They say being ignorant is a blessing in more ways than one.
Kagura was content with what she had, and living with her brother, Simon, was the main reason for it.
Rosemary Village was simply a rural village within Fiore, not that much known to the populace. But it was peaceful and quiet, as the people residing here lived their life to the fullest.
It was supposed to be that way until she grew old. She dreamt of the future, still here as a proud member of this village. There was nothing symbolic nor historic that could attract the eyes of unsavory individuals or groups.
A village that didn't expect any type of conflict, already enjoying the world within their own bubble. A safe space for everybody to confide in, where they could help one another, strengthening their bonds and unity.
This was a place that was only filled with love and happiness. Nobody expected anything grandiose, since it was like a fantasy only being played within their minds. The kids enjoyed stories like those, especially ones from towns or cities.
Everybody had no doubt at all that such a paradise would last forever.
Unfortunately, their world-view was about to be turned upside down.
Flickers of destruction and screams echoed throughout the small sanctuary. People adorning eerie cloaks wreaked havoc everywhere, bringing despair with each step.
The residents of Rosemary Village couldn't possibly imagine how the darkness of the human heart can run so deep. They kidnapped the children who will later be used as slaves, while killing the adults with no rhyme or reason.
The little girl who was naively enjoying life shook with fear, staring absentmindedly at the blazing fire as she stood alone. She tried to find her brother amidst all the chaos, but another girl who looked slightly older hastily grabbed her arm.
You gotta hide or they're gonna find you!
but I have to find my brother!
They both found a spot, as the girl urged her to hide in there. Two men who wore the same cloaks exclaimed as they heard their voices. The box was quickly closed as the other girl's footsteps sounded further and further away, followed by additional ones that began to chase her.
Kagura could only close her eyes while she sniffled in silence, wishing that all of this was a nightmare. She cried and cried until she fell asleep due to mental fatigue. After a while, she woke up to suffocating tranquility.
She waited for another period of time, to hear if there were any more of those monsters still roaming around in the now destroyed village. Once she believed that everything was clear, she carefully lifted the lid as she stepped out.
Only desolation welcomed her sight… The smell of burned wood and corpses from the other villagers nauseated her as she started to tremble in denial. She didn't want to accept the fact that she was the only one left.
Everything was fine until yesterday… What did they even do to deserve this…?
Kagura had no choice but to wander aimlessly, leaving the ruins behind hesitantly. She was forced to mature at a young age and vowed to complete the two goals she created for herself: Finding her brother and uncover the identity of those detestable animals in human skin.
The Kingdom of Fiore was huge enough for someone like her. This prompted her to expand the limited perspective she had from being a small village girl, making it a difficult transition.
Throughout her years of journeying to various locations, she's met numerous people who were good or bad, awakened her Gravity Magic, trained until bones cracked under pressure, and even discovered a magical sword that she now owned: Archenemy.
She also did not forget her roots of being someone from a peaceful village. Kagura still the saw the beauty of living, delivering acts of kindness and justice along the way. It was quite a roller-coaster of emotions for her to say the least.
Luckily, rewards appear in mysterious ways, as she managed to finally progress her goals after a long time of not getting any clues in relation to the incident. She encountered a woman with cat-like features, who overheard her loud muttering of her brother's name.
The cat woman's name was Millianna, one of the child slaves who was within Erza's group. She was given the whole picture of her experiences, the cult, the tower, the labor, and Jellal…
I'm sorry, Kagura-chan… Your brother… Simon… H-He was killed by him…
Her mind blanked after hearing that.
What was her main motivation when she trained? It was to find her brother who was potentially kidnapped by those bastards. Her efforts seemed like a cruel joke, as even the cult who was responsible for her suffering were dealt with. Millianna explained that they were simply one of the many groups who worshiped Zeref like lunatics.
Kagura felt empty, not expecting her lifetime goals to just go poof. How should she even react?
Grief?
Despair?
Rage?
Unconsciously, she tightened the grip on Archenemy, not noticing the pressure it was emitting. Veins popped out from her face due to the sheer emotions she was having, and her Gravity Magic almost went out of control.
Millianna's voice snapped her out of her state, as she toned down the power she was excluding. She berated herself for such a display, since one of her core values practices discipline. It was a driving factor for the choices she made in life, believing that every result stems from her actions.
Kagura glanced down at her sword, remembering the other epithet it was known by: The Blade of Resentment.
Even she didn't know the true capability of the sword she carries. But it responded to the feelings she expressed so clearly, and instinctively knew the meaning of its sudden activity…
It was fueled by her hatred.
The hatred for the man who killed her brother--- Jellal Fernandez.
She changed her goal right there and then. A singular goal that she must accomplish no matter what, to get her revenge against him.
Kagura decided to seal the sword, followed by a vow that's written in blood. To only draw it when her target is within sight. She didn't know how, but she somehow felt that man wouldn't die that easily, even if Millianna told her that was the case.
She was curious about one thing… The young man who defeated Jellal with fiery determination. Someone who wanted to honor her brother's wish to the very end, and succeeded with flying colors.
May I know the name of the person witnessed everything?
Ah, you mean Salamander? His name is Natsu Dragneel. I remember that he offered us to join Fairy Tail if we didn't have anywhere to go to.
Natsu-san and Fairy Tail, huh… I see. Thank you for sharing all of this with me, Millianna. I apologize if it brought back bad memories for you.
It's alright, Kagura-Chan! Your also in the same boat, so I don't blame you.
