AN: So I decided to read Tartarus Arc and it completed blindsided me. I read what happened on wiki, but it's so different seeing how it all went down. I lost count on how many times I cried and wanted to punch Hiro Mashima in the throat for doing this. Seeing Laxus wake up had me tearing up and the way he pulled the Raijinshuu into a hug was so beautiful. He wants to protect them! T^T I'm not gonna lie the end of the Tartarus Arc had me screeching. I can honestly say that I'm a bit frightened on how it will all end. My heart is breaking at the thought of it. T~T Okay at least now I have a clearer picture on how the events in the Tartarus Arc affected certain characters. With that said be prepared for the feels in the Healing Arc. Now before you begin the chapter I want to tell you that the first half takes place before Laxus and Makarov come out of the office. Once again I want to give a huge thank you to you guys! It's your words of encouragement that give that push I need to keep going forward with this fic. You guys truly are the best. =)

"If shame had a face

I think it would kind of look like mine

If it had a home would it be my eyes?

Would you believe me if I said I'm tired of this?

Well here we go now one more time

'Cause I tried to climb your steps

I tried to chase you down

I tried to see how low I could get down to the ground"

After finishing his sundae Plue bid farewell with a wave of his paw to Lucy and the Strauss sisters before returning to the Celestial world. Lucy could not blame her Spirit for wanting to escape when Mirajane and Lisanna began to shoot questions.

"Tell us the truth Lucy. What exactly happened last night?"

"Laxus simply walked me home."

"So nothing happened?"

"Was something supposed to happen?" She looked at them suspiciously.

"No." They both sighed dejected, the 'we hoped' part remained in the air.

The blonde mage mentally thanked whatever higher being there was that was watching over her, well in her case more than likely it was the Celestial Spirit King, when Mirajane nor Lisanna weren't able to continue the conversation for Gildarts and Mavis had joined them.

"So Lucy," The Crash Mage said as he took a seat on the barstool Laxus had vacated, "I heard from a birdy that a certain Lightning Dragon Slayer walked you home last night." He wagged his eyebrows at her.

"I wonder who that little birdy could have been." The Celestial Mage glared at Lisanna who whistled and looked elsewhere as she helped her older sister polish the mugs.

"Oh love." Mavis said excited her eyes glistened with stars.

"It's not like that!" Lucy said quickly as her face burned under the gazes of both former Masters. "Laxus and I are—"

"Lovers."

She narrowed her eyes on the teasing Gildarts. "Nakama."

"There can be different types of love between nakama." Mavis said as she remembered Warrod Sequen, who was still alive and well and filled her heart with joy. Precht Gaeblog, who filled her heart with bittersweet nostalgia for she could still vividly remember how the man used to be before he betrayed Fairy Tail. But the man was not as lost as she had feared because Makarov told her of the message his spirit gave to Natsu and Lucy. He told them to release the light even though in the end it was not yet time.

Although it was Yury Dreyar that made her heart hurt with joy and pain. He unknowing became her "Lord of the Fairy" when he promised to take her to see fairies if she won a game of wits. In the end she won and he had kept his promise. She was surrounded by fairies now. Her darling fairies that had almost been taken from her and for that she could not forgive Zeref. His demons had almost destroyed what she loved. If Lucy hadn't escaped the Alegria transformation then her fairies would have been gone. Mavis had despaired, but it was Lucy's light that kept her from going off the deep end. Lucy had been Fairy Tail's last hope, the one that was able to cut through the despair. She was entrusted with everything.

And she succeeded, but the price she had to pay was steep. Mavis had shed tears for her Celestial fairy. She wanted to thank Lucy for saving Fairy Tail. The light she created made them strong. Mavis knew that even though she was the heart of Fairy Tail, Lucy was the light of Fairy Tail.

"The both of us are acquainted with the different types of love." The First Master of Fairy Tail held Lucy's gaze. "We know them very well. Not many are capable of loving the way we do for we have very big hearts, but we also know the pain of having such big hearts. The sacrifices we have to make and sometimes we are forced to let go of those we love in the most unexpected ways."

