The Experiment Fairy

by makoto x chelia

Shinobu, a boy that has been experimented on for years by Brain, one day finally unlocks a special key given to him by his late elder brother figure and escapes with his current best friend only to be found alone again. Join Shinobu as he goes on a journey of self discovery to find out where he came from, and who are the people most important to him.

4. Chapter 4

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Likonpark100; Cool! Yeah, he'll be fist fighting, amoungst other magic's, but his main focus (and trump card) is going to be Devil Slayer Magic, which he will start learning soon.

Zeon480; Yeah, I guess it would be hehe~ And cool suggestions~

Ragna; Yeah, that would be nice actually. Having a Spirit that was like a mother to him. And I'm so sorry about that, I know what its like to lose a parent as well. So, I'm glad that I could cheer you up.

Hellspam; Thanks! And yeah, she does keep him close, even if she didn't before. Yeah, it seems the Princess is a good choice. I think I'm going to do that, since I have the perfect scenario for Zeref but I am going to decide next chapter. I think I will have them both in the harem, the cousins I mean since lots of people have wanted such a thing.

Blackmoon FierceGods 15; Thank you! Yeah, I think it would match his personality as well. He's going to be forming a little team as he goes along with Sherria being one of the members. For other members, I haven't decided yet. By the time canon starts, he is going to be stronger than Erza, and wont be afraid of her since like you said, his life with Brain. If anything, she'll be afraid of him when he becomes pissed. He will be able to match (even overpower barely) Laxus when they first meet. An oc from the tower of Heaven...hmmm, maybe. I could also take a canon character and have him/her in Shinobu's team (since the team isn't going to be all females or at least I'm trying to make it so it isn't).

Julbot1; Yup, Light Devil Slayer Magic. You'll find out where he's going to learn it soon. And yeah, I agree with you there, but he is going to know other magic's for various reasons. One, being hiding his Devil Slayer Magic, which is going to be pretty strong. And I have an idea for both characters, which wont be asspulls.

Anime PJ; Ooh thanks. I outdid myself hehe~ Quite the accomplishment. And yeah, I wanted Ultear to be included as well, not just forgotten, so sometimes her P.O.V will be shown. And yeah, Levy saw a wonderful (scary for a little girl?) sight alright hehe~

Jugar38; Don't worry, the harem will all have major screen time, as I plan to focus on a girl for a number of chapters and arcs that concern them (if they have arcs that concern them and if not, I will make arcs that do). And as always, thank you!

Kronos Magniratha; Hehe, it isn't what it sounds like. It isn't like he's going to be doing a cat. Carla is going to have a human form in the story, but its going to be a little joke in the story as well. And I know its canon, but this is fanfiction, so yeah~ And I'm glad they're the best! Makes me feel happy!

Guest 1; Yeah, I can imagine that alright! Yeah, those two cousins would be cute going after the same guy~ And yeah, that does sound interesting. Replacing Cana and Gray...would make it interesting. For Ultear giving her ice to Shinobu, that would prove that she trust and loves him above all else.

Guest 2; Aah, I see. That does sound like a good idea for Bleach. And yeah, I guess that it could happen.

Guest 3; Cool for Hisui! And yeah, it would be interesting. For when canon starts, I haven't decided if he is or not, most likely will be an S Class. But if he isn't, he'll at least have the power of one.

Guest 4; Yup~ Its going to be interesting from hereon out~ Yeah, it seems that Hisui is a popular choice, must be because she isn't used often. Sherria is going to be in the harem, and apart of Shinobu's 'team' with other members joining it as well. I was thinking about having him be the one to get the three people who go to Galuna instead of Erza. Yeah, I think it would be cool for Ultear to do something like that. And that would be a cool idea for the teams in the Grand Magic Games. And thank you!

Guest 5; Me as well, I've always been a NaLi fan, rather than NaLu, but that's not to say it doesn't have its charms. And yeah, that would be a pretty neat idea, which I will be doing actually hehe~

Cloud; Thanks! I want it to be a mixture of happiness, and sorrow and other things as well. Yeah! She's in it! And yup, cool for Carla!

Soul; Erm, I'm not sure. But maybe Mira could turn into her for some kinky fun or something~

ShadowUzumaki55; Yup! For the time being, they are travelling buddies! And yeah~ That was a good moment~ But he wouldn't ever do something like that~ You'll have to find out as you read~ But yeah, you're right. Right now, Shinobu doesn't have the faintest idea of what it means to love someone romantically, since he hasn't started puberty yet. And cool candidates!

Guest 6; Yeah, I had to look that up hehe~ But it does sound like a cool idea~ And thanks for the harem suggestions!

Guest 7; Erm, he's going to have some yeah, but he's also going to have original spells. Yup, Sherria is in the harem, since she is going to be apart of Shinobu's 'team'. Yeah, when he meets Ultear again...you'll have to see how it happens! Yeah, I have away to stop Ultear from doing that spell. Finally, yes Aquarius will take that kind of role with Shinobu.

Asherrit; That sounds like a cool idea~ It may or may not happen~

Sano; Here's the update! Sherria is in the harem. Sounds like a cool team! definitely in consideration!

Guest 8; Virgo is going to have a number of names for Shinobu, that all mean he's royalty or something of that nature. Yeah, Sherria is the best God Slayer and also she's just so darn cute!

Guest 9; Yeah, I was planning on doing that in the future~

With those lovely reviews out of the way, its time to start the chapter!

---

The fortune teller disaster!

Levy P.O.V

I can't believe that its already been over a year since Shi-chan (what I call Shinobu-san now) and I started our journey together. Its been like a dream if I'm honest. One long dream that I don't want to end anytime soon. We go around to all sorts of places, and do wonderful things together.

We go wherever we want, and do whatever we want (that's legal of course). Its been so long yet it doesn't feel like it actually. We go everywhere around Fiore, which is accessible to us. We've come across some other Mage's in various towns. Just the other week, we came across a interesting girl that could use some Ice Magic. She was nice and quite abit older than us but in the end, Shi-chan and her had a little fight, that was friendly and Shi-chan and this girl ended up drawing.

We've met other people of course, and most of them are nice people. Some aren't so nice though, and we've been attacked by Dark Mage's before. However, both Shi-chan and I working together have been able to fend off most Dark Mage's. And of course, thanks to Shi-chan's Celestial Spirits.

Just last week, we helped a town that had been overrun with bandits and got a large amount of Jewels for it. At first, we didn't really feel good about taking the Jewels, but eventually we accepted them as a gesture of good will.

Since then, we've just been on this dirt road. Apparently, there's a train station somewhere around here, and if we have the Jewels, we'll be able to take the train! We've not really done that before, so taking the train would be fun.

"Ara ara, Imouto-chan, you're looking adorable as always~ Maybe I should spoil you even more~! You know I love spoiling Imouto-chan every single day~ It fills Onee-chan's heart with indescribable joy!"

"Hehe, ohh Onee-sama you're so strange~ I always loved being spoiled after all~"

'Onee-sama' put on a cute face and twirled around in the dress that 'she' is wearing right now. When 'Onee-sama' stopped twirling around, 'she' faced me and dipped 'her' head lower than usual, 'her' hair shadowing 'her' eyes. Oooh, 'Onee-sama' doesn't look happy right now~ 'She' looks like 'she' is angry with me right now~ Am I going to get punished by 'Onee-sama'?

"That's bad Levy-chan, you're going to have to get punished~ I might have to take your books away from you and burn them!"

"M-Mouuuuuuuu! Onee-sama! Please don't punish me! I haven't done anything wrong today~ Don't take my books please! I love my books! Please don't burn them!"

Playing games with 'Onee-sama' is the best ever! 'She' is always fun~ It makes the road less travelled (this road being extra less travelled) more fun. 'Onee-sama' just makes the life on the road funnier~

To explain it all. Shi-chan, who is my best friend now, used Transformation Magic (which he has Mastered after about 3 months of training) to transform into what he believes would be an older version of me that's apparently well endowed (surprisingly on Aries-sans suggestion) and I hope that I end up as well endowed as that in the future. If I don't, it will be a kick in the teeth.

But the name for this form is...well, the names embarrassing and it really does make me feel slightly sad yet happy at the same time but...I don't think I would change it for the world...the name is...

Lucifer McGarden.

He took the name...yeah, when he referred to me as Lucifer. He doesn't do that anymore...after about 6 months of convincing that my name is Levy not Lucifer. It was a hard road, but it was a road that made me feel good in the end. I'm no longer Lucifer McDonald! I am Levy McGarden!

I also learned some Transformation Magic, and I sometimes turn into Shi-chan's 'Onii-sama' who's basically an older version of him, on what we think he'd look like anyway. Although we haven't thought of a good name for that yet. He made it so that I would make the older version way tall...but I didn't have the heart to tell him that I think he's not going to be that tall when he grows up. Even now, he's shorter than I am...and I'm quite small for my age. Unless he has a giant growth spurt, then I can't see him growing taller than...

