Chapter 86 - Killing meant death

Caelum caressed the door of the place where it had become a chapter of his life where he found a meaningful part on his journey to become the strongest. He softly smiled then felt a tug from Erza.

"Father, are you alright?"

He looked at her adorable face that normally had a strict demeanor and only acted this way when it comes to her one love's one and friends. 

"I'm fine, I was just reminiscent of the past."

Caelum explained having gained more insight the more he experienced the meaning of life and death how it drives a person forward. It sounded nonsense to a normal person but when someone gained a glimpse of the truth they would have their perspective changed. 

"I Am Back, Fairy Tail." 

As he then started walking followed by his daughter and reached for the door pushing it open as the three of them stood right in the entrance.

What greeted their view was similar to a large lunch hall, and mainly consisted of wood, possessing a parquet floor and a mezzanine held up by wood beams overlooking it. Several long benches and the related tables stretched across its length with a bar managed by someone at the end.

Silence is what greeted them by the people who were inside and sitting while others stood as they stared at them. Caelum noticed how the most if the children were there that was part of the main cast with only missing being Gray and Natsu. He guessed since the timeline had been changed would result in few variables missing, However, Caelum recalled the device called Eclipse project that he found capable of linking the past and future. 

He may have missing memories about the story but is able to conclude enough that it has something to do with the dragon slayer. Furthermore, the space and time rift that he absorbed was likely the cause of the travel. 

'Why is she wearing a cloak?'

Caelum glances towards three siblings with one hearing cloak hiding something then finds that she is hiding a demonic arm. He concluded that she had a type of take over magic.

'Is she mirajane? That's certainly a contrast.'

His gaze was noticed by the children, especially Mirajane who was still frightened by her powers and upon seeing his warm smile that seemingly calmed her down. 

"Welcome to fairy tail, is there anything that you need?"

One of the members greeted them trying to gauge his strength but couldn't find a bearing. However, his frame certainly shows that he was a powerful individual. 

The noise attracted the old man sitting on the counter seemingly sleeping and was reawakened when he noticed the newcomer. 

'Is..is that…is that Godfather!?'

Makarov awoke from his slumber and immediately went down his seat walking closer toward Caelum who was smiling as he approached him.

"You've certainly grown older, brat."

His words cause the guild to fall silent never would they immediately go uproared offended that their respected master was called a 'Brat'. 

"Hey kid, you have a death wish!!"

"How dare you barge in and disrespect our master!"

Caelum unfazed their bickering since only Makarov would know who he is. He was the only one he had frequently visited and seen how things had been doing in the guild. The question is why Caelum didn't try extending Makarov's life or even reviving his loves but it is not in his desire to take the rest they deserve. 

A person's life is like a book where once it has ended there is no point in continuing it. Caelum was the same but his book was far and long and there were many more that he needed to do. Furthermore, Immortality can be a blessing and curse for many people. 

"You brat! Stop it!!"

Makarov grew up stopping everyone from their tracks, surprised that their master was the one who stopped them. They were confused why their master didn't feel insulted by someone calling him a brat. 

"Forgive me, they didn't know who you are."

"Hahahaha fairy tail is as lovely as ever! Mavis would be proud! Speaking of, she visited Warrod and would come here any day soon."

Caelum laughed wholeheartedly seeing the guild and a place for people who wanted to have a place where they truly belong. This only made everyone wonder what they were talking about since this is the first time they've seen their master shaken by the news.

"Really!? The first master is coming back!?"

"Whaaaat!!??"

Everyone in the guild shouted, having dumbfounded revelation to all of them. Makarov slowly explained to everyone who he was that shook their minds. Their first master? Her husband? Their master's godfather?? How is that possible?

This was the thought running through their minds since they couldn't help questions. He looked so young despite being older than their master. 

"T-This calls for a celebration!"

"Right, before that can you register my daughter's?"

"Your daughter? Oh hello there, my name is Makarov. What's your name?"

"Erza B. Mercer. It's nice to meet you."

"Ajest Mercer."

Erza politely introduced herself while Ajest just stayed stoic and only mentioned her name. Makarov only smiled looking at them like his own granddaughter which is weird when his godfather was their father. However, he didn't see them any differently and viewed the two as family. After a while, the two got their fairy tail insignia as everyone had a festive mood, especially how Caelum gave them some high quality booze. 

Everyone was partying, even his daughter who was talking among the other members. Caelum could see the overlapping image of those that come before them and the new generation. He decided to approach the siblings who were a bit protective of themselve.

"No need to be scared, I just notice how you three seem out of place. Are you new?"

"We just came in today…"

The one who had the courage to speak was the youngest that received a pat on the head by Caelum. 

