Master Makarov knew of all the personal issues within the guild, but regardless of how much he wanted to interfere… The first had told him that it was not his place to meddle as a guild master. With a heavy heart he pulled the communication lacrima out that had gathered a fair amount of dust and prayed that the one mage he wished never left them would answer his call considering it was his talk with her that made the celestial mage decide to leave. It took a good hour of effort and patience considering it was so late at night now, but seeing the single chocolate cocoa eye and the guarded expression answer him he smiled a cautious kind smile.
"Lucy." He breathed out. It was so good to see his long lost daughter that he couldn't help the heartfelt joy and tears that escaped him. Receiving a hesitant nod in response and a flicker of a smile he spoke again a little more confidently. "It has been so long since we've heard from you." Another nod was all that was received, but a kinder smile crossed her face so he continued hesitantly. "You wouldn't believe the changes around the guild. Can you believe we even have little ones running around?" The slight cringe in her features didn't go unnoticed, but Master Makarov needed to trudge forward to get her to understand the severity of the situation. "Ah, the life of a grandpa… It's wonderful sitting back letting the parents deal with all those minor explosions and issues while I laugh at their expense. You remember my hair graying every time you all would come back from a mission and then I'd have to scream at you all." The soft laugh was music to his ears and he smiled warmly, but what he told her next made her immediately stop in concern. "However even parents need help from time to time… They... No we don't have all the answers Lucy."
Again the guarded expression came back and he knew she had purposely refused to talk to him all this time in an effort to keep her guard up instead of conversing properly. "You know our agreement Lucy. We never would have contacted you unless it was a last resort. Extreme circumstances to be specific, and well… I'm calling you for it." The slight shake of her head no and the trembling began to build as her eye watered before him. "Please. The children need help, and everything that we've tried isn't working. I know you Lucy and I know of your spirits well and we need you and your abilities." As she still trembled in place she held a finger up gesturing him to wait a moment as she covered herself carefully to keep him from seeing her further. As she recomposed herself the old guild master instantly felt the tinge of pain in his chest at the past hitting him hard. The memory of her broken body lying away from Wendy who had been struggling with dizziness to still get to the celestial mage as she bleed out profusely. Only hearing what she told him next snapped him back to reality.
"I will be there in an hour. Be sure no one is there at that time while I work. I do not wish to be seen as I am." Lucy whispered out. It was as if bell chimes were heard in the distance and it had been so long since he had heard her voice that he wondered if he heard correctly. The sad look plastered across her face he waited for her to continue. "You can call on me when you need me Master Makarov. I never prevented you from calling me sooner, but I won't return. It's best for everyone to just stay away from me. You know this well. If you're in the hall when I arrive I will learn more of their conditions then. If not I already know where the infirmary is and will have them well by morning if I'm able."
Master Makarov shook his head and replied, "I'll be here Lucy but I can't keep their parents away if they so choose to be there. I can keep them from you, but knowing them they'll be very happy of your temporary return." It wasn't necessary for him to tell her who he was referring to because that revealed exactly who she hadn't wanted to know about.
Recoiling sharply Lucy tried maintaining her expression to one of kindness instead of wounded. "It will be fine Master Makarov. Just… I'll just bare through all of it. I'll help them, but I'll be leaving quickly after that ok?"
The knock at the door interrupted her from giving any further information as she turned her lacrima off at the sudden sound and as Master Makarov found the door suddenly slammed open when he lifted his eyes there he saw that it was both Natsu and Gajeel standing there with hopeful eyes and Gray and Mirajane close behind praying that it was in fact Lucy he had been talking to. A simple nod was all the confirmation they needed causing Natsu to drop to his knees in exhausted happiness and Gray covering his eyes trying to hide the tears that were escaping due to his turbulent emotions from the stressful month. Master Makarov smiled warmly at all of them. "She will be here soon, but you need to remain in at a distance per her request while she does what is needed. In the mean time I want Levy, Lisanna and Juvia sent home. She doesn't need to be stressed any more than she already is and we all know their feelings will collide with any progress she may make."
