AN: I know Natsu may seem OOC, but there is a reason for it. Please, you'll learn the reason as you keep reading through it via the various songfics I ended up putting in the story. I'll ask for no hate reviews or complaints regarding how OOC Natsu is. I know Gray's relationship with Lucy also appears to be fast moving, but that's because I put in time skips. Do you guys want me to put in those various months I skipped?
He swore he wouldn't interfere in her life.
Promised that he would never hover over her, knowing how much it bothered her.
He was so certain he'd be happy as long as she was happy. But seeing her with Natsu...and watching Lisanna pine over the salmon-haired idiot. It drove him insane.
He tried to settle for Juvia. She was pretty, that he would admit. Soft blue hair...wide blue eyes...willing to do anything for him...except you know...leave him alone. And even though they talked behind her back, Lucy was almost revered at the guild as well. Even Erza admired her. Lucy Heartfilia had come a long way from her past. She had grown up with people waiting on her hand and foot...only to leave and become a true Fairy Tail wizard. Lucy may have had an easy beginning compared to the rest of the guild members, but many would say she became stronger because of it, rather than high-tailing it back to her easy life once she found out how hard it was being a Fairy Tail wizard. There had been plenty of other guilds, less violent ones that she could have joined, but she had chosen to join them instead.
He was thankful for every moment she spent with him, even if the flame-brain was there too.
As time passed, the ice wizard couldn't bear Juvia's constant hovering anymore. He finally told her flat-out, "I'm not interested. I'm breaking up with you Juvia. I'm sorry." Juvia had bowed her head and said that she understood but would always look out for her 'Gray-sama'. Gray didn't approve of the suffix she had added to his name, but also knew there was nothing he could do to stop her from using it.
Mira had asked why he had broken up with Juvia. After all, they were one of the few pairs that could do a Unison Raid. He had simply replied that Juvia wasn't his type. Mira looked at him curiously but Erza had come up to him and slapped him on the back commenting, "You've really grown up Gray. I'm glad to see that you finally told Juvia your feelings." Cana slurred, "But he jusht broke up wish her." Erza smiled, "I think we all know who he has his eyes on." Gajeel walked over rolling his eyes, "I doubt that idiot will let go of her though." Elfman stated proudly, "If Lucy's unhappy with her relationship, she'll tell him because she's a Man!" Most of the guild sweat-dropped. Even though they more than knew what he was talking about...it was still weird. Then they heard Lucy shriek, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" Then she proceeded to 'Lucy Kick' Natsu into the wall. Surprisingly Lauxus was the first one over there for being on the second floor, casually leaning against the wall. "Lucy...are you okay?" She looked at Lauxus, her flush finally fading. She quietly requested, "Would you mind if I borrowed your jacket? Or coat?" Lauxus shook his head, "Of course not Lucy." With Lauxus blocking his view the ice mage wasn't entirely certain what was going on.
With that Lauxus took off his signature dark blue long sleeve coat, with furred edges, and placed it around Lucy's shoulders. Once Lauxus stepped to the side, allowing Makarov to see her, the ice make wizard saw what was wrong. Not only was her light green shirt in shreds, but there was also a burn mark in the shape of a dragon on her lower torso. Makarov took one look at it before turning around and demanding, "What did you do Natsu?!" The fire dragon slayer had by now shaken the rubble off him and stood up. He scowled and immediately Erza and Gajeel blocked Natsu's path to Lucy.
Over the years many of the guild members had become fond of Lucy. Natsu was the first, being the first to meet her. Erza and Gray weren't that far behind. From there Mira and Levy became really attached to Lucy followed by pretty much the rest of the guild. Cana was very close to Lucy as well. It didn't take long for Lauxus to take Lucy under his wing, and following him were Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen. Surprisingly, even though it was obvious that Levy and Gajeel were together, Gajeel looked upon Lucy as a younger sister. It surprised many, especially considering that once Gajeel had tortured Lucy, before he joined Fairy Tail.
