Lighting up the Sky

by Xeleria

On her first mission with the Raijinshuu her whole life changed, and all because of the Diamond Keys. Now she's mated with Laxus and fighting a war with demons. Will she ever get a break?

3. Chapter 3:Our First Mission Together

Chapter 3: Our First Mission Together

It had been a week since Lucy started training with Freed and she had become pretty good at controlling her strongest spell, along with a couple simple ones. Now she was at the guild with the Raijinshuu, talking to master about the mission they were going on. It was the first time she had been to the guild all week, and home for that matter. Freed had insisted that she stay with Laxus until she could effectively use Heavenly Star. The first time she transformed she was easily able to use light magic and regulus, and she kept transformed for about an hour before her magic was exhausted. The second time she used it she accidently used Lightning magic, so Laxus decided to train her on how to control it. The next she was once again surprised by accidently using Heavenly Body magic. None of the Raijinshuu knew how to use it, so Jellal was called. When he showed up a pissed off Erza was with him.

~Flashback~

"Lucy why did you quit team Natsu? And better yet why haven't you been home?"

Erza was furious. When she overheard Jellal trying to sneak out of the house she had blocked the door with her armors. After a few minutes he spilled, and she had insisted on going with him.

"Because I got sick of Natsu stealing my stuff and my rent being late. I'm still your friend though and I'm not going to stop talking to you guys, but my rent…."

"You mean the rent you are paying on an empty house?"

"About that, I was going to go home yesterday, but something happened. Actually, that's why Jellal is here."

"Lucy what's going on?"

"Well I am learning a new type of magic to help me incase my spirits aren't enough. It's a backup magic so to speak, and well surprises keep ummm… happening."

"What kind of surprises?"

"Well you see the first time it was that I was able to use light based magics. For example, I was able to cast rain of light. Then the same day I found out that I could also use my spirit's powers if they centered around light. So, I was also able to use regulus. That got me a visit from the spirit king, he was really excited and gave me a ring like Loke's so now I can use regulus whenever I want."

"Okay you said that was the first time."

"Uhuh. Yesterday we found out that I could use lightning magic since it's also centered around light. That's when Freed told me to stay here until I could control it. Laxus spent all day yesterday helping me with it. But then there's what happened today."

"And that is?"

Jellal interrupted the conversation.

"Since you called me I'm guessing that you acquired Heavenly Body magic."

"Yep!"

~End Flashback~

Jellal and Laxus spent the rest of the week teaching her to control her new magics. Lightning magic was easy, and she got the hang of it quickly, eventually being able to create a small spark outside of her transformation by conducting her magic through her katana. Heavenly Body magic was harder for her to control. It was purely caster based and her katana didn't help her at all. After a day with nothing Jellal told her to train her body more. On Thursday they tried again, and Lucy was finally able to stop accidently using the magic, but she still couldn't cast it properly. She was going to take some more time to work on it, but Master called with a mission for the Raijinshuu. Which is why Freed decided to test her, which also got her cleared for missions by him. There was only one rule. She could only use Heavenly Star if she had no other choice. She needed to rely on her primary magic and her swordsmanship. Since she still couldn't control Heavenly Body Magic she could accidently activate it when stressed.She had agreed knowing that it was true.' I intended to use my primary magic anyway. So It's not a heartbreaker! I love my spirits too much.' Makarov snapped her out of her thoughts when he started talking.

"Good you're here. Lucy how is the Raijinshuu treating you?"

"Very well master. They've been working hard to help me with my magic."

"That's good, however the mission I am sending you on is an SS-Class and very difficult. Laxus do you think that Lucy is ready to go with you?"

Laxus smirked before he spoke.

"Did I forget to mention that she beat Freed in a training match yesterday? Or that she pulverized Bickslow, and that was thirteen years ago? She's ready."

"Freed, you are technically the leader of the Raijinshuu. What do you think?"

