Fairy Tail's Demon God

Chapter 21: Distant Memories

Ryuga: "So? What was it that was so important you couldn't tell me over a hologram?"

Ryuga was currently sitting at a table across from his father, Ziminiar. They were in the Demon God's office, where most of the paperwork and negotiations were taken place. The office, contrary to popular belief, was surprisingly simple. It had a wooden table with a few chairs laid out, and... that was about it. Of course, piles of paper resembling hills spread out across the desk, but Ryuga figured this meeting had nothing to do with any of them. His father said nothing but took a glance at Sylvia standing next to him.

Ziminiar: "First, Sylvia, leave us."

For a split-second, Sylvia widened her eyes, but she immediately regained her composure, as a first-class maid should. She bowed to Ryuga first, then Ziminiar.

Sylvia: "Then, by your command."

She walked out of the room and closed the door. It was a couple of seconds later, after confirming that she was gone, that Ziminiar spoke.

Ziminiar: "You know I'm not a fan of beating around the bush."

Ryuga felt a bead of sweat run down his forehead. Normally, his father was a kind and gentle man, but, every now and then, he showed his true colors... A great king who has brought his country through many battles. That was the look Ryuga was getting now. Ziminiar's eyes had no kindness in them, they were even sharper than Ryuga's. Ryuga could feel the back of his throat getting a little dry as his nervousness grew.

Ryuga: "So it's that serious huh?"

Ziminiar: "Indeed. I'll just say it straight... I got a messenger today from the sole survivor of the 34th Scout Division."

Ryuga almost gasped. He knew exactly what the purpose was of the 34th Scout Division, rather, he could not forget it even if he wanted.

Ryuga: "So I'm to take it as... It's him?"

Ziminiar: "Yes. The sole survivor was left alive on purpose, to give us, no, in particular, you a message."

Ryuga: "Where is this messenger?"

Ziminiar: "Dead. As soon as he spoke the last word of his message, he died instantly."

Ziminiar watched as his son bit his thumb so hard it started bleeding. He was, too, worried, but what his son felt must have been far worse.

Ryuga: "He's gotten even stronger?"

Ziminiar: "It would seem so, and it also seems like he's not caring anymore about being clean. As long as it's in his way, he will destroy it without hesitation. He's coming for you, son. Perhaps it's best if you come home."

Ryuga looked at his father with pleading eyes, but they soon turned dark and he furrowed his brow. He looked off to his right, almost sneering at himself.

Ryuga: "No. I can't drag anyone into this. It's my fault, it's my responsibility to stop him."

Ziminiar: "But are you sure you can stop him on your own?" Ryuga's eyes narrowed.

Ryuga: "If I get distracted for even a sec-no, half that, I'll probably die. That's all the more reason why I have to do it on my own. I can't let anyone get caught up in our feud." 

Ziminiar leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily. It was so heavy, in fact, that Ryuga couldn't help but sigh also. It was, obviously, a very stressful topic for the both of them.

Ziminiar: "Listen, son.." He leaned forward in his chair, looking Ryuga in the eyes. "I don't think what you did was wrong."

Ryuga looked down at his hands as if recalling a distant memory.