Purple runes in my memories

Chapter 1

Freed walked along the path near the mountain area. The weather was nice, not too cold or not too hot with a light breeze of wind. At this rate it would take no time at all to arrive back in Magnolia. For the first time in a long time he was on a solo mission, mostly because others were occupied with their own doings.

Laxus had left for a solo mission a week ago. Bickslow was hanging out with Cana all the time and Evergreen of course mostly stayed at the Strauss siblings house. So that left Freed with all the time for himself. He was not used to that. He constantly needed something to do, anything at all and he was used to take care of his team. Now when they didn't need him...

Freed sighed and shook his head. No, he was the Captain of the Thunder Legion. He would not start feeling bad for himself! He should be glad that his friends had new friends. And he was, he really was happy for his friends that they had opened up for the rest of the Fairy Tail Guild. Now Bickslow had Cana and Evergreen had Elfman. They looked so happy. And after all that had been happening last years they really deserved to have all the happiness they could get.

The rune mage of course too had opened up a little but it was still hard for him to just sat down with others and relax. With Ever, Bicks and Laxus it was easy but others... He wasn't sure how he should act. He considered other guild mates as his friends but not just yet close friends who he could accompany anytime he wanted.

So now that he couldn't hang out with his closest friends, he had decided to take a solo mission so he could avoid the awkwardness in the Guild. It was supposed to last at least three days but he completed it in two days and was already heading home. Maybe he should just pick another mission right away once he would arrive at the Guild...

If even Laxus were back things would be easier. He wasn't all lovey dovey with someone - yet - and they could do something together. Yes, he had to be honest with himself and admit that he maybe had feelings for the Thunder God. But he wasn't sure if they were strong enough that he should confess. It could ruin their friendship and he most certainly did not want that! Even if his feelings would only strengthen he probably would never say anything to Laxus because of that.

Sudden rustling snapped Freed out of his musings and he unsheathed his rapier immediately. He knew this forest was a little bit too quiet. It wasn't normal that there were not even birds singing or little critters skittering around.

"Who goes there?" he asked looking at the dark forest. No answer.

He stood there and gazed at the forest perfectly still. He would not let his guard down even for a second. Freed just waited patiently until he could feel something approaching silently. But from behind him.

The rune mage sprung around quickly and metal let out a piercing screech sound when two swords hit each other.

"Impressive", stranger huffed with amusement stepping further from Freed. He was a big man with wild dark gray hair and green eyes. He had dark skin that was full of old scars. "You actually use that sword of yours."

"And what makes you think I wouldn't use it?" Freed asked calmly.

"You're a Fairy Tail mage, I can see your mark. I know some mages use weapons but you are the first I have encountered."

"Oh, then you have been really lucky", Freed smiled. "There are plenty of mages who use weapons and they are really strong. Be glad it is me you're against and not Erza Scarlet. But don't get me wrong, I promise to be a good adversary."

"I wonder if you can be that confident without your magic", man grinned and he took out two tiny things that looked like some kind of iron traps with nasty looking sharp teeth, attached in long chains. Freed could guess that he shouldn't let them bite him.