Kagura bade farewell to the cat woman, changing her direction towards the guild she's heard so much about during her travels.
She wanted to meet him, the young man they refer to as Salamander.
…
"WHAT!? YOU'RE SIMON'S SISTER!? NO WONDER WHY YOU SMELLED SO FAMILIAR!"
Natsu spat out some of the food he ate, as Kagura deflected the crumbs with her sword's handle. The other people within the restaurant gazed at him with weird expressions due to what he said.
"I think you need to rephrase what you said, Natsu. No sane person will say that out loud." Happy was sitting on the table, accompanying the dragon slayer on one side. He munched on some fish as he looked at his partner speechlessly.
The young pink-haired scratched his head in embarrassment. "Simon was an amazing guy! I was just surprised that we met someone related to him." He grumbled, calming down afterwards.
"Well, I'm not the one who's embarrassing himself anyway. You're on your own here. I'm just gonna eat my fish in peace."
"Oi! Some partner you are!"
Kagura watched their banter in silence with a small smile, her stoic expression softening. It's been a while since she felt this relaxed. The last time that happened was when she was still living in Rosemary Village.
"I do not mind. In fact, I am very happy that you hold my brother in high regard." She even talked more than usual, which was a contrast to how she interacted with people all these years.
The duo was a bit surprised hearing that, then looked at each other. Natsu smiled mischievously. "If she doesn't mind, then it ain't embarrassing! I won the argument this time, buddy." He chuckled.
"A miracle." Happy rolled his eyes.
After their conversation, they fell silent for a moment. A few more seconds passed, followed by Natsu switching to a slightly serious demeanor. "… I think I understand why you're looking for me. You wanna know how it exactly happened, don't ya? I can also add my experience after that."
Kagura slowly bowed her head. "Please do. Finding my brother was one of my life's goals. To discover that he died took a mental toll on my psyche, I just need… a clear take on this." She said as her voice trembled.
The dragon slayer paused, recalling all those memories from the Tower to Nirvana. He started to retell everything to the best of his ability, not missing any beat of detail that's important. Kagura's expression changed multiple times, forgetting to maintain her stoic face by now.
"Rotting in jail was the best mercy he was given. Although he ain't brainwashed anymore, I still hate his guts." Natsu sighed in exasperation, losing a bit of his appetite.
The swordswoman absorbed everything that was told to her. She glanced at Archenemy with an unreadable expression, clenching it in… no. The emotions she that suppressed were too chaotic within her right now.
Why?
Why can't any one of her goals come to fruition?
People say life can be unfair in the most unexpected of ways.
But this was too ridiculous, and even she knew not everything will go along with her expectations. She tried to regulate her breathing, wondering if this emptiness is the answer to her humorous life.
She indeed described it as a joke. What's the point of even trying---!
"KAGURA!"
Natsu's voice shook her out her negative thoughts. The young man suddenly stood up and quickly arrived in front of her. He held one of her hands, making her yelp in surprise. But she didn't resist at all.
"I don't want to assume how you're feeling right now. But that's the expression of someone who's lost, and you don't know what to do." He stopped for a moment to catch his breath. "One of my goals is to find Igneel! So I trained to become stronger, until I can reach S-Class." He looked directly at her eyes.
"But I couldn't do it alone. After a while, I met gramps who offered me a home to return to." Natsu continued. "I don't know how to comfort someone I just met… So the next best thing is to offer you this." His voice loud with vigor.
"How about joining Fairy Tail for a change? Maybe getting a new start in life can heal ya. It's also a home that accepts everyone." The dragon slayer gazed at her with his trademark smile.
I remember that he offered us to join Fairy Tail if we didn't have anywhere to go to.
Kagura remembered Millianna's words, although she truly understood as to what the offer entails.
To re-affirm her goals and accept a new approach…
Did she truly deserve such a thing? She only had misfortune in the thorny path that she took, making her hit rock-bottom multiple times. Rest was a luxury that only normal people could afford. It was her that---
"You don't need to hesitate, Kagura. Fairy Tail is a guild that sees everyone as family!" It seems the pink-haired young man can be sharp when it mattered. Her hesitation slowly crumbled as a result.
Family…
Kagura stared at Natsu, who was patiently waiting. Whether she would accept or decline was fine to him, he simply wanted to help her because it felt right.
As if feeling his intentions, the purple-haired woman's stoic expression completely vanished, making her genuinely smile. A smile she showed during her time in the small village that was full of simplicity and peace.
His presence is warm…
"Natsu-san…" She cried at the new chance she was given.
It was different for the duo though, as they panicked at the sight of her crying. Natsu let go of her hand as he looked like a deer in headlights.
"You made her cry, Natsu! I think you went in too strong!" Happy widened his eyes in disbelief, looking at him with a judgmental gaze.
"I didn't mean it like that! I just wanted to help her!" Natsu shouted in response as they argued with one another again.
Kagura wiped her tears of joy, slowly giggling until it turned into a full-blown laugh. This got their attention, prompting them to glance at her with concern and confusion.
"Are you okay, Kagura? You don't have to accept it if you feel uncomfortable." The pink-haired young man said.
"Yeah, Natsu is a bit socially inept. Just ignore him for the meantime."
"Hey!"
The woman who experienced multitude of hardships gently shook her head. Her mind had no more doubts, and the response she gave came from the depths of her own heart.
"I'm fine, Natsu-san, Happy… I would like to join your guild."
Kagura Mikazuchi has joined Fairy Tail.