Gajeel understood, but remembered in the infirmary earlier that his wife appeared to be trying in her own way to move on from the past and wished to be there when Lucy arrived. Speaking a bit hesitantly and already knowing the answer, "Master. Levy does wish to see Lucy and put the past behind her... I'll keep her in check if she gets out of hand, but if she could she wants to move on. Even if she can't talk to her…"
Master Makarov interrupted him from continuing further with a shake of his head. "I understand your concerns, but now really isn't the time for her newly discovered regrets and wishes Gajeel. I can't really explain it, but Lucy appeared pretty self-conscious with herself and seeing them may who don't know of the full situation of her departure would send her running instead of helping." Master Makarov spoke softly. He didn't want to refuse per say but for now if this was the only way to comfort his lost daughter then he would.
"I understand. We'll be going than, but I'll be back. Lucy's smart enough to know that some of us would be here for her arrival." Gajeel finished.
Mira walked forward to adjust their arrangements, "As much as I would love to see Lucy right now I'll be taking the girls with me while you all stay here. If she allows you to talk with her please send my regards and some of the pictures maybe from the guild hall. She's probably lonely after all this time in a way." Smiling sadly at all of them she turned and directed her attention back down at the girls who were waiting patiently and talking quietly amongst each other at the empty bar below. Speaking for the men to here, "I'm sorry for how things turned out but we shouldn't regret anything. She wouldn't want us to after everything she's been through. We're all family and we stand by each other even in the worst of times."
Gray's anger spilled out from her comment though. Pity was something he despised when given especially towards himself and his relationship with Juvia. "Then why didn't we all stand by Lucy in her time of need? You can speak of family all you want over the worst of times, but the circumstances change when she's involved. Regardless of what any of us thought at the time she didn't want to have to leave in the manner she did." For Gray at the moment his world was dark and tiresome with the lack of light that surrounded him. The memory of Lucy had always been one that slightly brightened his darker thoughts, but he could never have them for too long because they interfered so much with his personal life with Juvia who never let go of the idea that she was her rival in every sense of the word. As time had passed between them and Juvia clung to him more, he realized she had only been unintentionally pushing him towards her rival since he had to defend her constantly. The revelation broke his heart, but a relationship built on convincing someone you're in love with them was exhausting and Gray had enough not willing to surrender the piece he dedicated to Lucy over to his lover.
Mira closed her mouth quickly knowing he was right as well as everyone else, but seeing his bitter anger she spoke, "This wasn't something within our control Gray, and I know how hard things have been for you lately with Juvia, but for now let's just enjoy what little we're given for once involving her. Ok?" She stepped back and placed a steady hand on his where he slightly crumpled in response and acceptance. No argument now was worth it since they knew the truth of what happened.
The mass amount of frustration slowly left the male's bodies as they watched the females leave quietly and as they sat at the empty bar with a small drink in each of their hands courtesy of Mira before departing, they slowly gained a bit of confidence as the time continued to pass. It was slow, but reminiscing in their thoughts Natsu spoke quietly relaxed as Master Makarov waited with them, "Remember her response the first time she saw you strip Gray?"
Chuckling slightly as Gray turned his head and replied, "Yea. - In a high pitch voice-, 'No Way!' Then bam she hit me which wasn't surprising considering I asked her for her clothes." Gray rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed. Not one of his proudest memories of the girl he admired.
Gajeel spoke this time, "I remember the first times I made her wear a bunny suit. My best performances by far." Both Natsu and Gray cringed at that since they were only appreciating the performances because of Lucy in a bunny outfit. The singing everyone agreed they could do without, but voicing it was pointless to the tone deaf man next to them.
