Chapter 12: Cana Alberona

**Cana Alberona**

[The Veil of Silence]

"Yesterday, after being protected by Suigetsu, I made an unexpected discovery," Cana thought, her eyes trailing the room as she recalled the events. The more she pondered, the clearer the realization became. When she was in contact with him, the illusionary mist that always seemed to obscure his face dissipated—if only for a moment. Though his face was still hidden beneath the mask, she could sense a fleeting possibility that maybe, just maybe, she was closer to uncovering the truth.

Three years ago, she had encountered an old fortune teller, a mysterious grandpa who had foretold that in a few days, she would find a clue about her long-lost brother. The prophecy had left her breathless with excitement. For days, she couldn't sleep, the thought of finally meeting him after all these years pushing her every waking moment. The idea of seeing him for the first time was a dream that had haunted her, a dream she had desperately clung to.

Their search had been long, exhausting, and filled with disappointment. Orphanage after orphanage, but no answers, no signs—nothing. It was as if he had disappeared from existence itself. Yet, as she thought about Suigetsu and the strange circumstances surrounding him, a thought struck her like a lightning bolt. Could it be that he had somehow joined Fairy Tail? The idea seemed both impossible and hopeful, a mix of uncertainty and possibility that kept her heart racing.

She smiled softly at the thought, a fleeting sense of warmth spreading through her chest. Her gaze drifted to the door, and she found herself anxiously waiting, hoping for something, anything that would confirm her suspicions.

Time passed, each moment stretched thin by the weight of her thoughts. She was lost in her own mind, replaying the past over and over, when suddenly, the ringing of the bell snapped her back into reality.

"Hmmm... this is..." Her attention shifted as she stood, her pulse quickening. She didn't know exactly what it was, but something about the moment felt significant. The air seemed to hum with unspoken potential, and she couldn't help but feel that whatever was coming next might be the answer she had been waiting for.

It was like the fortune teller had said.

The past few days, I hadn't been idle, trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding my brother's disappearance and the cryptic prophecy the old fortune teller had left me with. According to my interpretation, it seemed to imply that my father would return, bringing with him news about my brother. But it wasn't just that. I had a strange, unshakable feeling that something would happen soon—something that would finally bridge the gap between the past and present.

And then, it happened. Gildarts entered the guild hall, his familiar swagger unmistakable. His presence was enough to command attention as he began to recount his report. I listened intently, catching every word, every detail. A small part of me found amusement in the fact that this womanizer—who often seemed impervious to anything serious—had gotten himself tricked. I suppressed a quiet chuckle at the thought.

Once he finished, I couldn't wait any longer. I slowly approached him, a question on my lips. "Tell me more about Kyoka Suigetsu," I asked.

Gildarts didn't hesitate, revealing everything he knew, though his knowledge was limited. Still, any bit of information felt like a precious puzzle piece, one that might lead me closer to the truth.

"So, he's gotten stronger..." I murmured, my thoughts swirling. "I wonder what kind of life he's lived, what he's been through. It must have been difficult."

My mind briefly wandered to the years spent searching, the agony of the unknown. But then I remembered the fortune telling—perhaps that was my key. I needed to keep trying, to dive deeper into the secrets of the world, and one day, maybe, just maybe, I would divine my brother's location.

In the meantime, I kept pestering President Makarov. Each time I saw him, I asked if there was any news about someone called "Black Calamity." His response was always the same—he hadn't heard anything, but each time, he listened patiently. Eventually, I explained everything to him—my brother, the prophecy, the strange connection to Kyoka Suigetsu—and he, as always, agreed to help. Truly, Makarov was an admirable figure, a guiding presence in my life.

Back at the guild, I kept a careful eye on Suigetsu, observing him whenever I could. I'd studied his illusions and his methods, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't pierce the veil of mystery surrounding his true face. The illusion remained intact—until yesterday, when it all shifted for just a brief moment.

It felt like a secret I alone carried. A truth known only to me—though for now, it would remain hidden. The details of my findings, the subtle shift I had noticed, were mine to keep. I had no intention of telling anyone just yet.

And with that, everything that had happened over the past three years came rushing back, bringing with it a mixture of frustration and hope. My smile, soft and gentle, lingered as I finally allowed myself to feel something more than worry and confusion. A quiet sense of resolution settled over me. I was closer to the truth than ever before, and I wouldn't stop until I found him.

"He felt so familiar..." Cana whispered to herself, the memory of that moment with Suigetsu still fresh in her mind. When he embraced her, protecting her from danger, it was like the warmth of a long-lost memory returning to her. His presence was comforting, like the way her mother used to hug her. She couldn't explain it, but there was something undeniably familiar about him. Despite his face being hidden behind that mask, something about him made her feel like they'd known each other for a lifetime. She wasn't sure, but she was certain. He was the one they'd been searching for all this time.