Gray walked up to Lucy and then crouched in front of her, "What happened?" Lucy's eyes were filled with fire, and she nearly snarled, "Natsu forgot...that I was a person." Freed immediately spun on his heel and pointed his rapier at Natsu. He asked darkly, "What does she mean by that?" Silently Evergreen and Bickslow flanked him while Natsu's eyes burned, however he remained silent. Suddenly Lauxus stepped in front of the trio, his hand in front of them, a warning for them not to take another step. He met Natsu's eyes, his face expressionless. Lauxus spoke, power ringing in his voice, "Let's take a step back." His eyes flickered between Natsu and Lucy, "First we need to hear both sides stories. Who wants to go first?" Lucy stood up, Lauxus' coat hiding everything but her head. Her head held high, her eyes determined, and her voice unwavering,
"You probably didn't notice Natsu and I enter the guild. As you know, the two of us chose to take on a S-Class mission. We completed it, but we ran into a rather angry Rogue." Gajeel corrected quietly, "Raios." Lucy continued, "Rogue...he was angry. Sting was dating Yukino, and I don't think anyone missed how much Rogue...Raios wanted her. And as you all know, Natsu and I aren't in an official relationship. Raois... grabbed me from Natsu's side and pressed me against him. He asked me angrily if he wasn't attractive enough. And why my fellow celestial mage wouldn't accept him instead of Sting. He asked me if he was just too scary. Too dark and mysterious. Natsu...he rushed Raois. He claimed that I was 'his'. The two fought, but unlike last time, Raois fought him to a standstill. That is until Natsu activated his own Dragon Force. Raois..." She looked at Gajeel whose face had darkened considerably. She reached out to him, putting a light hand on his arm. "He's alive...but..." Gajeel nodded roughly, "He's...was my apprentice. I have no doubt that he will survive." He glared at Natsu, "However, it sounds like you came close to breaking Fairy Tail's policy." Erza watched the affair with cold, distant eyes. Suddenly Lucy whimpered in pain and Gray quickly supported her. He frowned, "Is everything okay? Do we need to get Polysuica?" Mira stepped forward, "I already sent Jet to get her. That burn...looks rather nasty." Laxus turned his head to look at her, "Do you need to sit down Lucy?" Lucy was visibly shaking, she almost couldn't stand, but she shook her head defiantly, "I'm fine Lauxus." Bickslow turned to look at her as well, "It certainly doesn't look that way." With a sudden golden pop three Celestial Spirits appeared. Virgo, Aries, and Loke. However, what was more concerning was that it was Eclipse Virgo. Her eyes were cold and so was her voice, "You hurt hime. You must be punished. Is that right, hime?" For once Lucy didn't shake her head. Instead she replied viciously, "You'll have to wait your turn Virgo." Aries came up to Lucy and created a soft chair of wool. She spoke quietly, more of a murmur really, "Please...sit." Loke cracked his knuckles, "We were watching scum. We saw what you did. You're lucky Lucy's other Spirits decided to leave it to us. However, Capricorn is particularly displeased. I'm sure he'll come down later, along with Scorpio and Taurus. All of us...we might not forgive you. And we're immortal." Natsu merely scoffed, unphased by the threat. Loke glanced at Lucy, and saw she was in no state to speak. So he spoke in her stead, "Natsu dragged her into a hotel. Once he entered the room he paid for, he threw her onto the bed. He snarled at her, asking who the hell she thought she was, letting other guys touch her. He asked if she was cheating on him. Upon her silence, she was in shock you see, he slapped her. She managed to get out of the hotel, she was out of energy after the mission. Natsu ran after her, and they argued, loudly, on the way here. They only stopped once they reached the entrance to the guild. And then Natsu sat her down. Before burning that dragon on her torso, whispering in her ear, 'Now everyone will know you're mine.' That was when you heard Lucy shriek, 'WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!'. He ripped through her shirt, which is why its tattered-" Virgo smoothly interrupted him, "Although some of it got ripped during the mission as well." Loke picked up, "And he then proceeded to burn the dragon where the shirt wasn't." It was clear the story was finished. The rest of the guild turned to Natsu and stared at him. He sneered,
"What do you expect me to say? That I'm sorry?" His eyes darkened, "I'm the one that got her into this guild. I'm the one who saved her. I'd say she owes me big time." Gajeel strode up to Natsu till they were face to face. He growled, "If you recall...Lucy saved you when Mard Geer turned us all into weird statues of ourselves." Natsu snorted, "No one even remembers it. There's no proof." The three Celestial Spirits stared at him...and then Aquarius appeared, a scowl on her face. "I heard what you said. I was there. And I'm technically breaking a rule. I'm never supposed to see Lucy again, she broke my key to save you, to summon the Celestial Spirit King. If not for Lucy, Tartaros would have won. She chose all of you. You should feel honored." With a forcible tug, Aquarius returned to the Spirit World.
