//------------------------------// // Find Your Magic! Part 1 // Story: Fairy Tail: Magic's Fire // by MLPgirlwriter //------------------------------// Natsu: Previously, on "Magic's Fire".............. Rainbow Dash: Things are getting 20% more awesome now! We've finally gotten away from that crazy Fumio guy and now we're apart of Fairy Tail! Natsu: I know right!? This is gonna be so awesome!!! Happy: Aye sir! Flash: Remind me again why we're here..... Rainbow Dash: Well, duh! So that we can learn awesome magics and beat the snot outta bad guys!!!! Natsu: Couldn't have said any better myself! By the way, I DEMAND A REMATCH RAINBOW CRASH!!!! COME ON, YOU AND ME!!!!! LET'S GO!!!!!!!! Rainbow Dash: OH, I KNOW YOU DIDN'T JUST CALL ME THAT!!!! YOUR ON PINKY!!!!!!!! Happy: Huh, I swear those two are the same person/pony in different bodies....... Flash: I definitely agree with you there. Look, it's entertaining and all to see those two go at it, but could we just get on with the chapter? Happy: Aye sir! ****************************************************************************************************************** Twilight sighed contently as she sat at the bar with Apple Bloom, talking with Lucy and Levy, who the unicorn found out was a bookworm just like herself and a solid-script mage. It was the day after she and her Equestrian comrades first joined Fairy Tail and she already loved it there. Everyone was so welcoming and kind, if not crazy and rambunctious at the same time. Twilight grinned when she remembered the party they had the previous night. It was so exciting that the celebration reminded Twilight of a certain hyperactive, pink, party earth pony who's parties were sometimes just as, if not more crazy than the one from last night. Twilight looked around the guild and spotted Rainbow Dash pinning her head against Natsu and Grey's own heads as the three stared intensely at one another, and Flash who was in a deep conversation with Erza, who was eating a strawberry cake. Twilight looked down at the area between her right shoulder and her front leg and smiled fondly. Quickly after they announced that they were joining the guild, the white-haired barmaid called Mira had stamped on the insignia Twilight had seen on Natsu and Lucy upon herself, Ranbow, Apple Bloom, and Flash where they asked for the tattoos to be placed. Twilight's guild Mark was multi-colored that matched her main and coat colors almost perfectly; it started with a light pink at the muzzle of the insignia, then went to purple in the middle, and ended at the top with a deep blue. (A/N: Basically it's the Fairy Tail sign on the story cover) Rainbow Dash had gotten her guild mark in the center of her chest, just below her head. It was also multi-colored, matching her rainbow mane and tail. Flash's guild mark was place on his left cheek, just below his eye, the color a deep blue that matched his eyes. As for little Apple Bloom, she had taken a liking to Lucy, and wanted to be like her, so she had her guild mark located on her lower right front hoof, but in the color of red. For a while, the ponies were faced with the issue of where they were going to stay. They considered Fairy Hills, but decided against it considering on how they had no money and that it would take a while for them to earn enough from job requests to be able to pay. Fortunately, both Natsu and Lucy were generous enough to offer them refuge in their own homes. Flash Sentry and Rainbow Dash however, decided to stay in the clouds and live there for the time being, seeing as they lived in cloud houses back in Equestria. Imagine the guild's surprise when they saw the clouds outside of the guild hall maneuvered and shaped as fluffy houses! Twilight had agreed to stay with Natsu and Happy while Apple Bloom insisted on being left with Lucy, which Twilight agreed to. However, despite their sleeping arrangements, Twilight ended up sleeping over at Lucy's the previous night. She had woken up to the noises of someone moving around Natsu's house to find said boy leaving threw his window with the blue exceed close behind. Curious as to what the two were up to, the Element of Magic followed them all the way to Lucy's apartment. Normally, Twilight wouldn't follow someone in the middle of the night like a stalker, that was more on Juvia's part, but she was too tired to really care. When she heard the flustered, yet angered shout of the celestial wizard, Twilight knew she had to step in. Unlike Natsu and Happy, who came in through the window, Twilight politely knocked on the door and was met with an angered, exhausted glare by the blond. Behind her sat a grumpy