AN: So I got a couple more reviews, surprise! Now how about we get a little more, come on people, I need motivation! Lol. Anyways, one of these new reviewers thought he had seen this with more chapters and asked if it was a glitch that it was only one again, and my answer is no. I had already put up three chapters, but when I received no additional reviews I took them down, thinking I'd just revamp the first chapter and start a separate story. However I got a review, and then the anonymous question so there you have it. There will be no separate story...Ill just continue this one.

A Day in the Life...

By lightning-storm

Mavis looked on the palace gardens with a far off look in her eyes. When she had first agreed to come to Alvarez, she had not even considered the consequences of her actions. She just knew she wanted to be rid of this curse, and if that was not possible, as Zeref had indicated, she had wanted to control it. Of course, she had never considered what things would be like as Zeref managed his royal duties either. It's not that she wasn't treated well, in fact, it was quite the opposite. As the masters "special possession," Mavis was granted everything her heart desired. From the finest gowns, to the most loyal servants, the finest tutors, to the best books, the richest foods, to the strongest protection, everything was at her fingertips. However, Mavis had little desire to take advantage of the finer things this life would provide. In fact the one thing she truly wanted, aside from a cure to the curse of course, was the one thing she didn't have...the closeness of her dear companions, not to mention, Zeref himself.

When Mavis lost the ability to be close to her dear friends, she thought her world had ended. She had no idea where she would go or how she would continue to go on, but then he showed up. Though he couldn't kill her, he could and would help her, but only if she agreed to come with him. She wanted to push him away. He was so dangerous, and a bit frightening, but he had helped her before. He was interested in her, and she him. Surely that meant something, so Mavis joined him, not quite sure she could do anything else, but that was fine.

It was a bit strange to be honest, she went from being a slave to those who claimed to have ancestral roots to the famous dark mage himself, to becoming said mage's favored companion. If he were alive, Mavis wondered just how Zeira's father would react to this particular development. Even better however, was just how the man would react if he were to meet up with Zeref. Mavis highly doubted Zeref would be too thrilled, and she had a feeling Zeira's father would pay for it severely, especially with recent events. Mavis smirked, a twinkle of joy in her crimson eyes. Since she had arrived here, there may or may not have been one or two "disappearances" of those who harassed her.

Mavis shook her head in shock. Since when did she take pleasure in the demise of her tormentors? Was that an effect of the curse? Or was it her true heart? Terrified, Mavis closed her eyes, taking deep breath's as the door behind her opened, and his awesome presence invaded her sense's. Crossing her arms in front of her chest, she smiled slightly as Zeref came up behind her and placed his hands about her shoulders.

"Dear Mavis," he whispered kindly, "Have you been here all day? I did not see you at the festival."

Today was Alvarez celebration of the dead. Many, if not all citizens were honoring their dead loved ones in the town square. It was also one of the days in which the citizens had free access to the emperor. Many approached him about their concerns, and he and Invel dealt with the issues accordingly. Given Zeref's tired appearance, she figured he had just returned. After all, what festival of the dead would be complete without the one person the people revered as the God of Life and Death himself.

Leaning into him, Mavis sighed.

"I was for a little, but I have not been well," she answered honestly, "With so many citizens around, I didn't think it would be wise to stay too long." Placing her hand on one of his own, "Did you just return?"

"Yes. It can be tiresome among all the excitement of the people during this event. On top of that, in this state of political unrest, I did not wish to put myself on display for too long, especially without my dear companion." He answered, the look he reserved only for her in his eyes.

Mavis blushed as she grasped his long fingers. It had been some time since the two had been together like this, and she wished to soak it in as long as possible. As of late, she was lucky if she caught him just as she was going to sleep. Although Zeref had mentioned some type of political unrest as the reason, she had a feeling there was more to it, as every time she saw him, he would look particularly stressed and haggard. The past few nights in particular, he nearly scared her to death.

Stumbling in like one of the walking dead itself, Zeref's skin was pale and sickly as his normally dark eyes sunk into his face, heavily shadowed, and glowing a brilliant red. Sweat poured down his forehead as the lone plant in the room shriveled up and he passed out just short of the bed, mumbling something about needing a little more time to complete it. His breath had shorted significantly, and his heartbeat seemed to slow dramatically. Nothing Mavis could do could wake him. Ear to his chest, Mavis let out a sigh of relief as Zeref's breathing evened out and his heartbeat returned to normal a few minutes later. However, it was only than that she was able to get her rest.

"This curse can be troublesome at times." He spoke out of nowhere, effectively breaking her train of thought.

Mavis nodded in response, "That's true."

Troublesome didn't even begin to describe the anguish she had felt when she killed that child she met the other day. For the past two days she had been alone, lamenting over her inability to find a plausible solution to this curse. When she first arrived, Zeref had given her a magnificent library, and she had done hours and hours of research. Despite that however, she could find little on their shared curse. What she did find, granted little hope on ever being free of this calamity.

"If you wish to express yourself," Zeref whispered, taking in her tired appearance, "It would be highly advisable."