Lucy sucked in a sharp breath, her heart stuttered within her ribcage.

"But only because we let them go does not mean we loved them any less."

Her eyes burned and her body trembled as Mavis words resounded in her mind, body, and soul.

"We loved them just as fiercely. We know this very well."

Lucy opened her eyes when the threat of tears left her. She looked into Mavis eyes and knew that she knew of Aquarius.

Mavis leaned into Lucy's ear and whispered. "For we have both experienced the same type of pain."

"I…"

Mavis leaned back and met her gaze with a gentle smile.

"I will not allow for that situation to ever repeat itself." Lucy didn't care that Gildarts, Mirajane, or Lisanna could hear her. "I will get stronger."

"I know you will. You already are on your way."

The smile the First Master gave her was now a secretive one and Lucy found herself responding with one of her own.

Gildarts looked at Mirajane inquisitively, but the barmaid simply shook her head. When he glanced at Lisanna she was frowning. The playfulness had evaporated from the air, but when he looked back at Lucy she didn't look as tense. To him she looked relieved and Mavis seemed to be on cloud nine. The smile both girls had made it seem like they had shared an intimate secret.

"Gildarts," Mirajane said. "Why aren't you and Mavis with Laxus and Master?"

He looked back at Mirajane. "Master wanted to talk with Laxus in private."

It was his words that caught Lucy's attention. "Is he in trouble?" she asked worried and scooted half off the stool with one of her foot on the ground.

Gildarts was tempted to say yes because the girl looked ready to bolt upstairs and give Master a piece of her mind. He's seen Lucy yell at Natsu and could vividly imagine her raising her voice at Makarov for daring to scold Laxus. He thought it to be funny because Makarov would be speechless and then adorable because to have someone as small as Lucy defend someone as tall and big as Laxus even verbally would be a sight to behold. He chuckled. "No, he's not."

As a Dragon Slayer Natsu was blessed with a fast metabolism so he burned through calories quickly, which would explain why he had such a huge appetite and could hold his alcohol. But considering the amount he drank last night it wasn't a surprise that he woke up with a slight headache. Still he had felt worse and this slight discomfort was nothing to the Salamander as he sat up and looked around his messy home through squinted eyes. "Happy!" He yelled when he didn't see his blue Exceed.

As if summoned Happy flew through the open window carrying a canteen. "Natsu!" He exclaimed and smiled when he landed on Natsu's lap. "You're finally awake." The Exceed handed him the canteen. "I brought you some water."

"Thank you Happy." Natsu chugged down the water and threw the canteen over his shoulder as he wiped his mouth with his forearm once he was done. "I'm feeling much better!"

"That's good to hear!" Happy jumped off of Natsu's lap and flew into the air. "Come on Natsu. We missed breakfast already and I don't want to miss lunch."

"We missed breakfast!?" The Fire Dragon Slayer tried to quickly get off the hammock and only succeeded in getting his legs tangled and ended up landing face first on the floor.

"Aren't you hungry?" The blue Exceed asked as he hovered by the door.

Natsu's stomach growled his answer. He lifted head off the floor and smiled a toothy smile. "I am." He untangled his legs and ran out the door. "Let's go Happy!"

"Aye sir!" Happy flew behind him. "Lucy can cook us dinner. She promised me fish last night."

"I don't know if that's a good idea." Natsu slowed his pace until it was a walk.

"She promised."

"I know." He sighed and placed his hands behind his head.

"Why are you against us going to Lucy's apartment?" Happy asked as he watched Natsu look up at the azure sky. His face serious as he contemplated. "Why don't we go as much as we used to?"

"It doesn't seem right to go so much right now." He frowned remembering the smile Lucy now wore. One that didn't reach her eyes and paled in comparison to her old ones.

"What do you mean?"

"She's hurting." Natsu said simply. He knew she was because he felt it when he was near her. He could smell her heartache. It smelled of tears.

He looked at him confused. "She doesn't look hurt Natsu."

