The next morning, as soft light spilled over Magnolia's rooftops, Yume found himself alone in a quiet alley near the town's edge. Without any conscious effort, he sensed the subtle unraveling of the fusion magic—the combined forms of his shikigami loosening naturally with the dawn.
He felt the shift ripple through his magic as Viperion and Enma separated, the colossal serpent and the blazing lion-ape returning to their individual states. Stormwing and Swiftwing split as well, the armored raven and the metallic falcon stretching their wings in the gentle morning light.
Yume exhaled quietly, steadying himself as the resonance of his magic settled with the new day. He felt the subtle shifts ripple through him as, one by one, his companions' fusion forms naturally unraveled—Viperion and Enma separating, the colossal serpent and blazing lion-ape returning to their original states, while Stormwing and Swiftwing split apart, the armored raven and metallic falcon stretching their wings in the gentle morning light.
The fusion had ended on its own, a natural process with the coming of day, and Yume took a deep breath, confirming the strength and readiness of each shikigami.
Before heading to the guild, Yume lent Viperion the shadow magic he'd copied from Kageyama, and Regulus the wind magic of Erigor—both abilities stored within Rika's spectral grasp, ready to be unleashed if needed.
***
Fairy tail guild~
The sun filtered softly through the stained-glass windows of Fairy Tail's guild hall, painting the parquet floor in shifting colors. Yume entered with his usual quiet step, drawing only a few glances from the morning crowd. He made his way to the master's desk, where Makarov sat reviewing paperwork with a steaming cup of tea in hand.
Makarov looked up, his eyes twinkling with a knowing smile. "Good morning, Yume. I thought I'd see you early today." He tapped a sealed envelope on the desk, the Blackwood family crest pressed deep into the wax.
Yume bowed his head respectfully. "Good morning, Master. I'm here for the request." His voice was gentle, steady.
Makarov slid the envelope forward. "This one's for your eyes only. The Blackwood family insisted on it." He leaned in, voice lowering. "It's not a simple job. Curses like these… they can break even the toughest mages. Are you sure you want to take it?"
Yume met his gaze, calm and unwavering. "I've made up my mind. I'll see it through."
Makarov studied him for a moment, then nodded in approval. "I trust your judgment. But remember, you're not alone. If you need help, don't hesitate to ask. That's what family is for."
A faint, grateful smile touched Yume's lips. "Thank you, Master. I'll be careful."
Makarov's expression softened. "Go on, then. Show them what it means to be Fairy Tail."
Yume accepted the envelope, bowing once more before turning away. He found a quiet spot and broke the seal, unrolling the mission poster:
─────────────────────────────────────────────
FAIRY TAIL GUILD – OFFICIAL REQUEST
─────────────────────────────────────────────
MISSION: The Bride in Veil
CLIENT: Blackwood Family, Blackridge Hollow
RANK: A-Class (Confidential)
DETAILS:
A dire request from the Blackwood family, renowned merchants of Blackridge Hollow. Their youngest daughter is afflicted by a centuries-old curse. The spirit of the "Bride in Veil," a betrayed ancestor, haunts the Blackwood estate, growing stronger as the girl's sixteenth birthday approaches.
The spirit manifests at night, causing sleepwalking, bruises, and terrifying visions.
Servants refuse to stay after sunset. Mirrors are covered, and the girl grows weaker by the day.
The family reports escalating supernatural activity and fears for their daughter's life.
OBJECTIVE:
Investigate the origin and nature of the curse.
Protect the afflicted girl from the vengeful spirit.
If possible, lay the "Bride in Veil" to rest and lift the curse from the Blackwood bloodline.
REWARD: High (negotiable upon completion)
NOTES:
Details to be revealed only to the mage who accepts this request.
Discretion and courage required. The client insists on secrecy.
REQUESTED MAGE: Yume Kai Minato (by name)
─────────────────────────────────────────────
See Master Makarov for sealed mission details.
─────────────────────────────────────────────
Yume carefully folded the poster and slipped it inside his coat. He crossed the hall to the library shelves, scanning for books on curses, vengeful spirits, and haunted lineages. Levy was already there, surrounded by tomes.
"Yume? You're here early," Levy said, looking up with a gentle smile. "Need help finding something?"
He nodded, polite and reserved. "There's a mission. Curse-related. I'd appreciate your help with research, if you're free."