Mavis straightened up in surprise. Nodding her head, she smiled slightly. As of late, she had been rather lonely, thinking of her guild mates and all the happy times they had spent together. She thought of her life on Tenrou Island, and all the fun she would have with Zeira. Well, Mavis thought, her eyes sad, all the times she thought she had with Zeira, she supposed. She even thought of her parents, hazy though those memories may be.

"I miss my friends," she responded honestly, and Zeref raised his eyebrow, "I miss my guild, and..." a pause, "I miss you when you are away."

After a long silence, Zeref adjusted his position so they were facing one another. Cradling her small cheek with his palm, he kissed her softly.

"Unfortunately my absence can not be helped, dear Mavis. " he responded lovingly, " I have been away for some time and must deal with certain things that only I can resolve."

"I know," It was hard enough running something as simple as a town guild, answering requests and completing missions. Mavis could only imagine how difficult it would be running an entire country with millions of citizens and their individual wants, even with as much power as he possessed. "And I would not expect for you to do otherwise, but this is a very big castle, and it can be lonely when everyone is busy with their tasks. It is easy to dwell on the things I do not wish too."

"I'm sorry, Mavis." he says simply, and the small girl buries her face in his robes.

"Do you think we will ever be rid of this burdensome curse?" She laments, and Zeref wraps his arms about her tiny frame, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

"I can not say for sure... This curse has been around for a millennium or two, maybe more, long before you or even I were born. Perhaps long before the birth of the Dragon's of old as well."

"That gives me little assurance."

"I can not help what I do not know." a far off look in his eye, "Yet is seems unlikely." Noticing the crestfallen look on her face, Zeref's heart begins to ache. Lifting her chin, he kisses a tear as it slide down her cheek. "But we have an eternity... so perhaps we should try. We are together after all."

For the first time in a while, Mavis smiles. "Right."

Drying her tears with his thumb, Zeref smiles slightly, his eyes filled with some strong emotion she couldn't quite place. Love? Confusion? Longing? Regret? A mix of all? Fidgeting with her dress, Mavis feels her body warm as Zeref leans towards her, his intense expression sending shivers down her spine.

"Mavis," he whispers curiously, tracing her cheek with his thumb, "You will stay with me right?"

"Eh?"she asks, surprised, " Of course...After all, where else would I go?"

The dark mage smirked darkly, before he let out a short, course laugh. "Hmm, I suppose that's true..." folding his hands behind his back, he smiled softly, "Walk with me Mavis." he commanded, no room for disagreement.

"Oh?"startled,"Of course."

Following his lead. Mavis smiles as Zeref takes her towards her favorite part of the castle grounds. As they walk in a comfortable silence, she can not help but wonder what would come of this thing they share. As two beings affected by the same dark curse, could they really live together like this for an eternity? As friends, or heaven forbid, lovers, ruling over the vast country together as Emperor and Empress for eternity, or would the curse backfire in some way?

Glancing at Mavis out of the corner of his eye, Zeref frowned, "You seem troubled Mavis." he deadpanned.

"Eh?" She asked in surprise, should she say anything? One look in Zeref's kind eyes gave her an answer, "Well, I cant help but wonder how all this..." gesturing towards all their surroundings, "will play out. Being here with you, crying, suffering, smiling, a vast country with millions of citizens and soldiers at your beck and call, travelers from other countries looking to trade or pass through, the curse on our backs," she paused, a far off look in her eyes, "A lifetime of eternity to look too..."

"Does it frighten you Mavis?" he asked with interest, pulling her down to a bench overlooking the sea. Looking at Zeref, the sea, and her hands she debated with herself. Did it frighten her?

Mavis had seen many things since she had been here, things such as how Zeref dealt with manners of state, kept everything in an orderly and even fashion, and listened to the citizens as they came to him with their complaints. Yet, she also saw how swiftly he dealt punishment when the people called for it, how cold and efficient he was when it came to keeping order, and the unexpected way the curse would sneak up and devour everything once he let his guard down. It frightened yet awed her, and she could not stop thinking about it.

"No...not really." she says quietly, not noticing how his studious gaze catches sight of that bit of fear even as she denies it.

"Or perhaps you fear me?" he whispers hauntingly, looking away as an unpleasant pressure consumes his soul, "My techniques? My power?"

'What?" asks Mavis, looking at this man as if that crazies thing he had ever said, "Fear You? Never." " states vehemently, then remembering her first encounter with him after she started the guild. "Well, maybe a bit." She shivers slightly, and though he knows she should be frightened of him, he frowns.

"But not nearly as much as I admire you!"

The Dark Wizard looks at her in surprise, "Admire me?" His little pixiey of a woman beams as she grips his sleeve.

" Yes!" She cries, " Definitely admire you!"

"But why?"

To Be Continued...

So, What's next? Tune in next time and a secret or two may be revealed. Also, Read& Review. The more reviews I get per a chapter, the more I'm willing to speed up my writing process. You guys keep me motivated!