n

n

nAs I exited the portal, I was met with Xanxus and everyone's faces. I gave them a wry smile before Jace and Naz both hugged me in sync.

n

"How's she?

" Xanxus asked nervously, rubbing his hands together.

n

"She's still unconscious for some reason, I don't know what's wrong with her. I'm taking her home, so mother can check up on her.

" I said, before Jace and Naz let go of me.

nI staggered a little but Jace and Naz held me up.

n

"You need to rest Zeref.

" Naz's voice was filled with concern.

n

"Here, let me hold her.

" Jace offered.

n

"No, it's fine. You guys continue with your lessons; you're already missing so much because of this incident. Exams are starting next week.

" I stated, lightning sparks formed around my body and my dark hair rose due to the electricity.

n

"Zeref wa-

" I didn't let Jace finish, speeding through the hallways, I made it out of the school in seconds.

nI wanted to know what actually happened by asking Sara but that would have to wait, Malia was my priority right now.

n**

n

"Zeref! You're finally home.

" Mother hugged me tightly, gesturing me to come inside,

"I heard what happened from Mr Xanxus.

"

nI placed Malia's body on the couch before taking a seat next to her. Mother didn't waste a second and cast a diagnosing spell.

n

"That was reckless of you.

" Mother's voice was serious.

n

"What do you mean?

" I asked.

n

"You think you're alone in this world? That you don't have people who care for you and worry for your safety, every second of the day? How can you keep making me worry?

n

"You left without a warning and kept me in the dark again.

n

"Don't think you're a god because of how gifted or talented you are. I can tell by your body's state that you had a near death experience, especially looking at that large scar on your chest. How many beasts did you encounter? 50? 100?

n

"That was extremely stupid and dumb of you. You had so many options but you became arrogant and chased after her. What if something happened to you? We'd have to save both of your foolish bums.

"

nMother's speech left me silent, playing with my fingers and in deep thought. I knew she was just worried for me but this was still all new to me.

nIn my previous life I lived by my own rules and didn't have to worry about others except Nina, but even her, I didn't grow up with her; I grew up alone.

nI didn't have people like a mother looking out for me or someone who worried for me. I didn't have to worry about others either, I was a lone demon.

n

"Sorry mother.

" I said sincerely.

n

"It's ok honey, it's just I don't want to lose you too.

" I saw her looking away from Malia's body, wiping her tears with her sleeve.

n

"You don't have to worry, her body seems to be fine but her mind is in a bad condition right now. She's in some state of coma, it may take weeks or months for her to wake up. I don't know what happened but it definitely damaged her mentally.

"

nI gritted my teeth at the revelation. I needed answers! What happened between Sara and Malia? Nothing was adding up. How could a beast suddenly just show up?

n

"Thank you mother, I'll go for a shower, then study a little for the exams next week.

" I said, smiling at her.

n**

nThe warmth of the Sage water rejuvenated my mana pool and relieved all the stress from my body. I closed my eyes and meditated, drop by drop the mana around me syphoned into my mana pool. It had been years since I had a breakthrough, I was still stuck at mana pool stage 5.

nWith every stage, I grew in strength exponentially and my body went through a metamorphosis. I had the skills and experience now but my body had reached a bottleneck in its evolution; I needed to improve my mana pool stage.

n

"I'm coming in!!!

" I heard a shout, someone slammed the door open and cannonballed into the pool.

n

"Oww!! Why's this pool so shallow?

" Jace stood up rubbing his butt.

nI had forgotten I shared the room and pool with this guy. I shook my head, ignoring his stupidity and focusing on my meditation.

n

"Meditating, I see you.

" Jace poked me,

"So how are things going with Malia? Is she well?

"

n

"Yeah she's good.

"

n

"You even wear that eye patch in here? You psycho, what's under there?

"

n

"I have my reasons... Now let me focus.

"

n

"Zeref.

" his tone became serious, making me open my eyes and concentrate on what he was about to say.

n

"I have something to tell you.

"

nI nodded to show I was listening.

n

"Can you train me? I never thought I'd be saying this but I feel weak. I never sought power unlike you, but now I feel like I need to.

n

"I'm trying to catch up to someone. I don't know if I'm in love, but I feel inclined to protect her even if she doesn't want my protection or isn't interested in me.

"

nThis was the first time I saw Jace being serious, it was really an odd sight. I liked this side of him, he switched so quickly I didn't know if this person was Jace.

n

"Jace, is that really you?

" I joked, poking his chest.

n

"Oh shut up man. Hahahaha! I'm being serious.

" He laughed, flicking my finger away.

n

"I'll train you but know that it will be hard.

"

n

"Thanks bro.

" He hugged me with one arm, realising we were both just in our boxers he moved away to the other side of the pool, his face beet red.

n

"Sooo, who's this girl? I don't even have a crush yet and you're already knees deep in love.

" I said smiling at my pondering friend. He looked spaced out staring at the ceiling.

n

"I've always been a loser, weak, bullied, poor, but then… I was saved by you. You saved me from my miserable life. Thanks for that. Thanks for everything.

" his eyes gleamed the passion he was talking with.

n

"What's with the sentimental talk? You sound like an old geezer.

" I humoured but he didn't laugh.

n

"I liked many girls before but this one... these feelings are different. I feel like we connect so well, Awwwwhh! You're making me blush!

" he said loudly, covering his face.

n

"Stop leaving me on edge and tell me who this girl is, you fool!

"

n

"It's… Drum roll please…

" he drum rolled, using his hands, making water splash everywhere.

n