There were too many pieces of evidence to ignore. The scarf around his neck had caught her attention at first. It had seemed like an ordinary scarf, worn and faded, but upon closer inspection, she recognized the fabric. It wasn't just any cloth; it was a blanket—one that seemed so familiar.

"I still keep my blanket..." Cana thought, her eyes drifting to the folded cloth by her bedside. The fabric was identical to his scarf. The realization hit her hard. The connection was there, but she needed more than just suspicion. She needed proof.

His face remained hidden, frustratingly so. "How stingy can he be?" Cana pouted slightly, crossing her arms as she lay back onto her bed. Her legs kicked the air, swinging back and forth as she reminisced about the past, about her mother's unwavering belief and her own search for answers.

"Mother often talked about him, even when others said he was dead. They tried to convince her to give up, to move on. But she never lost hope. No matter the weather, no matter how her health deteriorated, she kept searching. Even in her last moments, lying on her deathbed, she spoke of him—of our father—and her wish for me to fulfill it. To find him."

Tears welled in her eyes, unbidden. The thought of her mother's suffering, her own longing to see her family whole again, was too much to bear. She wiped away the tears, her resolve firming with each passing moment.

"Alright, today, I'm going to fulfill your wish, mother."

Cana whispered those words with a quiet determination, wiping away the last of her tears. She stood, quickly changing into her usual clothes, ready to take the next step in her journey. She couldn't waste another moment.

With a deep breath, she headed for the guild, hoping that today would be the day she finally found the person she had been searching for all these years.**Kyoka Suigetsu**

I can't say I'm in a good mood today. Yesterday, I barely scraped by—injured, my precious study materials lost, and somehow still clinging to life. It's frustrating, but I can't afford to waste time wallowing in it. It's not like I can just send another body to do the work. The consequences would be too high, too risky. I sigh, rubbing my temples in frustration, yet, in the back of my mind, I know something. Despite the setbacks, there's something that excites me in this whole mess.

Perhaps it's the potential, the deeper game I'm playing.

The space... my little pocket dimension. Inside, my magic capacity is limitless—*infinite*. But there's a price for that kind of power, a steep one. Kyoka Suigetsu, my ultimate weapon, would be lost. A necessary sacrifice, if you will. Yet, I can't deny the temptation.

Alvarez will be coming soon. The invasion is inevitable, the war with Fairy Tail brewing on the horizon. The chaos it will bring... it's the perfect time to use Kyoka Suigetsu. To put it to the test. To watch the world burn as I shape it from behind the scenes.

I smile wickedly as I imagine it all. A plan slowly taking form in my mind, one inspired by Aizen's betrayal against the Captains and the Vizards. They'll think their teamwork is enough to defeat me. They'll believe they've won when they think they've killed me, only to find that I've shattered my illusion, replaced the old man August with my own will. I can already picture their faces—confused, horrified, as they unknowingly tear apart the very person they thought was their ally.

Hehehe.

It excites me just thinking about it. But that's for later—*much* later. I need to survive the years ahead, after all, and stay ahead of the game.

For now, there's something more pressing. An obstacle I didn't quite anticipate. This next enemy... she's troublesome. At first, I thought she was just another dark guild member. But no, it turns out she's part of a cult. A different kind of threat, one I hadn't fully considered. And, of course, there's the complication—*blind*? Her team would be a perfect counter to me if they have the ability to detect magic. They wouldn't need to see to detect me. With that handicap, I wouldn't stand a chance.

I can't afford to underestimate them. I can't afford to be careless. If I want to defeat her, to overcome this cult and any other challenges that may come my way, I need to adapt, evolve.

I need to train. I need to develop new techniques—new ways to fight without relying on my usual advantages. If I'm going to win, I need to be smarter, more unpredictable.

And I will.

Training... I've come to realize that's my only path forward. It's the only way to deal with the uncertainty of the world around me. I need to increase my physical strength, fine-tune my control over magic, and expand my magical reserves. The work is daunting, but it's necessary. It's not just about brute power either—there's a deeper level to all of this.

And then there are magic tools. I need to learn to use them more effectively. The truth is, the sheer power of those tools could be the difference between victory and defeat. Take Mystogan, for example. He doesn't possess magic inside his body, yet he's one of the strongest individuals I've encountered. How? His wand. That's how. It's not just about raw power—it's about what you bring to the table.

But my paranoia lingers. I've been overly cautious, and maybe I'm right to be. The world is full of people with strange abilities. Some can drain magic, nullify it, or even silence it entirely. These individuals are still unknown, still hiding in the shadows, and there's no telling when I might run into one.

