Chapter 1: The Past

"This is wonderful as always Umeko"

"As always Umeko, as always Umeko" The small broken up totem pole repeated as they flew around their master; hovering in the air around Bickslows head once they had finished their song and dance routine.

"It's no problem…" The girl named Umeko replied as she looked up at her older brother, his unusual blue and black hairstyle standing out in the room of pale walls; but then again Umeko didn't have any room to talk with her quirky green and black hair "…you know that I enjoy Thursday night as much as you do, at least I know that all of you get a proper meal before you leave" The words were soft as they left the girls mouth, her voice trailing off with sadness as her violet eyes looked down at her unfinished meal.

"What's with this mood sis?..." Bickslow asked as he placed a large hand on the females shoulder, his fingers gently squeezing as he offered some comfort "…we're going for seven days not seven years"

"Umeko is in a mood because she is being left behind" A shrill voiced Evergreen dramatically sighed as she played with the food on her plate, not even bothering to look up as she stabbed a piece of meat, swilling it around the sauce covered plate before taking a bite.

"Says the twenty year old who still dresses up like a fairy" Umeko snapped back, her eyes hard as she glanced towards the older female of the group.

"At least I have a figure shorty. How old are you now? Oh that's right nine" Evergreen barked once she had swallowed her mouthful, her dark eyes glaring daggers as she looked up.

Violet eyes met dark brown as the two females stared at each other, hate filling both their gazes as they looked each other up and down; both of them sizing each other. The room went deathly silent as the females competed in a hate staring match, the two males were unsure of what to do as they watched the females bicker.

"For your information I'm fourteen which means I still have some growing to do, oh and just between us I would lay off the sweets, your growing in the wrong direction if you know what I mean" Umeko commented as she used both her hands in a demonstration of a growing stomach, also puffing her cheeks out like a hamster as she pretended to waddle in her seat.

"You little punk" Evergreen screamed as she raised a threatening fist in anger, her eyes watching the other female with distaste; Bickslow quickly took away any sharp implements from the table and tried to hide them among the assorted table decorations.

From the moment they met four years ago Umeko and Evergreen had never seen eye to eye, something that confused the males within the group greatly as they thought Evergreen would beg for another female to be around; they were wrong.

"You have no need to worry young Umeko there is plenty of vegetation and meat on Tenrou Island, you have my word that I will personally protect and care for both Bickslow and Evergreen" The long green haired male spoke after he swallowed his mouthful, his fork spearing another piece of veg from his plate as if nothing was wrong; but then again they would often fight at meal times.

Umeko didn't really care about Evergreen, she could fall into a pile of mud for all she cared but Bickslow was another thing. Bickslow was her big brother and Umeko knew how head strong he could be, that always got him into a lot of trouble and always at the worst times.

"I don't need you to protect me Freed…" Bickslow spat as his 'babies' repeated 'protect me Freed' over and over "…I can take care of myself and besides its Evergreen that we should be worried about"

"Elfman only asked me because he had no other choice, no one else would put up with his 'manliness' all the time" Evergreen flipped her glossy brown hair as if it was no big deal, it was really because she had bullied Elfman into asking her; something Umeko loudly declared as often as she could as the self-proclaimed 'Fairy Queen' just glared.

"So like me then" Umeko spat as Evergreen pushed her half-finished plate away and crossed her arms in a huff; she was always an attention hog and always left food on her plate, Umeko was convinced it was in protest of being forced to come to the Thursday night meals.

"We will be away for a few days at most, it's for the rank of S Class Mage we don't know when we will get a chance like this again" Bickslow offered as he swished his fork in the air like a wand, a huge smile on his face as he took another bite of food.

Umeko tugged on her long black hair in frustration, why did her brother have an answer for everything? If he put it that way then Umeko would feel bad if she said no.

"I know that Bickslow but I still don't have to like it. What if something happens and I can't get a hold of you? With Laxus gone who will keep me company?" The young girl asked as she looked up into her brother's dark red eyes, all she could see was his pure honesty as he gazed right back at her.