"It's not her body." He placed his right hand over his heart. "She's hurting here." The Fire Dragon Slayer only had to look at her keys to know the reason. She had nine gold keys when she used to have ten. "It's in her heart." He didn't ask her because he knew that Lucy would tell him. She rarely if ever pried about Igneel and instead waited for him to speak of his father, so now he would wait until she was ready to open up to him.

His eyes filled with tears. "How do we help her Natsu?"

"We already are." His lips curled into a small smile. "Just by being there for her."

"Really?" Happy blinked back his tears as hope swelled within him.

"Of course Happy!" Natsu turned to him holding up a fist. "She'll heal. She's one of the strongest people I know!" She really was to him. He considered her to be up there with Ezra, Gray, Gajeel, and Laxus. He trusted her to have his back and call her his partner and best friend. He'll be beside her and watch her heal. I won't let Zeref or any of his creations ever hurt her or Fairy Tail again. He thought determined. "Let's hurry to the guild and get something to eat!" Natsu ran. "I have a good feeling about today!"

Once Lucy was healed he could ask her to talk to Gray. He knew that the Ice Mage was feeling down as well and would have asked Juvia to talk to him, but he noticed that at times Juvia would look sad as she watched Gray from afar. He also knew that Juvia would have already dealt with the situation, but for some reason she hasn't. Ezra was in the same boat as him in which she knew something was up, but decided against taking action. So for now Natsu would wait, even though his level of patience was close to nonexistent, until he saw the opportunity to strike.

"Aye sir!" Happy flew beside him.

The people that watched the Salamander and the blue Exceed go passed them couldn't help but to smile. The joy that surrounded the duo was just that contagious.

Wendy slowly opened her eyes and yawned as she stretched her limbs.

"I was wondering when you were going to wake up."

The Sky Dragon Slayer looked to her right to see Charle reading a book. "What time is it?"

"Thirty minutes passed ten."

"That's good… It's not that late." She was just about to settle back into her covers until the time registered in her mind. "I overslept!" Wendy shoved the covers off of her. "Why didn't you wake me?"

"You usually get up on time without me having to wake you." Charle said simply as she turned a page on the book. She was already dressed and ready to face the day. "Oversleeping is a sign of your body telling you that it needs rest."

"I'm fine." Wendy said out of breath as she quickly dressed herself.

"Don't forget to brush your teeth and comb your hair."

"I know." She pouted as she grabbed her toothbrush and hair brush.

Charle watched amused as the Dragon Slayer did both things simultaneously.

"I'm done." Her eyes lingered on her short hair as she looked into the mirror. She wanted to do something with it, but it didn't feel right using any of her old hair accessories. I'll think of something later. Wendy smiled at her reflection and turned away. "I'm ready to go."

"You're not forgetting anything?" Charle closed the book she was reading.

"Nope."

"Keys?" she asked as she placed the book back on the shelf.

"Right here." Wendy shook her keys smiling.

"Let's go then." The white Exceed walked up to her.

Once they were outside her dorm a thought occurred to Wendy. There was a faint smell in her dorm that she couldn't put her finger on, but the scent was familiar. She had been so busy getting ready that it didn't occur to her to bring it up until now that things have calmed. "Charle, how did I get to my dorm? The last thing I remembered was being inside the guild." She looked at her Exceed worried. "Did you or Lucy carry me back to the dorm?"

"No." Charle said simply and crossed her arms. "It was Laxus."

"That's good to hear I didn't want you to burden yourself…" She said smiling.

The Exceed glanced at Wendy and saw the smile wilt from her lips and her steps slow until they came to a halt.

"Did you say it was Laxus-san?"

"Yes."

"Oh no." Wendy pressed her hands against her cheeks as she felt her face burn up. "I didn't want to bother him or become a burden—"

"Wendy," Charle cut her off. "Trust me when I say that he doesn't view you as a bother or a burden."

"How are you so certain?"

She remembered how Laxus had stayed in the room instead of simply storming out after he placed Wendy on her bed, how he looked at her carefully and the question he asked. Charle couldn't tell Wendy because she felt it was something private especially for Laxus. "You're his nakama just like he is ours."