"What Laxus said is true. She defeated me yesterday. She has strength and intellect. Honestly I believe that she is more than capable for a simple SS-Class mission."

Makarov smiled before he replied. 'Lucy my girl, I hope you are as ready as they say you are.'

"Very well. Lucy if you complete this mission with the Raijinshuu successfully then you will be part of this year's S-Class promotional trails."

Lucy smiled with the brightest smile she could and had to resist jumping up and down, the mission wasn't over yet.

"Thank you master. I won't disappoint you!"

"I know you won't my girl. Now about your mission. You will be going to Clover. A dark guild has popped up in a small mining down in between Clover and Onibus, the mayor of Clover has put out the request to eliminate them. The reward is twenty-five million jewels and two silver keys. Lucy couldn't help but let her jaw drop at the mention of the reward. When you get close to Onibus talk to the mayor there. He has sent a request to kill a Wyvern flock that is hiding in the mountains nearby. The reward for that mission is thirty million jewels."

Laxus took the two papers that Makarov handed him and nodded before heading out the door. The rest of the team followed suit and left Makarov's office. Lucy giving him a large smile and wave before they left. 'twenty five million AND two silver keys holy heavens! And then another one that's thirty million?!' Makarov sat back in his large chair and looked out the window onto the back of the guild. 'So she beat Freed, that girl sure has grown.' There was a knock on his door, and the small man was snapped from his thoughts.

"Come in!"

Mirajane walked in with Yukino, Sting, Rogue, and a young boy.

"Master Makarov of Fairytail. I don't know if you remember me from six years ago, but we really need your help."

"Thank you Mirajane, you may go. The rest of you take a seat."

After Mirajane left and was well down the hall Makarov turned to the three mages sitting across from him. Yukino was holding the small child in her arms, forcing him to sit still on her lap.

"What can I help you with?"

Sting was the one to reply.

"Actually, there is two things we need your help with. Let me start with the easy one. I disbanded Sabertooth."

Makarov was shocked. 'Although I've heard of it, I've never seen a guild disband before. At least not a legal one.'

"Why?"

"For a lot of reasons, but the main one is that the guild was about to go into debt. Jobs haven't been coming in with the way Minerva acted in the Grand Magic Games six years ago. Even though I kicked her from the guild we were called cruel and many didn't want to ask for our help out of fear."

"I see. I'm very sorry to hear that. What can I do to help?"

"Almost everyone has already found a new guild. I kept the hall open until I was sure everyone had a place to go. Me, Rogue, Yukino, and a few others would like to join Fairytail. I know it's a lot to ask, but…"

"But you don't know where else to go?"

"Yea."

"I don't think it would be a problem, and I'm sure that the others will agree. However, you must remember that being part of Fairytail is more than being part of a guild. We are a family. We watch out for each other and we care about each other. One person's tears are everyone's tears, one person's happiness is everyone's happiness, and one person's anger is everyone's anger. We may fight each other, but we also fight FOR each other. We are more than a guild, we are a family."

"I understand, it's because of Fairytail that I was able to be Sabertooth's guild master for so long."

"As long as that is clear. Welcome to Fairytail brats. Go see Mirajane to get your guild marks."

~Two weeks later, Fairy Tail Guild Hall ~

The mission was easy compared to what Lucy thought it was going to be. The dark guild members went down like flies. As soon as Lucy had one tied up, another fell. One of the mages was a celestial wizard like herself. The funny thing is that he only had one key, and it was not a contracted one. She took the key, knowing the mage would never use it. When all the mages were tied up and in the custody of the rune knights, the group went to the second part of their mission. The Wyverns were harder to beat, but Freed's plan was flawless. Lucy had Loke, Capricorn, and Aries summoned, and it wasn't draining her power as much as she was used to. A couple of times she had to use one of her low-level rune spells to protect herself from the wyvern's attacks, but she didn't get a scratch on her. What surprised Lucy was what happened after the wyverns were defeated. Sitting in the back of the cave was another weird looking celestial key. Lucy just took it, deciding to get Crux to investigate it later.