Master Makarov chuckled at his children as they continued reminiscing and spoke, "I remember the day she joined and I stomped on Natsu. Her face was so shocked." It was fun surprising people with his stature after being so intimidating one moment, and she never failed to impress expressing her emotions so freely on her face.
Each little memory made them laugh but when they felt an immense amount of power begin to venture towards the guild they knew that the golden haired girl they all longed to see had finally arrived, and in respect to her request quieted down their happy moment for her to enter.
An eternity had passed it seemed when in all actuality it was only five minutes, but as the door creaked open slightly and a cloaked figure entered without a word Master Makarov stepped forward immediately pinning the boys in place with a single look making sure they understood not to scare or speak yet.
When the cloak woman turned slightly in their direction and they saw the blond hair that peaked out indicating it was in fact their precious missing family member each of them smiled warmly as if to reassure her. However, sensing the frozen recoil in her reaction made them a bit concerned considering they didn't really understand why. They could sense the anxiety beginning to pour off of her and as she finally stepped back prepared to disappear the Master closed the door gently next to her and interrupted her trance, "its ok Lucy. They are the only one's here besides their children. You have nothing to be concerned about."
Lucy shaking slightly whispered out while forgetting that she needed them to tell her the symptoms and conditions of their children first. "I understand. I'll be on my way quickly then. Please wait here. I'll call out Loki to keep you company and return when I'm finished if you would like."
Natsu spoke in turn, "I know it's a lot to ask, but please stay calm with us Luce. We are really happy that you have considered our request to help the little ones."
Gray stepped forward warily as well but seeing her shrink slightly at the movement he paused in step, "It's a lot to ask, but don't shy away from us after all this time. We have always been on your side Lucy and we understand the circumstances from before. Everything's alright now though. You're here and we're here. Together again."
Gajeel pulled them both back to the bar beside him understanding that she was not accepting their reasoning's which in turn was triggering her to run away in response to their desperation. Therefore speaking in a calming gesture that appeared to be much appreciated from much more relaxed stance, "give her space. She'll speak to us when she's ready." Looking back to Lucy he studied her for a moment and could see her outline through her cloak regardless of the shadows. The same cloak as before spoke volumes to what she tried hiding from them, but already aware of her insecurities he spoke as if nothing were different between them. "If you could help our children we would sincerely appreciate it. They won't wake, and nothing we can do or have done has altered their condition. They were only meant to deliver something or we would have never let them leave on the job…"
As Lucy tilted her head slightly in consideration she raised a trembling hand to the hood of her cloak and whispered, "Please don't look at me directly, but tell me more of their condition." She tapped her side and instantly Crux had appeared in response to research any of the information they provided. Ever so slowly she carefully lowered her hood manipulating her hair to the side to cover her face as well as preventing them from seeing too much. As Loki broke his gate in typical fashion she raised her hand on instinct instantly blocking him from touching her. As a result this interrupted their conversation from continuing.
"Don't hide from them princess. You're beautiful just the way you are." Loki spoke quietly concerned moving his hand forward once again knowing that he was treading on dangerous water with her. Her one hand swatted him back and he stepped aside grudgingly.
"Please stop Loki. No one needs to see something so horrid including you right now. We have other things of great importance to handle at this time." Redirecting her attention she shook a little as she faced away from those she was in the presence of. "Please continue. If there is nothing further I can examine them myself. Actually that may be for the best to not have a biased opinion no offense." Walking away she continued quietly, "Loki you can stay here if you want, but I'll need you Crux if you don't mind."
Loki warily nodded in acceptance while Crux followed safely beside her as she walked to the stairs. His next actions would definitely upset her, but he had to wait for the right moment.
When the quiet voice spoke out her name slightly hurt behind her she had hesitated a fraction to long not able to block in time. Instantly her hair was swept to the side as she was forced to turn around to the look of her celestial spirit's determination which only made her brake down again in sadness at how she continued to hurt him. It only took a single glance past him as well to tell that she had horrified her host. Thickening her walls for the impact that would likely come from the comments and thoughts they were likely to express towards her now she fell into her own internal misery of despair.