"Then hope you three stay since this place can be your new home and family."

Mirajane wanted to run away and leave his two siblings in the guild where they would be safe from a demon like. Their life had been full of ridicule and scorn because of the demon arm she bore. The thought clouded her mind and had caged her because of fear until a warmth seemed to shroud her when Caelum patted her head with a bright smile.

"There is nothing to be afraid of, my wife had created this guild with the intent to build a place for people who don't fit in. You don't need to hide that arm of yours because it is nothing more than magic. Here let me help you on how to properly use it."

Caelum placed his index finger into her mind before pouring the proper way in using the take over magic that she had. He was master of all forms of magic especially Take I've rmagic as it is similar to Magia Erebea on how to take forms from an entity in his case was the elemental magic that he or his enemy cast.  

It was connected to his soul though he had researched and concluded that the soul has another layer to it. This was called the root of the soul where it is the true soul of a person where he stemmed from. Caelum understood that it was connected to a larger scale that he needed to be severed from. 

He was currently weak to go through and find the answer but certain that he would one day reach it. 

Meanwhile, Mirajane acquired the method to remove her demon arm and was shocked that it became normal again. She looked at Caelum who only smiled before giving him a tight hug. 

"Thank you! thank you!"

She cried in his embrace while the other watched giving a toast for her since she was now able to get past what people had made her to be. Caelum had healed her both mind and body leaving an impression on her that made the [ Harem Parameter] click. 

'Not a word, Cereza'

[ I haven't even said anything yet, you lolicon! ]

'...'

Caelum stared blankly into space hearing Cereza giggling after teasing him. He sighed, patting the mirajane head who had fallen asleep on his lap. 

"Father! Why are you patting a random girl! I want one too."

"What were you doing father?"

Erza took the opportunity to get pampered by her father while Ajest remained calm yet obviously wanted to get head pat. Meanwhile, the other Straus siblings were thanking Caelum and looking at their eldest sister soundly asleep. 

After a while, Caelum spent the next couple of months at the guild with his children and bonded with the other guild members. They were baffled how they were so powerful despite their age which made Mirajane jealous and asked to be trained by Caelum who wholeheartedly accepted. 

He smiled when he noticed how Mirajane and Erza had grown a friendly rivalry between the two with the reward being pampered by Caelum. The other Straus sisters were also trained but not at the same level as their older sister. 

Mirajane took a while to finally accept herself because of trauma and abuse they received from the village that they once lived in. Caelum guided her the best he could do and frankly was able to learn from the experience. 

Caelum was out training with the girls when Makarov and Mavis arrived bringing along with him one of the strongest fairy tail members, Gildarts. He's certainly powerful in the world standard. His power was comparable to a dragon king base from the memory that his able knows. Gildarts had fought acnologia and survived and already showed how powerful he is. 

Mavis went closer to him and gave her husband a passionate kiss making the two feel awkward.

"Where's little Erza and Little Mira?"

"Ah, the two have gone training."

"Hey, I heard you're one of the founders? I'm curious how I fair with you?"

"Is that the first thing you say when you meet our founder, brat!?"

"Ah sorry, I'm still hungover from drinking. I'm Gildarts Clive, it's nice to meet you and sorry if I offended you."

"It's fine and nice."

Gildarts was observing him and confused since he hardly felt anything from him because of the [ Illusionary Essence Art ] that hid everything. Caelum still needs to reach the flawless state where energy won't leak. 

"We can spar later after my children finish fighting."

"Dear, hope you didn't push them too hard."

"Relax, I know what I'm doing Mavis. You know, for countless years now."

"I know but it's still troubling."

"Oh I heard you've been training young Mira with your daughter. Where are they?"

"Right, you won't be able to see them since they're a few hundred kilometers away from us."

Caelum created a projection to show the two fighting in the middle of the ocean where Mirajane used her Satan soul quite effectively against Erza. The two were dumbfounded when they witnessed their clash was pushing the water away and each time it collided caused the air to ripple. 

"What the hell!? Are they really kids!?"

"M-My word, I never expected Young Mira to be strong! Is this because you've trained her, Godfather?"

"Yes and no, she became strong because of her resolve to grow stronger and overcome her fears. Mira was already strong, only held back by fear and trauma."

Caelum was the same, his resolve was lacking and needed to be tempered and challenged in order to be refined into something better. He kept training despite reaching the limit of the world he was in and kept focusing on fixing any flaws in his skills and strength. 

"Wise word, Godfather. Though I am worried that they might go overboard."

"That's my husband for you."

"Hahaha No need to worry, I've made sure that they won't die even if they're killed."

"...What the hell does that even mean?"