"Well, if its my adorable Imouto-chan, its forgiven~"

The transformation dropped to reveal Shi-chan, who is dressed in a new dark red outfit with several belts across the midsection, started laughing wildly causing me to laugh as well! We have to entertain ourselves on the road, and that's one of the games that we play. We have numerous games that we play together, filling the boring walks with excitement.

After several moments of laughter, we stopped and took a deep breath.

"So Shi-chan, where we going next?"

I asked as I stood over a rock. This road really is hard to walk on. All of these jagged rocks. I almost stabbed my foot just before...but thankfully I didn't. I almost got hurt on that rock.

He turned around to me, and winked.

"Hmmmm, I'm not sure. There's some rumours I want to check out, if you don't mind?"

"Rumours?"

I parroted, earning a nod from him.

"Yeah...apparently, there's some rumours coming from around the town of...erm, I forget. I've gotten it written down anyway. But the rumours say that there's this person who can see the future accurately!"

To see the future? I didn't think Shi-chan would be the type that cared about such things...does he want to see the future? I didn't know he cared about such things...maybe he wants to know what's going to happen...makes sense I guess...but even then...

"Eh...? Doesn't that sound like a scam or something?"

That's what I think about it. I don't know if I want to be lead into a scam like that...it would be pretty bad. I wouldn't want us to get scammed by this person.

But even then, he shook his head.

"I thought that at first. But then there's this person that said that their future prediction came true! I overheard it and thought that since we'll be passing by the town on the train, if we get it, we could see this person and get some future predictions of our own? And even if it doesn't turn out to be anything, we could at least laugh at the fact, right?"

I can see where he's coming from. It does sound interesting to do something like this.

"Yes...but what about the Jewels? If it costs a lot, then its got to be a scam."

"Geez, you're really suspicious, aren't you? Haven't you ever tried anything on a whim?" I pouted and turned away. "But from what I heard, it doesn't cost that many Jewels, but if it does, then we don't go. However, if it doesn't cost much, then we do go! I only want to have fun after all, don't you?"

To have fun...when I first met Shi-chan, I didn't think I would hear him say that. But now, I hear it quite a lot. We have fun, practically all day everyday.

"I guess it does sound appealing, at least to the fun factor. But I get why you want to know the future, I mean who wouldn't want to know the future?"

I know I want to know the future...will I be with Shi-chan forever...n-not in that way or anything! I-I don't possess romantic feelings for him or anything! I wouldn't! W-We are only friends after all! I only meant would we be friends forever and ever! Nothing else!

"Exactly! I want to know the future! I want to know what's going to happen next. I've often wondered if you're going to ever stop growing so I can overtake you! Seriously, why are you taller than I am!? It isn't fair! Stop growing Levy-chan! Stay small like you are and let me at least catch up! I wanna be tall as well!"

I giggled and slightly moved away.

If there's one thing I know about Shi-chan, its his height issues. He has a deep complex about his height...considering I can still think of him being around 5 instead of 9...ehehe, its like someone has taken four years off his bodies life, and then just added the years and not included it in his height! Yeah, that's it! He's actually 9, but his body is 5!

"I-I'm sure you'll grow big and tall one day!"

It was said to appease him at most. I didn't want to be cruel and say that he will most likely look young for most of his life...that isn't a bad thing actually. I'm sure most people would kill to look really younger than they are.

"Yeah, I guess so. Although I hope that day isn't far off. I wanna be big and tall right now. But, what do you say, Levy-chan? We going to see the whatever its called...erm, fortune teller?"

Going towards the fortune teller huh...yeah, why not...

"Okay! Lets go and see the fortune teller!"

"Yay!" He cheered, grabbing my hand. "Lets go Levy-chan!"

Zoom!

"Arggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggh!"

And like lightning, we shot off down the road! I can't say life is ever boring with Shi-chan! He really does make it fun! I couldn't imagine a life without Shi-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!

For about an hour, Shi-chan didn't stop running. I ended up being carried because I couldn't keep up with the amount of stamina that he has. He was really running faster than I had seen him before. He must be really pumped up for this after all. I wonder why seeing a fortune teller would get him so excited?

He doesn't tell me much about his past. The things I do know is that he's looking for a friend, who's name I have yet to know. He only told me that something bad happened in the past and now he has to find his friend before she falls into total darkness. When I asked who it was, he told me that it doesn't matter.

I wonder why he wouldn't tell me? Is there something about this girl that is dark? I don't understand why he doesn't tell me about it. Maybe he just wants to keep it quiet. There's things I don't tell him, mostly things I CAN'T tell him that involve girl things.

When he finally stopped running, we found ourselves at the train station, just outside of it. Wow, there's so many people around, going through the ticket distributor to the far left and there's even some shops around that sells lots of different things...heavy stuff.

"Levy-chan, we've arrived safe and sound!"

He cheered, throwing his arms upwards!

Yes, we have finally arrived. We can finally ride on a train instead of walking all over the place. Not that it isn't fun, but it really isn't fun. Shi-chan likes walking, because he is like really got strong feelings with getting stronger, but my feet end up killing me most of the time.

"Didn't you think we would?"

I asked with a raised eyebrow and a slight smile.

"Well, no doubt!" He said with a happy voice. "I just always wanted to ride on a train, since I haven't before. Have you ever rode a train Levy-chan?"

"Y-Yes, twice with my parents a number of years ago. We went to visit a place called Magnolia to pick up something's that my Otou-sama needed, have you ever heard of it?"

He suddenly stopped, and looked towards the ground...is something wrong with what I said? Doesn't he like Magnolia or something? O-Oh, I think I've depressed Shi-chan somehow...I don't know how I did that.

"...I've heard of it before. Its where the guild Fairy Tail resides, correct?"

"Y-Yes! That's where that guild is. Say speaking of guilds, Shi-chan. Have you ever thought about joining a guild before?"

"A couple of times."

He mumbled then looked around. It was like he was trying to avoid eye contact with me. Maybe he doesn't want to talk about it...even now, after a year, I still don't fully understand Shi-chan. He's a lovely boy, always helping me, but I don't know much about him. He never talks about himself, and when asking, he avoids the subject.

"S-Say, should we get the tickets?"

I tried to divert the conversation away from guilds. I don't know why, but it seems like he doesn't want to talk about it. I think this is the first time in a year that I've seen such sadness...Shi-chan...

"Y-Yeah, lets go and get some tickets and go on the train and lets do what we need to do! ...Wait, that means we're getting the train after all?"

"That's right...if you want to that is?"

He nodded so we went to get some tickets. We bypassed some large adults, and I mean large adults. They looked like they weighed...a lot. I couldn't help but think that they might want to go on a diet...I know that isn't nice, but the way they moved, it looked like they were out of breath walking for a few seconds.

"Here, Levy-chan."

Shi-chan pointed towards something.

When I darted my eyes there, I saw that he was pointing towards...the ticket booth!

"I see, lets go and get some tickets then!"

With that, we both went towards the ticket booth and purchased the tickets without any problems.

Since they cost 1,000 Jewels each, we were able to get on with 2,000 Jewels. Apparently, we're getting the child's ticket, since we're children after all. Its good that a child's ticket is so low, otherwise we would be wasting money that we don't have.

We walked into the station fully after getting in the tickets. Our train is the first train...and it leaves in about 10 minutes so we don't have to worry about anything. When I looked to Shi-chan, I saw that he was smiling away...hehe, it seems that he's changed from before.

"So, what's it feel like to get on a train Shi-chan? Are you frightened?"

I teased the boy, who suddenly looked at something in window. When I looked at the front...ooh, its a little toy shop.

"So this is a train huh. Looks pretty interesting. I can't believe that something like this would be able to transport people around without the use of legs."

Shi-chan went over to...a toy train and eyed it up pretty intensely...h-he doesn't think that's the train we're getting on right? No, he couldn't think something like that, could he? No, that's not it...Shi-chan isn't stupid like that...

"Shi-chan, you know that isn't the train that we're getting, right?"

He turned to me and shook his head.

"I know what a train is. I'm not stupid, you know? I just liked the craftsmanship on this toy train so I began admiring it and kept looking at it with interested eyes. I think it looks really neat, don't you think something like that, Levy-chan?"

"Hehe, Shi-chan. If we're getting the train, does it mean we can also sleep in a hotel?"

"I don't see why not." He nodded with a smile. "Yeah, we can sleep in a hotel tonight!"

At that, I became happy and smiled to myself. I'm glad that we don't have to sleep outside for a change. While sleeping on Aries-sans wool is lovely, I also fear that we're going to get attacked outside by...various people.

---

Shinobu P.O.V

"So this is the inside of a train."

I looked around in awe, taking in the sights. From my right, I can see lots of seats in a row, and the same on the left. The long carriage didn't escape my attention either. There's some people that are just going about their business and some people that are older than us, still children, playing around. I guess they have families around...I wonder what that's like...?

So this is really a train huh. I never even thought about something like this when I was with Ultear-san. She mentioned something about it, but like myself, she hadn't been in one either.