Gray put a comforting hand on Lucy's shoulder as he stood up, his eyes hard, "You hurt a member of Fairy Tail. What makes it even worse are the lengths you've gone to protect this member. Why Natsu? Why?!" Natsu's eyes were red and they burned.
"Lucy...belongs to me. That's why she was the first one on my team. She was supposed to be the only one on my team...and then Mira interfered. I couldn't say much. I respected Erza too much." Gajeel stepped forward, his own burgundy eyes hard, "Lucy has never been anyone's property. She made that clear when she ran away from home." Natsu sneered, "She's been looking to get controlled ever since she ran away. She submitted to you when you attacked us. She always submitted to others…" Erza's eyes darkened, "If she's been submitting all along, then why does she fight?" Natsu smirked, "She only fights when someone threatens her oh so precious nakama. What she sees in the rest of the guild I'm not certain." Suddenly they heard soft snores. Mira murmured, "Poor girl. She's been through so much today." She turned to the two Iron and Lightning Dragon Slayers, her face turning slightly demonic, "You two are to take care of her and prevent Natsu from getting within earshot of her, do you understand?" Lauxus nodded, his face serious, "I will Mira." Gajeel growled out, "Lucy's basically my imoto. She and Levy are like sisters, and Levy's practically my wife, making her my sister in law. There ain't no way I'm letting him close to her." Natsu sneered, "You really think either of them can stop me Mirajane the Demon? If you recall I beat both of them." Erza retorted, "You only beat Lauxus after Mystogan, Gajeel, and I wore him down. And while you may have beaten Gajeel, that was then and this is now." Natsu snarked, "What quoting out of date songs now, Erza?" The two dragon slayers, excluding Natsu, exchanged looks before nodding. Lauxus picked Lucy up from her chair while Gajeel addressed her Spirits in a rough tone, "So long as you aren't draining Lucy's energy, feel free to stick around and help us take care of her. Keep an eye on Natsu for us too, will ya?" The three spirits nodded. Lauxus then walked out of the guild, Gajeel trailing him. Loke grinned viciously, "Ok. Let's take this outside. I'm sick of this guy's face." Eclipse Virgo nodded, smiling sadistically, "Oh yes, time for punishment!" Mira's face darkened, "You won't enjoy this one bit." Makarov frowned, displeased with the entire occurrence but turned to Lavi and requested quietly, "Please send out a note to all the nearby guilds and ones we are aligned with that should Natsu come seeking shelter from them to deny him." Lavi nodded.