Levy's cheeks warmed. "Of course! I'm happy to help." She quickly gathered several books and joined him at a table.
After collecting what he needed, Yume approached the bar. "Mira, could you pack some food for the road? Something that keeps well."
Mirajane smiled. "Of course, Yume. I'll make sure it's nourishing—and a little sweet."
As Yume and Levy sorted through the books, Cana strolled over, her tarot cards flicking between her fingers. "What's this, a secret research party? Or are you two planning to summon something spooky?"
Yume's expression remained calm. "It's a curse mission. The kind that gets worse the more you know about it."
Levy's eyes widened. "How bad are curses, really?"
Yume's tone grew serious, but never lost its politeness. "Curses aren't just stories. Some are born from hatred so deep it warps reality. They feed on fear, regret, pain—sometimes even latching onto the living, twisting their thoughts and bodies. I've seen curses that make people relive their worst nightmares, or turn homes into traps. They don't just haunt—they corrupt."
Cana's bravado faltered. "That's… actually terrifying. How do you know so much?"
He offered a small, polite smile. "I'm an expert in the field. My magic lets me sense, analyze, and counter curses. I've dealt with more than most people can imagine."
Levy and Cana exchanged a nervous glance, but their resolve didn't waver. "Yume," Levy began, her voice quiet but firm, "We want to come with you on this mission."
Cana immediately chimed in, a more serious look on her face than usual. "Yeah, we do. This isn't just about curiosity."
Yume's expression remained calm, but this time, he shook his head. "Thanks, but I work alone. This mission might not be S-rank, but its danger isn't in its rank. Curses and spirits are unpredictable and deadly—especially for those who've never faced them before. I can't let you get involved just because you're curious."
Levy's eyes widened, but she didn't back down. Cana raised an eyebrow, her grin fading.
Yume continued, voice gentle but firm, "Why do you want to join, anyway? Levy, you have your own team. Why not go with them?"
Levy met Yume's gaze, her expression earnest but resolute. "My team's busy on a delivery job out of town, and honestly… this isn't the kind of mission I'd ever ask Jet and Droy to handle. They're great friends, but this curse—" she hesitated, searching for the right words, "—it's different. It needs someone who understands old magic, someone who can read between the lines. That's what I'm good at. And… truth is, I want to prove to myself that I can handle something this dangerous on my own terms. Not just as part of Shadow Gear, but as Levy. And if I'm going to face something this serious, I'd rather do it with people who understand what's at stake—and who I trust."
Cana stepped up, her tone more serious than usual. "My cards have been restless, giving me bad omens for days. I know what it's like to have family secrets that weigh you down. If this is about a powerful curse, I want to help someone break free of it. And I'm tired of being called a lightweight by Laxus. I want to show what I can really do."
Yume regarded them both, seeing the determination in their eyes. He sighed, a rare, almost amused glint in his eyes. "Alright. But stay close, and listen to what I say. Curses are unpredictable."
Both girls brightened, their confidence returning.
"Aye aye, captain!" Cana said with a wink, giving a playful salute.
Yume shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. With his unlikely team assembled, he felt a quiet sense of anticipation—for the first time, not just for the mission, but for the company as well.
***
The Journey~
The warmth and laughter of the guild faded behind them as the trio set out, first by train and then on foot, winding through dense, mist-shrouded woods. The silence was heavy, broken only by the distant call of crows and the crunch of gravel beneath their feet. The sky, painted in bruised purples and golds, pressed low with the weight of coming night.
Cana broke the quiet, pulling out a small flask and taking a swig before offering it to Levy, who politely declined. "So, this Blackwood family," she said with a smirk, "they're rich merchants, right? You'd think money could buy you out of anything—even a curse. Or at least get you better snacks on the road."
Levy adjusted the satchel of books on her shoulder, smiling softly. "Not always. Some curses are about lineage, about blood. Money can't change your ancestry. And from what I've read, the Blackwoods have had their share of 'unfortunate events' over the centuries. This 'Bride in Veil' is just the latest, and the worst." She glanced at Yume. "Do you think the curse is confined to the estate, or could it affect the whole town?"
Yume walked ahead, his calm presence steadying the group. "A curse that powerful indicates deep-seated pain and immense magical energy. It's likely tied to a specific individual or event in their past. If it's tied to the bloodline, the primary effects would be on the family. But the fear it generates in the town could still empower it. Our first goal will be to uncover that origin." He glanced back at them. "Are either of you familiar with any legends about veiled brides, or anything connecting to betrayal beyond what's on the poster?"