"There are others in the guild you hang out with when we're not around, like I said we will be away for a week at most. What could go wrong?" Bickslow proudly stated as he greedily took Evergreens food covered plate and proceeded to gobble it up, Umeko pulled a face at her brothers' table manners as she took the last bite of hers. How on earth could Bickslow eat so much and still be so skinny?

"I know you don't like to be left out of something important but only S Class mages, the Master and the contenders are allowed to go to Tenrou Island, if you work hard maybe you can join us next year" Freed comforted as he placed his cutlery on his plate, his soft smile and quiet confidence calmed Umeko somewhat but that still couldn't prevent the feeling of dread seeping into the girls being.

Umeko didn't know why but she felt something shift in the air, something bad was going to happen tomorrow.

"Just…" Umeko stuttered as her small fingers touched the chocker around her neck, the strip of brown leather was a gift from her brother the first birthday they were together, it was important to Umeko and would always bring her comfort in times of distress "…never mind. Help me out with the dishes and we can have dessert"

"I'll pass; I don't want to get fat like some people…" Evergreen snapped as she stood from the table, her short dress ridding up that little bit more "…besides I need to get up early in the morning, see you guys at the port"

"Evergreen is right. If we are to get to Hargeon on time tomorrow then we all need an early night. I will also pass on dessert right now but I wouldn't mind taking some back with me" Freed hinted as he stood from the table, brushing out the wrinkles of his long red coat.

"Ok I get it, one portion of dessert for Freed coming up…" Umeko laughed as she rushed around the small kitchen, her hands making quick work of packing up a slice of cake for her friend "…would you like to take some back with you Evergreen?" Umeko grudgingly asked as she handed Freed his cake, the green haired male looked pleased as his eyes greedily took in the huge slice of cake sitting in the clear box.

"No thanks, I don't like your cakes" Evergreen snipped before she left out the door, her heels clicking along the hallway and down the stairs; Umeko thought it was good riddance but she always bit her tongue when Evergreen left. Evergreen was a teammate of her brother, she didn't want to make the bad blood between them spoil the bond Bickslow had; even if she didn't like the woman.

"Thank you Umeko for dinner and the cake…" Freed bowed as he stood in the Genkan "…I bid you farewell"

"I won't see you before you go so good luck Freed, I know you will do well" Umeko bowed back, a smile plastered on her face; it may have been fake but thankfully the men didn't notice. With one last wave Freed was out the door and on the way to his own home to enjoy one last night in his own bed.

"Are you heading to bed as well?" Umeko asked her brother as the two started to clear up; Umeko normally cleared as she went but sometimes you just couldn't do that.

"Not just yet" Bickslow replied as he picked up a tea towel and dried up the dishes, he placed the plate to the side before picking up the next one.

For the next twenty minutes the flat was quiet. It was a nice flat, it was a bit on the small side but enough room for two, the only room Umeko could call her own was her bedroom; Bickslow did encourage Umeko to add her own flare when they redecorated a room, she did help but not as much as Bickslow would like.

When Laxus had found Umeko four years ago she had been scared, she was on the brink of starvation and distrusted everyone who passed by; everyone Umeko had known beat the crap out of her, however Laxus saw the broken child and helped her. With the help of Bickslow and Freed; as Evergreen had already thrown a hissy fit about helping her, Laxus had bathed, clothed and fed the child.

Umeko didn't say a word to the strangers as they tended to her, Bickslow was the one who opened his door to the silent child and gave her a bed, warm food in her belly and a roof over her head, it took some time but the three earned Umekos trust and soon she considered them family; her first word was 'brother' as she couldn't find Bickslow and in a panic screamed out; not long after that she was introduced to the guild and then became a full-fledged member of Fairy Tail.

"I'm thinking of moving into Fairy Hills…" Umeko blurted out when the last fork was put away "…I'm in the way if I stay here and you probably what your space back"

"Who put that idea in your head?..." Bickslow asked as he turned towards his sister, his red eyes startled as shock covered his face. Umeko couldn't look at her brother, she couldn't face him as the words of her guild mates ran though her mind. She was a burden to Bickslow, he couldn't have the live and personal space that he wanted. Self-doubt played a bit part in Umekos life, this was just a branch of it. With long strides Bickslow moved from one side of the kitchen to the other; his long legs making quick work of the space, he moved towards Umeko and pulled the small girl into a hug, his long arms wrapped around Umeko and held her tight, pulling her right into his chest "…I love having you here, the place feels empty when you're not around so why would you want to leave? Do you not like it here with me?"