Lauxus gently laid Lucy down on his bed, before pulling the covers up. He glanced at Gajeel and then the Raijinshuu before gesturing that they'd talk in his living room. Lauxus' apartment was relatively basic and plain, he wasn't one for appearances. He spoke quietly, "Evergreen, Bickslow, I want you two to keep an eye on Lucy. Make sure she's healthy. Evergreen will be on first shift, Bickslow, do you know where Lucy's apartment is?" The masked man nodded. Lauxus continued, "Go there and grab some of the essentials. Underwear, bras, shirts, pants, skirts, couple of jackets, keys, paper and the like. Your puppets can help." He turned to Freed, "I need you to set up Runes to prevent Natsu from getting within a ten foot radius of the entire apartment. Just him. I don't want them to affect anyone else." Gajeel grunted, "And what will we be doing?" Lauxus answered succinctly, "Keeping an eye both out the window and on Lucy. There will be four shifts. First is Evergreen, next is you, Bickslow, and then myself. If you're not on shift you can take a local job, sleep, buy food, or check in with the guild regarding what happened. The shifts will be 12 hour shifts." The four nodded and left for their various jobs. Lauxus went back up to his bedroom and pulled up a chair, staring at the blonde girl who had affected the guild so much. After the civil war within Fairy Tail Lauxus came to respect her because even though he had been exiled that did not mean he failed to keep tabs on the guild.
Gajeel stared out the window. That girl...she was incredibly strong. She had remained true to herself and her guild even when it would have been better for her to leave. She remained strong in the face of his attacks, endured the brutal beating he gave her, barely showing her pain. Above all else, she had followed her own path unflinchingly. It wasn't fair, what had happened today. But Gajeel was absolutely certain that Lucy would move past it.
Bickslow moved quickly through the streets of Magnolia. Lauxus had given him an order, and even that was besides the point. After Lauxus had taken Lucy under his wing, the Raijinshuu took a closer look at the girl as well. They quickly realized her magic potential, along with her strength of heart. He knew, as he entered her apartment, that she had more strength of heart than anyone else in the guild. He gathered her belongings, the ones he figured she'd want, and had his puppets carry them. Even though most of the Raijinshuu weren't personally close to Lucy, they all respected and admired her for her strength of heart. She was the most powerful Celestial Spirit Mage. They had no doubt about it, but what made her even more outstanding was her demeanor and attitude towards them. As the Raijinshuu, Freed, Bickslow, and Evergreen had come upon many wizards that used holder-type magics. They had witnessed firsthand how arrogant they were and how cruel they were to the objects that gave them power. But Lucy cherished her keys and spirits. It was a world of difference.
Evergreen glanced at the sleeping girl in Lauxus' bed. Lauxus was now staring out the window, perhaps reminiscing, and Evergreen dared not disturb him. She gently ran a hand through the girl's hair and whispered, "How did it come to this?" She remembered first meeting Lucy at Fantasia, the Miss Fairy Tail Contest. She had interrupted her routine with her Celestial Spirits and then turned her to stone. Afterwards, Evergreen couldn't help but admire the girl's tenacity and strength. She was smart, clever, and beautiful. Evergreen wouldn't have been surprised if she had actually won the Miss Fairy Tail Contest if she hadn't interfered.
Bickslow returned to Lauxus' apartment, his dolls carrying several bags. He quietly entered Lauxus' room and gently had the bags set down without a sound. He then retreated, allowing the two to keep their silence.
Bickslow headed back downstairs where he found Gajeel pacing. Bickslow inquired, "Do you know if Freed has finished drawing up the runes?" Gajeel stopped and stared out the window before growling out, "Don't ask me. He left a couple minutes before you returned claiming he was gonna check out the atmosphere at the guild. Probably wanted to take a couple of shots at that idiotic flame head." Bickslow nodded, "Let's go, Gajeel." Gajeel turned to face him, "Uh?" Bickslow rolled his eyes, although the Iron Dragon Slayer couldn't see it. "Damage control Gajeel. We need to see how everyone at the guild responded to what happened." Gajeel nodded before following Bickslow out the door.