Loki knew his princess well, but if she never faced this in front of her once upon a family the chance to move on would never come, and Lucy desperately he knew needed to move on from her self-imposed isolation. "Lucy they've seen your wounds before and these scars are nothing to be ashamed of. You don't need to hide yourself. Honestly speaking they've accentuated your strength if anything, but I personally have only seen the beautiful princess you are since the day we met." 'Firm Loki' He told himself. He needed to stay firm with her or she would shut down again and none of her spirits wanted that. Those first years were lonely for everyone involved until she recovered. The tears that fell down her face were enough warning for him to know that she would not be alright after all of this though regardless of his encouraging words. Withdrawing from him and the whispered forced closure was a respectful way for her to dismiss him in front of his family not to mention enough of a signal that the lion would need to notify the others of what he had done to their master and await the misery she would be in when they would try to cheer her up back at their new home.
All three males before them watched the exchange but hadn't prepared themselves mentally for the old wounds turned to scars that Lucy had received prior to departing. Considering that she had left before completely recovering, to now see the contrasting pale scars running across her eye down her neck and that the cloak billowed out with each movement around her side where her arm once had been the harsh reality was a slap to the face as she ended her eye contact with them by glaring to the bitterly. Reaching out she placed small hand in front of her face and chanted out a spell to place her common illusion that was taught to her long ago which was saw through easily by the master. Unsteadily as she stepped up the stairs the rest of the way she spoke, "I won't scare them, but if I do I apologize in advance. The illusion should be enough that they don't question me though." Once at the top of the stairs Lucy undid her cloak the rest of the way fidgeting at being seen completely now, but it was Master Makarov who plucked it from her hands and halted her from entering.
Smiling genuinely he undid her spell and soothed her nerves the best he knew how. "You do not need to hide yourself from us just as Loki has said. They are children and know no better, but they will be fine. You're beautiful Lucy." As she pulled away from him she did not respond or accept his kindness simply guarded herself with a doubtful look as she stepped back while opening and closing the door behind her as she entered the infirmary.
Descending the stairs he shook his head sadly and placed her cloak neatly on the rack downstairs by the entrance. Turning back to the bar he thumped each of his children who had remained in place where they had left them on the head speaking harshly. "It is impolite to stare and on top of that you know of her wounds so this was no surprise."
Both Gray and Natsu were shaking in silent anger while Gajeel was simply stunned at the revelation, but shook his head quickly and smiled while walking towards the infirmary. "Yes." He spoke to the master as he walked by. "She is in fact as beautiful as I remember, but I'm more curious about how she's healing them."
Master smiled knowingly at him. Gajeel had always had a soft spot for the girl, and since he was the one that had tirelessly searched her out still to this day at his order, it was no wonder he wasn't surprised at his reaction being the most caring.
Gray on the other hand was on the same wave length as Natsu and was utterly angered at how her injuries had healed. The scars were so deep pairing with many minor disfigurations to the cratered skin in some places while her one chocolate eye was now paired with a slightly milky and glazed over in appearance eye making the end result muddy colored at first glance. The main rugged scar ran wide and deep down to an empty arm sleeve that was neatly pinned to the side dishonoring the once smooth ivory skin and curvy frame. How she hid behind waist long hair that shielded them originally from telling that she had been in a battle that had cost her so much hadn't gone unnoticed either… Finally though, when both of them blinked back from the memories trying to force its way through their minds that were trying to relive the day of the nightmare, her tears that ran down her face broke them back into the present. The tears that accentuated the moonlight that drifted across her cheeks highlighting the slight discolor, but the definition of her features and strength she unintentionally portrayed in her sadness outweighed the oddity between the contrasting colors. The gold to her hair curling at the ends and the lithe body before them now strong and taught after whatever training she put herself through was clearly seen with the removal of her cloak revealing toned muscle definition any woman would envy.