"Bickslow it's not that. I love it here, this is my home, my home with you but I can't stay here forever…" Umeko stuttered, her voice breaking as she spat the words she didn't want to say "…I'm in the way"

"That is utter codswallop" Bickslow scolded as he pulled away, his face slightly tense as he looked at his sister.

Gently Bickslow took Umeko by the hand, he led her out of the small kitchen and into the comfy lounge.

With a small smile Bickslow sat himself down on the plush sofa, he wiggled back into the cushions and he spread his legs; he patted the space between them in invitation. Not wanting Bickslow to feel down Umeko took the offered seat between her brother's legs, she also wiggled back until they were squished together. They sat there for some time, not talking or moving, just sitting there; Bickslow was the first to move when the clock stuck eleven.

Ever so gently Bickslow tugged the hairband from Umekos long locks and proceeded to brush it, long fingers skilfully tugged at Umekos dark hair, gently pulling out every knot they encountered; Only Umeko got to see this side of him, her loving and caring brother. Knowing Bickslow wouldn't let or want the earlier subject drop Umeko continued to argue her point.

"You can't do what you want as I'm always around. You can't bring your girl for the night back here as you might disturb me. You can't walk around naked as I might walk in on you. I can list many more" Umeko explained as she listed each point on her fingers, counting them down as Bickslow played with her hair.

"They might be valid points to you but to me they mean nothing…" Bickslow nudged his sister as he separated her hair, his fingers quickly getting to work on a braid "…you're not in the way, I always do what I want, I do bring girls home when you're on missions, and I do walk around butt naked whenever I please. Umeko I love having you here, I know that when I get home you will be waiting with a smile. I know that when you live under my roof you are safe, that when I hear you pottering about I know you are healthy. You are my sister Umeko and nothing in the world will change that, I'm an overprotective brother who loves his little sister dearly and doesn't want her to leave just yet"

"Do you really mean that?" Umeko asked hopefully, her eyes not daring to look back as Bickslow finished his work

"Yes…" Bickslow replied as he squeezed Umeko tightly in his arms "…I really mean that"

"Brother, can you promise me something?..." Umeko almost begged as she turned in her bothers arms, her eyes wide with fear as she looked up at Bickslow "…promise me that you will come back. I don't know why but I have a feeling that something bad will happen when you're gone"

"I promise, I will come back Umeko. You can count on that…" Bickslow smiled at his sister, his lips pressing a kiss to her forehead as he held his sister tighter. The two were quite a pair and now the male couldn't see his life without the young girl "…I have something for you" Bickslow offered as he let go of Umeko, carefully so not to jostle the young girl Bickslow leant over the side of the sofa. With a look of glee on his face Bickslow straightened with a gift wrapped present in his hand, he thrust the large gift into his sisters arms before he lent back.

"Oh wow, thank you Bickslow" Umeko exclaimed as she swung back round and got comfortable, she lend back into Bickslow chest before examining her gift. In her excitement Umeko ripped the multi-coloured paper into shreds; each fragment of paper falling to the floor but the two didn't care, they could clear it up later. The gift was a bear, but just not an ordinary bear; someone had taken the time to make an outfit for the fluffy bear in Umekos hands. The bear was wearing a blue and white striped, long sleeved shirt that covered most of his head; his two cute ears stuck out of the top, he had a grill like guard across his eyes with two shoulder pads, both with a skulls head proudly showing; the bear also had green armbands on his forearms with red trimmings. The bear had a pair of dark blue baggy trousers with four bits of light blue fabric making a funny sort of skirt, the whole outfit was trimmed with purple and Umeko couldn't help but smile when she gently tugged on the curly shoes on his feet. Bickslow had given Umeko a bear dressed exactly as he did; a Bickslow bear.

"Is it ok?" Bickslow nervously asked as he scratched the back of his head, with Umeko being female and one of the younger kind the male thought long and hard for a gift idea. Girls liked bears didn't they?