dragon slayer and cat with two large, comical looking bumps sticking out from their heads, obviously from Lucy punching them hard. Through it all, Apple Bloom sat and watched, holding back her giggles at the silly display. Later, Twilight found out that it was actually very common for Natsu and Happy to break into her house, which wasn't that surprising in Twilight's opinion. The unicorn had only known the two trouble makers for a short amount of time and yet she already expected something like that from them. "So, when are you planning on taking job requests, Twilight?" Mira asked cheerily from across the bar counter. She handed the said unicorn her drink and smiled warmly at the unicorn. Twilight took the beverage gratuitously and took a sip. "I honestly don't know. I mean, first we have to find magic abilities that work well for us and then train. I just hope we'll be able to figure it all out soon, especially with the whole magic situation and all," the pony answered honestly. Lucy, Levi, and Mira nodded in agreement. "Yeah, not to mention we'll need to find a way to get you guys back to Equestria," Lucy added. Ever since she found out about Equestria, the celestial mage has been eager to ask the ponies questions about it nonstop. She was fascinated when the ponies, mainly Twilight, explained their lifestyles and cultures, especially when she heard about the two sisters that ruled Equestria, raising the sun and moon as their sole duties. Levi had also been entranced by Equestrian life, gluing her to her barstool as she listened to Twilight share her knowledge of her homeland. "That is true, but first the others and I want to help in any way we can to stop this magic issue. Right, Apple Bloom?" Twilight asked. "Ya know it! Ay can't wait to get started in learning magic! Maybe I'll get my cutie mark by learning magic!" the filly exclaimed eagerly. Levi raised an eyebrow, "What's a cutie mark?" she asked curiously. "Cutie marks are those tattoos you see on our flanks. You see, a cutie mark represents a pony's destiny. For example, let's say your destiny involves music, so it's very likely that your cutie mark will be an instrument. My destiny involves magic, that's why my cutie mark is a magic spark. Rainbow's destiny is flying at top speeds, sometimes so strongly to the point of breaking the sound bearer. Flash's destiny is to be a loyal, royal guard. That's why his cutie mark is a shield with a lightning bolt," Twilight explained. Lucy, Levi, and Mira, who apparently overheard their conversation, stared in awe at the new information. Now it made sense why Apple Bloom was so eager to get her cutie mark. "So your not born with a cutie mark?" Levi asked. "Nope. It's up to the ponies themselves to find their destiny. Most ponies get theirs when their colts and fillies, though. As a matter of fact, it was all thanks to Rainbow Dash that my other friends and I even got our cutie marks," Twilight smiled fondly at the memory. "Really? How?" Mira asked. "It's a long story. I'll tell you later," Twilight assured. Lucy looked down at the filly who sat in her lap, "So that's why you keep on talking about getting one. It's very important to you, huh? Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah. My friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and I don't have our cutie marks yet, so we made a club called the "Cutie Mark Crusaders', where we get together and try to earn our cutie marks!" Lucy giggled at the filly's adorableness, "That is so cute! Don't worry. I'm sure you'll get your cutie mark eventually," "I sure hope so," Apple Bloom agreed. A sudden shout from the Master rung out through the guild hall, causing everybody and pony to turn to the balcony where they saw Master Macarov stand firmly on the ledge, a grave look on his aged face, "I just received urgent news from the Blue Pegasus guild. Their town's magic is disappearing," the elder deadpanned, arousing shocked and horrified gasps around the hall. Natsu felt his jaw clench and his hands ball into tight fists. "What do you mean it's disappearing?" "Do they know who's responsible?" "You think Magnolia's next?" The questions swirled around the room, yet no one answered any of them. However, one question was asked that silenced everyone, "Does the Magic Council know about this? Do they want us to find whoever is responsible?" Everyone looked back at the Master, awaiting his reply, "The Magic Council hasn't responded to any of the issues involving the magic depleting," he answered bluntly, yet with a slight hint of anger in his tone. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEIR NOT RESPONDING!? THIER THE FREAKING COUNCIL!!! THIER SUPPOSED TO DEAL WITH THESE KIND OF THINGS!!!!" Natsu exploded, boiling rage and fury lacing every word he spoke. Wisps of flames danced on his arms, signifying his anger. Everyone took a step back, not wanting to get burned by accident from the fire mage. "I agree with you, Natsu. However, it is not my say of what they consider important, so calm down," Macarov reasoned sternly, to which Natsu did as told. His flames died down until they were completely gone from his arms, much to his guild mates relief. The last thing they needed was the whole guild on fire. "With that said, since the council isn't aiding in this situation, it is up to us to protect our city and to find the real culprit. And as you all know, we have gained four unique members of our guild, and they have agreed to help our world in this rising threat," at that, everyone cheered for the ponies, making Twilight, Rainbow, and Apple Bloom blush shyly, while Flash only nodded in agreement, looking rather indifferent. Once the cheers died down, the Master continued, "However, they must learn magic in order to do their part, so it is up to us, their fellow guild mates, to teach them as much magic ability as we can. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Flash Sentry, and Apple Bloom, you will all train for the time being before you take any jobs. I have asked mages who I believe you will all benefit from to train you and get you all adapted to our world's magic power. Will this be acceptable for you?" Macarov glanced at the said ponies, waiting for their approval. Twilight stepped off her barstool and nodded, "We accept your arrangement, Master," she replied respectfully. "I'm ready! I can't wait to get started!" Apple Bloom proclaimed, her red eyes shining in excitement. "I'm in! Just as long as I get to pound faces into the ground while I'm at it!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed proudly. "She said that like a real MAN!!!" Elfman whooped, making Lisanna sweat drop. Everyone turned to the only one who didn't reply yet, eagerly awaiting his answer. Flash frowned, not liking the sudden attention and turned to Erza, who nodded. The Pegasus sighed, "As long as I still get to use my weapons I accept your terms," he answered in a bored tone, yet he couldn't help but feel a little excited himself at the thought of learning re-quip magic. Macarov nodded, " Very well. You will all start this afternoon and I expect all the wizards I have chosen to be there as well. No excuses," Once he was done, everyone went back to their previous activities, some discussing the Magic Council in the process. Rainbow Dash went up to Natsu, who was no longer filled with intense rage, "Hey Pinky, what's the Magic Council?" She asked. The dragon slayer shrugged, "Basically it's the system that monitors the magic in this world. It's in charge of all the wizard guilds in Fiore. I can't believe their not doing anything about what's going on! Something's up and I'm not liking it," he said in a suspicious tone. Rainbow just shrugged, "Or maybe their just being jerks about it or getting lazy. It doesn't matter. We can handle this stuff on our own just fine!" she said with resolve before flying off. Natsu, who would usually agree wholeheartedly, felt that this was a different case. He wouldn't say it out loud, but he suddenly felt this overwhelming sensation of foreboding. Something was not right, that much he was certain. Afternoon came quickly as the ponies went outside and walked to the back of the guild, where they could practice without disturbing the townsfolk. The wizards who would be training them followed behind. They were Natsu, Lucy, Grey, Erza, Laxus, Gajeel, Levi, Cana, and Wendy. Before she walked out, Wendy turned back to see Carla flying in one place, a concerned look on her face. "Hey Carla, are you okay?" the petite dragon slayer asked her friend. The exceed snapped out of her reverie by the girl's voice, "What? Oh, uh...y-yes, I'm fine. Just....thinking," she answered unconvincingly. The truth was that Carla was just thinking of the ponies. Though she wasn't completely sure, Carla could have sworn the the equines were the exact same ones from her last vision, but she wasn't too sure just yet. The she-cat would just have keep an eye on the ponies and stay alert for anything strange. Once everyone was assembled outside behind the guild, the selective wizards chosen to assist the ponies stood in front of the four equines, a strong sense of magic power gathering up around them. It was Laxus who spoke first, "Okay, so here's how it's gonna go down: each of you