Each of them had to swallow back their reactions considering they were all already taken men. Well at least two of them completely were for sure. She truly was as beautiful as the day she handed them to their wives in their eyes and both Gray and Natsu hesitantly walked towards the infirmary with that knowledge firmly planted in the back of their minds. Unlike Gajeel they followed with a slight caution because they honestly knew that they were capable of hurting her if they weren't considerate to the delicate shield she openly displayed to defend herself from them. As the four finally entered they watched off to the side as she paid them no mind and spoke easily with Crux. With such ease instantly hypnotizing them as she fell into her own normal rhythm. However as she snapped her fingers and began her difficult task to simply mix the ingredients displayed before her, the harsh reality of her frustrations were displayed in full during her quiet explanation of the quest they had took so long ago reminding them of their adventures together, and Gray instantly responded when the wrinkle in her brow came as things went out of control as she tried cleaning the area and contemplating how to actually give the antidote she made to each child without asking for help. Considering how distracted she was he was thankful to be able to slip into her defenses so quietly and show his own appreciation in the small way she would have probably balked at before. Placing a hand over hers to take the bowl from her, he smiled gently at her sharp intake, but never let the bowl fall even as she kindly tried to re-gather her composure from almost dropping everything and running away.
Upon first entrance and viewing the quiet children's forms lying in their beds she had a sharp intake at how much these little ones reminded her of their parents. How many times she had treated their parents in this same exact room had her panting as her nerves went on high alert to continue trying to keep the memories at bay, but even though they were so similar, there were so many differences too. Hesitantly approaching them after the brief over view of the children she looked over her shoulder timidly as if verifying it was ok to actually really be here and with Master Makarov's confirmation of, "It's fine Lucy. Please continue." She finally ran her twitchy fingers through each of their hair longingly while looking for any indicators that could be causing the disruption in their flow of magic as well as the barriers she felt surrounding each of them. Interrupted from her thoughts she cringed slightly.
Natsu spoke, "We know you would never do anything to them. You're far to kind to hurt someone Lucy intentionally."
Mentally she replied only to herself, 'Not that you're aware of.'
Simply nodding her head in acceptance away from them trying with great difficulty to only show her good side when possible she finally went back to the first child humming a small tune her mother once did for her as she listened to her spirits contemplating the issue they were challenged with. She placed a gentle hand on the first child's head and then sat as gracefully as she could on the side of his bed looking over him. Upon closer inspection she couldn't help but adore the stubborn jaw line that reminded her oh so much of his quiet father. Speaking softly, "You look just like your father young man. So handsome…" Smiling softly she mentally listened to what Crux was relaying to her now as they all came to the same conclusions and removed her hand before clicking her fingers and reaching into her personal portable storage pocket she kept stocked with medicines from both the spirit world and earth land. Pulling a bowl out and setting it down on a table and then some other herbs she would need she conversed silently now for directions with her healer spirit considering they had both been dabbling and researching in medical conditions such as this and how they could help people if needed. Being a rare curse magic that had been placed on the little boy lying next to her, and was assuming that the three were protecting each other the result was simple to figure the affect was proportioned appropriately.
Speaking quietly for Natsu and Gray to hear, "Do you remember the time Erza was poisoned by Cobra? How she was paralyzed, but the poison traveled dangerously fast down her arm making her feel excruciating pain…" Figuring the silence as a yes she continued, "There's a type of curse placed on them which will be easily broken but the poison used was similar, although less deadly or fast. Considering this one is capable of being fixed by an antidote instead of our dearest Wendy we're very lucky." With all the ingredients mixed finally Lucy stood back up and began cleaning the area the best she could while trying to contain her own frustration at her lack of ability to keep things tidy like she used to.