"It's perfect" Umeko whispered as she hugged the bear tightly, rubbing her cheek against the soft fur that was exposed.

"Squeeze the ears" Bickslow offered as he watched his sister happily hug the bear, Umeko looked confused for a moment before doing what her brother had asked. Bickslows loud voice radiated from the bear.

"I am Mini Bro Bickslow; I will protect you Umeko while Big Bro Bickslow is away. Hug me"

"I love it…" Umeko almost sobbed as she clung to the bear "…thank you Big Bro Bickslow"

"I'm glad you like it" The older male laughed as Umeko turned round and squeezed her brother tightly.

XxX

Bickslow promised he would return from Tenrou Island, he promised he would return safe and sound, Bickslow never broke a promise to his sister no matter how hard it was to keep and it was with his word that Umeko still had faith in her brother's promise; she was one of the few that still hoped for her family's safe return.

It was seven years to the day that that twenty of Fairy Tails' most powerful; including the master, had left for Tenrou Island, none of them had yet to return. Umeko didn't want to believe that half her family was gone, that they had just disappeared in a puff of smoke; she didn't want to believe that she had once again been deserted and left to fend on her own, they were coming back, she knew it in her heart that Bickslow, Freed, Evergreen and everyone else would return; Bickslow had promised her.

Over the first few months of Tenroujimas disappearance Fairy Tail along with Lamia Scale and Blue Pegasus searched the sea, the land, anywhere within a hundred mile radius of the islands location, all in the hope that they would be found; however it was all in vain. Over the following weeks the newspapers had bold headlines, all of them had the same thing 'Tenrou Island destroyed by Acnologia' 'Acnologia strikes again' 'Fairy Tails' finest become a Fairy Tail'.

Everyone talked about the poor souls that had been on the island when the dragon came to visit, it enraged Umeko every time someone talked about it, and how they would never be coming back. Bickslow promised he would return; he just had to.

With the key members of the guild disappearing along with Tenrou Island Fairy Tail had less and less applicants to join, many just wanted to be associated with the top mages of Fairy Tail and with them gone no one saw the point in joining. Over time the guild got smaller as mages moved on, the higher paying jobs were passed onto bigger and better guilds and after two years the handful of guild members' left couldn't pay the bills for the new guild house; with sadness in their hearts the left over mages sold the guild house for the highest price they could, it was sold on to Twilight Ogre.

For a time Fairy Tails' base of operations was Magnolia Park, it was only until the guild could find a new place to stay but with little money from the sale there was nowhere to be found; that was until Twilight Ogre showed up. The guild showed mercy for the broken up mages and gave Fairy Tail a new guild hall, it was a broken down old windmill at the top of the hill overlooking Magnolia that the hideous Twilight Ogre had bought for them; with a very high and excessive interest rate, every month Twilight Ogre would come for their money that they 'claimed' was still owed and broke everything in sight.

For five miserable years Fairy Tail had to suffer though all the pain, misfortune and the humiliation of downsizing in such away, soon being part of Fairy Tail was a joke and the moment the client was told they would laugh and sometimes turn them away.

As the years went by the young fourteen year old Umeko grew up, the almost none existent curves, her height, the long hair, it all changed and left in its place was a curvy, confident woman with an attitude; according to most of the towns folk. It wasn't just Umekos body that grew, the years brought wisdom and intelligence to the youngster along with her strength; it didn't take long for the young Umeko to become not only the strongest woman but the strongest in the guild, to be at the top of the ladder at Fairy Tail was a heavy burden as she had to provide strength and courage to all of the other guild members. Many guilds begged Umeko to join them; she turned every one down with a soft smile as she went her merry way.M

issions soon came and went in the guild so Umeko snatched up everyone she could find, hoping to bring as much money as she could into the guild and save it from it dilapidated state; Umeko would pay her own expenses and then give the rest of her prize money to the guild, Umeko was the main contributor to the money pot and she did so without complaint, even taking on the worst jobs that no one wanted.