What if I encounter someone who can disable my skills? Or worse, neutralize my magic entirely? My magic tools and physical strength become crucial then. Without them, what do I have left? Sure, I'll still rely on my swordsmanship, but let's be honest—relying on it alone isn't a guarantee of victory.

And yet, there's a certain arrogance I carry. I've spent centuries developing my sword draw, refining the technique from scratch, honing it with every ounce of my being. Thousands of years, and the technique is still incomplete. Sure, in this world, my swordsmanship is strong enough to fight ten saints and hold my ground against four heavenly kings, but that's just speculation. I've never fought a true opponent in a fair fight. It's always been me controlling the battlefield, not someone who can match me step-for-step.

The reason I choose to fight fairly, though... is to grow. I *can* kill an opponent in an instant, but what good is that? What growth do I gain from an easy victory? The real challenge comes when an opponent forces me to push myself, to adapt, to become better. But what if I encounter someone who counters my every move, like that bomb woman? If it's only one opponent, I can still find a way to win, though barely. But an entire army of blind, powerful people? That would be a different story altogether. I'd be helpless. And I don't want to imagine the consequences of that.

I shake my head, unwilling to entertain the thought. The person I killed yesterday was likely just a small cog in whatever cult they were a part of. But I know better than to think of it as just a fluke. There's always a bigger fish lurking. For every shark I claim to defeat, a megalodon could appear. And that megalodon will not be so easily vanquished.

I need to be ready. The path I walk is treacherous, and only through relentless training can I ensure I'm prepared for whatever challenges come my way.

As I stand before the guild, the uneasy feeling grows stronger. The usual lively atmosphere of the guild is strangely absent, and every pair of eyes turns to me as I step inside. I resist the instinctive urge to kick the door down, knowing it's a habit I need to curb. Instead, I open the door with calm discipline, but the sudden silence that greets me only intensifies my suspicion.

I immediately activate Kyoka Suigetsu, retreating and swapping places with my phantom. Watching from a distance, I observe the scene unfold, staying hidden while I try to make sense of what's happening.

The tension is palpable as everyone in the guild hall seems to be waiting for something. The usual chatter has died down, and even Makarov, who would normally greet me with a chuckle or a comment, seems uncharacteristically silent. It's as though they've all been preparing for something—waiting for me.

I narrow my eyes and focus, still cloaked in my illusion. What exactly is going on here? I can sense their curiosity, but there's something more beneath it. It's not just idle gossip or the usual antics; they're planning something, and they expect me to be a part of it.

I hold my position, watching carefully. I can't let them get the jump on me. There's a bigger picture here, and I need to see how it plays out.

**A few hours before Kyoka arrives at the guild...**

The guild doors suddenly swing open, and Cana, eyes tightly shut, charges forward with determination. "This time for sure!" she whispers to herself. But her hopes crash as she collides not with her target, but with none other than Makarov.

"What are you doing, Cana?" Makarov asks, raising an eyebrow.

Cana slowly opens her eyes, only to see the old man in front of her. Her enthusiasm falters, and without a word, she sulks off to her usual seat, head down. The guild hall grows quiet, the usual hustle and bustle stalling in anticipation.

Makarov notices the strange behavior and, sensing something is off, looks around. "What's going on, everyone?" he asks, trying to get a sense of what's happening.

"Um, President, it's actually about Suigetsu..." Macao finally speaks up, glancing at Cana with an apologetic expression.

"Suigetsu…?" Makarov repeats, his brow furrowing in thought.

A wide grin spreads across Makarov's face as he comes to an understanding. "I see, so that's what's going on." His reaction draws the attention of the others, the air thick with curiosity.

Naturally, the guild members who love to gossip waste no time swarming around Makarov with eager questions.

"President, what's going on?" Wakaba asks, leaning in for the scoop.

"Old man, tell me if it's something related to Suigetsu and can help me beat him, I'm willing to do anything you ask!" Gray says, his voice filled with determination.

Even Laxus, usually the rebellious one, perks up after recovering from his previous defeat.

"Shut up, fools! If you want to know, figure it out yourselves!" Laxus mutters, scowling.

"Ugh..." the others grumble, disappointed by Laxus's refusal to share any inside info.

All eyes shift back to Cana, who stands awkwardly as she becomes the focus of everyone's attention. She instinctively takes a step back, her voice trembling as she speaks. "Uhm... Everyone..."

Suddenly, she's surrounded, mostly by the women of the guild, with Gray being the odd exception. They all press her, each asking questions, coaxing her to spill the beans.

Unable to resist their combined effort, Cana finally relents, her voice small but clear. "I see... Well, I'll help you," she says, revealing the secret.