The two arrived at the guild, and found Freed staring at the destruction. Mira was in her Demon Halphas form, Erza in her Purgatory Armor, and Gray was in full Ice Devil Slayer mode. That wasn't even accounting for Max and various others Bickslow couldn't name. Romeo was on Natsu's side, predictable, but Macao and Wakaba were standing with Erza. Elfman looked suitably pissed and Lisanna was in a corner staring. Lisanna and Juvia were the only two not participating in what was a brawl at all.
Bickslow made plenty of noise as he approached Freed, who turned to him. Bickslow asked wide-eyed, "What happened?" Freed replied slowly and in awe, "Everyone...was fighting. But for once it wasn't a free for all. It was everyone against Natsu. But as you can see, the guild is having quite a hard time against him. Even Erza is winded, but Mira and Gray are fine." Suddenly the bells rang and everyone turned to the front of the guild, knowing Gildarts had returned. As Magnolia went into Gildarts Shift, everyone in the guild hall lined up. He entered looking serious and Makarov was the first to greet him, "Hello, fifth Master." Gildarts dipped his head in acknowledgement, "Good afternoon sixth master. Tell me, why is the guild hall all but destroyed?" As Natsu opened his mouth Erza launched her sword at him, hitting him in the stomach promptly knocking him out. She answered the elder Mage, "He hurt Lucy. Badly. This is his penance. His punishment." Gildarts frowned in thought, "That pretty, pale, blonde Celestial Spirit Mage?" Erza nodded. He immediately turned to Freed, "Status if you please." Freed nodded, standing at attention. "Bruised, no bones broken, burnt dragon marking on her lower torso, winding but looks vaguely like Igneel, suffering from magical exhaustion." Gildarts nodded slowly before speaking, "Natsu is undeniably powerful, able to take all of you at once." He eyed the various S-Class mages, Erza, Mira, and Gray. He looked at Makarov, "Didn't Natsu also achieve the rank of S-Class?" Makarov nodded, "As did your daughter and Lucy." Gildarts eyed Natsu before picking him up and tossing him over his shoulder. The many guild members just stared at him. Gildarts explained, "Considering my past, I figure Natsu and I will go on a little journey. I'll take him on as my apprentice or whatever and teach him some stuff about society, ladies, and other subjects that Igneel likely missed. He can't beat me, I'm still in another league. We'll return in a couple years I reckon." Makarov inclined his head in acceptance and acknowledgement. Elfman growled, "So we're just gonna let you leave with him?! That's not manly at all!" Makarov held a hand up, eyes closed, "Leave it Elfman. Natsu will be best off with Gildarts. He not only respects the man but the man in question can take him down with ease when it will undoubtedly come down to it." He looked over the damage and sighed, "Besides he was an even match for just about us all." Elfman huffed, collapsing onto the floor. With that Gildarts walked out of the guild with an unconscious Natsu over his shoulder. Bickslow said slowly, "I guess we ought to tell Lauxus that Gildarts has taken Natsu out of town." Freed turned on his heel and promptly left, Gajeel staring after him. He grunted, "Well that was interesting." Gajeel made his way over to his girlfriend, Levy and queried, "Wanna go out during Bickslow's 12 hour shift? We can hit a restaurant, on me, and then go visit Lucy even though it won't be my turn for another 24 hours." Levy nodded subdued, "That sounds like a good idea Gajeel." Gajeel dipped his head, "I'll pick you up here in 34 hours or so?" Levy agreed silently. With that Gajeel joined Bickslow, who had been waiting for him at the entrance of the guild.
Mira and Erza transformed back into their usual clothes and exchanged looks. Both would be visiting Lucy within the next few days. Gray was staring at the floor, his Ice Devil Slaying Magic fading. He wondered aloud, "How could he do this?" There was only silence. With a long sigh Erza glanced about the guild and noted the damages. "We should repair the guild. Lavi, could you give us some wood?" Lavi nodded, her own wood make magic came in useful when it came to repairing the guild. Just about all of the guild members present pitched in, the only exceptions being Lisanna and Levy. While Lisanna wasn't particularly close to Lucy, she still admired her, however she loved Natsu. Levy was practically a sister to Lucy, so Levy herself was a bit out of it. No one noticed the Celestial Spirits from earlier vanish.