The hand on her own startled her slightly, but seeing Gray so close she choked back a sudden sob at his intrusion into her personal space. She didn't dare move or speak further as he was clearly trying to relay some sort of message to her that she was unable to interpret. It had been too long since the last time she was in close proximity to a person…
"Please allow me." He took the bowl from her hand and guided her gently to the side. "How much does he need?" The amount of appreciation he tried pouring into the one statement was received with confusion, but to the ice mage it meant the world considering she hadn't bolted away from him yet. Seeing a little bit of acknowledgement come forward as she straightened her stance and reply, "Two spoons for each of them, and the rest of the evening to sleep it off. They should wake by morning after I have one of my healer spirits confirm my last suspicion and break the seals they were placed under." Sending her another grateful smile Gray set to work giving each child the appropriate dose while Lucy stepped out of range for any of them to get close again.
Leaning against the wall Master tried to engage in conversation now that her hands were free and she was slightly less focused on the given task, "Could you tell us more about this situation Lucy? Not downplaying your abilities or anything, but we've performed a lot of research and done so much only for you to complete this in a few hours." Curiosity was getting the better of him and as Lucy flinched slightly he took great care in easing her into responding.
Trying to smile came hard for Lucy, but she knew it was only from the lack of socializing that she figured she lost her touch at speaking in conversations with people. "I apologize for my rudeness Master Makarov. I'm a bit socially awkward anymore, but I'll try explaining best I can. Is it safe to assume they were on a job together and ended up facing off with a group of mages that overpowered them?"
A knowing nod was received and she continued, "The mages they were against were extremely smart and utilized their talents combining them for the most affective damage. Being Fairy Tail mages of course they all protected each other which as a result led to them all being affected. There was a curse placed on them to paralyze their movements, a poison injected afterwards, and then a seal to prevent them from being healed. However each seal will be found and broke by my friend once Gray has finished. I found his son's easily, but I think the other two might be a little tricky." Relief filtered through the people in front of her and a ghost of a smile fled across her face glad she could bring some sort of happiness to them.
Master was thinking out loud again though, "So a sequenced advanced combination of spells was what we were dealing with. It's no wonder healing wouldn't fix them until the seal and curse was lifted." Smacking his head then looking back to Lucy, "I'm sorry Lucy. We just didn't think that they would have done a multilayered spell like that on children. The job was supposed to be something simple…"
Lucy raised her one hand waving him off, "No worries Master Makarov. You never need to explain yourself to me. It's the least I could do for you with everything I've done." Tapping her side with her pointer finger another spirit came forward and she spoke kindly, "Asclepius do you mind helping this little one with his seal and then healing him while I go over and help the little girl and Natsu's little boy?" Receiving an "Of course princess." The spirit turned to his patient and began his work diligently. Lucy looked over to Natsu and Gajeel and spoke hesitantly, "Would you two mind helping me. Being that both your children are part of your element in a way the seal will be something more familiar to you two than for me to pick out. Part of the dragon slayer magic is I think intermingled with it trying to force it away on its own, but isn't quite strong enough to completely undo the casted spell. Therefore the seal is probably flickering in and out as it continues to struggle against them…" Lucy trailed off trying her best to describe it.
Gajeel walked to his little girl and had begun to comb through her exposed skin inch by inch not to miss anything that may appear and disappear now that he knew what to look for. Natsu performing a similar check on his own son while Lucy over looked them both from a distance. However Lucy noticed that as their hand trailed down across their skin in some areas the seal would flicker faster and that was all it took for her to hold up her hand and speak, "Ok I've found each of them. Thank you guys. Asclepius if you don't mind?" Both men baffled at her efficiency stepped back and made way for her spirit.
Natsu asked, "Where were they Lucy?"
Lucy shook her head, "That little guy's was at his thigh and while the sweet little one was at her shoulder joint. Her hair was slightly covering it and when Gajeel moved it the seal flickered as if trying to set the seal in defense to his closeness. Same happened to him as you adjusted his pants. I must say you guys made some pretty babies. They all are so adorable. He looks just like you too Natsu, and I bet your little girl is a spit fire huh Gajeel." Smiling kindly back at the two children with the small twinge of longing that all saw but refused to call her out on.