The team was currently at the guild, welcoming the newest members. Lucy was excited to have Yukino as a guild member with her. There weren't many celestial mages, and very few of them treated their spirits properly. Yukino was one of those few people. She was in the middle of a conversation with Yukino when Loke opened his own gate. He had an excited look on his face. The flirty lion spirit sat down next to his master before he spoke.

"It is a pleasure to see you again my Princess, and you too Ms. Yukino. If you don't mind. I would like to talk to both of you, the Raijinshuu, and Master Makarov if possible."

Lucy was confused as to why her spirit wanted to talk to them, but who was she to deny him?

"Sure Loke. You go talk to the Raijinshuu and I'll get master. Let's meet out back in the training yard in five minutes. I want to contract my new spirits anyway."

Loke nodded before heading upstairs and talking to Laxus, who had of course already heard everything. Yukio nodded, signaling that she would humor the spirit. Lucy went upstairs to talk to Master Makarov.

~ Fairytail Training Grounds~

Everyone had gathered. Laxus seemed annoyed, Freed curious, Evergreen and Bickslow uninterested, and the two celestial mages worried. Makarov didn't know what to be, so he implored Loke to speak.

"Loke, what is this about?"

"It's about something amazing. Lucy, can I see one of the keys you found during the SS-Class mission please?"

Lucy nodded handing him one of the strange keys. The one she handed him was translucent and tinted gold. It didn't have a symbol, just the weird coloration.

"This here is what is called a Diamond Key. They are extremely rare, even rarer than the Zodiac keys. There are only five. This one is Leo Minor, my little sister. The other one Lucy has is Draco. Then there are three more. They are Lupus, Monoceros, and Orion. These Keys were considered lost until Lucy found two of them. They are very strong, stronger than the zodiac keys even."

Yukino was looking at Loke and she obviously had a question.

"Loke what are 'Lost Keys' and how do they become so?"

"Ms. Yukio, I can only explain what a lost key is in one way. Do you know what a fallen star is?"

"Yes. It's a spirit that has been banished from the spirit world for breaking celestial law. Their key disappears as well as their constellation and they are forced to live with humans until their energy runs out and they cease to exist, or the Spirit King deems it fit for them to return. There have only been four fallen stars, and only one of them returned to the spirit world. That was you correct?"

"You hit the nail on the head. And yes, I was the only one to return thanks to Lucy. Lost keys are similar in two regards, but they are also majorly different in one way. A Lost Key lacks a constellation and key, just as a fallen star, however they still live in the spirit world. Once a celestial spirit mage comes into existence that they deem strong enough their keys reappear. However, their constellations are still missing until they make a contract. There is one more catch though. Their key will only work if they are in the hands of the mage they deemed worthy of their key. Therefore, they are considered lost, until they find their master that is. As a matter of fact, Ophiuchus is...er…was among the lost, Ms. Yukino has a contract with her. Interestingly all diamond keys fall into that category, and they have since their birth. No one has been deemed worthy of their keys and found them."

Lucy was now the one to speak up.

"So, these two keys are really powerful, and I'm guessing there is something else."

"Yes, there is. A diamond key's loyalty is just as strong as their power. Once a diamond key is contracted, it is contracted to that mages bloodline for all eternity. They become contracted to the line, not the mage. So, if that mage gets married, then their spouse and children will be able to use their key."

"So how do you know if you've found a diamond key, or a lost key for that matter?"

"Recognizing a diamond key is easy. They are translucent and each one has a different color. For example, Leo Minor's is gold, and Draco's is dark blue. Recognizing a lost key is also easy. They are either a gold or silver key with something… added. For example, Ophiuchus is a gold key with weird snake like things."

"Oh…um one more thing Loke. How do I summon a diamond key? I don't know the incantation."