Cana frowned in thought, then shrugged. "Plenty of tragic bride stories, but nothing that rings a bell for this family. My cards sometimes pick up on old grudges, though. Maybe once we're closer, the energy will be clearer." She shivered playfully. "Let's hope this bride isn't too clingy. Or at least, that she's got better taste in fashion than me."
Levy laughed, the tension easing for a moment. "I've cross-referenced some historical texts, but there aren't many public records on the Blackwood family's private misfortunes. The client asked for discretion for a reason." She looked around at the encroaching mist. "The atmosphere here is already… heavy."
"Good," Yume replied, his gaze scanning the darkening woods and the path ahead. "The less attention we draw, the better. These kinds of curses thrive on fear and secrecy. Our discretion will be as important as our magic."
When the train finally pulled into Blackridge Hollow's lonely platform, the air was thick and damp, heavy with the scent of moss and woodsmoke. The town was a patchwork of shuttered windows and wary eyes. Fog crept down the cobbled streets, swallowing the last warmth of day.
A stray cat darted across their path, vanishing into the mist. Cana eyed it warily. "If that cat turns out to be a ghost, I'm quitting magic and opening a bakery."
Levy smiled, shaking her head. Yume just gave a faint smile but said nothing.
A nervous Blackwood servant met them at the edge of the square, bowing hurriedly. "Please—this way. The master is waiting." He led them through winding lanes, the manor looming ahead, its windows dark and silent, as if bracing for the coming storm.
***
Family's Despair~
Inside, the Blackwood family waited—stern, pale, and desperate. Lord Alaric Blackwood, a tall man in an impeccably tailored velvet suit, rose as they entered. His attire spoke of old money, but his sharp black eyes were sunken and ringed with exhaustion, every line of his face carved deeper by worry and sleepless nights.
"You are the mages from Fairy Tail?" Lord Alaric's voice was strained, but he fought to regain composure. "I am Alaric Blackwood, and this is my wife, Lady Seraphina." Lady Seraphina, draped in an elegant black gown and intricate jewelry, nodded with trembling grace. Her beauty was dulled by haunted eyes and an ashen complexion. "Thank the heavens you've arrived," she managed.
"We are," Yume replied, bowing politely. "Yume, Levy, and Cana. Please, tell us everything you know about this curse. From the beginning, if possible."
Lady Seraphina's hands twisted in her lap, her voice barely above a whisper. "It… it takes our daughters. Every few generations. Always as they near their sixteenth birthday, they begin to sicken, to fade. Nightmares, terrible visions… and then the physical marks. Bruises, inexplicable cuts. The servants refuse to stay after dark, fearing… her."
Cana leaned forward, her tone gentle but insistent. "Has it always been this way? Do you know how the curse started?"
Lord Alaric's jaw tightened. "There are old family records, but most are shrouded in secrecy. The legend says that centuries ago, our ancestor, Lady Isolde Blackwood, was betrayed on her wedding night. She vanished, and her grief and rage twisted into a curse. Since then, every few generations, a daughter is chosen. The signs always begin as her sixteenth birthday approaches."
Levy's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "How soon before the birthday do the symptoms start?"
Lady Seraphina answered, "It varies, but always in the last month. Elara began to weaken three weeks ago—first the nightmares, then the bruises. The spirit grows stronger as the new moon draws near."
Yume's gaze sharpened. "The new moon?"
Lord Alaric nodded grimly. "Yes. The curse always reaches its peak on the night of the new moon—when the sky is darkest, and the veil between worlds is thinnest. That's when… when the spirit tries to claim her completely."
Levy pulled out a small notebook. "How much time do we have?"
Lady Seraphina's voice trembled. "Four nights. The new moon falls on Elara's birthday. If we do not break the curse by then…" She could not finish.
Yume's expression was grave, but resolute. "We understand. We'll do everything in our power to end this before the new moon."
Levy stepped forward, concern furrowing her brow. "What exactly are these manifestations? Beyond the bruises and visions, what have you witnessed?"
"Whispers," Lady Seraphina shuddered. "Always whispers. And reflections. In every mirror, every window. Elara sees her, constantly. The air grows cold, objects move. And the dreams… Elara screams almost every night."
