The Side Where No Stars Shine

Mother and Son

Lior's POV

The mood around the guild of Fairy Tail was the same as ever, even though we were all in a dire situation.

Blood Thorn could arrive at any moment, and they would not be happy.

I knew I especially would not be on the good side of many people there.

Black Rose members must've seen me as a traitor to them, and they must be riled up.

Of course, it wasn't hard to see that coming.

It was the least I expected.

I watched the members of Lucy's guild go through what seemed like a normal day to them, smiles on their faces.

They were so carefree, and I couldn't see how.

They weren't even the least bit worried?

"Lior!" Lucy called.

I walked over, sitting down.

"I know that look!" She began.

"Quit your worrying, would you? At least try to enjoy yourself for the time being."

"But—"

"No buts! Lior, everything is going to be fine. Fairy Tail has a bond like no other, and that gives us a power like no other."

"What do bonds have to do with power?"

She sighs.

"You'll understand soon. Trust me, you'll know what I mean."

Due to Lucy's request, I tried my best to enjoy myself, though an unsettling feeling lingered within me.

Something didn't feel right... sitting here, relaxing, when I know that Blood Thorn could be here in a few hours time if they pleased.

Then, as if on cue, the ground began to rumble.

An earthquake?

No, this was something else...

The rumbles drew to be more sudden, more powerful.

The fear I felt grew stronger.

I had no clue what was happening, and that scared me.

When I looked around, I noticed the fairies had gone serious.

"They're here..." Lucy said.

Everyone began filing outside for the first time in a few days.

I followed.

When I walked out, a huge group of people was approaching.

There was one woman in particular.

She sat in on a throne similar to Lilith's, which people were carrying here.

Her hair was dark brown.

It was straight, flowing down to her waist.

I noticed something shiny she was holding in her hand.

When I looked closer, I could see a key.

The key of Ophiuchus...

A memory flashed in my eyes.

"You stupid child! Do you how much money you cost! So ungrateful!" An unfamiliar voice screams at me.

I tried to find the face within my memory.

"Gate of the Snake Bearer, Ophiuchus!" The same voice calls out.

"I'll teach you to be grateful, little brat!"

The hair...

The face...

It was her.

This time, it continued.

Pain wavered through my body as it had last time.

I looked up at the woman.

"W-What did I do wrong? I-I'm sorry..." My young voice stammered.

I was back in present time, viewing her facial expression in horror.

She snickered.

"Hello fairies!"

She looked directly at me, and I felt my heart stop for a moment.

"Hello Lior... my you've gotten big."

Lucy saw my fear, stepping in front of me.

"How do you know my cousin?!" She yelled.

The woman laughed.

"Ah ah... adoptive cousin. My, I haven't seen that little brat in so long! Do you remember me, Lior?"

I knew what she did, and yet... who was she?

"I still remember the day I threw you out on the street! You were so small then, but I see now you're just as pathetic as you were all those years ago. Tell me, Lior... have you missed your dear mother?"