While on missions Umeko would always look for her lost family, even if Bickslow, Freed and Evergreen were gone Laxus was still around somewhere, he just had to be; it was in her search a year after the disappearance that Umeko found something she wasn't expecting. Lost, battered and confused a small cat wondered into Umekos path, the cat was green in colour, her tail was a soft brown to match her eyes, under her right eye sat three small gems that curved with her cheek; a young Exceed. Seeing apart of herself in the small cat Umeko took the Exceed into her home and cared for her, feeding her, bathing her and giving the cat a safe place to rest; it didn't take long for a bond to form, since that day Umeko and Ayaka had never been apart.

Umeko was feeling miserable since that morning, even the slight flutter of hope in her stomach that grew with each hour that past didn't cheer her up; Ayaka had tried but failed in getting the mage to smile so she curled up next to her friend and purred, offering as much comfort as she could.

Snuggling up in what Umeko called 'Laxus' pimp coat'; she stole it when he left it behind, Umeko sat on the puffy sofa in her flat and relaxed, she tugged her legs up and settled Mini Bro Bickslow in her lap as she stuck her nose into a book; this was the only thing that could settle Umeko when she was feeling rotten, ill, miserable, in a bad mood or even period pain; Umeko would settle into the same place on the sofa and snuggle up with a book or photo album with Mini Bro Bickslow on her lap and Ayaka snuggled up next to her.

Umeko thought loneliness would always meet her when she returned to her home, time and time again it was but after Ayaka came into her life it had been completely different. Without thinking Umeko reached out and started to fuss the dosing cat next to her, Ayaka purred softly when Umeko found that spot just behind her ear; this caused Umeko to smile as her partner playfully swatted at her hand as she rolled onto her back for more, Umeko tickled the cat under the chin before slipping her fingers under the cats white top and poking her in the stomach.

Just like Umeko Ayaka had been mistreated by the people around her and didn't trust anyone, looking into the soft brown eyes of the green Exceed Umeko knew she would never be alone again.

"UMEKO" A deep voice shouted into the flat as feet hurried down the hallway. Ayaka who was blessedly content on the sofa beside her partner was startled from the loud noise and jumped out of her fur; Ayaka tumbled to the floor and looked a bit dazed as she rose.

"What's the matter? Is Bisca and Asuka alright?" Umeko asked in a flurry as her friend Alzack came running into the room, he still had his boots on but Umeko didn't care about the mess he was stomping though her home.

"Their back…" Alzack panted as Umeko stood up, the furry pimp coat fell in a heap on the sofa as she placed her now discarded book on the side table "…Bickslow and everyone, we found them. Their back" Umeko was a blur of green and brown as she rushed passed Alzack, grapping her keys from the side as she went.

"When did they get back? Why did no one tell me?" Umeko snapped at Alzack as she tugged on her favourite green boots with the brown wedged heel, once they were on Umeko straightened her dark brown jeans around them before zipping out the door.

"Blue Pegasus picked up a signal about three hours ago; a group of us went and found them. We've only just got back" Alzack informed the buzzing woman as he and Ayaka followed Umeko out the front door. Pulling the door closed Umeko slipped the key into the lock and jiggled it about, her hands were shaking from her excitement and it frustrated the woman when she couldn't get the door to lock.

"It's not working" Umeko wined as she jiggled the lock again causing a few strands of short black hair to fall into her face, in frustration Umeko brushed her hair back along with her green fringe that covered her right eye; hoping the extra sight would help, a few stands fell off in her hand and Umeko threw them to the floor.

"Let me" Alzack offered as he gently nudged the female to the side; Umeko moved with a huff and took the time to adjust the pale green mini skirt she wore over her jeans. Umeko was lucky when it came to money, Bickslow always paid in advance and as they were well known in the complex the landlord didn't mind if Umeko was slightly late on payments, he knew of the situation and helped wherever he could; Umeko managed to stay in the flat she shared with Bickslow.

When Alzack took too long in locking the door Umeko bounced on the spot, she knew she was acting like a child but she wanted to see her brother; he was here, he was safe and this moron was taking his sweet time.

"Stop bouncing…" Ayaka snapped as she hovered in the air, her white feathered wings fluttering in annoyance "…I swear you're worse than Asuka"

"Let's go" Umeko declared when Alzack finally twisted the key, the door locked with a click and they were ready to go. With a smile Umeko took the offered key, put it in her pocket and was off; the female was a blur as she raced down the stairs, each one echoing with dull thuds as she moved.