"Start how you would normally summon any other spirit by placing magic into the key, the key will place the incantation directly into your head."

"Okay. I'm going to make contracts with all my new spirits then. Let's start with the silver keys."

Lucy took a deep breath and took one of the keys into her hand. Then she started the incantation.

"I call upon thee,

In the world of the celestial spirits,

I beckon you to my side at once,

Pass through the gate,

OPEN!

Gate of the winged horse,

Gate of the hunting dogs,

Pegasus,

Canes Venatici!"

There was a bright flash and two spirits appeared. One was a large and beautiful white horse with wings, the other was consisted of two dogs. They looked very similar to wolves, but their coloring was tamer and their eyes kind. Lucy smiled and made the contract with them. Lucy found out that one of the dogs was named Shuryo and the other was named Hanta. Both Pegasus and the hunting dog spirits were available whenever needed. However, Shuryo and Hanta required dog treats when summoned. Lucy Promised to buy some. The two spirits then vanished, returning to the spirit world.

"Now for the first diamond key. Loke can you hand me that back?"

Loke handed the golden key back to Lucy, and Lucy started to summon the spirit.

"I call upon thee,

In the world of the celestial spirits,

I beckon you to my side at once,

Pass through the gate,

OPEN!

Gate of the little lion,

Leo Minor!"

Laughter filled the air and a bright golden light appeared. When the light cleared a small girl was standing in front of Lucy. She had long orange hair some of it shaped into cat ears, just like her older brother Loke. She was wearing a cute yellow and black dress that tied around her neck as well as black dress shoes.

"Hello Princess! My name is Leola. Loke is my big brother and he's told me lots and lots about you! You're as pretty as he says. I'm glad you found my key."

Lucy looked at the girl. She looked like a smaller, female version, of Loke. Then she realized something. 'I didn't feel a drop in magical energy…weird.'

"It's good to meet you Leola. I have a question, why didn't I feel a drop in my magical energy when I summoned you?"

"Oh that's because of my secondary ability. Every diamond key has one. Mine is that when you summon me your magical energy isn't used; the catch is that my magic is only as strong as you are."

"That's interesting. So, Leola, what type do magic do you use?"

"I use a more physical form of light magic than my brother. I use lightning magic. It's really pretty and strong!"

At the sound of that Laxus perked up, nodding at Freed to file away that information for later use.

"I bet it is. Would you like to make a contract with me?"

"Sure, would Princess! My contract will be the same as big brothers… except I have to be home by eleven at night. Big brother's rule."

"I'll make sure to keep that in mind Leola. I'm glad to work with you!"

"It's going to be fun. I'm going to go play with Big Brother now. I'll use my own power until I have to go home."

Leola then ran over to Loke and begged him to pick her up. Eventually the Lion spirit gave in and picked her up, letting her play with his glasses.

"Only one more."

Lucy picked up the last key. Like Leola's it was translucent, except it was a dark blue. She held it in front of her and started the incantation.

"I call upon thee,

In the world of the celestial spirits,

I beckon you to my side at once,

Pass through the gate,

OPEN!

Gate of the great dragon,

Draco!"

There was a large flash of blue and yellow, revealing a good-looking woman when the light cleared. She was wearing a dress that looked like it was made from dragon scales. Her hair was long and dark blue with white speckles, making it look like the night sky.

"Hello Miss Lucy. My name is Draconia. My special ability is that I can take on a human form when summoned, which causes your magic not to be drained. However, in this form I am not nearly as strong as if I was in my true draconic form. I use celestial dragon magic. I am available whenever you need me, and may I warn that if you don't summon me during a fight then I will open my own gate. Even if it is just to watch you. Any questions?"

"Nope."

"Very well. Hey you… Dragon Boy." Laxus looked around. 'Was the damn spirit talking to me?' he honestly didn't know. "Yes you, with the blonde hair. Come here, something about you is familiar."