"You're right." Wendy smiled at her relieved. "Thank you Charle."

"Now quit fretting about it." She began walking forward again.

"But I still have to show my gratitude."

"I don't thi—"

"Wendy! Charle!"

Both Dragon Slayer and Exceed looked behind them to see Levy running toward them.

"Good morning Levy!" Wendy called to her and waved.

"Good morning." Levy said to both them before she smiled. "It's good to know that I'm not the only one that overslept."

Wendy was about to comment until she caught the faint scent of iron from Levy. Her cheeks flushed a bit as she wondered if perhaps Gajeel had finally told her how he felt, but the more Wendy watched her the more she was certain that wasn't the case. Levy was the same. There was no change. Then again the scent could be from the night before when Wendy watched Gajeel hold the Script Mage close him to as he escorted her out the guild. But Levy's hair was wet which meant she took a shower and yet Gajeel's scent still lingered on her.

"Is okay if I join the both of you on your walk to guild?"

"I don't see a problem." Charle said simply and began to walk again.

"Sure." Wendy smiled softly at her. "Do you think you can help me figure out a way to thank Laxus?"

"Thank Laxus?" Levy looked at her surprised.

She nodded not willing to elaborate anymore on the situation.

"Hmmm…" The Script mage placed her point finger on her chin as she thought. "Well as far as I can remember Laxus doesn't like being thanked. It seems to make him uncomfortable."

"Uncomfortable?" Wendy looked at the floor with a frown. "I don't to make him uncomfortable."

"Now that I think about it. He doesn't like being the center of attention." The only time he did was during the Battle for Fairy Tail. Even then Levy had to agree with Macao that it was Laxus being rebellious since he hadn't always been like that. Luckily that stage only seemed to last for a handful of years before he reverted back to how he used to be when he was exiled. Now even Levy knew that Laxus was still changing. She knew this because ever since coming back from the Tenrou Island she vowed to keep a close eye on all her nakama. The Script mage did not want to lose any moments with them. She missed seven years with some them including Jet and Droy and promised herself that she wouldn't miss anymore. "He only seems to get a kick out of it when he's in a fight and his opponent stands a chance against him… or if it's Natsu."

Wendy smiled at the last bit. Even though Laxus didn't cave in to every time Natsu demanded a fight, he had cave in less than a handful of times which showed that perhaps the Lightning Dragon Slayer may have a soft spot for the Fire Dragon Slayer.

"Wendy." Charle glanced over her shoulder at her. "If you want to thank him then go ahead."

"But I don't want to make him feel uncomfortable."

"Sometimes it's good to get someone out of their comfort zone." Levy told her gently. "If they aren't put in that situation, how will they ever learn to deal with it?"

"If you thank him then you'll be relieving yourself and helping him as well."

"And if perhaps you feel that after saying thank you to him isn't enough then you can always figure something out later."

Wendy looked back and forth between Levy and Charle and felt determined. "I will tell him." A smile graced her lips. "Thank you."

The humor of Natsu's situation faded as Laxus watched his guild mates eagerly pull numbers from the hat. He worried for he had no idea what they would want him to do and it was that unknown factor that irked him. He despised the way it made him feel so clueless and lost. He felt like a child again, who could nothing to change the events around him and could only watch helplessly as they unfold.

I need to get out of here. Without a word to his grandfather, Laxus placed his magic headphones on and left his side. He made his way downstairs and through the guildhall. He made sure not to make eye contact with anyone. Even when the Raijinshuu called for him he pretended not to hear them.

Once outside Laxus slowed his pace and took a deep breath. He felt a little better, but now instead of apprehension he felt tired. He knew that waking up early and talking with Evergreen was going to bite him in the ass. He should have gone back to sleep, but hadn't wanted to dream of his mother again.

Now that he was alone his mind wandered back to his dream. His dreams that had become memories that he locked away long ago. Memories that he had tried to forget because they had been painful to think about. It has been fifteen years, in reality it was twenty two years if one were to count the seven years that he was unknowingly stuck in Tenrou Island, and the loss and pain did not diminish with the time.