"Lets go find some seats Shi-chan."

She brought me out of my thoughts so I casually turned to her, and smiled.

"Y-Yeah, that's go and find some."

So we went towards some seats. Most of them were full because of people...duh. Darn, where are we going to sit...there aren't any on the left...most of the seats on the right seem to be full...

"Okaa-san! Where are you!?"

Some voice came from the back of the carriage. It sounded like a little girl, that was looking for...an Okaa-san? Hmmmmm, I guess that's not really anything to do with me. But even then, I hear it coming closer and closer towards me.

When I darted my eyes...h-hey! That's coming in too fast! Nowhere to move right now!

Bang!

Some blonde thing clashed into me, causing me to fall to the ground!

""Ow! That hurt!""

I rubbed my forehead as I heard the same voice calling for the Okaa-san just a few seconds ago repeating what I was saying.

My forehead hurts now. Whatever hit me, had a hard head! What the heck collided with me then!?

It really does annoy me when people don't look where they are going! Seriously, are there stupid people in the universe or something!?

"Shi-chan, are you alright?"

Levy-chan offered me a hand which I took.

"Y-Yeah, I'm okay thanks."

I stood up, and looked towards the thing that collided with me, ready to tell off the person who thinks its okay to run inside a train and knock people down like that. I think that's a little rude if you ask me.

What I saw was...

A little girl.

A little girl that could be around my age. She has blonde hair with part of it to the left side of her head in a ponytail and has big brown eyes that are shining slightly. She has a cute face of a girl our age, and she kind of has a dopey look on her face. She is wearing a blue dress that came down to her ankles.

I have to admit that for a girl, she doesn't look so bad. I could say the same to Levy-chan, although by now she would think I'm joking. But this dopey looking girl looks like she's a little distressed.

"Ugh...my head..." The little girl stood up, and looked towards me. "I'm so sorry for crashing into you, that wasn't what I was trying to do...erm..."

She trailed off, and I presume that she was looking for our names.

"Right...my name is Shinobu." I introduced myself, then pointed to Levy-chan. "This is Levy McGarden. What's your name?"

Levy-chan bowed her head towards the blonde girl and I did the same thing since its only the polite thing to do. The blonde girl gave a shy look towards us, maybe she's thinking about stranger danger and all of that.

"L...Lucy...Heartfilia, erm...do you not have a last name?"

She mumbled her name and asked me a question, taking a step back...do I look intimidating...but that name...God, do her parents not like her? I'm so sorry that she has a name like that...I can already tell that she seems unsure about her name as well.

"No, I don't have a last night, although I don't know why...Levy-chan."

I shot a dark look towards the girl, who poked her fingers together shyly.

"Hehe, I am trying to think but I don't know what you would want as a last name. I don't know what one word would define you as a last name. My last name is because that's what my parents last names where... Shouldn't you come up with it yourself?"

She's not wrong about it, really. Parents pass on their last names to the children, depending if its a single Okaa-san, Otou-san or married parents. But unlike most, I don't have such a thing...

I shrugged my shoulders.

"No one picks their names when they're born. Their parents pick their names, and their last names are a result of which family you're born into. Since I don't have that luxury, I wanted to have a friend give me my last name. I would ask Aries-chan, but she comes up with names like Sheepish, Rammy and Sheepy. Or, Goatcheese for some reason..."

I never got that last one. I get the first couple, but Goatcheese...I don't get it...she isn't a goat...and I'm pretty sure that she doesn't like cheese...does that mean she doesn't like me!?

Nah, that couldn't be possible. Aries-chan loves me~ She always tells me that she loves me~

"Hm...that's what Aries-san would come up with...anyway, Heartfilia-san..."

Ooh right, she's still here, looking at us with questioning gazes. Better make sure she's okay...I'm sure Aries-chan and Levy-chan would want something like that.

"Loony Heartfondler-san then. Can I call you Loony-san? You can call me Shinobu! And whatever honorific you want!"

For some reason, Levy-chan face palmed and shook her head. As for Loony-san, she looks a little confused about something...eh, why is she looking at me with wide eyes...? I don't get it...what have I done now Levy-chan...? I only said her name, didn't I? Or have I misheard again...nah, that couldn't be it!

"W-Who's Loony Heartfondler?"

Oooh, poor girl even forgot her name. I really have to feel sorry for her. She needs to really remember the name she gave, unless she gave a fake name. Did she give us a fake name then...Loony-san, that wasn't nice.

"Erm...that's your name Loony-san, unless you've given us a fake name or something which is pretty bad if I'm honest. I'd never give a fake name, but I guess we all can't be nice like Levy-chan and I. Ya know, like its not such a bad name. Even if it questions your mental state, it doesn't mean that you're insane or anything. You could just have a good mental state, but have a name like Loony-san. And what you do with peoples hearts, is your business. If you want to crush them, or save them, then that's your choice. You fondle with hearts all you want."

If possible, her face turned even more confused and she kind of looks offended right now. Even her face is going bright red with annoyance...ehehe, what's wrong with Loony-san right now?

"My name is Lucy Heartfilia! Not Loony Heartfondler!"

W-Why is she yelling the same thing at me! I don't get it! I haven't done anything to her!

"There's no need to yell at me Loony-san! I'm right here!"

"My names not Loony! Its Lucy! Lucy! That's my name! It isn't Loony! But Lucy! That's my name Shinobu-kun! See, I remembered yours! Why can't you remember my name!?"

She keeps yelling the same name at me...why is she doing that to me...? I haven't done anything wrong...I'm a nice person...why would she do that to me...Loony-san is a meanie who gets her jollies from yelling at boys she doesn't know!

Eh...I guess that she doesn't like her name and doesn't like it being pointed out to other people. Loony-san is a...somewhat nice name. And Heartfondler isn't that bad. It just implies that she's a heartbreaker, right? She plays or fondles peoples hearts as she sprouts out mental things.

"Alright Loony-san, there's no need to yell at me. It isn't like I've done anything wrong. I have remembered your name, for your information. And it seems that you can remember my name, but not your own."

Clearly this girl is nuts. She doesn't remember her name, and she's accusing me of not knowing her name when she clearly told me her name. I'm so confused right now, and Levy-chan keeps face palming but I don't know why.

I turned to Levy-chan

"Levy-chan, what's wrong?"

I asked the girl kindly, as Loony-san here kept giving me the evils. What nastiness. Giving me evil eyes because she can't remember her own name. Maybe its because of that hard head of hers. Smashing into people like that, is very bad.

Levy-chan got near the confused me and whispered in my ear.

(Erm, Shi-chan. Her name isn't Loony Heartfondler-san. Its Lucy Heartfilia-san. Remember like with me, you got my name confused?) I nodded. (I think you've done the same...no. I know you've done the same this time...its Lucy-san, okay?)

(Is it? Is that really her name?)

I whispered back. Have I done the same thing that I did to Levy-chan...I didn't mean to do it! I just don't remember names well! I'm not perfect! I'm far from it! I don't even know what to think about this!

(Yes, that's right Shi-chan. Hehe, don't worry. I don't blame you, since I know it isn't your fault.)

She makes me sound stupid when she says it like that.

I turned to Loony...Lucy-san and bowed my head.

"I'm so sorry Lucy-san, it seems that I've gotten your name wrong. But don't worry, I am going to remember your name from now on Lucy-san!"

Upon hearing my apology, she left a soft face appear.

"Hehe, I guess its forgiven. But don't call me Loony again!"

Damn, she snapped at me. This girls a little...strange. She's different to Levy-chan...I just kind of assumed that girls were mostly the same. I've only ever really talked with two human females. And that's Ultear-san and Levy-chan. Both are nice and different, but I thought that was because they were brought up differently.

"Okay okay~ I said I was sorry, didn't I?"

"Yeah, I guess...so, what are you doing here, Shinobu-kun, Levy-san?"

"Shouldn't we be asking you that?"

Levy-chan asked with me nodding along.

Yeah. Lucy-san here was the one who was shouting for her Okaa-san...right?

"Oh I was looking for..." Sudden realization passed through her eyes, and she opened them wide. "Okaa-san! She was on this train somewhere and I don't know where she went! I only went to get some water, and then I lost my way...n-now Okaa-sans disappeared o-on me..."

Lucy-sans eyes became a little wet...damn it. Don't show such eyes, it makes me feel crap. Its the same when Levy-chan looks upset. Or the same with Aries-chan. I just can't stand seeing girls upset.

"H-Hey, I'm sure that she hasn't. This train isn't that big. Come on, lets look for her together-" Before I could finish, I saw a woman behind Lucy-san, who looked like a grownup Lucy-san coming this way. "Never mind, it seems that I've found her already."

She furrowed her eyebrows, so I turned her around.

When she was turned around, I saw her eyes open wide and she ran to this woman while screaming "Okaa-san!" at the near top of her lungs. Said woman bent down and petted what I presume to be her daughters head. Although she could pass for a sister, in my opinion...or even twin if Lucy-san was older.

"Ooh Lucy, I said not to run off, didn't I?"