are gonna display the abilities you can perform, and we will compare those abilities with our own to decide which magic will benefit you all the most. Deal?" he asked, a hard and commanding glare adorning his face. The ponies simply nodded in response. Laxus turned away afterwards, grumbling lowly in an annoyed tone. Rainbow Dash leaned over to Twilight, positioning her hoof on the side of her face so that no one else could hear. "Is it just me, or does that Laxus guy seem like a human version of Flash?" the rainbow-maned Pegasus asked. "What do you mean?" Twilight inquired, unsure of where her companion was going with this. "You know! Cold glare, arrogant, attitude, and acting as if he's all that?" Rainbow insisted. "You know I can hear you, right?" an annoyed male voice deadpanned, obviously belonging to the stallion who was in fact right beside Rainbow Dash. The sky-blue mare turned to him, her expression blank. "Hey, all I'm saying is that you and Laxus could really be twins if not for the fact that you two are from completely different dimensions," Rainbow Dash reasoned nonchalantly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Before Flash Sentry could retort, a dark shadow came over them, sending chills down the two equines spines and nearly making their wings flare up in fear. Erza stood behind them, her height making it feel as though she were a wolf, and the two pegasi were the rabbits she was going to eat for dinner. Twilight, Natsu, and their fellow guild mates were just thankful that they weren't the source of the re-quip mage's rage. "Flash. Rainbow. Silence yourselves before I do so for you," the red-head said in a dangerously low tone of voice. Rainbow Dash shivered, while Flash gulped, failing to keep the sweat from flowing down his neck. "Y-yes, m-mam," they both stuttered in unison, their voices cracking from the fear they felt. And as quickly as it came, Erza's terrifying glare evaporated from her features, being replaced with an approving grin and nod before she sauntered back over to the rest of her guild mates. Everybody and pony let out breaths they didn't even realize they were holding in. "Well then, let's get started!" Erza announced, determination and authority laced within her tone. *************************************************************************************************************** By the time the sun was beginning to sink into the horizon, everyone who was outside became fatigued from all the magic they had exerted. Fortunately, they were able to cover plenty of ground in the past hours. Twilight had learned many different spells thanks to the numerous spell books Levi had brought out for her. She had even learned a few moves from Natsu and Grey, who didn't end up fighting each other for once. Flash Sentry trained with Erza, who taught him the basics of re-quipping such as summoning a weapon, and they practiced sparring for the rest of the day. Rainbow Dash became a quick prodigy with lighting magic, which she learned from Laxus. Since Rainbow was a weather Pegasus back in Equestria, the skill came naturally to her and she decided to specialize in weather magic, specifically lightning. Unfortunately, despite all the progress the three equines had made, there was one of them that wasn't having such luck. Apple Bloom had tried everything, but alas, was not able to find the magic ability that was for her; she had tried everything from cards magic with Cana to sky magic with Wendy, yet nothing seemed to work. Apple Bloom was understandably upset and decided to throw in the towel as she sat underneath a nearby tree and watched enviously as the older ponies found their magic skills no problem, while she sulked and felt miserable. She must have been off in her own world, because the little filly didn't notice the youngest dragon slayer walk up beside her until she felt a delicate tap on her shoulder which aroused her from her daze. The Cutie Mark Crusader looked up to be met with the kind, brown eyes of Wendy, who smiled warmly at her. Apple Bloom returned the smile, albeit more sadly than cheerfully. Wendy noticed the young pony's sorrowful demeanor immediately, and sat beside the young filly underneath the tree that swayed gently in the breeze. The two girls didn't say anything for a few moments, just sitting and watching their guild mates prepare to return to the guild hall. Finally, it was Wendy who cut through the silence, "Some day, huh? I don't think I've ever seen the guild so excited to train," Wendy spoke. Apple Bloom nodded, though it seemed that her mind was elsewhere. Wendy frowned. "You know, there's still a bunch of magic