In the beginning of time, the "void" existed...
"Life" was nonexistent...
All "existential" concepts were nonexistent...
They could not be comprehended...
And so, "existence" was created from the "nonexistent"...
From this, a force superior to all emerged, living between existence and nonexistence...
This being... was the "origin" of everything that would come to exist...
Origin, the ancestral creator goddess...
Feeling "alone," she created the concept of "end," embodied by her first and only love, the "End," a being named Fine, a part of her existential concept...
Together, they created all of creation... existences... worlds... gods... creatures... humans...
But their love came to an end when Fine was attacked and robbed by an Extraordinary Being, who stole his divine concept...
Origin, in her first feelings of "anger" and "hatred," stripped the concept of "end" that had been stolen from Fine. As he neared death without his concept, another ancestral existential concept was bound to his being...
The divine concept of "Bond"... the concept that would forever tie his existence to Origin's existence...
Fearing that Fine's divine concept would be stolen again, she brought "death" to her first and only ideal partner... seeking to give "origin" to his divine concept, "Bond"...
And so, from this pursuit of the true meaning of Bond, our story begins...
At a boarding school for troubled children, called Yand, there were many children of different age groups, from eight to fourteen years old. It was a private institution, and as a boarding school, many parents simply dropped their children off there.
In the sports gymnasium, located just behind the boarding school, there were all kinds of sports training imaginable: volleyball, futsal, soccer, tennis, and much more. But one area in particular was crowded—not with people inside or playing, but gathered around it. It was the pool.
Teacher: What's going on? he asked, not understanding the commotion.
Student 1: It seems a student went to the bottom of the pool and hasn't come up yet! she exclaimed, pointing to the pool.
Teacher: Who? he asked, letting a bit of his panic show.
Student 1: Natsu Dragneel!
Teacher: The troublemaker?
At the pool's edge, a dark-haired boy was crouched, with two crutches by his side. He stared intently at the water, worried.
"Natsu, come on, you idiot, there are already too many people here…" he thought, fixating on the spot where the pink-haired boy was.
The water was crystal clear, making it easy to see what was inside. At that moment, Natsu Dragneel, the most troublesome student at Yand Private Academy, was at the bottom of the pool, where he had been for five minutes. Natsu was twelve years old and had been at Yand for a year. He was of average height, with a tanned body, pink hair sticking out in all directions, and onyx eyes that often shifted to a sea-green hue. Almost always, a mischievous smile played on his lips.
Natsu, sitting calmly on the cold ceramic at the bottom of the pool, looked at the commotion above. "What's going on?" he wondered, confused, watching the wavy shapes of people through the water. He sighed, even though it shouldn't have been possible. "Why did I have to come to this school?" He hugged his knees, resting his face between them. "I don't have any friends, except for Gray… But everyone mocks him because he's disabled, so I have to defend him… Even so… I don't like this school…"
On the surface, everyone was terrified.
Teacher: Where's the swimming coach?! he exclaimed in panic.
Swimming Coach: I'm here! Where's the student?
Student 2: In the same place he hasn't left! she replied sarcastically.
Swimming Coach: Why, you insolent child…
Student 3: You need to help him! he shouted hysterically.
Swimming Coach: Alright! He stepped back from the pool, ran quickly, and dove in.
All Students: Ooooh… they murmured, impressed.
The swimming coach swam to the deep end of the pool but, upon reaching it, couldn't find the pink-haired boy. "Where's the kid?" He looked around, unable to locate Natsu.
Outside the pool, everyone was anxious, even the teachers, who were supposed to stay calm to reassure the students.
Gray: What the hell are you doing down there, Natsu? He stared intensely at the water, seeing only the coach resurface.
Swimming Coach: I couldn't find him! He's not down there… he exclaimed, as everyone's anxiety only grew.
Student 1: Did he dissolve in the water?! he shouted in panic.
Student 5: The chlorine must've dissolved him!
Student 4: He must've gone down the drain!