It started when he fell into a coma and was forced to remember because he couldn't wake up. He heard people say that when they were close to dying they saw their life flash before their eyes. That was why he believed he was going to die because he began to see memories of his childhood and when he was a teen. He saw memories of his father and his gramps as well as Fairy Tail, but the ones that came out the least were of his mother and those were the ones he tried the hardest not to remember. He spent most his life keeping those locked away.

A wound that he hid, but never allowed to heal.

He thought that after waking up those memories would stop and most of them did except for the ones with his mother. It seemed that he couldn't lock them away anymore.

Perhaps this was a consequence for laying outside of death's door.

Or maybe this was a sign that he had to come to terms with everything that made him who he was now. He couldn't hide anymore, it was not option.

But he was trying hard to come to terms.

He understood that he had a shitty dad who never loved him and tried to use him for his own gain. He had a grandfather who failed him, but it couldn't be helped. Makarov couldn't always be his grandfather when he was a Master to begin with. It didn't help that he has also failed his grandfather, but none of that mattered now. They were both in their own way repairing what had been lost between them, but never broken. He was moving forward.

At one point he wanted to change Fairy Tail because he lost sight of what it was and what it meant. He got lost in his own wants and didn't stop to think of everyone who made Fairy Tail what it was and continued to make it today. Even when Fairy Law didn't work and Freed tried to reason with he still didn't see. He continued to be blind to it all even after Levy told him that his grandfather was in critical condition. He didn't want to see because then he would have to admit that the handful of years he spent plotting and holding onto his anger was for nothing.

In the end he had to lose in order to see again what it meant to be a fairy. For that he was grateful to Natsu and Gajeel, who aided the Fire Dragon Slayer, although he will never admit. He was finally able to let go of his anger and realize that all the accusations he threw at his grandfather over the years were unfounded.

His grandfather did care for him and had tried watching over him as much as he could. Laxus stumbled upon this realization when he decided to watch the Fantasia Parade before leaving. When Makarov and all the guild members threw up the Fairy Tail sign he remembered that it was the exact sign that he told his grandfather he would make to show that even if he couldn't see him he would always be watching over him. How could he have forgotten? It was the last parade mother was able to take me to. Which explained why he didn't remember before until he was leaving. That was the first time he cried in years.

His grandfather never chose Fairy Tail over family. Fairy Tail was his family. Laxus understood this when he fought against his father and Raven Tail. He knew how his grandfather felt when he made the decision to kick his father out of Fairy Tail because he felt the same thing when he saw Raven Tail mistreat his nakama in the Grand Magic Games.

He came to understand that it didn't matter if others laughed at Fairy Tail. It still bothered him, but it didn't matter. They didn't understand Fairy Tail and so long as they weren't threatening his family then he wouldn't act.

He has dealt with his father, grandfather, and Fairy Tail, but now there was only one. His mother.

"Don't leave." He would say to her.

"Never." Was her response.

Laxus squeezed his eyes shut and his hands curled into fists. How was it possible that it still hurt? How could the thought of her wound him in a way not even his enemies were capable of?

Perhaps it was because before she died she had been his cornerstone. When she was alive he was never alone and when she died he felt so alone that it hurt to breathe.

"Don't leave me!" He had cried, but that time there was no response.

He felt a tug on his coat. "Laxus-san."

His eyes snapped open and looked down to meet worried brown eyes.

"Are you hurt?"

Laxus wanted to say yes, but this was something her magic couldn't heal.

"Do you have a headache?"

"A small one." It wasn't until he said it that he realized that he did have one. "Haven't had much luck with sleep during the night." He admitted. There was something about Wendy that made it easy for him to say things. She was like Lucy in that way, but he was nowhere near aware of her presence like he was of the Celestial Mage.

"That would explain the slight headache." Wendy frowned. "Maybe a nap during the day can help." She looked away from the Lightning Dragon Slayer and up to the sky. "The sun can at times be soothing." A small smile curved on her lips. "It's a beautiful day."