Lauxus looked up and queried roughly, "What's up?" Gajeel replied just as roughly, "Natsu went against everyone in the guild. Then Gildarts showed up and hauled him away." Lauxus' eyes went cold, "I'm not forgiving that bastard. He went too far." Lucy made a small sound and cuddled deeper into Lauxus' side. Gajeel raised a brow and Lauxus explained, "She was left alone a lot as a kid, so she often seeks out touch and comfort. I'm more than happy to provide that for her." Gajeel nodded. He took a seat next to Lauxus and began petting Lucy's head. Bickslow glanced at the two dragon slayers and smiled under his mask. It seemed that Lucy had two champions. He scowled as he walked out, going for groceries and picking up some comfort food for Lucy.
The first to visit Lucy was Levy. The periwinkle haired girl hugged the blonde and told her sincerely, "If you ever need to talk Lu-chan, come over to Fairy Hills any time." After her was Erza, "You don't need to worry about Natsu. Gildarts took him with him on a several year long journey. In the meantime just rest and relax." Makarov had visited as well, his voice rough, "Do you want me to remove Natsu from the guild? He hurt you." Lucy had simply stared at him before burying her face in Lauxus' chest. He held her against his chest and responded back, "Don't ask her to make that sort of decision, gisan. She ain't ready yet." Makarov had nodded and left. Mirajane came by shortly after, "You...whatever happens next is up to you. I promise that no one in the guild will hold you responsible." Lucy didn't respond.
No one in the guild knew which was more disturbing. The absence of Natsu or Lucy's withdrawal. She had always been a cheerful girl, but as of recent it was rare she made any sound. When she did it was normally around Lauxus, Gajeel, or Gray. The guild had quieted down a lot recently. Lucy refused to take on quests without one of the three males accompanying her. No one knew what to make of it.
Some weeks had passed, to be exact four months, two weeks and three days before Lucy finally spoke again. It was only a single word, but Mirajane was quick to fulfill Lucy's wish. The word Lucy spoke was "Yukino". It was no secret that Yukino was dating Sting and it was equally obvious that Lucy wanted some advice from one of the last Celestial Spirit Mages. When Yukino arrived and saw the state Lucy was in, she promptly took off her cape and revealed the tattoo on her lower torso. "All male dragons do this to mark and claim their mate. However, it is effectively useless if they burn it onto a virgin." Lucy didn't say a word, just curled up to Lauxus. Her brown eyes were completely blank and Yukino sighed. "I didn't help at all did I?" Yukino slipped her white, slightly furry and feathery cape back on and turned to leave when she was pulled back to Lucy. Yukino turned around to see one of Lucy's hands tightly gripping onto her cloak. Lucy rasped out, "Stay." Yukino closed her eyes for a moment before smiling, "Of course, Lucy-san. Sting-kun won't mind." Lucy tilted her head, silently querying what the difference between Natsu and Sting was regarding their possession and marking. Yukino answered, "Sting made certain it was mutual between him and I. He knows that I have accepted that I am his mate, and he trusts me. Since Natsu didn't know or make sure it was mutual, he was way more possessive. And generally Dragon Slayers only get possessive around other Dragon Slayers. He saw Rogue as making a move on you, even though he wasn't because you never acknowledged his desire for you as his mate. He didn't trust you with Rogue. Before he probably never let you hang out with Lauxus or Gajeel, did he?" Lucy mutely shook her head. It was extremely awkward for the guild to see Lucy refuse to speak. Apparently she only spoke to Evergreen and even then it was rare. Lucy never went anywhere without either Lauxus, Gajeel, or Gray by her side. Often the Raijinshuu or Erza tagged along with Lucy and whatever guy she was with.