Laxus complied and walked up to the woman in the dragon scale dress. When he got to her she spoke in a soft, yet commanding voice. If that was even possible.

"You're a dragon slayer correct?"

"Yes."

"What is your element?"

"Lightning."

"That explains the familiarity. As I told Miss Lucy, my name is Draconia. My mate is Ikazuchiryū, he is a lightning dragon. Who was your parent?"

"I never had a dragon parent. A lacrima was implanted."

"I see. Would you like to learn about your magic from an actual dragon, and in the process gain a new element?"

"I thought all of the dragons vanished though."

"You mean on July 7, X777?"

"Yea."

"We had to take care of something, but we did not vanish. Many should be returning soon. Now about my offer…"

"I would be an idiot to turn that down."

"Indeed, you would. Miss Lucy I would like you to come with us as well, so I may teach you more about celestial magic."

Lucy was excited about learning now things. 'And from a dragon no less!'

"As Laxus said, I would be an idiot to turn you down Draconia."

The woman laughed.

"Well then let me start using my own power. I will transform and then we can leave."

Lucy suddenly felt her magic returning to her. When she looked at Draconia she had transformed into her dragon form. She was very large and had dark blue scales over much of her body, her underbelly being yellow instead. When she spoke, her voice was much deeper.

"Climb on top of me and hold on tight. I will fly fast to avoid suspicion. When we get to our destination have Virgo bring you supplies, it is unwise to wait."

Laxus and Lucy complied. Laxus helped Lucy up before climbing up himself, sitting behind Lucy and holding her close to him. Draconia noticed the movement and smiled, as much as a dragon could, before flapping her vast wings and disappearing into the sky. The Raijinshuu, Master Makarov, Loke, Leola, and Yukino waved until they couldn't see them anymore.

Flying was amazing, especially once it turned from day into night. Lucy could look around her and see every constellation. She felt like she was surrounded by friends. 'Every one of them is up there. Loke, Leola, Virgo, Aries, Taurus, Capricorn…oh there's Aquarius and Scorpio! I never want this to end.' Little did she know that the scene was lulling her to sleep. Sometime during her stargazing, she fell into the hands of sleep. Laxus heard the change in her breathing and looked down at the woman he was holding close in his arms. 'She's so beautiful like this. I sorta don't want this to end. But she isn't mine to keep, not yet. Wait, what am I thinking? She'll never really be mine. She deserves more than me, even if I did tell her how I feel she deserves so much more.' His thoughts were disturbed by a deep, yet still feminine voice.

"You love her don't you boy?"

"Yeah, but she deserves so much more."

"Does she know?"

"In a way."

"I see. We are almost to the mountain that my mate resides in. Hold her tightly as we land, since she will not be able to brace herself."

Laxus complied and wrapped his arms more securely around Lucy. Almost immediately he felt them start to decline. In less than a minute they had landed; It was a smooth landing, but if he wasn't holding on to Lucy she definitely would have fallen off. Not wanting to wake the girl in his arms Laxus gently picked her up bridal style before sliding off the dragon. Once he was off and a good couple of steps away Draconia transformed back into her human form. Then she spoke.

"Enter behind me. Allow me to talk to my mate before you speak."

Laxus nodded, and Draconia took that as him agreeing. She walked into the slim entrance to the cave, Laxus carrying Lucy entering close behind her. She allowed herself to adjust to the darkness of the cave before she spoke. When she did she kept her voice soft and caring, knowing that her mate didn't like visitors that he didn't know about.

"Ikazuchiryū…"

A deep voice replied, much deeper than Laxus thought possible.

"There are only two beings in this realm that know my name, and only one knows where I rest my head. Have you returned from the Spirit World at last Draconia?"

"Yes I have, at long last a mage has been born with the power to hold my key."

"I am glad it is so. Is that mage one of the ones behind you?"

Draconia smiled, realizing that he didn't snap at seeing the others and walked further into the cave. When she had enough room to transform into her draconic form she did.