He followed her gaze to the azure sky. "That it is." Laxus took a deep breath and caught the faint scents of Levy and Charle. He looked over Wendy to see the Script Mage and the white Exceed stand a few feet from them. Neither made a move to approach them. Levy smiled and waved at him while Charle nodded. He inclined his toward them back in greeting before he looked at Wendy to see her still have a hold on his coat.

She reminded him of a small child and in many ways she still was. She had yet to let go so Laxus could only assume that there was she needed. "Is there something you need?"

Wendy looked away from the sky and looked back at the Lightning Mage. "No," she shook her head. "I don't need anything, but there is something I want to tell you." Her hand held tighter to his coat as she tried to gather courage.

Laxus remained silent hearing her heart beat rapidly. She was nervous. Surprisingly he had more patience for her than he did for the other Dragon Slayers and so he waited for her to speak.

She let go of his coat and bowed to him. "I wanted to say than—"

"Don't." Laxus cut her off. "Look at me."

Wendy gulped as she straightened herself and looked at him with wide eyes.

"You don't have to thank me. We're nakama."

She nibbled on her bottom lip nervously. She knew they were, but still…

"I know that if you found me sleeping on the floor passed out you would find a way to take me back to my place."

"Of course I would!" She answered in a heartbeat. "But that hasn't happened yet."

"Then I'll make sure to get drunk and pass out for you."

"Laxus-san." She looked at him in disbelief because he said it in such a serious manner, but when she met his blue-grey eyes mirth shone with them.

"Really Wendy, you don't have to thank me." He placed his hand on her head and patted it gently.

"But I want to." She said with hopeful eyes.

"Then I guess it can't be helped." Laxus sighed. "You should hurry to the guild. They seem livelier today."

"Aren't they always?" Wendy smiled up at him sweetly.

"You have a point." He took his hand off her head and walked forward ending their conversation.

"I'll see you later Laxus-san." Wendy whispered and knew he would hear.

He raised his hand and waved as he walked away.

Wendy watched him go with a small smile and a warm feeling deep within her chest. She thought that perhaps she finally understood why Natsu would watch Laxus walk away even when he rejected his demand to fight. There was something in that wave that was just Laxus and only those in Fairy Tail were privy to it.

"Hey Lucy."

Lucy looked away from the guild doors to see Natsu and Happy done with their food.

"I was thinking that Happy and I can go fishing instead of you having to buy fish."

"I wasn't going to buy them since I do have some at home, but that's not a bad idea." Lucy looked affectionately at both the smiling Fire Dragon Slayer and blue Exceed. "I'm running low on my supply of fish for Happy."

"Then it's settled!" Natsu got up from his seat and motioned for Happy to follow him. "I'll see you at your apartment around dinner time." He didn't wait for his partner to respond before he pivoted and ran toward the guild doors. "Out of my way stripper!" He yelled at Gray who had just gotten up from his seat.

"I'm not in your way you overgrown lizard!"

They both glared at each other and butted heads.

"Natsu. Gray." Erza called from her seat across the guildhall. She looked up from the list she was making for Laxus and Makarov. "Aren't the both of you best of friends?"

"Of course we are!" Natsu threw an arm around Gray's shoulders, while the Ice Mage did the same to him.

"We are the best of friends!" Gray pressed his cheek against Natsu's to show unity.

"That's good to hear." With a smile Ezra looked back down to the list.

Once they were certain she wouldn't look up both Slayer and Mage pulled away from one another and glared.

"Natsu." Lucy called out from her seat by the bar. "You should get going before it gets late and you won't be able to catch any fish."

"Lucy has a point Natsu." Happy said as he hovered by the closed guild doors. "We should go!"

"Alright then. I'll deal with this ice princess later." He waved at Lucy. "We're off!"

"See you later Lucy!" Happy waved at her.

"Be careful!" She called out to them as Natsu pushed open the guild doors. It wasn't that she was worried that something will happen to them. It was more along the lines of them destroying things.

"I hope you fall into the water flametard!" Gray yelled at Natsu as his farewell.

"You're looking a little down Lucy."

The Celestial Mage looked over her shoulder to see Mirajane behind the bar again. "I don't know what you mean."