The woman lightly scolded Lucy-san who looked down.

"I'm so sorry Okaa-san, I didn't mean too."

Ahah, so Lucy-san is a bad girl after all, makes sense I guess. I get the feeling that she's a little of a troublemaker.

The woman in question is wearing what I would expect noble women to wear. Its a long dress, made from the softest of silks, and her eyes are the kindest I've seen in such along time. Although, she doesn't look good...not in a nasty way. In an ill way. Her skin is quite pale, and her breaths are coming out in wheezes...is she alright?

The woman's kind eyes turned towards both Levy-chan and I, who kept flushing. I realize the reason I was, because having a lovely woman's eyes on you is nice, and embarrassing. But she's got the same gaze...its like I've seen such a gaze before. I don't know where though...

"My, it seems my daughter has made some friends..." The young woman trailed off, as she looked at my hip. When I looked, I saw the two keys that I own hanging there. "My, is that a gold key? And a silver one as well? If I'm right, that gold key is Aries, correct?"

How did she figure that out from a single glance?

I gave suspicious eyes, turning away slightly.

"That's right. Aries-chan is my Spirit, along with the other key I possess. Aries-chan has been with me for four years already...wow, its been that long huh. Anyway, I got the other silver key Spirit from Levy-chan here who gave me it as a birthday present last year."

I gestured to Levy-chan who bowed respectfully towards this woman.

"Its very nice too meet you. My name is Levy McGarden, and this is Shinobu."

In accordance with Levy-chan's introductions, I also bowed my head towards the woman.

Seeing our bowing heads, the young woman raised a hand to her cheek.

"Aah, introductions. How rude of me. My name is Layla Heartfilia, please refer to me as Layla."

"I'd watch it Okaa-san." Loony...Lucy-san warned. "Shinobu-kun there wont remember your name, and will give you a horrid one like he gave to me."

I huffed at Lucy-san who smiled a little too innocently for my liking.

"Hmph, I remember Layla-sans name, just fine thank you Lucy-san!"

Lucy-san and Levy-chan's jaws became slacked, upon hearing me address Layla-san here. Ooh God, what have I done this time? Have I made a mess of the names this time as well? Knowing me, I have done, haven't I? They're mean girls and they hate me for no reason!

""W-Wait, what!?""

Both girls yelled in synch! What's with girls yelling at me all of a sudden!? I haven't done anything wrong! They have for yelling at me! That's it, I'm telling Aries-chan when I can summon her again!

"W-What? Did I say her name wrong or something? Did I?"

Although I don't think I did. I'm pretty sure her name is Layla-san. Then again, I'm not the best with names, and I could've said her name wrong...I suppose.

""How did you remember Layla-sans/Okaa-sans name when you didn't remember mine and gave me a strange name!?""

Hmph, Aries-chan would tell them off for yelling at me, especially Levy-chan. She knows that yelling at me is quite bad and it makes me feel upset if I'm quite honest. Hmph, enjoy getting yelled at Levy-chan!

"You know, its rude to yell on a train I bet. And for something so trivial. I liked your other names as well, it gave you both edges. Especially you Levy-chan. I thought Lucifer was awesome. But that's just going to have to be your Onee-sama's name."

She giggled and Lucy-san just looked confused by it all. She was confused so much that she turned towards Levy-chan.

"So...you have an Onee-sama that's named Lucifer?"

Levy-chan snickered, to cause more confusion towards Lucy-san.

"S-Sort of. She's more of a comer and goer. She comes and goes whenever she wants. And when she's here, she's always so lecturing and threatens to take my books off me for disobeying her."

She makes 'Lucifer' sound quite bad. I always liked 'Lucifer', as she's quirky, hehe~

"O-Oh, that must be pretty bad..."

"Nah, Onee-sama is lovely really. I couldn't be without her laughter~"

Levy-chan and I snickered to one another, as Layla-san came over, and touched my outfit...w-why is she touching me...I need an adult...

"Sorry for the touching and interruption, but this is from the Celestial Spirit World, isn't it?"

Okay, how does she know things like this? She couldn't be a Celestial Wizard as well, could she? It would make sense, since she saw such a thing and commented on it straight away...

"Y-Yeah, Aries-chan always brings me outfits from that place when I outgrow the ones I wear beforehand. Aries-chan is nice like that...I'm sorry if I sound rude right now which I don't mean to be, but usually no one really can tell that these clothes are from that world."

Yeah, I've never come across someone who knows such things. I could get the key, but knowing that it was Aries-chan with just a glance was amazing. I couldn't ever tell a key by what it is with such a single glance. Then there's the fact that she knows where my clothes are from...

"Ooh yes. The reason I can tell is because I, like I presume you are, am a Celestial Wizard...rather I was until my health deteriorated. Right now, I don't practice anymore."

W-Wow, she was a Celestial Wizard...I've never really met one, that was kind before...although I don't know if this is a facade or not, but I don't think that it is. She seems to be kind, and her daughter seems to be clinging to her...how sweet. So this is a Okaa-san and daughter love huh...

"O-Oh, I see! So that's what you was huh! That's amazing! Did you have gold keys as well!?"

"Fufu, yes. I had three gold keys before my health declined. Cancer, Aquarius and Capricorn. Those three were my faithful Spirits, and I love them so very much. Even now, even if I don't have them, I always will love my Spirits."

S-She had three of them...three out of twelve. She had a fourth of the overall golden keys. That's pretty fantastic, if I'm honest. I only have one, and that's enough for me. But for three of them...and she loves them...even if she doesn't have them anymore...hehe, I'm glad that there's other people that love Spirits as much as I do. I can tell in her face and voice that she did love her Spirits very much. Yeah, this woman is one of the good Celestial Mage's out there.

"T-Three, whoa. That's awesome Layla-san! And your love for your Spirits is so evident in your voice! You speak so proudly of them! But I am so sorry about your declining health. I hope you get better soon."

A sad smile appeared on her face for an instant, before it disappeared. I wonder what that was about...?

"Yes, I am sure to be getting better soon. You're a kind young boy, who I hope is kind to his Spirits as well."

"I am...I love my Spirits very much. I actually owe my life to Aries-chan, because she saved me...she's very important to me, and I couldn't be without her. If I didn't have her, then I would really become lonely and depressed."

It was true...she has saved me, in more ways than one. If it wasn't for her, I would've been alone all of those years. I have Levy-chan now, but I still consider Aries-chan my most important person.

"Then, I am fortunate to have met you. A Celestial Wizard that takes care of their Spirits makes me feel happy and for someone so young to be able to use such a key. I can already tell that your magical reserves are quite large. Hehe, there's also a chance that you might a little competition in gathering keys~"

Competition...? What does she mean by that? Is she saying that she's my competition? It isn't like I'm looking for keys anyway. If I happen to get some, then great. But if I don't, then that's that.

"Eh...? I'm sorry but what does..."

I trailed off, after seeing Lucy-san staring at my keys with such interest. H-Hey, she's a little close to me! I don't like people that close! Its too close Lucy-san! If you're that close...don't get closer!

"Oooh...so shiny..."

She tried to reach out her hand, but I grabbed it and stopped her from getting close.

"Sorry, but I don't let others touch them, besides Levy-chan. Only people I trust, ya know? Now, that isn't to say that you aren't trustworthy, but I don't know you. Maybe some other time."

She pouted but I shook my head. That caused her to huff and turn away like a...well, a child.

"Lucy dear, we should be sitting down now. The train is going to be starting soon."

Layla-san gently soothed to her daughter and took her hand.

"Y-Yes Okaa-san!"

Lucy-san answered her Okaa-san with a dazzling smile.

"Yeah, Shi-chan. We should also find a place to sit."

I turned to Levy-chan and nodded.

"Right, lets go and sit down." I turned to Lucy-san and Layla-san. "It was lovely to meet you. I hope that you have a safe journey, wherever that takes you."

"Y-Yes! Like Shi-chan said! Please enjoy your journey! And goodbye!"

Both Levy-chan and I bowed towards the Okaa-san/daughter who bowed back.

"Nice to meet you Shinobu-kun! Levy-san! Have a good journey!"

"Yes, both of you be safe, and look out for one another."

We all exchanged our goodbyes then Layla-san and Lucy-san left towards another part of the train. But before they went through the door to the other part, I saw Lucy-san look back so I gave a wave and a smile, which earned me the same from her.

After they left, we went to sit down together at a nearby pair of seats and relaxed.

"They were nice, weren't they Shi-chan?"

"Yeah." I replied, smiling to myself. "Both of them were quite nice, especially Layla-san. Anyone that treats Spirits as normal, living, loving people then they're okay in my books."

"Yes, that's true. Speaking of Spirits, where is Aries-san exactly? I've not seen her today."

Ooh, right. I forgot to tell Levy-chan about Aries-chan not coming today. Oops, silly me.

