The Magic of Three

Chapter 6

Erza also had a familiar who was once a warlock. He was once one of the greatest warlocks of all time, Makarov Dreyar. He wise and fair and just, almost adored by magic user, mortal, and monster alike. Well he used to be adored that is, but years back he had been made the scapegoat for the mysterious murder of the ambassador between magic users and monsters. Porlyuscia was the only member on the witch's council who defended him and she was overruled by majority, this led to poor Makarov having to spend a hundred years as a witch familiar just like his grandson. He was transformed into a great Barred Owl, one with large eyes full of experience and wisdom.

Irene, being one of the few witches who believed in Makarov's innocence, chose him to be Erza's familiar. She knew that he would prove to be more than just a suitable guide for her daughter. He would help her achieve greatness, and probably become the greatest witch in their entire family. But Makarov was more than just a guide to Erza, he was also her only confidant. Someone whom she could confess her troubles and true emotions to without feeling as though she was burdening him. But best of all, he sheltered her from the awful darkness that was her father.

When Irene Scarlet reached her 20th year her father had arranged for her to marry the warlock Rung Belserion. They weren't in love but his
magic was equal to Irene's in every aspect and he had been a loyal apprentice to Lord Scarlet for years, so the two were considered to be a perfect match by arrangement standards. At first all was well within their marriage, no love bloomed between them but they were amicable. Then the birth of their first and only child came, and that's what sparked the abuse.

Rung had expected Irene to give him a son yet it was a daughter that she had brought into the world. A useless daughter he had called Erza, and his disappointment turned to rage which he took out on his wife. This led to many fights and marital problems.

Many nights little Erza had cried over the discord between her parents and Makarov would just soothe the tiny girl the best way he could. Other times he would write to Anna, asking her to come by and take Erza for a few days so she wouldn't be too exposed to such wretchedness. Makarov always made certain that Erza would never be left alone with her father, and if that hate-filled man had ever tried to raise a hand to the child, he would end up having talon marks over his eyes. He was a familiar and it was a familiar's job to protect and watch over the magic user they were assigned to, and portect and watch over he would.

"I'm really glad you're coming with me Makarov." Erza told the owl as they waited at the train station for her uncle and cousin to arrive. "But are you sure you want to come? You won't be able to do as much in the Mortal Realm."

"Honestly I could do with a change of enviorment." The owl spoke. "And I've always wanted to observe how mortals live their daily lives and how magic users adapt to living in that world.Plus I'll get to see the lovely Anna again, hoo-hoo!"

"Makarov you dirty old man in owl's clothing!" Irene scolded. "Don't you even think about it! Besides, you know she never really moved on from my grandfather."

"And I never really moved on from Renée but I still get lonely."

"I seriously doubt that Nanny will be interested in a bird." Erza said.

"Wait a hundred years, she'll change her mind. Back in the day, I couldn't keep the witches off me."

"Back in the day perhaps." Irene said. "But wasn't your previous form short and blading?"

The owl sighed in disappointment.

"You hit your four-hundreth year and then everything goes."

Erza rubbed her knuckles against his feathers in a comforting manner.