"Yes, the girl is the one with my key. However, that is not why we are here."

"I assumed as much. If the girl is the one who holds your key, then I assume you have come concerning the boy."

"I have. He is a Dragon slayer. One without a parent."

Ikazuchiryū walked out of the shadows to look at Laxus. He was a large dragon, about twice the size of Draconia. His eyes were a stormy blue, like Laxus's, and his scales were yellow on the top and an even mix of black and grey on his underbelly. The large dragon smiled at Laxus before speaking.

"Come here boy and leave the girl with Draconia."

Laxus reluctantly did what he was told, not wanting to leave Lucy but also knowing she wasn't in danger. He laid Lucy down, making sure her head was rested on Draconia, and then he took of his coat and laid it across her. After he was sure she wouldn't slip he went and stood in front of the dragon. Still not speaking.

"Your element is lightning, correct?"

"Yes."

"How did you come to know dragon slaying magic of my element?"

"When I was a boy I was very ill, a lacrima was implanted to save my life."

"That is not the complete truth, is it boy?"

"H-How…"

"I have existed for longer than the kingdoms boy, and I am far wiser than any mortals you know. Tell me exactly WHY you were implanted with a lacrima that could save you or kill you."

"As I said before, I was very sick. My grandfather came across a way to save my life. If implanted with a magic infused lacrima I could life, but he knew it could also kill me if my body rejected it. So, he gave my father a lacrima, not the one I currently have, and told him what he found out. That lacrima was one that could save my life, but only give me the weakest amount of magic. My father took the lacrima, but never used it. He was obsessed with power. In his travels he came across the lacrima I currently have. The day he implanted it in my body he said that he would rather have a dead son then a weak one."

"I'm going to make the assumption it almost killed you."

"Yes."

"The lacrima that was implanted into you is a dangerous one. Lightning is an element that cannot be controlled, just molded. The stronger you grow, the stronger your magic grows, the stronger that the lacrima will become. Your life is still in danger, and now that you are here I cannot ignore it. I will teach you how to control what cannot be controlled. I will make you into a true Dragon slayer."

"Thank you."

"One more thing before you rest, has your father's lust for power hurt more than just you?"

Laxus was shocked, not by the question but by the emotions he was feeling from it being asked. 'Here he is a large, all-powerful dragon, and he's worried about me and what my father has done. I don't get it. I don't understand." Ikazuchiryū saw Laxus's reaction and knew that the answer to his question was yes. 'This boy has gone through so much betrayal, so much hurt. If only I intervened sooner, I could have helped him. He holds my element and is therefore my responsibility. I was a fool to trust Ivan, and a greater fool to leave his education to Makarov.' Ikazuchiryū transformed into human form and approached Laxus. Ikazuchiryū's hair was blonde, spiky, and very long. He was about three inches taller than Laxus, and much better built. Not even a trace of fat on his well-toned body. He was the epitome of pure muscle, but it did not look bad, rather it suited him quite well. He was wearing pants that were yellow looked scaled as well as a black and grey cape that somehow attached to his shoulders and seemed to also be composed of scales. He patted Laxus on the shoulder and walked past him.

"Come with me boy. Draconia, make sure that the girl stays here."

Draconia nodded and Ikazuchiryū walked out of the cave. Laxus was still stunned from his question and didn't realize that he was told to follow Ikazuchiryū. However, he quickly regained his bearings and followed the dragon out of the cave. When he got outside the dragon was waiting on him, still in his human form. He started to walk away from Laxus, up a path that seemed to lead to the mountain's peak.

"Walk with me. I wish to tell you a tale that not many know."

Laxus followed him, and after a few seconds the dragon started to speak again.

"Four and a half centuries ago there was a wizard that was obsessed with power, and through his obsession gained the strongest type of magic. Immortality. However, his power gained his nothing but hurt and devastation. He watched for four long centuries how mankind repeated their history of war, hate, and greed. He came to no longer want his power. He created demons that he gave the task of destroying him, and they failed over and over. Eventually he was destroyed, but only after causing much pain, and becoming well known. Do you know of the wizard I speak?"

