Troublesome Illusion: Dragon Skeleton, Black Magic and a Newspaper [Video]

[fairysoul]

[As the feed turns on Mavis has a very serious look on her face. She's definitely in City Guardian mode.]

This is Mavis Vermillion, City Guardian of Fayren.

I'd like to ask all citizens of Fayren, especially non mages, to avoid crossing the forest on their own until further notice. The presence of a dragon skeleton has been reported. Its origin and intentions are unknown for now. It appears to be vulnerable to magic bolts but it will attack you if provoked.

Please get in touch with me or one of my Deputies [Erza Scarlet, Alice Margatroid, Qubine and Konoka Konoe] if you have any information to provide on this dragon skeleton, or if you're in need of help. In addition, Fairy Tail's healer, Tatlyn, will be on call if anyone happens to get injured in the vicinity of Fairy Haven.

Thank you for your attention.

[Mavis pauses, waiting a few seconds before switching subject.]

Also, I've been wondering... do any of you know anything about Black Magic? And what difference do you make between Dark Magic and Black Magic, if any?

[She's about to cut the feed when the noise of shattered glass is heard in her background. Mavis quickly turns around... and rolls her eyes. She picks up a copy of the Genessia Tribune.]

...Time to read the news, I guess.

[Feed ends.]


[Private Message to Fayren's Deputy Guardians]
Qubine and Erza, please patrol the forest area. We need to know if it's the same dragon skeleton that keeps appearing and disappearing or if there are actually several of them. Be careful, it uses some kind of black magic.
Alice, please ask your dolls to create a security perimiter around the forest. We can't allow the dragon skeleton to get into the city.
Konoka, please call some additional healers and make sure you're ready to pick up and treat quickly anyone who gets injured by the skeleton.
All of you, keep me updated. Thanks.

[Private Message to Zeref]
Tatlyn says the dragon skeleton attacks using some kind of black energy. I'm not sure yet if it actually is Black Magic or if it just looks like it. The skeleton hit it with its magic. Could you talk to her and see if you can confirm it's Black Magic? Thanks.

Comments

Video - Private

[ubiquitously]

[Oh, great. Uai briefly recalls that the Glitches attacked things, but he thought they had been wiped up quickly. He's hesitant to raise his hand in front of the class about this... Being a few shades of selfish, he wants to preserve himself and not get in major trouble. But the idea of everyone being on guard against dragons worries him. The Hana here is a dragon...

Dammit. He switches on a private video.]

If you waited 24 hours, I was going to call.

[WAS HE, THOUGH? Yeah, he probably was. Uai knows it does him no good to be bury his secrets and end up letting this spiral. Though, he wishes he'd had more time to research Fayren's Guardians before he had to face them. Likewise, he would have liked to have a chance to make himself look presentable. He's still a mess after taking so much damage.]

Hi, uh. I'm... the skeleton dragons. [...] You can take down the PSA. Please. Don't get people riled up about dragons.

Video - Private

[fairysoul]

[Mavis looks slightly surprised that the first person to answer her actually is the 'skeleton dragon'.]

Well, let's just say I spared you the trouble of finding my number.

Still I'm glad you decided to answer my message.

[She studies him for a bit before speaking up again.] So, could you tell me who you are and what's going on exactly?

Video;

[innocent_royal]

A difference between black magic and dark magic...?

[Anastasia thinks about it for a moment.]

Well... To me, Dark magic is destructive elements. Dark element magic falls in this as well. Black magic is more sinister... Like my own Dark element magic, really. Necromancy, hexes, anything that effects how people think and act... I would call those Black magic.

[Private Video]

[fairysoul]

Mmm. That's a good way of differenciating them, yes.

[Mavis switches to private.] Actually... I don't believe I've ever seen you use your magic. I'd like to see that sometimes, if you're willing to show me.

[Video]

[liorafae]

W-well...how exactly do you define "Dark" magic or "Black" magic?

In my world, there's the Shadow element, which isn't really the evil kind of darkness. It's more like the darkness of night, or the shade under a tree. And then there's the Shade, which were black tendrils that tried to invade our world more than once. I...sort of gave the whole story on that before... We don't know if the Shade is magical, or what nature it has...

And...a dragon skeleton? I know Qubine will be able to defeat it. And maybe...

[Maybe she can also? She still sounds nervous. The mention of the skeleton dragon makes her recall the terrible incident back home that left her shaken...]