Student 2: No! He was eaten by piranhas!
Natsu: Who was eaten by piranhas? he asked calmly, standing behind all the students, drawing their attention.
Student 3: Kyaaaaa! It's his ghost! He's come back to take us because we didn't save him! Save yourselves!
All the students started running back and forth, screaming.
Minutes later, in the principal's office, Natsu sat in a chair, still in his swim trunks. In front of him was a man seated in a leather chair, at least forty years old, wearing a dark gray coat and with strands of gray hair. Beside Natsu was the swimming coach, wearing only his swimwear, and on the other side, his algebra teacher, Rinza, who was glaring at him, scaring him as always.
Principal: Ahem… he cleared his throat, as if something was stuck. This month alone, Mr. Dragneel… he raised his tired eyes. You destroyed the cafeteria with a food fight, killed the classroom hamster, somehow blew up the boys' bathroom, and now you've caused the biggest commotion this school has seen in at least nine years…
Natsu: Just so you know… he gave an awkward smile.
Principal: I'd like to know what I should do with you…
Rinza: How about expelling him? she suggested, smiling coldly at the pink-haired boy.
Natsu's eyes widened at his teacher's suggestion. "Please, Principal, don't expel me!" he begged, slamming his hands on the desk, startling the principal. "My mother is doing everything to pay for this school! So, please, don't expel me!" he pleaded, feeling guilty.
The principal sighed. "Alright, Mr. Dragneel… I won't expel you…"
Natsu sighed in relief, smiling afterward. "Thank you…"
Principal: I really don't want to expel you, Mr. Dragneel… he looked at the boy. Your grades are the best in the school. Even with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), you've managed to take this school from the nineteenth to the fifth best in Manhattan in just one year… he looked into Natsu's eyes. That's why I don't want to expel you; you're excellent in all subjects, and I want you to keep it that way… Understood?
Natsu nodded.
Principal: But… he caught Natsu's attention. If you, 'by some chance,' cause any more trouble, I'll have no choice but to expel you. He looked at Natsu seriously.
Natsu: Yes… he whispered.
Principal: Are we understood, Mr. Dragneel?
Natsu: Yes… he whispered again.
Principal: Excellent, I hope we've come to an understanding, Mr. Dragneel… You may go change… he signaled to the teacher to open the door for Natsu, who was already walking in that direction. Oh, one more thing, Mr. Dragneel… he called, making Natsu turn back. I hope you don't cause any trouble, please… Especially tomorrow, during the field trip… Given your history with school trips… Well, you can imagine. he said awkwardly.
Natsu: Alright… Before leaving the principal's office, he glanced at the teacher who opened the door, noticing her eyes blink vertically, like a reptile's. Creepy… he thought, trembling.
Rinza: Next time… she whispered coldly, paralyzing Natsu. You won't stay here… You'll be expelled… And when that happens… she smiled coldly. I'll be able to do what I want with you… Her eyes gleamed with sadistic intent.
Natsu swallowed hard, running out of the principal's office.
When he stopped running, leaning against a wall, Natsu's breathing was uneven. "Damn…" he panted. "What the hell… Teacher Rinza is terrifying…"
Gray: I think so too…
Natsu: Gah! he jumped, startled. It's just you, Gray… he calmed down upon seeing who it was.
The dark-haired boy in front of Natsu smiled.
Natsu: Gray? Still here? I thought you'd already gone to the dorm.
Gray: Nope, not yet. I was waiting for you here. He leaned his crutch, which he needed to walk, against the wall. Here, you idiot. He tossed a backpack to Natsu. Your clothes are in there; let's go to the locker room so you can change…
Natsu: Hmm… Thanks…
In the boys' locker room, Natsu changed in front of his locker, while Gray sat on a bench between the lockers, eating a snack.
Natsu: You know, I'm thinking about skipping tomorrow's field trip… he said calmly.
Gray: What? He looked at Natsu, stunned, dropping his snack on the floor. You're kidding, right? You've got to be kidding… he laughed nervously.