"Yes. Zeref. But he was destroyed almost six years ago. My guild was the one to fight him."

"Do you know why he was so obsessed with power?"

"No. I don't think anyone does."

"It is because he was very similar to you. However, he did not have people to support him. Many believe that he was the first wizard, but that is not so. Magic has been around since the beginning of time. It flows through everything and has influenced the universe since it's forming. Before Zeref, there were my kind. We were the first wizards, but Zeref was the first human to show an affinity for magic. In turn he became the first Dragon slayer."

"Wait… how was he like me?"

"Because his obsession with power stemmed from his father, Netav."

By this time the duo had made their way quite far up the path. Ikazuchiryū stopped and turned to face Laxus before speaking again.

"I knew Netav very well, and to this day I blame myself for not being able to stop him from forcing his son to darkness. I am also the one who first introduced Zeref to magic. But his father's urging led him to darkness, eventually his want to please his father turned into greed. And his greed turned into his downfall."

"Why are you telling me this?"

Ikazuchiryū sighed. His voice becoming softer, kinder.

"So that you do not follow down the same path. Too much power can lead to darkness, even if one has the noblest reasons for gaining it." Ikazuchiryū then approached Laxus and rested his hand on the smaller man's shoulder. "I can see the pain that you hold boy. The pain that comes from the guilt of hurting someone you hold dear. But I see something else in your eyes as well. I see the pain of a betrayal. We are well out of the hearing distance of my mate. If I am to teach you them I need to know everything about you. I refuse to let another child of light seep into darkness."

Laxus looked down and clenched his fists, his voice low and threatening when he replied.

"Why do you even care what happens to me? You don't even know me."

Ikazuchiryū retrieved his hand from the boy's shoulder, sighing in the process. 'I have to tell him don't I?'

"When a dragon teaches someone magic they become ultimately responsible for what that person does, it is like a parent to a child. It is our job to not only teach magic, but also wisdom. But that's not something we dread, it is our honor and responsibility to become more than a simple instructor. We are also here to become a confidant, a mentor, a friend…and a parent."

"Still, you didn't raise me. You didn't find me stranded and teach me everything I know. I don't know if I can trust other enough to allow someone else into my life that may…"

"Leave you? Betray you? Hurt you? Or are you afraid of something worse boy, are you afraid of being used once again? Because trust me that I will not do that, it would be a breaking of kin."

Laxus couldn't reply. Here was this person he never met before revealing everything in his heart like it was nothing. 'He's right though. I am afraid.'

"Listen to me well Laxus Dreyar, Son of Ivan and Grandson of Makarov. Do not be misled by your own self-loathing fears. I am nothing like your father, starting with the fact that I know much more about you. And care more, I have watched you and waited for you to come."

Laxus went from confused, to furious.

"STOP SPEWING LIES! STOP TRYING TO GET INTO MY HEAD!"

"Calm down Laxus, I have no reason to lie to you. What I said is true."

Laxus lowered his tone, distrust and fury still seeping from his words.

"Prove it."

"How do you think Ivan got that lacrima? I didn't know that he was going to embed it within his own son, and I found out far too late if I had known I would have killed him with my own claws. When I had known him, he was a kind-hearted mage. When your magic started to spin out of control twenty-six years ago Makarov came to me for help, I begged him to let me teach you. I told him that a dragon should teach dragon kin. Yet he felt it would be better for kin to teach kin, so I took a step back. I was the one who gave him the book of spells to teach you. In return I asked him to keep me updated on your progress. He did and more. I know about Fantasia, Tenrou, and the Grand Magic Games. Do I need say more?"

Laxus anger subsided when he saw the remorse in the dragon's eyes, and something else. He saw anger. He could feel that this dragon was angry at Ivan for his wrongs, and remorseful for not being there.