It didn't take long for the rest of the guild to see Gray's feelings towards Lucy. Everyone remained silent though, knowing what happened with Lucy's previous relationship...even if it hadn't been a true mutual relationship.
Six months after the fiasco between Lucy and Natsu, Gray confessed to Lucy. She didn't say a word, just stared at him. Gray began sweating nervously. Very slowly Lucy began writing in the air, I trust you. Gray looked at her, waiting. But Lucy refused to say a word. Capricorn appeared at her side, "Lucy-sama. You called for me." Lucy pointed a finger at Gray and he was left questioning what the heck Lucy meant by all of this. Capricorn nodded, "I see Lucy-sama. Very well." In a flash Capricorn had Gray dressed in Celestial Spirit clothes and took him to the Celestial Spirit world. Once there Capricorn explained, "Lucy-sama desires her spirits to judge you. She was wrong in her judgement once before and she is trusting us, her loyal servants to be her judges instead." Gray nodded in understanding. Loke approached him first, the lion looking more serious than ever,
"What do you intend to do with Lucy?" Gray responded honestly,
"Nothing until she's ready. I just want to be there for her and comfort her in every way possible." Taurus stepped up next,
"You won't damage Lucy's nice body will you?" Gray shook his head,
"Never. Lucy's body, when she's ready, is something to be worshipped. Never harmed." Taurus stepped back, nodding satisfied. Virgo was next,
"You won't punish Hime will you? If you do then Virgo will need to punish you." Gray swore,
"I will work hard to prevent any more damage to Lucy's heart, soul, and body." Virgo stared at him before backing away as well. Aquarius drifted forward,
"While we aren't bound by contract anymore… Why do you love her?" Gray explained,
"She's beautiful in more way than one and understanding. While she can be very modest and humble sometimes, even self-conscious, she's just fiery sometimes too. I want to see that fire again, that strength, that kindness. I want to help her rebuild herself, back before that bastard tore her apart." Aquarius nodded in approval, letting her boyfriend take her place.
"We are! You won't ever treat her like Angel treated us will you? Cause if you do, that's unforgivable! We are!" Gray nodded,
"Lucy will never be just an object for me to use. She will always be a person, with her own desires and feelings." Gemini floated and bobbled in place,
"You won't ever cheat right?" Gray reaffirmed Gemini's statement,
"That would mean hurting Lucy, and I don't ever want to hurt Lucy." Sagittarius stepped forward as Gemini floated back,
"Will you treat her with the honor and respect a warrior like her deserves? Moshimoshi, as it were." Gray agreed,
"That's right. Lucy deserves to be treated with honor and respect, she's brought not only me, but the guild so far. Without her, some of us would still be lost." Aries shyly stepped out,
"Go...gomenasai. Will you help Lucy return to her outgoing self? I don't like seeing her act like me. It makes me uncomfortable. Go...gomenasai." Gray petted Aries on the head,
"There's no reason for you to be sorry Aries. That's a perfectly reasonable request. One that I will try my hardest to fulfill." Cancer stepped forward,
"Ebi is very important to us. When did you realize Ebi was important to you?" Gray closed his eyes and tilted his head back for a moment,
"I think it would be when Lucy refused to give up, despite the beat down Phantom Lord was giving us. Lucy remained strong during that time, even when Gajeel tormented and hurt her. She's even forgiven him and looks to him like an aniki. She...I found her strength to be amazing. I wanted to protect her from something like that happening ever again. However, it appears Fate was against me with all that occurred." Cancer nodded satisfied. Capricorn finally approached him,
"This may not be fair of me to ask of you… But do you promise to serve, care, and protect Lucy for the rest of your days?" Gray gave a sharp nod,
"As long as she'll let me." The ten Zodiacs smiled at Gray and they chorused,
"We approve." The Celestial Spirit loomed over him and he spoke,
"Wait. Libra has a question." The woman in question approached Gray,
"Will you always treat Lucy-San as an equal? The balance must be kept." Gray nodded,
"Always. Lucy is a full grown woman, and in that respect can make her own choices. I will never take that away from her." Pisces approached him,
"You'll always be affectionate with her right? A girl like that needs love!" Gray smiled softly,
"As long as she lets me." The Celestial Spirit King boomed,
"You have passed all of the Zodiacs tests and we have found your nature to be true. Go and make my old friend happy. It has pained me to see her cry." Gray nodded in acceptance and Virgo promptly took him back to Lucy. Lucy looked questioningly at Virgo who responded,
"We give our blessings. All of us, including Libra, Pisces, and the Celestial Spirit King."