"Yeah, Aries-chan isn't here and requested that I don't summon her unless she's really needed which I didn't object too since she said she wanted to speak with some Spirit friends in the Spirit World. I said that it was fine, since she hasn't seen them in awhile apparently. But it sounds like the summoner of her Spirit friends are quite bad since she said that they are usually in the human world, which as you know is quite bad for a Spirit."

"Ooh, that can't be good..." Levy-chan seemed depressed, and she lowered her head. "It makes me feel sad that people would be cruel to Spirits. When I've seen from you that you're the kindest towards your Spirits."

Yeah, that's what I hate about some other Celestial Wizards. They treat their Spirits as slaves, making them act like shields when they're alive too. They feel pain, and they love and cry as well. It makes me feel sick seeing someone abuse a Spirit, which I have witnessed before, once.

"Yes, I'm always kind to them. They're just as much my friend as you are, Levy-chan. That's why, I don't like people hurting other Spirits. If I ever come across one that I had to fight, then I wouldn't fight that Spirit."

Yeah...I wouldn't ever hurt another Spirit. I just couldn't do it, seeing as how most of them are treated like slaves, from what Aries-chan has told me before. I feel sad for them, and it makes me angry at the summoner for doing such things.

Although I wonder what Aries-chan is doing right now with her friends...I hope she's having fun.

---

[Celestial Spirit World]

Aries P.O.V

"So, that's what your new Master is like? Each time you tell me, I become more and more jealous."

I gave a sharp nod towards Virgo as we sat down politely.

"Y-Yes, but he doesn't like being referred to as 'Master' or anything that means that he owns me. He's truly a one of a kind boy. I wish I could show Shinobu-sama this world, since I've seen his world, but that's quite impossible right now. He really is nice Virgo and I am glad that he is the one who became the owner of my key. Even if he's a child, he's really wise beyond his years, and he always makes sure that I am happy, when it should be the other way around... Hehe, it makes me sound like I'm rubbing it in your face, doesn't it?"

I didn't mean to do such things...its just when it concerns Shinobu-sama, I can't seem to think of anyone else and I can't seem to stop myself from talking about him. Even if its only been four years, I know that he'll be the best Master I ever had and will have!

"A little. This boy must be special, for you to speak so openly and honestly about him. Unlike my previous Master and current one, it appears that yours is a nice one. He even offers to give you punishment?"

W-When did I say something like that...? I never said punishment, did I?

"E-Erm, he never gives me punishment. He always hugs me tightly and says that I'm the greatest and he couldn't imagine a life without me. I truly got the best deal in Masters."

"Speak for yourself."

A familiar voice behind me, trudged along, taking a place near my left.

Darting my eyes that way, I saw Aquarius. And she looks really depressed right now...I wonder why...?

"Aquarius, what do you mean? Is something wrong?"

I gently asked, but she let out a deep sigh.

"I'm being given to Layla-sans brat when she's older should she choose to become a Celestial Wizard, which I bet she bleeding does. She's the opposite of what Layla-san is. She's an unkempt girl who is like a spitfire. She's like a thorn in my side. Your Master sounds quite nice, unlike my future brat."

"O-Oh, I'm so sorry. But I'm sure that she's..."

"No, she's evil and she's never going to get a boyfriend." What does that have to do with her being evil? "Anyway, tell me about the brat that you belong too then."

So going along with Aquarius' question, I gave a full detailed account of Shinobu-sama. As she listened, and Virgo as well, I saw that they both had envious eyes. Hehe, its because Shinobu-sama truly is one of a kind...maybe its due to him being a child, seeing the world through innocent eyes. But I say innocent, he's quite strong willed as well.

When I finished the conversation and explanation, both of them looked down in sorrow. O-Oh my, have I upset them somehow? I didn't know I said anything upsetting.

"...That's not fair. You've got a lovely sounding Master...I am going to have a brat...life isn't fair..."

Hehehe, it seems that Aquarius isn't happy right now. As for Virgo, for some reason her face has turned a little red...

"Aries."

"Y-Yes?"

I answered Virgo with a timid face.

"Lets see a picture of this boy. From what you've said, he sounds like a good Master. I also believe that he would be a good Master."

A picture of Shinobu-sama...

I don't know if I should...I know it sounds petty, but I want to stay with Shinobu-sama...and with either of these two, I will be overshadowed by their big personalities...

"O-Okay...here's one of me and Shinobu-sama taken about a month ago."

I pulled out the picture and showed it both of them with sadness...I don't want them to take Shinobu-sama away from me...the picture itself is nice though. Its Shinobu-sama and I squishing our faces together...

When seeing Shinobu-sama, both of their faces turned upwards, breaking into smiles. Even Virgo is blushing...no Virgo, please don't blush at my Master...

"I see. He is quite cute. It seems that he would give out regular punishment when I need it, and when I don't as well."

I swear, she's so masochistic and the way she says it with such a straight face...it puts stoic people to shame, it really does. I pray Shinobu-sama doesn't have to deal with Virgo with her weird obsession with punishment.

"I-I don't think Shinobu-sama would really..."

"Yes, Prince would be a good boy." P-Prince? Where did that come from? "I can already imagine many things with the King." Now its King? Why did she switch within seconds? "He might be a child now, but I am sure that when he grows up, His Excellency will grow to a powerful man, since he can already summon a Spirit from a golden key and not drain much from what you've said, despite his age."

Now its His Excellency? Why did it switch between the three instantly?

I don't get it...why would she call him those things? Is it because he's nice and cute?

But she is right...he does have a strong magical power. Its higher than it should be for a child his age. Maybe its because he was experimented on for years...poor Shinobu-sama still has nightmares about it, but tells me to not say anything to Levy-san as he doesn't want to upset her.

Aquarius then spoke up while having a flushing face.

"Hmmmmmm, so Aries got a cute Master, just look at those cheekbones and that innocent look in his adorable eyes...awwwww, such a cutie, and I'm going to be with a brat...although, you know being with a child is an offence in the human world? You could be classed as a pedophile."

"Pft!" I did a spit take and shook my head! "I-I'm not a pedophile! I'm not thinking of touching him while he's a child! Or anytime! That would be wrong! Shinobu-sama is my Master! I do love him, but it isn't anything beyond the love that I would feel for a normal Master that was kind!"

Its true! I don't have those kind of feelings for him! He's just sweet! He's really kind and I wouldn't dare touch him when he's so young! I would be a bad person and maybe even scar Shinobu-sama!

"Ah...you're lying Aries. You love His Majesty and you can't wait for him to grow up so you can have hardcore S and M with him."

Now its gone to His Majesty...? Why does she keep changing it all of the time!? And S and M!? I'm not into that kind of thing! Why would she think such things!?

"No, Virgo. That's just you~" Aquarius giggled to the flushing Virgo and then placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about it. If I wasn't with my boyfriend, and spent all that time with a boy you've described so lovingly and looks like a cute Angel sent from Heaven itself, then I might've fallen for him as well."

F-Fallen for Shinobu-sama...

I-I haven't fallen for Shinobu-sama...have I? No, it couldn't be anything like that...I don't love Shinobu-sama like that! He's just my Master who's sweet, kind, caring, loving and...ooh God, I can't be falling in love with him! Its taboo! He's a child! It would be wrong!

"I-I..."

"Don't worry about it Aries, its so sweet actually. Its like a love story, I feel envious."

Virgo...she feels envious of my...n-not a love story! It isn't a love story!

"I've got an idea." Aquarius began, smirking evilly. "If you and your brat come into contact with my brat when she gets my key, ask her to switch keys with him. If I can't be with Layla-san, then your brat sounds the next best thing...and he's so cute! If he's like you described, then he's such an adorable Angel! If I didn't have a boyfriend, I wouldn't say no when he's older!"

W-What does she mean!? S-She can't go for Shinobu-sama! She's not right for him! She would corrupt him!

"Yes, I wouldn't say no either, but until I've met him, I can't say that I would or not. But if he really is as you've described, then I could see him owning my key. I'm sure the punishments this boy could deliver would be really satisfying. Actually, right now my key is-"

"No! You can't have him! He's mine! Only I can be with Shinobu-sama! You two would corrupt him!"

I covered my mouth immediately, and shook my head strongly!

I-I didn't mean to say that! Oooooooooooh! They're going to think that I really want to do things with Shinobu-sama! A-And even if I did, then I would wait until he's older than he is now! I would wait until its legal for him to do such things! And if he's interested in girls in the first place! I don't know what he's going to turn out like! Hopefully he goes for girls, but as a child, how am I meant to know what he likes.

They both gave grins towards me so I turned away!

Shinobu-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! My fellow Spirits are so cruel! You can't let them go near you! They will seriously taint you in the future! Shinobu-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I miss you already! I want to be with Shinobu-sama now!

---

[Human World]

Shinobu P.O.V

"Lets go and see what this person has to tell us, Shi-chan!"

Levy-chan cheered as we exited the hotel.

"Yeah, lets go!"

I cheered back, and we both went towards the fortune teller.

Yesterday was a nice day. Levy-chan and I met Loony-san...Lucy-san and her Okaa-san Layla-san. We saw them once after getting off the train and waved to them. I think they are in this town as well, but from what I saw, they had servants so they have to have lots of Jewels. It would make sense, seeing the clothes they wore.