"Why…"

"Why did I give Ivan the lacrima? I am ashamed to say I was fooled. I did not realize how much the death of his wife affected him, I did not realize that his ambitions turned dark. Or did you want to know why I gave Makarov the spells that would save you? As I said before, a dragon holds high to responsibility. That and I do not care for death. Or do you want to know why I didn't push Makarov harder to train you myself? Because it wasn't my choice it was his he was your trothar, your protector."

"No… why did you pretend not to know?"

"Simple. I wanted you to trust me. I cannot teach you if you do not trust, and eventually I wished that we could become like the other slayers and dragons."

"Like the others? You mean…"

"Yes boy, I wished to eventually fill the void that Ivan left. The only thing more important to a dragon then honor is kin. When that lacrima became a part of you, you became kin."

"I don't need a father."

There was a shift in the stars and soft footsteps was heard behind Laxus. Ikazuchiryū looked at the woman behind Laxus sternly, a growl emanating from him at her disobedience.

"Draconia…"

Draconia ignored her angered mate and spoke to Laxus in a soft voice.

"Your right Laxus. You don't need a father, you need more you need a true trothar, an ankin. However, we cannot offer that. What we can offer is to take a parent like role in your life. To be there for you when you need advice, and to offer wisdom, to teach you everything that we have learned. One day you may finally accept that you are worthy of a mate and get what you really need, but for now all we ask is that you trust us and give us a chance to teach you."

The emotional turmoil inside Laxus had reached a peak and he fell to his knees, softly sobbing. 'I don't understand why. Why do they care? Why do they want in? I don't deserve it! But I want it. I want what their offering. I'm so selfish and stupid. I don't need them. I've survived this long without them… but what would it feel like? What would it feel like to have someone call me son without pity, or hate, in their eyes? I'm scared to know.' When Laxus fell to his knees Ikazuchiryū placed a warm hand on his shoulder and Draconia placed her own hand comfortingly on his head, stroking his hair. Her words were soft and caring when she spoke.

"I know you are afraid, and I know that you are hurt. But it's okay to have times of weakness where you must rely on another. Even the strongest must sometimes bow to the winds of change and allow the rivers of time to wash away their pain. It is not weakness to allow others to guide you and comfort you. Ikazuchiryū has been there watching you and you haven't even known it. He's done everything he could to protect you when you didn't even know he existed. Try child, to let someone in now. Take this chance to learn."

"I'm scared."

"I know, but do not let that fear keep you from happiness."

"I don't deserve to be happy."

"Even those who have fallen into the darks pits of their minds deserve happiness."

"I hurt my family."

Ikazuchiryū was next to speak. His deep voice low and soft, careful not to farther hurt the damaged soul in front of him.

"Sometimes we hurt those we care about because we think we are doing what is best. It is what we do after that makes us the person that we are. Do we continue into the darkness, or grasp for the light? You have turned from that path Laxus, and you are grasping for the light. Your kin know that, and they have forgiven you for it. Now you must forgive yourself."

"I can't."

"Maybe not yet, but you can and must. Only after you have ridded yourself of guilt can you truly find peace."

"I don't know how to. I don't feel worthy of it."

"If you won't do it for yourself then do it for those who care about you. Do it for your grandfather, for your team, for your guild. More than that, do it for the girl that followed you here. Do not allow your self-loathing to hurt them more."

"How?"

Draconia stepped around the slumped figure and kneeled in front of him, using her hand to force him to look into her eyes.

"Start with Trust. Trust that those around you enough to show who you really are, and don't be afraid to cry."

Laxus decided that the dragons were right. 'I guess it's finally time to let go, eh?' For the first time since Ivan was excommunicated from Fairytail, he allowed himself to cry. The two dragons held him, comforting him. Telling him that they would help him, and that he was no longer alone. They told him that he had kin, and his inner dragon for the first time felt at peace.