Nine months after the ordeal with Natsu, Gray carefully removed a layer of ice from Lucy's body. Along with it was the burn mark that Natsu had placed there. Natsu watched them from behind a pillar angrily. Of course Gray had to have Lucy, the one Natsu intended to be his mate after Lisanna had died.
Twelve months later Lucy and Gray got married. Natsu was watching from the shadows again. He turned around to be face to face with Freed's rapier. The green haired man clearly stated, "You're not welcome here." Natsu sneered, "Aren't I?" Revealing his red fairy tail mark on his right shoulder. He turned around again to see Gajeel and Elfman blocking his way. He glanced at the wedding again and noticed that Lauxus was standing in the place of Best Man and Erza in the place of the Maid of Honor. Gajeel chuckled darkly, "Gee-hee. Getting jealous Salamander? Cuz you're never gonna be a part of it." Freed warned Natsu, "I've laid Runes all around the wedding, you may not enter." With that said the three left, Gajeel standing next to Lauxus, while Elfman and Freed took their seats.
It was several years later that Gray and Lucy had their first child. Lucy named her Spring Key Heartfilia, for she had inherited her father's dark silvery blue eyes, and her hair was a light catnip green. Her skin was golden, that perfect shade in between yellow and orange.
In truth Lucy didn't take on Gray's full surname. She combined it, so it was now Fullbuster-Heartfilia, but she primarily went by Heartfilia over Fullbuster. Gray didn't change his name at all.
Four years after Spring Key Heartfilia was born, Lucy gave birth to a boy with hair dark as emeralds glittering in the night. Lucy wanted a name like emerald or a green stone but couldn't come up with one suited for a guy. Eventually she settled for Esoris Stone Fullbuster.
While Lucy still rarely spoke, she was always smiling and Gray was very happy that he had kept his various promises to the Celestial Spirits. Spring used a variety of magic, earth magic, healing magic, some solid script magic, a little celestial spirit magic… She even could use some ice make magic, normally animated. Gray had taken her to Lyon to refine it for a couple of years. Esoris, who often went by Eso, primarily used ice make magic, along with some general water magic and celestial spirit magic as well.
Lucy passed on Plue to Spring, along with Capricorn, Sagittarius, Virgo, Lyra, and Horologium. Esoris received the remaining spirits, excluding Loke. Lucy explained that once she was gone, Loke would pick whichever was the better Wielder for him. And the two children agreed.
AN: Don't own Fairy Tail. Esoris got Aries, Aquarius (Lucy took Aquarius' key to a key restorer), Gemini, Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Pyxis and Crux. Lucy's reasoning is, Esoris will be more of a battle Mage and a traveling adventurer, so he gets the more battle oriented spirits, while Spring is more of a healer and needs to be protected. Capricorn is sworn to the Heartfilia's, Sagittarius' archery is useful for long range defense, Virgo is amazing, and Horologium is awesome protection.
hime - Princess
Nakama - friends
Imouto - little sister
gomenasai - I'm sorry
Aniki - older brother