Natsu: No, Gray, you know, I don't see why I should go… I'm basically already passing; I don't need the field trip.
Gray: But, man, it might be important. Maybe they'll give a test worth points… he tried to encourage Natsu to go. Besides, it's mandatory, remember?
Natsu: But I don't want to go… he grumbled, sulking. If I go on this field trip, something's bound to go wrong…
Gray: Why? he asked, confused.
Natsu: Haven't I told you? He turned to Gray, now wearing Yand Academy's uniform neatly. In every school I've been to, I get expelled… He sat next to Gray, grabbing an apple from his bag. And on the last field trips I went on, I ended up doing something wrong and ruined the whole trip… So it'd be better if I didn't go… he sighed.
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Natsu…" a voice echoed through the boys' locker room.
Natsu: Huh? He turned, seeing a man in a wheelchair enter the room. Mr. Bilger? He saw the man with caramel-colored hair, so dark it was almost red, enter the locker room.
His hair reached his shoulders. The man wore a gentle smile. He was practically a beast, even in a wheelchair; his physique could break anyone in half. His short caramel-colored beard gave him a serious expression, even if he didn't intend it. A cloth covered his legs, and no one had ever seen what was beneath it, sparking a rumor that anyone who saw his legs would be swallowed by a wormhole.
Natsu: What are you doing here? he asked suspiciously.
Bilger: Hmm, how can I put it… His playful smile widened. I heard this is the room for the depressed, so I came to join in…
Gray: Depressed? He looked at Bilger, confused.
Bilger: Yes, depressed… Look… He pointed at Gray. We have a cripple here… Gray turned red with anger. And this same kid has a weird fetish for stealing and eating peanut butter with milk every night… Gray gave an awkward smile, looking down at the floor. Then we have the troublemaker… He pointed at Natsu, who looked confused. That's right, Natsu, the troublemaker who, in just one year, turned this school upside down. Natsu gave an awkward smile. And me, the handsome and hot history and Latin teacher, but paralyzed. He smirked confidently, making both boys' foreheads pulse with veins.
Natsu/Gray: Yeah, right… they muttered under their breath.
Bilger: What did you say? He pulled a clipboard from his lap. Want me to deduct points from both of you? Because if that's the case… He grinned wickedly, making both boys sweat.
Natsu/Gray: No… they smiled awkwardly.
Bilger: Great… He smiled kindly, making Natsu and Gray indignant. But, Natsu… He looked at the pink-haired boy with a questioning gaze. Why don't you want to go on the field trip? he asked, confused.
Natsu: I just don't want to go, Mr. Bilger… He averted his eyes from Bilger's.
Bilger and Gray exchanged nervous glances.
Gray: You know, Natsu, you should go… He gave an awkward smile, encouraging Natsu. You can't stay here at the school alone, even if some teachers stay behind.
Natsu: Why not? I can just make up an excuse, and then I won't have to go… he grumbled, sulking. Besides, you can cover for me, right? he asked with a pleading look.
Bilger shook his head firmly.
Natsu: Eh? Why not, Mr. Bilger?
Bilger: For the simple reason that you, Natsu, must go on the field trip to the museum. It'll be important; I'll ask questions worth points, so you'd better go. No arguments. He cut Natsu off as he was about to protest.
Natsu: But I don't need more points, Mr. Bilger… he complained. Besides, I'm one of the best students in the academy.
Bilger: I know that, Natsu… he was interrupted.
Natsu: So! I don't need to go, right?
Bilger: You're very mistaken, Natsu. You're going. I don't want you staying here at the school alone… So, you're going on the field trip, and that's final! he exclaimed firmly.
Natsu: Fine… he sighed. I'll go, Mr. Bilger… He looked down at the floor.
Bilger sighed. "Natsu," he called, making Natsu lift his face. "I want you to take this with you on the field trip…" He pulled a pen from his pocket, entirely coated in gold, and placed it in Natsu's hands.