abilities in the guild that we can try! I just know there's one that will be perfect for you!" the young girl said enthusiastically, trying to cheer up the crusader beside her. Another moment of silence dragged on, and Wendy thought that Apple Bloom wanted to be alone, but as she moved to get up, a small voice stopped her. "Do you think I'll ever find it?" Apple Bloom asked in a whisper so small, Wendy almost missed it even with her enhanced senses. "Find what?" the Sky Dragon Slayer asked curiously. "Find the magic that's meant for me. I can't do any magic that anyone tries to teach me....not even yours," Apple Bloom said, looking at Wendy with sorrowful red eyes. Wendy was about to say something, but Apple Bloom wasn't done, "I just can't seem to do any type of ability like the rest of you! Rainbow Dash was able to learn lighting and weather magic, Flash Sentry was sparring with Erza and re-equipping no problem, and Twilight has already mastered her own magic techniques and is just learning some new spells! And what about me? Nothing!" the little pony cried, her voice raising enough to cause a few heads to turn their way, including Natsu and Twilight. Wendy, not knowing what else to do, sat with the young filly and hugged her, trying to sooth her with encouraging words. "I'm sorry that I can't help you with learning magic, Apple Bloom, but don't give up just yet! Grandina, the dragon who raised me, always said that every living soul has some kind of magic power that is destined for them, even if they can't find it at first," Wendy explained reassuringly. At the girl's words, Apple Bloom calmed down, yet snuggled closer to her new friend as she looked up at her with teary, red eyes. "R-really....?" the pony stuttered out, clinging on to hope. Wendy smiled and nodded. "Really. You just haven't found that magic that's destined for you, but I know you'll find it. Believe it or not, there are two types of magics out there, like ability-type magic and holder-type magic. Ability magic is the magic that comes directly from within us and we can control it to our will, but holder magic is magic where you can learn any type of power you want and use it to your advantage. There are always going to be all kinds of magical abilities out there, you just need to uncover yours. And don't worry, if there's one thing Fairy Tail has taught me, it's that we will always be with you every step you take, so don't worry. With us you'll find your magic ability for sure!" Wendy conclude, striking a thumbs up to emphasize her encouragement. Apple Bloom smiled a genuine smile this time and wiped the tears away and hugged Wendy, "Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate that, and I know I'll find out what it is my magic is suppose to be, just as I'll find out what my cutie mark is as well! I got to go, I'm gonna go find my special ability! Bye, Wendy!" and with that, the bow-wearing filly dashed off, ready to go and find the magic she was destined to train with. Wendy smiled and waved cheerily to Apple Bloom, before the sound of a throat being cleared made her turn her head to be met with the smiling and touched faces of her guild mates, humans, exceeds, and ponies. Even Gajeel held a small smirk as he looked at the Sky Dragon Slayer. "W-what?" Wendy stuttered self-consciously. She had no idea they had an audience. Erza smiled, "You are truly wise beyond your years, Wendy," was all the great Titania said, which made everybody and pony else nod their heads in agreement. Wendy blushed. **************************************************************************************************************** Apple Bloom dashed off as fast as her little legs could take her, scouring the town and looking at any shops that held magical items. Apple Bloom knew that, being an earth pony, that she was likely more equipped for having holder-type magic, considering on how all the earth ponies back in Equestria usually never manifested magic power unless they came into contact with some sort of magical property. Apple Bloom knew Wendy was right; there was some type of magical ability that was meant for her, and she was determined to find it. Anything to be able to help her new guild in the crisis their world was in. The young filly shivered at the thought of what Master Macarov announced to the entire guild earlier that day, and it angered her that the Magic Council wasn't doing anything about it. All the more reason to find a magic she was capable of as soon as possible. The faster she found her magical ability, the faster she could be of more help to her friends. No matter the costs. To be continued......