[Video]

[fairysoul]

Shadow magic? Yes, it does exist on Earthland too. And, even if I'd mostly seen it used by dark guild members, I agree it's not evil in nature.

So, to you, 'dark' would be associated to the element and 'black' to the nature of the magic? [That's actually the definition Mavis herself has, and what she's read in most books on the subject. But since they are so many magical users in Genessia, and that their definition and perception of magic can vary quite a lot, she thought she'd ask.

She gives her a reassuring smile.] Don't worry too much about it. I don't think it's as dangerous as I'd thought at first.

Also, I'm sure Qubine, or you, would get rid of those skeletons pretty easily. Have you been practicing your light magic?

[Private Video]

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Understood. I'll mobilize who I can to help with the situation.

[ And boy is she going to need it. Konoka's concentration took a hit earlier this month, and only now has it come back... and it may not be up to full strength. ]

[Private Video]

[fairysoul]

Thank you. I don't believe anyone got too badly injured so far, so we don't need to prepare for people a place to stay while they heal.

I'll let you know as soon as I know more about the nature of the magic used by the skeletons.

[She pauses as she realizes that Konoka looks a little bit under. Is she feeling sick? Or just stressed out, maybe?] Is everything alright, Konoka?

video

[trivialization]

'Dark magic' and 'black magic' are general terms. Calling on the spirits of darkness or other principles related to obscuration, communicating with the dead, or curses are all described that way... but what you'll often find is that those sorts of classifications are secondary to a legal or customary definition, 'that which is forbidden.'

So which are you interested in talking about?

video

[fairysoul]

I'm interested in anything you're willing to share on the subjet, whether it is forbidden magic or necromancy or communicating with spirits.

What do you know about the magic used by cursed beings?

Private video

[superficially_busy]

Already on it.

[Alice pans the camera to the tree line. It was difficult to see, but there were dolls in pine green dresses taking position in the trees.]

Private video

[fairysoul]

[A smile.] Thank you, Alice.

[Private video]

[redhairedknight]

I'll be sure to keep an eye out. [After what she saw in the aftermath of the Grand Magic Games (as well as Acnologia and Eileen, though those were unusual cases), she knows that dragons aren't to be trifled with.]

...And I'll look into getting that window fixed.

[Private video]

[fairysoul]

I might have identified the origin of the problem, actually. [Since she's actually talking with him right now.

A sigh.] Thanks. I'm seriously considering using spells to protect our windows.

[Video]

[mother_of_monsters]

But I live in the Fayren forest. I have a roommate and pets, do we have to leave?

There's dragons in my world too. But you say this one is only a skeleton?

[Video]

[fairysoul]

No. Just be careful. The skeletons are easy to spot and they seem to be blind. Just don't get near them.

I believe, they're not real dragons. They just look like dragon skeletons.

private video

[captain_by_the_book]

...and we're talking again when some crisis or other is happening. [ At least it's kind of funny by now, he's grinning. ] We have to stop meeting like this, Mavis.

But I'm calling to say, if you need your people to focus on the dragon issue I can send some of my Deputies to help out with everyday tasks. Just call me if it comes to that.

[ With Winter still searching for the royal family, as far as he knows, he's not how functional the royal guard is. Can't help to offer, anyway. ]

private video

[fairysoul]

[A soft chuckle. You always manage to make her laugh, even on the worst days. You remind her so much of her friend Yuri. ...Granted she's been reminded of him a lot today. For different reasons.] We really do. [Though, if she remembers correctly, last time you talked was because your boyfriend accidentally posted a video on the network, but she won't bring it up.] How are you, Cassian?

Fortunately, I think need I'll need to invoke call red today. But I do appreciate you called to offer your help. [As always. The day you don't call, she's going to get really worried.]

[Private Video]

[kalmaleader]

I've already encountered one of those beasts. It came too close to my home, so I took care of it...

[It shouldn't be hard to guess what is meant by "taking care of it." But Qubine also lowers his device slightly, revealing the bleeding holes across his chest where the beast had struck him...]

[Private Video]

[fairysoul]

Okay. That's one less to worry about. There shouldn't be many more left.

[Her expression turns slightly worried as she sees Qubine's injuries.] Oh my! [But she collects herself almost instantly.] You should have Tatlyn or Konoka look at those wounds as soon as possible. They'll heal them for you.

Thank you, Qubine. You did great. But you should rest now. And don't worry, Erza is patrolling right now. She can deal with any remaining skeleton.

Video

[protectshope]

Mavis-san?