Natsu: What's this? He held the pen up to his face. A writing pen? Why'd you give me this, Gildarts? he asked, puzzled, moving his thumb toward the top.
Bilger: Don't do that! he shouted, startling Natsu. That's a powerful weapon, Natsu… He pointed at the pen, making Natsu sweat. Be careful with it… Don't forget to put it in your bag… And don't press the button on top unless you're in danger, understood?
Natsu: Y-Yes… He tucked the pen into his pocket. Well, Mr. Bilger… He stood, grabbing his backpack and slinging it over his shoulders. I'm heading to my dorm… He waved to Gray and Bilger.
Bilger: Hold on, Natsu… He stopped Natsu. I want you to really go on the field trip, got it?
Natsu sighed in defeat and nodded.
Bilger: Great… He smiled. I'll see you both tomorrow at the museum field trip… We'll see all the Olympian gods! he exclaimed, watching Natsu leave the locker room.
Natsu: I think he's getting overwhelmed… He pulled the pen from his pocket, holding it up to his face. This, a weapon? He laughed. No way this could be a weapon… He tucked the pen back into his pocket. But still, I feel like I'll regret going on this field trip… he thought calmly.
Behind Natsu, Gray and Bilger were whispering.
Gray: …Wouldn't it be better to take him to the Camp now? he asked quietly. Maybe he'd be safer there…
Bilger: Don't worry, Gray. First, we need to see if he has the same powers as his mother… Or confirm if he's really his son…
Gray: But we know he's his father! And his mother already confirmed it! Her word is worth more than a law made by the Molten Hoof Council! he exclaimed, indignant. So why test him?
Bilger: I told you not to worry, Gray… We need to test him because of the prophecy… And after that, we'll take him to the Camp safely… He looked at Natsu, who walked carefree with his backpack over his shoulders.
The next day, four school buses were parked in front of Yand Academy, with all seventh-grade students divided among them.
Natsu: I hate crowded places… He looked around, seeing the chaos the students were causing.
Student 1: Die! he shouted, throwing paper balls at other students.
Student 2: You won't beat me! he yelled, also throwing paper balls.
Behind a seat where two girls sat, two boys each held a shoebox.
Student 4: Hehe… he laughed quietly. On three… He signaled, seeing his friend nod. One… Two… Three! They stood quickly, dumping the contents of the boxes onto the girls.
Student Girl 1: Kyaaaaa! Cockroaches! Gross! Help! Please, get these things off me! she screamed alongside her friend, while all the kids on the bus laughed.
Natsu sighed. "Just another day at Yand…" he whispered.
Gray: Yup… He agreed, eating an orange, peel and all. Just another day… he grumbled.
Natsu: Hmm… Can I ask you something? He gave an awkward smile.
Gray: Aren't you already asking?
Natsu had a vein pulsing on his forehead. "Can I ask two questions then?"
Gray: Hmm… Now we're talking… Go ahead… He smiled.
Natsu: Why don't you try peeling the orange? He watched Gray eat the fruit with the peel.
Gray: Because it tastes better this way…
Natsu: Uh, got it… he muttered, sweating.
Rinza: Quiet down, you pests! she shouted, clearly in a bad mood.
All the students obeyed without hesitation, fearing her and what she might do to them.
Bilger: Alright, everyone, it's time to go! he exclaimed, boarding the bus with another teacher's help.
All Students: Yaaay! They cheered, jumping in their seats, excited for the field trip.
Natsu/Gray: Yawn… they said without enthusiasm.
Some time later, as the buses parked at the museum, the teachers led the students inside, showing them the artworks and statues the museum had to offer.
Bilger: …And this is Hercules fighting the Nemean Lion… And that was just the beginning of Hercules' twelve labors… he explained calmly. He moved his wheelchair forward, stopping in front of three three-meter-tall statues. And here we have the three greats… He pointed at the statues. Does anyone know who they were? he asked, looking at the students.