We went around the town for shops and other things. We were going to go to the fortune teller, but it was already closed by the time we got there, so we'll be going today instead.

It should be fun, I might ask about Ultear-san hehe. Yeah, maybe this person could tell me about where Ultear-san is so I can find her and be with her forever and ever! That's my main reason for going...and I couldn't say that to Levy-chan. She doesn't even know who Ultear-san is.

We also stayed in a hotel, which was good. It was fun staying in such a warm place and it cost a little bit as well. That's what was down about it. But it was worth it in the end.

But now however, we're on the road again. Its a nice town though. It feels very old and the buildings all have moss on them, signifying their ages. Even then, I like places like this.

"Ooooh, I can't wait to see what I'm going to be like in the future. Maybe I will be really tall and well endowed and have such a good figure as well!"

Levy-chan sang out, as we turned a corner.

"I don't think it works like that Levy-chan." I remarked, yawning slightly. "I think they can't really command to see a certain thing...or can they? I'm not that sure. They might not even see you, I think they just see what's in your future like if you're going to get married, when you die, have kids, things like that. Anyway, lets get going!"

"Okay!"

So Levy-chan and I travelled towards the fortune teller. I know its stupid and most likely fake, even in the magic world that we live in, I can't help but think that even if its just a little chance that I could find Ultear-san...if this person could point me in the right direction...

When nearing the place, I saw that it was pretty deserted...that's better for us. Levy-chan and I walked towards it, and entered after paying the fee, which was quite cheap.

Once entering, I saw that Levy-chan was excited, yet she was the one who was really skeptical in the first place.

Shaking my head of those thoughts, I looked around the room that we were lead too. Its all dark, and velvet pillows are lining the room. In the centre, sits a mysterious person, who's cloaked from head to toe. On the table rests a mysterious orb, and some cards as well, I think they're called tarot cards.

"My, such young ones have come. Please sit down."

It sounded like a young woman's voice. And not just a woman's voice, but a creepy voice as well. It was low, almost mysterious and gravelly. Then there's the whole aura around her, which screams, RUN AWAY!

B-But, I wont run, since she isn't...showing a threatening face (from what I can see anyway) I don't think we're in that much danger. Even if we are, I will protect Levy-chan with my life.

"Lets sit down Shi-chan."

I turned to Levy-chan, sharply nodding towards the young girl.

We sat down together, facing the young woman who's face can't be seen.

"My, so what would you like to know?"

Again, that voice sounds so creepy. It goes right through me and makes me shiver from deep within my core. Why does it feel like that all of a sudden...what a strange thing...I don't feel frightened per-say...its more like wary of what's going to happen...

"Ooh, I would like to know if I get married!"

I knew Levy-chan would start with that. She's usually talking about such things. That she wants to find a nice boyfriend one day. I would offer, but I don't know if I feel 'that way' about her.

The woman laid out some tarot cards (I believe they are called) and began shuffling them, spreading them all over the table. Some even started to give off a shallow light that fills the dark room that we're in.

"I see, I see..."

The woman spoke in a strange voice.

"W-What do you see?"

Levy-chan was such a nervous wreck, sitting on the edge of her seat. Geez, Levy-chan, you're such a two faced girl. One second she's all like "I think its going to be a scam." but the next second she's like "What do you see?" towards the fortune teller woman. She needs to pick one and stick with it!

I had to roll my eyes at Levy-chan's serious face right now.

"Hmmmm...it seems that you've been on some adventures in your time, despite being so young." Well, she got that right at least. "And, it seems that you've also begun learning Magic. Ooh my, you're coming along quite well indeed. Solid Script Magic seems to be a good match." Gotta give her that, Levy-chan has come on quite abit in her magic and she even knew the type of magic Levy-chan has begun learning. "Ooh my, what's this?"

"W-What is it?"

Ooh God, this is awesome. I didn't think I would see such a serious Levy-chan that isn't obsessed with books. She's really got her eyes focused right now, on the fortune teller. I find it quite funny actually, I've never see her look so passionate about something that isn't her magic or books.

My eyes keep going between her and Levy-chan, to see if there's anything out of the ordinary here.

I don't think that the woman is using Telepathy or any mind reading magic on Levy-chan right now. Or on me either. Although I'm not the best for such things, I can't see anything that would suggest that something strange is going on right now.

"Hm...I'm seeing...Shadows...and Gears..."

"Shadows and Gears huh, hehehe~ You've always been a mysterious girl. Maybe its the name of something important to you in the future Levy-chan?"

I chortled to myself and Levy-chan playfully slapped me on the arm while saying "Hush!" in a serious voice! G-Geez, there's no reason to hit me you know!? I haven't done anything wrong!

"Ooh, what's this...two people are going to be panning for your heart...ooh, it seems you're going to turn them down. I suppose they aren't the people you love, huh."

"L-Love?! I'm going to turn down love!?"

Sounds like something she would do. I can see it now. Two poor guys always trying to win her affections, but she doesn't give them the time of day, and she ends up going towards a guy that's...hmmmm, I dunno what's Levy-chan's type is...if she has one at this age right now. I mean, I don't even like anyone in the romantic way.

"Yes, you're going to be turning down two men in the future. But I do see a third one that you're going to be crushing on."

"Its not me is it~?"

I gave a laugh as a joke.

Levy-chan cocked her head towards me with a murderous glare...ehehe, that's not funny Levy-chan, you know? I'm actually a good person, don't turn on me...ehehehe.

"H-How do you know? You're not the fortune teller. A-And, it isn't like w-we would be such a bad couple. W-We do get along v-very well, and w-we always have s-such good fun...seen...naked...couple...times..."

"What was that at the end Levy-chan?"

She said something after fun, but I don't know what that is exactly.

"O-Oh nothing at all!" She was flustered, her entire face had turned bright red for some reason. "B-But, you shouldn't say that we would be so bad...you don't know what's going to happen in the future..."

"I never said that we would be so bad together. I don't know what we would be like together, but we're only children so it doesn't matter right now. You never know, we might find love with other people, or each other! I was just merely making a comment, that's all."

She gave me a curious look so I looked back with a bright smile.

She then looked towards the fortune teller again.

"S-So, do you know who this boy is? Is it Shi-chan here?"

Its because she wants it to be me~ Hehe, actually I'm not sure on what she feels towards me...probably friendship or something...yeah, its got to be something like that.

"Hmmmmmmm...that's unclear at the moment. There are two possibilities. It all depends on what happens in the future. Do you take the road less or more travelled? That's up to you Levy McGarden."

"H-How did you know my name?"

That's a good question. I don't believe that we gave our names when we came here...just what in the hell is this person...? I don't get how she would know Levy-chan's full name. She might've gotten her first name from me, but she wouldn't of gotten the last night, right?

"Aah, that's a secret dear. You could say that it came to me through my cards."

She gestured to her cards...she must be seeing something that I'm not seeing right now. Because those look like normal cards to me, and they might be giving off a small glow, but I don't sense magic from them.

"O-Oh, it would make sense considering you can supposedly see the future. It wouldn't be impossible for you to know my name..."

She's got a point. If this woman can see the future, as she claims, then she would know both of our names. She might even know my real name, if I have such a thing. I was named "Shinobu" but, what if I have a real name and I don't know it?

But there was a question that came into my head.

"You said that there are two possibilities, am I one of them?"

"It seems possible."

That was her reply huh...it could be possible? Does that mean that Levy-chan might end up falling in love with me...wait, I shouldn't take this so seriously. This could just be a joke...y-yeah, a joke would be something that would happen here!

"Which am I exactly on that road? The more or less travelled?"

I hope its the former...latter...eh...I'm not sure which is the best actually...damn, I can't decide which is good and which isn't good!

"Hm...that would be spoilers. You'll have to figure that out on your own." So cryptic. Why doesn't she just tell me? "But you two do share a good relationship...its clear that this boy would protect you with his life..."

"W-Well, of course I would!" I affirmed, smiling. "Levy-chan is one of my best friends, so of course I'm going to be with her always and protect her!"

"S-Shi-chan..."

G-Geez, she's developing watery eyes now...

"H-Hey, don't get so teary eyed all of a sudden-"

[...]

...Eh? What was that then? I had to stop speaking...what was that noise...what in the heck was that then...? It almost sounded like...someone was breathing...a tiny voice...what in the heck...?

"Eh? Did you say something Levy-chan? Or hear anything maybe?"

She gave me a strange look before shaking her head.

"I didn't say or hear anything besides your voice."

"O-Oh...okay."

That's strange...I could've sworn that I heard something...was it something in my head...? No, that's not possible, is it? It couldn't be something like that...aah, never mind. Its me cracking up or something~

"Okay, since the young girl has asked me something, why don't you ask me something?"

The fortune teller turned to me, so I looked at her.

"Alright, I want to know about my friend...erm, Ultear-san. Please tell me if I will meet her again."

