Keeping Secrets

Reaching Out

Hey everyone.

I know it's been a while.

Story isn't dead and this isn't the hiatus I spoke about a few chapters back.

I've had some things going on irl that have slowed down my ability to write, namely my grandmother being in her final days of life. I have a close relationship with my grandmother and this has not been an easy thing to accept.

I've worked on this chapter sporadically as a distraction, and now I can finally share it with y'all. I hope everyone enjoys it. Sorry if that seems like I'm unloading but that was the reason for the delay.

Also, big thanks to all of you for your kind words on the last chapter. Seems I really overreacted in my notes- once again, I greatly appreciated reading everyone's comments. I know it took me a while to get back to some of you, so I apologize, I do really enjoy seeing what y'all have to say.

Anyway, enough yapping.

Chapter title taken from the song of the same name by Fit For A King.

Cover photo is not my art- if anyone knows the artist, please let me know so I can properly credit them!

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KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 41- REACHING OUT

"I apologize." The old man said gently, his tone filled with quiet sincerity. "I suppose the answer to that should be obvious enough."

Mavis studied him more closely. Something about him felt familiar but... she couldn't quite place her finger on what.

She shook her head. She was getting tired of questions with no answers, so she focused on what she could understand.

"That's... Fairy Sphere, isn't it?" She asked, brow furrowing when he nodded. Mind less clouded and able to think somewhat analytically again, her curse receded. "But... How are you able to cast it? The three Great Fairy Magics should only be able to be used by members of Fairy Tail."

The threat of the curse gone, the old man allowed the spell to dissipate. "I have mastered a rare and difficult form of sorcery I've dubbed 'copy magic'. With it, I'm able to replicate any spell I've witnessed. And through witnessing His Highness's- Natsu's- memories, I was able to replicate this one."

Mavis nodded slowly, absorbing his explanation. "Copy magic... that's incredible." She paused, a quiet realization dawning in her eyes. "You must be August."

August's eyes widened slightly. "You... know who I am?" He asked, sounding genuinely surprised.

"Makarov told me about you." She said with a small nod. "He said you had mastered more types of magic than even Zeref."

For a brief moment, something flickered in August's expression- disappointment, perhaps? But it vanished almost as quickly as it came. When he spoke again, his voice was even and measured, "Ah. Of course. I'm not sure about that last part though."

More of the puzzle together in her mind. "If you can recreate Fairy Sphere... then you must have been the one who cast Fairy Glitter back at the guildhall?"

August inclined his head. "I was," he said, taking a steadying breath. "Knowing about the Three Great Fairy Magics, and hearing Natsu's stories of your thought projection's interactions with your guildmates, I began to wonder... if you were more awake than His Majesty had originally thought. I theorized the power of Fairy Glitter could affect your projection...maybe even jolt you back to consciousness."

Mavis blinked, surprised by the clarity of his logic. "That's... a very solid theory." Mavis said quietly, turning it over in her mind. "And it looks like you were right."