All the students murmured among themselves, unable to recall the names.
Bilger: No one? He looked around, seeing everyone avoid his gaze. Really, no one knows? His eyes landed on Natsu, sparkling with excitement. Natsu?
Natsu: Hm?
Bilger: Tell me the names of the three great Olympian gods… He smiled challengingly.
Natsu: The three greats… he murmured thoughtfully. Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon, he said calmly, blushing as he noticed all the other students staring at him, surprised by how casually he answered.
Bilger: Well done… He clapped. Wonderful, I thought no one remembered… But, Mr. Dragneel, how do you know their names? And what did each of them represent in mythology?
Natsu: Well… He cleared his throat awkwardly. That one… He pointed to the middle statue. The one holding a spear-like weapon, that's Zeus, the God of the Sky and Earth, holding the Lightning Bolt… That one… He pointed to the statue on the left. That's Hades, God of the Underworld, holding the Fork of Hades… And that one… He pointed to the last statue. That's Poseidon, God of the Seas, his weapon is the Trident… he answered.
He sighed but gave an awkward laugh when he noticed everyone still staring at him.
Bilger: Who taught you about each of them? he asked curiously.
Natsu: Well… He chuckled softly, remembering. My mom's kind of into mythology, so I ended up learning a bit…
Bilger: I see… He smiled. Moving on. There aren't just the Olympian gods… There are also the minor gods… he continued explaining.
Natsu sighed in relief, noticing everyone had stopped staring at him.
Gray: Awesome, man! he whispered, nudging Natsu's shoulder with his fist.
Natsu: Thanks… He gave an awkward smile.
A few hours later, everyone was bored. They had listened to everything Bilger said. They were hungry, tired, and exhausted from standing and walking back and forth, listening to Bilger explain every detail of ancient Greece.
Bilger: Alright, everyone! The field trip's over for now. Go grab your snacks and eat, because I still have a lot to teach! He smiled cheerfully.
All Students: Ugggh… They groaned in frustration.
Student 3: Damn, we still have to learn more? he complained, sulking.
Student 1: Yeah, man… This field trip's so boring! he replied to his friend.
All the students scattered to eat their snacks and chat, leaving Gray, Bilger, and Natsu behind.
Gray: Looks like they don't like the Olympian gods…
Bilger: I know… Kids these days don't care about the gods and their legends anymore… he sighed.
Natsu: Um… Mr. Bilger… he called the man. Can I go to the cafeteria? he asked, giving an awkward smile.
Bilger: Hmm… Sure…
Natsu: Alright! he exclaimed and ran to the cafeteria.
Natsu sighed. "This line's huge…" He saw the line curve around the hallway. "And all this just because they're selling burgers…" He glanced to the side, seeing Teacher Rinza staring at him sternly. "Why does she stare at me so much?"
The strict and malicious dark-haired teacher was considered the best at Yand Academy, the stern Rinza, teacher of English, algebra, and other subjects.
Natsu: She stares at me like she wants to kill me… A chill ran down his spine. Damn, she's coming toward me…
Natsu was genuinely scared, watching the dark-haired woman approach closer and closer.
Rinza: Dragneel, come with me, please… she ordered coldly.
Natsu: Yes, ma'am… he murmured.
Natsu began following the woman.
Student 1: Die in peace, Dragneel…
Student Girl 1: I feel bad for him…
Student 3: Can I have your money when you die? he joked, making the others laugh.
Natsu: How kind… he growled, muttering sarcastically.
They walked to a closed-off section of the museum.
Natsu: So, Ms. Rinza… Why'd you bring me here? If it's about something they're accusing me of, it wasn't me! he exclaimed, turning to see the teacher staring at the floor intently. Ms. Rinza, are you okay? he asked, concerned.
When she raised her face, Rinza's eyes were completely black. "Where is it?" she asked in a deep, cutting voice like steel.
Natsu backed away, tripping and falling to the floor. "'Where is it,' what?" he asked, trembling, eyes wide.