Levy-chan gave me a confused look, but I mumbled "I'll tell you later." which she nodded at in acceptance. I've never had the courage to tell Levy-chan about Ultear-san. It was...apart of my life that I didn't like. Ultear-san left, because I wasn't strong enough to stop her. If I had been strong enough to stop her then I would've...

The fortune teller went to her cards and waved her hands in front of them. I don't put much faith into it, but she seemed to know things about Levy-chan, like her name for one. I'm pretty sure that we aren't known by many if any people, so she wouldn't find out her name like that.

[...Fou...ou...]

W-What...? That voice again...it sounded clearly this time again...fou...ou...I wonder what that means...? Erm...I don't get it...why am I hearing this voice...it sounds...

"Whats wrong Shi-chan?"

Levy-chan asked me as I looked around. I faced her, and shrugged my shoulders.

"Its nothing...I just heard that voice again. I don't know...erm, I guess it doesn't matter."

"Y-Yeah...you sure?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I'm just going crazy~"

I played it off with a little laugh, but I couldn't get it out of my head. This voice...why am I only hearing it? Even the fortune teller doesn't seem to be hearing it...and Levy-chan keeps looking at me like I've gotten two heads or something.

"Ooh my, such a hard live you've had. All of that pain...what a poor soul you are."

"You don't even know the half of it."

I mumbled and continued to look at the fortune teller.

"The one named Ultear...ooh, it seems you've been separated from one another. My, and you've been looking for her ever since...what a struggle you've had, which isn't over yet."

"I-It isn't...?"

I looked down sadly...so, I'm going to go through hardships to save her, from whatever she's doing right now. I hope that, whatever she's doing is something that she wants to do, and when she's done, she can come back to me...but I'm not an idiot. I know that if she ever does something truly evil, I would have to stop her. I don't want to think of her doing anything evil, but willingly going back to Brain...God knows what he's done to her since that day...

"No, you're going to be going through numerous trials to save this Ultear. But do not fret, the cards say that she's alive and well. She isn't in any immediate danger, but that isn't to say that she's completely safe."

"S-She isn't!? Whats happening to her!?"

I realized that I shouted, but when its Ultear-san...when its her I'd do anything to make sure that she's safe! I would even kill to make sure that she didn't suffer. Even after four years, it still matters to me as it did back then.

"Hmmm...that I can't discern and it doesn't seem like she'll see it coming, when it happens. However, your life is about to go through an unexpected turn. You're about to meet someone who is going to be very influential in your life and turn it into a completely different direction...ooh my, that's interesting."

Someone influential in my life...I'm about to meet someone like that...? Ultear-san...what's happening with you...if this person is to be trusted...then why does it feel like...

"W-Who is this person...?"

"The persons name is-"

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

[AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!]

As she was about to say the name, a tornado of wind erupted from the middle of the room, blowing all of us back! I moved to Levy-chan and grabbed her before she fell towards the ground, so she doesn't get hurt!

I fell to the ground, my back smashing against the unforgiving floor. Pain rippled through my body, but I kept Levy-chan in a protective embrace. Shit, that really hurt! But what the hell was that...?

"Oowww...Shi-chan, thank you for protecting me."

Levy-chan, who's in my arms, gave her thanks and sat up while flushing. She doesn't seem to be injured right now. I checked over her body, to see if she had any injuries...and she thankfully doesn't.

She took my hand and helped me sit up as well.

"No problem. But what was that wind...?"

I rubbed the back of my head as it throbbed. Damn wind...did that fortune teller do this? Why would she do it though...? I don't get, why would she do that...?

"I don't know...that was strange..."

She trailed off, and looked towards the middle of the room. When she did, her eyes froze over in fear, and she became like a leaf, shaking and looks like wind would make her tip over, even if it was just a single breeze...

"W-Whats wrong?"

"I-I-I-I-I-I d-don't..."

She was babbling something incoherently, looking at me with the same fear she was looking at the middle of the room...don't tell me something is there...I don't want to know...I'm afraid now...

She edged closer to me, and wrapped her arms around me while shaking...

I'm going to have to look...aren't I...?

I turned towards the middle of the room...

.

.

.

"FLOATING DEMON HEAD!"

HELP ME GOD! THERE'S A DEMON HEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM! IT HAS LARGE HORNS! RED FACE! SCABS AND HANGING FLESH FROM ITS CHEEKS! BLOOD IS COMING FROM ITS EYES THAT LOOK BLACK AS NIGHT! IT LOOKS TOTALLY EVIL AND I AM FRIGHTENED RIGHT NOW!

"OOOH MY GOD! GET IT AWAY FROM US! WHAT IS THAT THING SHI-CHAN!?"

That's obviously a normal reaction from Levy-chan! I also feel like screaming right now! No, I need to keep Levy-chan safe! This thing is looking towards us both...is it going to eat us...?

I looked towards the woman fortune teller, to see that she wasn't conscious! Great, now it looks like we've attack her or something! We need to get this thing away before she wakes up!

"Get behind me!" I stood up with Levy-chan and pushed her behind me to protect her. I then gathered light within my hands and pointed them at the demon head. "Leave or I will be forced to shoot!" The demon head snarled at us and came closer! "You leave me no choice! Take this!"

I had no choice but to fire the orb of pure white towards the head! The radiant light filled the room, seemingly capturing the light and bending it around the orb. Hah! Take that floating demon head! Get destroyed with the light...

But when I was cheering within my mind, something else happened to what I thought would happen. When it crossed the distance, it went completely through the head, and hit the back wall!

W-What in the hell...? Why did it do that!? Oooooooh shit! I'm frightened! I wanna go now! Waaaaaaaah! This is strange! The only possible explanation is...but if it is, why does it feel like its right in front of us...?

"T-Then, if that doesn't work, I will do it!" Levy-chan from behind me, put her hand forward, and moved her finger as if she was writing within the air as an orb of light trailed what she was writing with her finger. The word that was spelt out was 'Water' and she took aim. "Solid Script, Water!"

The word 'Water' shot from in front of Levy-chan, heading towards the demon head who keeps snarling at us! But like my attack, the water went right through the demon head, hitting in almost the same place my attack hit!

Levy-chan's face dropped as soon as the attack went through the head.

"T-That didn't work..."

It isn't really surprising though...if my attack didn't work, then hers wouldn't either...but it was worth ago...

"The only possible explanation is, Illusion Magic..."

If our attacks aren't hitting, that means it isn't there. That's the only thing that I can think of. If it isn't that, then I don't know what it is.

"I was thinking that as well...but it looks so real..."

"I know...what do we..."

Before I could finish, the floating demon heads eyes went towards me, and I shivered. Why is it looking at me...please don't look at me...please just leave me alone...

[FATES EYES ARE ON YOU!]

WHOOSH!

As soon as it said that weird sentence, the demon head released more wind, and disappeared!

S-So, what in the hell just happened then...? Why are fates eyes on me...? I'm just an experiment, not anything important about me. I want to find Ultear-san, not have fate after me...I don't want fate after me...

"T-That was..."

"Brief but scary..."

Levy-chan finished for me. She was shaking like a leaf, and I wasn't holding up much better. That wasn't...that wasn't anything I would be witnessed too...I am so...I can't...I don't know what to even think about this...

I then looked towards the fortune teller and quickly came to my senses.

"We should get her up, Levy-chan."

"Y-Yeah, then we can leave town, right? We don't have to stay here anymore, right? Floating demon heads..."

"I'm not staying here anymore! We're leaving town right away!"

I cried and rushed towards the woman. Levy-chan did the same and lightly petted her cheek, to awaken her. I did the same while calling "Fortune teller! Please wake up!" over and over again.

Eventually, the woman woke up, and looked at both of us.

"The session is cancelled. I'm sorry for this, there will be a full refund since you didn't have the full hour. But that wasn't normal...that was something black and dark...please leave quickly before anything else happens."

""O-Okay.""

We both were freaked out as well, and didn't even care that she spoke to us rudely. Even I would after seeing such things. That wasn't normal, and she's even more freaked out than we are. I can't say that I blame her really...

---

Unknown P.O.V

"I'm so sorry about that demon head thingy. I hope it doesn't effect the business you run here. We wont tell anyone here or anywhere. We'll keep it to ourselves, forever and ever."

"Y-Yes, Shi-chan is right. I don't think we'll ever be talking about it, ever again. That was...that was really scary, and I think I'm going to go and cry about it now."

Those two bowed towards me very respectfully.

"Do not, concern yourselves. I'm sorry that it had to happen like that. Take care, on your journey."

Those two bowed to me once more and the male turned to the one named Levy.

"C-Come on Levy-chan, lets go and see what tickets cost to the next town."

"Y-Yeah, but does it matter?"

"Nope, as long as it gets us out of here, I don't care about the cost. We'll get more Jewels later on somehow. We just need to leave here and not think about demon heads ever again."

"That's very true." The girl then turned to me. "G-Goodbye! It was nice meeting you! Thank you for the predictions!"