"Hold on Umeko, where's the fire?" The kind, elderly landlord asked as he came out of his office; his lips were in a soft smile as his hazel eyes shined with delight. Umeko always took the time to talk to the aging man however today she was in a rush.

"Sorry I can't stop, Bickslows back" Umeko happily exclaimed as she stopped for a brief moment, she smiled at the elderly man before taking off again and was out the door before he could blink.

"Tell Bickslow I say hello" The landlord spoke as he waved fondly at Umekos retreating form. Ayaka flew past with a wave and Alzack bowed as they left, the two struggling to keep up with the fast moving woman.

"Slow down Umeko…" Alzack called as the female dashed between people, objects and streets to get to the guild house atop the hill overlooking Magnolia "…they will still be there, no need to rush"

"Bickslow is back, I haven't seen him in years, can't slow down yet" Umeko replied between breaths as she dashed around a group of people, twirling around in a swan like dance as she moved around the huddled group. People, trees, building and kids kept getting in Umekos way, she would dodge around the obstacles which slowed her down, it gave Alzack and Ayaka time to catch up but the female didn't want to slow down; her family was just ahead, they were waiting for her and Umeko didn't like to keep people waiting. Seeing a space between two towering buildings Umeko dashed down her self made shortcut, it was a long and narrow pathway but it would cut her time in half as she rushed down its track.

"There you are Umeko, I've been looking all over for you" A deep timber sounded when the female had reached the end of her shortcut; others called it an ally. Umeko looked up automatically; her brain registered the voice even before her eyes fell upon the person she didn't want to see, Teebo. Teebo had been after Umekos affections for a few years now, just his gaze sent shivers down Umekos spine let alone the sickness she felt when he tried to get near her.

"Move" Umeko hollered as she came bounding out the ally, she knocked the moron to the floor in the process and felt her stomach lurch at the physical contact.

Not looking back Umeko kept moving forward with Ayaka and Alzack following soon after. With each step Umeko got closer to Bickslow, closer to her family and it wasn't long before Umeko could see the dilapidated sign of Fairy Tails' guild hall; this spurred the female to move even faster up the hill.

Stopping just before the door Umeko sorted out her top, she wanted to look her best for when she saw her brother. Umekos dark green top ended just below her bust, the right sleeve was off the shoulder and flared down to her wrist, the left wasn't attached to the top itself but it followed the same principal; it was just secured with a brown strap around the top of Umekos arm.

With every hair in place Umeko was ready to see her brother again; she gently touched the leather of her deep brown choker as Ayaka and Alzack finally caught up. With one last breath the three pushed the door open and they stepped in.

Small huddles of mages crowded around the last few tables the guild had to their name, drinks were quickly swigged before the next round came in, loud voices boomed though the guild as the party raged on. Many were already drunk and were dancing on tables as someone played music; much to everyone's amusement. Exceeds were flying around the room with Happy bouncing around like a ping pong ball. Food fights broke out between tables as delight seeped though the guild. This was the Fairy Tail that Umeko knew and loved. Her family was really back.

"Umeko?" A deep voice rumbled in question causing the female to turn, before her was a tall thin male dressed as a knight, a purple and blue knight at that. It was Bickslow, her brother, her family.

"Big Brother Bickslow…" Umeko gasped as her violet eyes looked at Bickslow in an almost disbelieving manner. Slowly Umeko stepped forward and raised a hand from her side; almost hesitantly she reached forward and touched her brother just above his heart; the organ was beating a strong, steady rhythm beneath Umekos fingertips. Tears of happiness sprung to her eyes as Umeko looked at her brother, he was home and he was safe "…welcome back"

"I kept my promise" Bickslow hushed as he wiped the tears from Umekos face, when they were quickly replaced with more Bickslow tugged at his sister until she was engulfed in his arms, his warm body comforted Umeko in a way that no one else could. Gasping for air Umeko sobbed into her brother's chest, her hands held tuffs of blue fabric as she clung to Bickslow, never wanting to let go ever again.

"Yes, yes you did"