Rinza: Don't play dumb… she growled, slowly approaching Natsu. Where is Virgo Dragneel? she asked again, her voice sounding like a choking squirrel.
Natsu: What do you want with my mom? he asked, confused.
Rinza: I want to talk… She gave a sinister smile. So, tell me where she is…
Natsu: No! he exclaimed, trembling.
Rinza: If you won't tell me willingly where she is… she retorted, her back contorting. You'll tell me by force! she exclaimed, her clothes tearing apart.
Natsu stared at his teacher, wide-eyed and utterly shocked. She had shed her clothes, revealing bat-like wings, claws on her hands and feet, and forward-curved knees. Most bizarrely, her flattened head had fish-like eyes, sharp teeth, and deformed skin.
Natsu: What are you? he asked, horrified.
Rinza roared, flapping her wings and gliding above the floor. "Natsu Dragneel!" she roared again, flying toward him.
Natsu threw his body to the side, rolling and crashing into some nearby vases. "Argh… What are you doing, Ms. Rinza?" he asked, stunned.
Rinza: What am I doing? She laughed coldly. Nothing… I just want you to tell me where Virgo Dragneel is…
Natsu: What does she want with my mom so badly…? He stared at his former teacher's deformed face. "I won't tell you where my mom is!" he exclaimed.
Rinza: Then die! She flapped her wings, flying toward Natsu.
Natsu stood frozen, trembling. "Damn! What can I do?" He closed his eyes. "There's nothing I can use to defend myself…"
The world seemed to stop for Natsu. He felt his pocket grow heavy and opened his eyes wide, remembering the pen Bilger had given him the day before. Trusting his words, he clicked the pen.
A sword grew in his hand, gleaming with beautiful silver light.
Teacher Rinza, now a deformed creature with grotesque wings, stopped, hovering in the air. "Argh! Celestial bronze!" she exclaimed with disdain.
Natsu stared at the blade, his eyes shining. "Mr. Bilger…" He smiled. But his happy expression turned bitter as he faced his former teacher, still hovering. "What do you want?" he asked, brandishing his sword.
Rinza: I just want to talk, Natsu… She smiled coldly. I want to know where your mother, Virgo Dragneel, hid the Legendary Weapons…
Natsu: Legendary Weapons? he repeated, confused, lowering the blade. What are those?
In a fraction of a second, as Natsu lowered the blade, Rinza bared her sharp fangs even wider.
Rinza: Yes… She grinned widely, seeing Natsu lower his weapon. Now, tell me! She flapped her wings, charging at Natsu again.
Natsu's eyes widened in fear. But with his mind clouded and acting on pure instinct, he raised the sword, dodging Rinza's charge, slicing her wing, and spinning his wrist to cut her in half.
A pile of ash fell to the floor like snow from the sky. His breathing was erratic. He stared, terrified, at the small pile of ash in front of him.
Natsu: Argh… Argh… Argh… What was she, anyway? he asked, trembling, staring at the ash pile.
The entrance door creaked open loudly, startling Natsu, who raised his sword again. But when he recognized who entered, he relaxed.
Natsu: Mr. Bilger…
Bilger: Hello, Natsu. He entered, accompanied by Gray. A Fury… So the presence I faintly sensed was a Fury…
Natsu: What's going on?
Gray: Nothing… he replied gently, entering the room.
Bilger: You know what to do, right, Gray? He saw Gray nod. Take him to his mother and tell her it's time. We can't hide him anymore, especially now.
Gray: Alright… He placed Natsu's arm over his shoulder, helping him up as Natsu had fallen to his knees. Let's go, Natsu… We can't miss the bus… He started walking with Natsu.
Natsu: What's happening? he asked, completely confused.
Gray: Don't worry. He smiled gently. Your mom will explain… He led Natsu out of the room.
Bilger: A Fury hiding in the school… He stared at the pile of ash on the floor. I wasn't paying enough attention… He sighed. And now? How will Natsu fare from today onward…