Chapter 5 – Flames of the Past
As Arthur stepped through the swirling portal, a wave of screams, firelight, and chaos slammed into his senses. The sky above the village was painted red and orange with rising smoke, the buildings below crumbling as flames devoured rooftops. Panic echoed through the air as people ran in every direction, desperate to escape the destruction.
His heart pounded.
So… it's today. It's really happening now, he thought grimly.
From his elevated position on the hill, he scanned the burning village, searching for the one face he hoped not to see in danger. And then, he found her—Erza—running through the chaos, her red hair flowing behind her like a ribbon of fire. A group of dark mages was in close pursuit, their laughter twisted and cruel.
"No..." Arthur whispered. His hands clenched into fists. "Not again."
Without hesitation, he launched himself from the cliff. The wind howled past him as he dropped, landing hard on the ground, his knees bending to absorb the impact. He didn't stop to breathe. He just ran—faster than ever—toward the nightmare unfolding before him.
Why is this happening? Erza's mind screamed. Just yesterday, everyone was smiling... laughing...
Now, that peace had been ripped away.
The dark mages were closing in, magic crackling in their palms. One reached out, a wicked grin on his face. "Got you, little girl," he said coldly.
Tears streamed down Erza's cheeks. "Please! Someone, save us!"
In that instant, a blur shot between them.
CRASH!
A blazing fist struck the dark mage square in the jaw, launching him like a cannonball through the air. He slammed into a burning house, which collapsed instantly in a cloud of ash and rubble.
The remaining dark mages froze, stunned. Dust swirled around them.
Standing there, in front of Erza, was a boy no older than her. His silver hair shimmered with black-tipped strands, and his eyes burned with fury. He stood tall, unwavering, his aura radiating power.
Arthur glared at the mages. "Don't lay your filthy hands on her... you trash."
Then, without even glancing back, he turned to Erza. She was trembling, her body locked in fear. He knelt, placing a hand gently on her head, offering her a calm, comforting smile.
"It's okay now, Erza. I'll save everyone."
Her eyes widened. His voice felt like sunlight piercing through the darkness. She threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. He held her close, shielding her with his body as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
The dark mages, now furious, roared.
"Kill the brat!" one shouted.
He charged, flames erupting from his fists.
Arthur's eyes narrowed. He scooped Erza up effortlessly, holding her in one arm, and jumped high into the air, dodging the incoming attack.
"Erza," he said softly, "close your eyes for a bit, okay?"
Still clinging to his shirt, she nodded and shut her eyes tight.
Arthur hovered in the air, looking down at the enemies below.
Ace... I'm borrowing your move just this once, he thought.
He raised his fist, now engulfed in raging flames.
"Take this... FIRE PUNCH!"
His fist crashed into the earth, unleashing a fiery shockwave that obliterated several mages at once. The explosion rocked the village, scattering debris in every direction. Screams of pain filled the air, followed by silence.
Arthur didn't stop.
With Erza still in his arms, he dashed through the battlefield, striking down one dark mage after another. Fire, wind, even shards of earth—nothing could touch him. His power surged, his instincts sharpened. Every strike was precise, every dodge perfect.
By the time the last dark mage collapsed, burned and broken, the battlefield was quiet. Only the crackling of dying flames remained.
From the edge of the destroyed village, the village chief appeared, leading the shaken survivors. Their faces were dirty and tear-streaked, but filled with awe and gratitude.
"Thank you, young mage," the chief said, bowing deeply. "You saved our village… you saved our children."
Arthur looked at them—at the people clutching each other, crying over their losses. His heart ached.
"I wish I had gotten here sooner," he said. "Maybe… maybe I could've saved more of them."
The chief stepped forward, placing a hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"Don't blame yourself, son. Those who are gone… they'd be glad knowing the people they loved survived."
Arthur looked down at Erza, unconscious but safe in his arms. "Is there a place I can rest?" he asked quietly.
"Of course," the chief said, gesturing toward his home. "Please, come with me."
They walked slowly to the chief's house. Inside, the chief showed him to a small room. The bed was modest, but clean. Arthur gently laid Erza down, adjusting the pillow under her head.
He sat beside her, letting her head rest on his lap. The quiet moment felt like the eye of a storm.
"You're not alone anymore, Erza," he whispered. "Not in this world. Not while I'm here."
A small smile formed on her lips, even in sleep, as if she heard him.
Arthur leaned back, running his fingers gently through her crimson hair.
Since arriving in this world, I discovered something strange, he thought. I can manipulate the time flow between here and the real world.
He stared at the ceiling, deep in thought.
If I set it so that one hour in the real world equals a full day here… I can spend time with Erza. I can help her become strong.
"We'll join Fairy Tail together," he whispered. "You'll learn your magic. You'll become the Erza I know... the Erza I fell in love with. The Queen of the Fairies."
Outside, the flames continued to die down, the village beginning its slow healing.
Inside, Arthur closed his eyes, cradling Erza close.
I won't change the good parts of your story… only the painful ones. That's a promise.
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