Oh dear. This isn't exactly the ideal situation to meet you in, is it? But um... Is everything okay now? Do you need any extra hands?

Video

[fairysoul]

Yes? [She doesn't recognize the girl who's addressing her at first, although she looks familiar. Maybe she posted on the network. She gives her a gentle smile nonetheless.]

Thank you for your offer but the situation is being resolved as we speak.

Is there anything I can help you with?

[ video | private ]

[ascendedbeing]

[ Sertoria's been informed by Uai that he's talked to Mavis, but she wants to see if there's anything more that needs to be discussed or if the Guardian has any questions for her. ]

Ah, hello. My name is Sertoria, I do not believe we have met, Guardian Vermilion. I do not think that Uai has informed you, but he is currently under my care. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.

[ video | private ]

[fairysoul]

[If she's surprised by the sudden call, she doesn't let it show. She just smiles gently.] Nice to meet you, Sertoria.

He didn't mention that, no. Are you helping him recover from the loss of the fragments of his soul, then?

[ private text ]

[deathsought]

Black magic? I can try, yes, though I cannot make any promises. If there is one thing I have learned in my time in this world, it is that magic in other worlds does not often follow the same 'rules' that they do in our worlds. What qualifies as black magic in other worlds could be considered perfectly normal, if dangerous magic in our own, or vice-versa.

I can't maky any promises without seeing the magic for myself. Though if the dragon is truly undead, my magic may not be of much use. I've learned firsthand that Ankhseram Black Magic has odd effects when used against the undead. It destroys life, and undeath is not 'true' life.

[ private text ]

[fairysoul]

Or so I've noticed too. Which is why I've been asking for opinions.

The skeleton is not an undead spirit. It's actually a figment of someone's soul.

Private Video | Anon | Backdated!

[lunarlegionnaire]

[A jet and silver ghost nods at Mavis from a moonlit cliff overlooking Fayren's woods.]

Guardian Vermillion, this is Moon Knight. Don't worry about civilians entering the forest from the southern edge. I'll detour them personally, giving you and your men more room to engage the threat.

Private Video | Anon | Backdated! - Sorry for the delay ^^;

[fairysoul]

[A blink and a pause...] Thank you, Mister Moon Knight. Your help is appreciated. [Cool name, by the way.]

...Are you... a super hero... or something? [And here she thought they all lived in Nova City or Genessia City. Apparently not. Mavis can't help but feel slightly proud about it.]

late af mb! but text;

[astralera]

I am very knowledgeable on the subject of Black Magic, and have experience dealing with darker magics.

Black magic is magic that is neither good nor evil. It is a tool as any other, and uses primarily uses Fire, Ice, and Lightning aspected energies. Its main use is as offensive magic. It is a more advanced form of Thaumaturgy, which is commonplace. An example of its usage would be alternating fire and ice spells to destroy metal, or paralyzing or putting to sleep a foe that might otherwise kill the caster or another.

Its counterpart is White Magic, the advanced form of Conjury. It is generally considered to be 'good' as its focus is healing and defense. It uses primarily Earth and Air aspected energies, though a few spells use Water.

Both Black and White magic are forbidden arts in my world as the war between Black and White mages in the War of the Magi of the Fifth Astral Era caused an imbalance in the earth's natural energies. There was an overabundance of Water aether while the other aetheric elements were depleted to power their wartime spells, causing a great flood to destroy most of the realm.

Dark magic is not truly a classification in my world. But summoning a demon from the Void, or necromancy, or other forms of magical enthrallment and slavery are considered truly 'dark'. In my opinion the correct term would be evil rather than dark, however, as there are professions such as the Dark Knight that harness their inner darkness to strengthen themselves and protect others.

Though I suppose in summation: magic is neither good nor evil, regardless of its classification. It all depends on the usage.

I will keep an eye out while I traverse Fayren. If I encounter any dragons like that of which you speak I shall inform you.

If I encounter anyone in need of healing or assistance I shall take care of them.

I'm the late one here! So sorry about that ^^;

[fairysoul]

You seem very knowledgeable indeed. May I ask what your name is?

Offensive spells, okay... So if I understand what you're saying correctly, any kind of elemental magic which is used to attack can be considered as black magic, then?

...Why are they considered as forbidden arts is your worls? Did something bad happen?

...I see. What about illusion magic? It can't actually be harmful, most of the time. But I guess it can be used to defend. So... white magic, maybye?

Thanks. This is much appreciated.