"I've never thought that disabling that powerful illusion magic is simply touching him," Gray says with an evil grin, rubbing his hands together. "Just you wait, Suigetsu. I swear I will defeat you!"

Laxus stays silent, a small, knowing smile on his face. Though he's aware that touching Suigetsu would disable the illusion, he's already had a taste of Suigetsu's abilities and knows how overwhelming they can be. He remains inwardly pleased to know there's a way to counter it, even if he doesn't voice it aloud.

Makarov, observing the guild's camaraderie, lets out a soft chuckle, clearly enjoying the warm atmosphere. Despite the intrigue and plotting, it's a reminder of how much his guild cares for each other.

He takes a swig from his mug and then settles into his chair, knowing what's coming next. "I'm sure Suigetsu will take a difficult commission today, most likely a monster subjugation," he muses to himself, already anticipating the outcome.

---

As expected, Suigetsu walks in shortly thereafter. But unlike everyone else, he's prepared. He knows something's up, and they have no idea that he's already activated Kyoka Suigetsu.

"He's here... Suigetsu..." Wakaba says, noticing his entrance.

Cana, having heard the whispers and seen the shift in the guild, slowly approaches him, her eyes still closed, but her heart racing with expectation. As she wraps her arms around him for a hug, she opens her eyes only to realize her mistake.

A pulse of confusion hits her—*there's a space distortion*. Before she can even react, she pulls away.

*'Since when?'* she thinks. She quickly realizes the plan has failed.

Gray, on the other hand, seems unaffected by the illusion. Without hesitation, he grabs Suigetsu by the collar, shaking him as he demands, "You bastard, why don't you show your face!?"

"I've heard from Cana, and her mother, that you've been hiding from them for a long time, ignoring her dying wish! Are you just going to disregard that!?" Gray's voice is filled with genuine frustration, more than anger, as he shakes Suigetsu even harder.

Cana stands at a distance, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, glancing down as the tears begin to fall. "It's alright, Gray," she murmurs softly, trying to reassure him. "He must have his reasons for not showing his face... and besides, it's not proven. I'm just..." Her voice trails off, sadness overwhelming her, but before she can finish, the tears begin to flow freely.

"You actually made her cry! You're evil, Suigetsu!" Wakaba calls out from the side.

"Bastard!" Gray adds, gritting his teeth.

"Enemy of women!" another guild member shouts.

"You won't get a girlfriend at all!" one of the others chimes in.

"Take off that mask, now!" someone else demands.

Despite their playful insults, I don't feel any resentment. Instead, I feel a pang of concern for Cana. She joined before me, and I know her better than anyone in this room.

I let out a frustrated sigh and, without further hesitation, swing my hand to backhand Gray, sending him flying to the second floor with a single strike.

"You wanted to fight? Fine. I'll beat all of you," I declare as I crack my fingers, preparing for whatever comes next.

Wakaba, always the bold one, stretches his body and grins. "Oho? You are quite bold, kid!"

I simply point my finger at them, and with that, they instinctively know what's coming.

The magic circle appears beneath my finger—an ominous purple glow. "Dark Moment!" I say, releasing the spell.

In an instant, their senses are cut off, vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—all gone. For five seconds, they are in complete darkness. It's short, but enough for me to deliver my message, pick up a quest, and leave without a trace.

I turn to Cana, and with my illusion still in place, I speak softly—words only she can hear. "If you want me to fulfill that wish... you'll have to defeat me first. I don't associate with weaklings like you."

I then glance at Makarov, who meets my gaze with that sly, knowing smile. He understands me all too well. He knows that my words aren't meant to be cruel but to challenge her, to push her to become stronger.

"I'm going to take this quest, President. I'm off." I give him a nod and turn to leave.

"Well, take care," Makarov calls out in return, his voice warm, his smile full of understanding.

As the dark moment dissipates and the guild members regain their senses, chaos erupts. "Bastard, he ran away!" Wakaba shouts.

Makarov, still watching Cana, says softly, "You must be happy now that you can fulfill your wish."

Cana, wiping away the remaining tears, smiles through the pain. "Yes, President..." she responds, her voice filled with determination.

The guild members understand what's happening now. "Okay, since we've successfully tricked Suigetsu (not really), let's have a banquet to celebrate Cana taking another step closer to her goal!" Macao exclaims, throwing his arms up in the air.

The guild cheers in response, excitement bubbling up—except for Gray, who remains unconscious, lying on the floor.

Just before I leave, I glance back at the guild. In a quiet voice, I mutter to myself, "Change, huh? I don't know if it's a good or bad thing, but at least this life is different from my last. I wonder what's going to happen to me now?"