The Multi-Maker Mage

Ultear Learns of Alice

After Alex gave the group the okay to head back to their camp, she promised Kyla she'd return within the hour. Alex headed up the beach to where Ultear and Meledy stood, waiting.

"Could I ask a favor of you?" Alex said it seriously.

"Of course, Little Cousin, what do you need me to do?" Ultear said.

"I recently found out that my little sister, Alice, is still alive." Ultear looked shocked. "She came to visit me when I was at the guildhall and left me with a note." Alex handed the note to Ultear. "I was wondering if you could get any information about where she is. I know you've been working closely with Jellal Fernades."

Ultear looked the note over and looked at Alex. "I can't read this. I've never seen this language before."

"It's German. Our parents taught us when we were young so that if we ever found ourselves in a situation where we couldn't talk openly in front of others, we could still communicate. It says,"

Dearest Onēsan,

Let's play a game, like when we were kids.

How about hide and seek? Hehe, come find me.

If you find me within the next year, you can have your dear Imōto back.

XOXO,

Alice Ayuma

"I know she's being controlled by a necromancer. I watched her die in my arms after Delioria attacked our home. My parents perished in the same attack. I barely made it out alive, then I found Aunt Ur, and she took me in and trained me in her maker magic. I'm sorry to have sprung this on you, but now that you know, you must stay vigilant. She uses identity virus magic. Once she knows your name, she can use it against you. She's already gotten to Kyla, but she refuses to call me by name for some reason. Master thinks she may have placed a subconscious barrier around me that keeps her from saying my name." Alex said. Ultear and Meledy listened intently before Meledy spoke up. "Did you get all that, Jellal?"

Alex looked at her with a confused look.

"Oh, sorry, I should have told you from the beginning. We have been telepathically speaking with Jellal in case something went awry. We didn't mean to deceive you." Meledy said it with her hands up.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Jellal fell beside them. He held his hands up in surrender.

"I come in peace. I want to apologize for the past. I have been working with Ultear and Meledy to try and rewrite the wrongs we have done in the past." He said. Alex simply nodded in agreement. "If you don't mind, I'd like to join this request. In exchange, we'd like to ask you a favor too. In the past years, we've noticed dark magic around the Grand Magic Games. We would like you to help look into it. We can't get close because I'm an escaped convict, and they are running from the council."

"Of course. It's the least I can do for you," Alex said with gratitude. "I can't do it alone, though. I will have to tell my team." Jellal gave her a nod of go-ahead.

Alex turned after bidding the trio farewell and headed back to the hotel. When she returned, she gathered everyone to let them in on the plans.

The next day, everyone started the journey back home. Lucy was asking Alex questions about her magic.

"So if I summon Loke, could you copy his Regulus Impact?" Lucy inquired. Alex shook her head.

"No, I can only copy maker magic. I can only use my Night of Shining Stars spell because I saw one of Sabertooth's mages use it in the GMG a few years ago. But if I'm forced into weapons combat, I can always use this," Alex cast her Hell's Scythe spell. "It takes a good portion of my magic power, but I only use it as a last resort. You know, now that my second origin is open, that didn't completely drain me." At the sight of Alex's scythe, Erza tuned in to the conversation.

"How are you able to use such a dangerous weapon? Not even I can wield a scythe," Erza said in fascination.

"I was taught by a skilled swordmaster when I was younger. That and this scythe is made from my blood, so it would never harm me directly," Alex explained. "I can teach you to wield a scythe if you want, but first, let's go and win the GMG." Everyone nodded to Alex.

A few days later, Team Fairy Tail arrived at the city where the Grand Magic Games would be taking place. Crocus, the Flower Blooming Capital, was as big as it was full. Alex, Gray, Lucy, Wendy, Natsu, Erza, Carla, Happy, and Kyla sit outside of the train station. Natsu's habit of motion sickness left them waiting to explore the city. Alex turned in time to see Makarov, Levy, Asuka, Bisca, and Alzack walking up to them.

"Master, you're here too?" Lucy asked.

"Everyone's here to cheer you on. You should probably read through this before tomorrow," Makarov said, holding a book forward. Lucy stepped forward to grab it.

"How do you expect us to read this before tomorrow? I left my speed readers at home," Lucy questioned.

"Here, Lu, I have mine," Levy said, reaching for the book. She skimmed through it with the help of her speed-reading glasses. "From what I can see here, all that seems important is that all members of your team must report to your hotel before midnight every night."

"I wonder about the significance of that time," Erza said more to herself than anyone else. Natsu's motion sickness had finally worn off by this time.

"I'm starving. You with me, Happy?" Natsu was completely oblivious to what was said. He started to run off. Happy followed with an "Aye, Sir."

"Hey, wait up for me!" Lucy hollered, waving to the group.

"Do you know where we're staying?" Alex hollered after them.

"The Honeybone Inn," Lucy hollered back.

"Just make sure to be back before midnight!" Kyla yelled. Lucy waved in acknowledgment.

"Carla and I are going to explore the city a bit before we have to be back. Do you want to come with us?" Wendy said.

"I'm going to head to the inn. All this travel has me wanting a nice long bath," Alex said in response. Wendy picked up Carla and started off to explore. Alex and Kyla headed to the Honeybone Inn. When they arrived, Alex went to collect their room keys. Alex headed right for the bathroom after taking note of the five beds. 'We must all be sharing a room,' she thought. Hours later, everyone was back in the room except Wendy and Carla. It was 11:50, and there was no sign of them.

"I sure hope Wendy and Carla make it back in time," Lucy said. Just then, the door opened to show Erza and Lisanna coming in with food and drinks.

"We thought you might want some food and drinks for when you are in here," Lisanna said.

"Thanks a ton, Lis. Say, Have either of you seen Wendy or Carla?" Lucy asked worriedly.

"They haven't shown up yet?" Erza asked. Everyone shook their heads. "We'll go out and look for them." Just as Lisanna and Erza turned for the door, everyone heard the toll of the church bells outside. Suddenly, a hologram of a man with a pumpkin on his head showed up in the sky.

"Attention, guild members who've gathered for the Grand Magic Games! G'morning! The preliminary round to narrow the 113 participating teams down to 8 will now begin!" The pumpkin man spoke.

"113 guilds?" Alex said, shocked.