Yume's voice was calm, but his gaze was intense. "Has anyone ever tried to interact with the spirit directly? To understand what she wants?"
Lord Alaric shook his head, grief weighing his words. "We tried. One brave mage attempted a séance. He… he simply vanished. Another was driven to madness, screaming about a 'broken vow' before he too was gone. It seems she wants only silence and solitude with her chosen victim."
Yume paused, then asked, "Forgive me, but why did you request me by name? I've never officially taken on a curse-lifting job before."
Lord Alaric hesitated, glancing at his wife. Lady Seraphina's pale hands tightened in her lap, her voice trembling as she spoke. "After so many failures, I… I became desperate. I have always had a touch of the sight—small visions, dreams that sometimes come true. In my sleep, I kept seeing a stranger standing between Elara and the darkness. Each time, it was you."
She looked away, embarrassed. "But I wasn't certain. So we sought out Madame Mirielle, the fortune teller who lives beyond the river. She is… respected, even among mages. When she read the cards, she told us: 'Only the one who dreams of freedom, who walks quietly but carries the weight of others, can stand against the Bride's sorrow.' She described you exactly, even your eyes."
Lord Alaric nodded, his voice regaining some strength. "We had never heard of you before, but after Madame Mirielle's words and Seraphina's dreams, we knew we had to find you. We sent the request to Fairy Tail, insisting it be for you alone."
Lady Seraphina met Yume's eyes, hope flickering in her haunted gaze. "Please… I believe the fates brought you here."
For a moment, the room was silent except for the crackle of the fire. Then Yume nodded, quietly accepting the burden. "I understand. I'll do everything I can."
They led the trio to a dimly-lit parlor. There, in a wheelchair draped with white, sat the afflicted girl, Elara. She was heartbreakingly frail, her small frame nearly swallowed by the chair. Her skin was ghostly pale, almost translucent, as if the life had been drained from her. Her black eyes were dull, vacant, darting constantly to avoid every reflective surface—even the newcomers' eyes. Bruises, some fresh and purple, others yellowed and fading, marred her arms and ankles, and fresh bandages—some stained with red—wrapped her wrists, hinting at recent, unseen torment.
Levy knelt beside her, voice gentle and warm. "We're here to help, Elara. Can you tell us what's been happening?"
The girl's voice was barely a whisper, thin and reedy. "She comes at night. I hear her in the mirrors. She… she wants me to follow her. Into the shadows. Forever."
Yume's gaze lingered on the heavy curtains and shrouded glass. The air was cold, heavy with sorrow—a tangible weight pressing in. He could sense the deep-seated despair, a chilling echo of the family's ancient pain.
Yume turned to Lord and Lady Blackwood, his tone gentle but unyielding. "Tonight, I need you both to leave the manor. The spirit's target is your daughter, not you. She will not harm anyone except Elara and those who protect her. If you're not here, we can give our full attention to keeping Elara safe."
The parents hesitated, horror and heartbreak warring on their faces. Lady Seraphina clutched Elara's hand, her voice trembling. "But—she's our only child. What if—"
Yume's eyes softened. "If you stay, you'll only be in danger and distract us. I promise, we'll do everything to protect her."
Elara's grip on her mother's sleeve tightened. Her voice, small and raw, broke the tense silence. "Please, Mama, Papa—don't go. Don't leave me here. What if she comes when you're gone?" Her eyes darted to the shrouded mirrors, wide and shining with terror.
Lord Alaric knelt beside her, forcing steadiness into his voice. "We must, Elara. These mages will protect you. You'll be safe, I promise."
Tears welled in Elara's eyes. "No, please! I don't want to be alone. What if something happens to you? What if I never see you again?" Her hands clung desperately to her mother's dress, as if letting go would mean losing everything.
Lady Seraphina's own eyes brimmed with tears. She leaned down, pressing a trembling kiss to Elara's forehead. "We love you, Elara. We'll come back. You are not alone." Gently, she pried her daughter's fingers free, her own hands shaking.
After a long, tearful moment, Lord Alaric nodded to Yume, his voice thick. "We… we'll return at first light. Elara, be brave. We love you." Both parents hugged their daughter tightly, whispering promises and prayers, before finally departing into the night.
Elara's muffled sobs lingered in the hallway long after the front door closed. As the Blackwood parents departed into the night, the manor seemed to grow colder and heavier, as if the darkness itself was waiting, just beyond.
End of Chapter 13.