"Y-Yeah, goodbye! Lets go Levy-chan!"

They again bowed towards me before they departed.

As soon as they had left, I dropped the illusion and smiled to myself the best I could.

Alls going according to plan. It wont be much longer now. Good thing that I was able to lead him here.

I am sorry that it came to scaring you but its necessary to make you come towards me. You need to come towards me.

Shinobu, is what you call yourself is it?

What a nice name. It really does fit your character quite well. You have endured, haven't you?

After searching for years, I've finally found you.

Now, its time to push you in my direction.

Just a little more of a push, then you'll come towards me.

Don't worry, you'll become stronger...with me.

---

Shinobu P.O.V

"Ooh God, Shi-chan. That was scary..."

She whined out as we walked towards the train station, good thing that we had our things with us before we went towards the fortune teller...I'm never going back to one of those people for as long as I live.

She was still shaken by the experience.

To be honest, so was I.

That wasn't a good experience. I don't know what happened exactly, but it didn't seem good. And what was that fate thing? Why did it say something like that to me...?

"I know, but don't worry, I'm here. If that demon head shows up again, I will drive it away, somehow. Either that, or we are running away as fast as we can!"

I joked slightly, trying to lift the mood. But I don't think it did, as she looked visibly shaken by it, and kept mumbling about the demon head.

She was shaking and kept a tight grip on me. Not on my hand either, her arms are wrapped around my upper body and she was...I feel sorry for her. Her shaking form was really hard for me to watch.

Its obvious though...that she would be like that. We're children, and we've seen such an awful thing...that blood...it actually smelt like it was there. I smelt the blood, its breath felt really real...but was it really an Illusion after all...?

"T-Thank you Shi-chan..."

"I'm sorry that I dragged us there. It was my idea, and we ended up seeing something that shouldn't be seen by anyone. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you after seeing such a thing..."

"That wasn't your fault Shi-chan. I don't know what that was, and why it was there, but we can just forget about it, and go...I was going to say home, but we don't have one..."

She seemed saddened by it, and kept looking down at the ground sadly.

That's true...we don't have a home...

I really think we should have a place called home...

Is now the time when we go to Fairy Tail?

That place is supposed to treat people like family, and I think that it would be good for Levy-chan to stay in one place and have other people to talk to, not just me. Not to say that I want other people, as I can't really say I do or not. But for Levy-chan, she's a peoples person, and I know that she would benefit from others around her. We have fun sure, but going around like this without a home...we really should have a place we could call home...

Maybe I should ask her if we could have a talk about it, to see what she thinks as well...yeah, I think that was what's going to be good now. That woman said that my life is about to get turned in a different direction by meeting someone new, that might mean that a Fairy Tail member is about to meet us, and we're about to go to a place Levy-chan and I call home...

"Say Levy-chan, remember when you asked me about a guild yesterday? And if I had ever thought about joining one?"

I brought up the topic, to break the ice and get her mind off the demon thing.

She looked up, and turned towards me.

"Y-Yeah?"

"I was thinking, why don't we join one?"

My voice was low, but I'm sure she heard it.

I don't know if I want to join right now, but if its for Levy-chan, then I'm willing to join a guild, so she doesn't have to sleep outside anymore. I'm fine with it, but I don't think she likes it that much. When I saw her in the hotel room last night, I saw the brightest smile I've seen on her face before.

She opened her eyes a little.

"A-Are you saying you want to join one? I didn't think that you would to be honest."

"Why not?" I countered. "We know magic, so it wouldn't be an issue. We aren't criminals or anything. I believe that any guild that we join would be happy to have us in it, don't you think?"

"Y-Yes! I was thinking that as well! Shi-chan, we should join one, and I know of one that I've been thinking about...Fairy Tail." S-So our thoughts of guilds are on the same page huh. "I don't know if that's what you want to join, but I have heard very good things about it. For people like us, without families, we could become apart of Fairy Tail, a great one, according to what I've heard."

"Hehe, that's funny because I was thinking-"

Before I could finish, screaming could be heard.

"Lucy! Lucy! Where are you!? If you can hear me, please answer me!"

That voice...

It sounded really familiar...and what was it, the voice said? Lucy? Is that the same girl that we met on the train yesterday? Does that voice mean Lucy-san? Its got to, hasn't it?

"Shi-chan, didn't that sound like..."

"Yeah, I think that was Layla-sans voice. But where did it come from...?"

Yeah, it sounded close as well...I wonder what's going on with Layla-san? Is Lucy-san alright? I hope that she's alright, with whatever is happening right now...but is it our place to butt in...?

"I-I don't know. But she sounded panicked. Lets go and find her."

"Right."

It doesn't matter if its our place or not, we should go and help if Layla-san needs it. Even if we don't know her that well, it doesn't matter right now. A distressed person is someone that needs help.

Grasping hands, both of us went off to search for Layla-san. We dashed through the town centre, looking left and right to hope that we can find her. But she wasn't in the town centre.

We tried to go left, but our path was blocked so we went towards the right. Good thing that there's not many people are out at this time in the morning. We went down the street, and I heard more of Layla-sans crying out.

We must be getting closer and closer...

.

.

.

...After about two minutes of running down the street, we came across Layla-san, that is on the ground and is coughing violently! Ooh, is she going to be alright!?

""Layla-san!""

We both rushed over, and checked on her condition. When I looked at her hands, that she was coughing into, I saw a small trace of blood...was she coughing up blood?

"Here, please drink this."

I got out a bottle of water that I was carrying and offered it to her which she took. She had a few mouthfuls of water and calmed her breathing. She took a number of deep breaths, in and out in long bursts.

"Thank you..." She gave her thanks, then glanced at us. "A-Ah, its you Shinobu-san, and Levy-san. You two haven't see Lucy have you?"

I looked at Levy-chan, who glanced back at me. She shook her head, and I did the same.

"No, I'm sorry, we haven't seen Lucy-san since yesterday. Is there something going on? Is there anything we can do?"

"N-No, its alright. I'm sure Lucy is fine." She tried to stand up on shaky legs... "Argh!"

But she gripped her chest and fell towards the ground! Just before she could, both Levy-chan and I moved so we could catch her. Since she isn't heavy, it wasn't hard for us to lift her up like this.

"Layla-san, please take it easy. It seems that you're not feeling well. Try and take deep breaths, okay? It will help."

Levy-chan tried to help Layla-san, but Layla-san kept shaking her head softly.

"T-That's okay Levy-san, thank you. I need to find Lucy. I need to find her."

She needs to find Lucy-san...okay, just what in the hell is going on with her? What's happened to Lucy-san to make Layla-san this panicked? Clearly she isn't well right now. She's even coughing up blood...

"Layla-san, please tell us what's happened. We would like to help. Has something happened to Lucy-san?"

Layla-san turned to me, and her eyes were beginning to water...ooh God, I already fear something has happened with her...

"This morning...Lucy said she wanted to go to look at some Gate Keys, since she wants to be a Celestial Mage in the future and you know children, when they want to do something, they'll do it, like yourselves I imagine. But I wasn't feeling the best, so I told Lucy to come back within an hour which she agreed too. But then, an hour went by, and she didn't come back. Then two hours went back, and she still didn't come back. Now its been four hours and I am afraid of what's happened to her. So I came to search for her. T-This isn't like Lucy though...she wouldn't just not come back like that...what if something terrible has happened to her..."

Layla-sans tears spilled down her face, so Levy-chan rubbed her back while saying "Don't worry, Lucy-sans fine." in a calming voice. But it didn't do anything to quell Layla-sans sadness right now...

I knew that girl would be trouble. As soon as I laid eyes on her, I knew she would become a problem...ugh, Lucy-san, you've caused a problem to your Okaa-san...you better be just lost...

"Don't worry, I'll search for Lucy-san. You just leave the rest to me Layla-san."

Making that declaration, I raised my hand to the sky and prepared my key I got from Levy-chan for my birthday last year. It seems that this job will be the best for that Spirit. I just hope that Lucy-san is alright.

---

End chapter! So Lucy has been introduced! And yeah, there's a reason why now, which will become more apparent in the next chapter. Soon, Shinobu will be meeting up with someone who's going to change his life, but who's that going to be? And who was that mysterious person that Levy and Shinobu went to see? And what's happened to Lucy!? All these questions will be answered soon enough!

And the harem is done with the exception of Levy who I am leaning more towards yes, and, Zeref (fem) who I have a number of scenarios for, and I'm sure people are wondering about Mavis and what that would mean for her, considering her past and all, well I already have that part worked out and the same with Zeref (fem) and how she would be able to love Shinobu and vise versa. So, I will decide on those two next chapter, but everyone else on the list is confirmed!

So erm...I think that's it...ooh, the key that Levy got Shinobu last chapter will be revealed next chapter. I was going to reveal it this chapter, but it would've made the chapter too long, so it will definitely be revealed next chapter.

So, until next time!

Shinobu's harem; Ultear, Mirajane, Aries, Virgo, Wendy, Carla, Lucy, Sherria, Hisui, Sherry.