"I wonder if it's because of Natsu and Happy leaving to go fish or if it's because you want to go after a certain Lightning Dragon Slayer."

"I thought you were done with questioning about Laxus and me?"

"You assumed that." Mirajane winked at her. "I'm just beginning."

Lucy groaned.

"I've also seen the way you keep looking at the doors and every time it's not him you frown."

"I…" She didn't know what to say. In reality Lucy did want to go after Laxus to see if he was okay. She knew he wasn't when Makarov made the announcement. He went completely tense even though his expression was impassive. When she saw him up there he reminded her of herself when her father used to parade her in the balls. How she felt forced out of her comfort zone to fill a certain role.

But unlike her father who wanted her to grab the attention of one of the young men from very influential families so they could make him an offer and he could marry her off, she knew that Makarov was helping Laxus in his own way. She could only hope that Laxus would see that and not take it the wrong way. That was why she wanted to see him again. She wanted to see what his state of mind was.

Mirajane leaned forward and whispered to her. "It's okay to be worried over him."

Lucy looked at her curiously.

"I'm glad when others do because he shouldn't always be put up in a pedestal and looked up to like a godlike figure and he shouldn't be feared. Do you know why the Raijinshuu call themselves his bodyguards even though he doesn't need protection considering how powerful he is?"

"No I don't." She looked over her shoulder to see them across the guildhall sitting in their usual table. This time Elfman had joined them and had taken Laxus spot. Freed had his arms crossed as he spoke, Bickslow stuck out his tongue at him as his babies hopped in the air around him, Evergreen looked to be amused by what the Rune Mage was saying, while Elfman seemed to interested in what the Mage had to say.

"The Raijinshuu were the only ones who approached Laxus and stayed with him. They stuck with him when he was at his best and at his worst. Even when he was excommunicated from the guild they still believed that Laxus would return. Their faith in him never faltered." Mirajane looked at Freed, her eyes glowed with affection. "They protect him from situations that make him feel awkward. They were the ones who kept him from feeling so alone."

The barmaid remembered that when she first came into the guild she would catch glimpses of Laxus sitting by himself listening to his sound pod. Rarely anyone would approach him and in most days no one would. The only ones who ever did approach him without hesitation were Master, Gildarts, and Natsu. Then one day she saw Freed there with him. After that she didn't see him alone. Evergreen and Bickslow had joined them. Ever since then it was those three she saw with Laxus.

It wasn't until much later that she and Ezra learned that Laxus in reality was socially awkward and that was why he kept so much to himself. He didn't know how to approach others and Mirajane could relate for she went through something similar when she was much younger and she believed herself to be a demon. It took all her courage to approach Makarov the first time when she wondered about what she was. The old man had kindly informed her of her Take Over magic, but it was Elfman and Lisanna who helped her come out of her shell again. When they showed her that they possessed the same magic she didn't feel so alone. She didn't feel like a monster. She was human like them.

Mirajane didn't know what could have made Laxus regress and not reach out to others even when he needed help, but she did know that the Raijinshuu were to him what Elfman and Lisanna were to her.

"They don't simply admire and respect him." It was then Lucy caught Freed glance at the guild doors when Bickslow began to speak. She also noticed that the Seith Mage sat differently. His back should have been to the doors but instead he straddled the bench. He was able to converse with the others and had to only turn his head a little to look at the doors. Lucy could only see the back of Evergreen but she knew without a doubt that she was sneaking glances at the doors as well. "They love him."

"Who are you guys talking about?"

Lucy quickly turned around to see Gray standing next to her with Romeo, who looked a bit down. "No one." She said quickly, while Mirajane simply continued to polish a mug with a smile on her face.

Gray glanced back and forth between each women knowing that they were hiding something, but he valued his life. He knew how Lucy and Mira could get when they got angry. He did not want to be on the receiving end. The Ice Mage let the matter go with a shrug and took a seat on the barstool next to Lucy's.

"Lucy."

The Celestial Mage looked at Romeo. "What is it?" she asked him gently.