Watching as her spirit did her work she looked over each of them now one last time before making her way back to the infirmary door. All three men were by their children still and the image was the last she wanted to see of Fairy Tail ever again if she had a choice. Smiling a smile she hadn't in a long time she opened the door startling each of them out of their own world with their children and listened as she spoke, "Asclepius will return a few more times to check up on them, but I'll be going now. As always it's been a pleasure Master Makarov." Bowing slightly she closed the door after receiving a small hug from him and a grateful smile.
"The pleasure was all ours Lucy. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice." Master Makarov whispered to the closed doors.
"Again, it's the least I could do after what I've done." The once again saddened voice echoed in the chilled air for all of them to hear as she slipped out the front doors with her cloak back on. Snapping out of the trance she left the males in one look around and realizing she was no longer there each rushed towards the doors to the front of the guild knowing they had to hurry if they wanted to speak with her again, but by the time they reached the entrance there was no trace nor evidence of the departure of their long lost friend. It was a short lived pity party they gave themselves as they returned to the infirmary to watch her spirit work with their children, and then it dawned on Gray that her spirit was in fact still there with them…
"You know where she's staying." He spoke slowly receiving a cautious nod in return as his attention was still on the child before him. "So we could see her again if you provided her location and we chose to. To have our children thank her properly and introduce themselves. She never did ask for their names…" He continued calculating the man spirit in front of him.
Asclepius looked back at them and smiled kindly but shook his head, "I'm sorry but our princess wishes to be alone so she won't hurt anyone anymore. You allowing her to return even momentarily is more than she could have ever asked for let alone the idea of having your little ones thank her."
Slightly irritated Natsu spoke interrupting them, "Lucy never hurt anyone and they aren't little ones. They have names and you could surely acknowledge them considering you're treating them too. "
A blank expression was given in return. "Under no circumstances do I have any right to know them if my princess isn't able to. For my sake and sanity please refrain from providing any further information on your children." A pained expression replaced his blank one and he continued, "I must thank you though. We haven't heard her voice like that in years. Only a select few have, but she's just as charming and beautiful as the day I was saved and contracted by her."
Gajeel interrupted his flash back this time, "You've been brought up to speed on the circumstances that surrounded Lucy and her past at least though correct? She saved Wendy's life that day and only agreed to all of this for her sake…" Halting any further information he was about to provide he watched his face with slightly, but anger began to burn in his eyes. Whether it was at the world, himself, or them he wouldn't know, but it made him shut up so he could speak freely.
"Oh I am fully aware of the circumstances having to live through her nightmares with her when night falls. Her wounds weren't only physical. Her departure did more damage mentally than any of the other events, but we have helped her little by little where we can. Someday we spirits hope to see her back to her bubbly self, but right now we can only continue to be there for her in her self-imposed isolation." Asclepius finished glaring at the ground after he finished the last bit. His princess was precious to him in a way he never experienced before, but she also was the first person he was never able to heal completely which shamed him in a way. "You all aren't the only one's she thinks she's hurt and continued to hurt. Please if anything at least for her sake… Take care of your little ones and protect them. She seemed awfully fond of them and to know she can still care so freely and openly with you all nearby is an encouraging step to her own recovery." Smiling a broken smile that pained those all back into silence he saw Gajeel look away a bit guilty for forcing him to speak about this.
Groans were beginning to be heard and it was enough to break their attention from the sad spirit to look at their loved ones. A slight chuckle heard before a flash of light made them laugh as well at what he whispered to them good naturedly. "They're waking much earlier than predicted. Ah my princess is so crafty. Should have expected her to pull that kind of trick on me." Each father stared down and their little prince or princess and each thanked the stars that Lucy commanded that they were safe, well, and now recovering for them to continue to love and live the way they were meant to.