"I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor." He said meeting her gaze. "It's okay if you say no."

"Tell me what it is and then we can figure out how to make it happen." She told him with a smile. She knew the Romeo did not ask for anything unless it was necessary. The boy liked to do everything himself. He didn't like to burden others.

"I was wondering if we could switch numbers. I need to—"

"Okay." Lucy cut him off and surprised the boy with her answer.

He knew Lucy was nice, but he didn't think that she would because she probably needed Laxus' help as well. "Are you sure?"

"Of course. Tell your father that Loke will trade numbers with him as well."

"We don't want to impose any more than we already have."

"You're not." Lucy ruffled his hair. "Don't worry about Loke. I'll deal with him." She knew her lion could be stubborn, but he was also understanding.

"Thank you so much Lucy!" Romeo threw his arms around her.

She chuckled as she returned his embrace. "You don't have to thank me."

"I owe you one." He pulled away and ran to his father.

The guild doors opened again. The Raijinshuu and Lucy turned to look at them only to see Wendy walk in with Charle and Levy. Freed looked away frowning, Evergreen's shoulder fell and Bickslow crossed his arms over his chest.

Lucy hid her disappointment behind a smile. She was glad her friends arrived, but it did nothing to ease her worry over Laxus.

Gray glanced at his guild mate. He saw the hint of hope in her eyes, but it was gone as quickly at it came. The Ice Mage only had to risk a glance Mira, who had a knowing smile, to know that he had seen correctly.

"Lu-chan!" Levy ran to her.

Lucy stood up from her seat and embraced her friend.

"Good morning Lucy." Wendy's greeting was softer.

"Don't you mean good afternoon." Charle said from beside her.

"It's not twelve yet so it's still good morning." She pouted at the Exceed.

"She has a point Charle." Lucy pulled the younger girl into a hug.

Wendy smiled as she hugged Lucy back.

"Laxus mentioned something about the guild being livelier today." Levy asked them. "What has the Master planned this time?"

"You crossed paths with Laxus?"

"When we were on our way to the guild." Charle looked at Lucy suspiciously when she saw how the blonde Mage reacted at the mention of Laxus.

"How did he look?" Lucy asked her worried.

"He didn't look so good." Wendy spoke. "He said he had a slight headache."

"Is he getting sick?" Gray who had been listening silently to the conversation spoke up. The way Lucy was worried about the Dragon Slayer made him think something wasn't right.

Wendy shook her head. "He's been having trouble sleeping."

Mirajane snapped her fingers. "I knew it!"

Gray looked at her in disbelief because he knowing did not help the situation. If anything it made it worse because she shouldn't have let Laxus leave the guild. He turned to Lucy. "Let's go look for him."

"No," Mirajane grabbed his arm. "Lucy will go and you will stay to inform Wendy, Charle, and Levy what's is going on."

"Why can't you?"

"I have to serve."

"There's no on—"

"Then you'll take them to Ezra and have her add their names to the list after they picked out a number from the hat." She smiled at him sweetly. "Don't forget to tell her of Lucy and Loke switching spots with Romeo and Macao."

Gray wanted to argue with her, but knew he that smile well. It was an illusion. If he went against her orders then he will suffer the consequences and right now Gray did not want to deal that. It was too troublesome. "Fine." He sighed.

"Don't worry Gray." Lucy placed her hand on his shoulder. "I'll find him and bring him back."

"I know you will." Gray lightly pushed her to the direction of the guild doors. "Go now." He watched her go with a grin. There was something different about her today. It was a good type of different. Before she exited the through the guild doors he saw Plue appear behind her. She'll be fine. He thought before his gaze landed a certain Water Mage, who would be close to him one moment and then far the next. She was acting different and he never say it out load but he didn't like it.

Laxus would never admit it out loud, but he was lost. Freed and Bickslow liked poking fun at his lack of sense of direction and this time he couldn't even bring himself to mentally curse them. He has lived in this town all his life and he still didn't know his way around. The Dragon Slayer would have relied on his sense of smell, but his head was hurting again and he just wanted a place to rest.

It was then he caught sight of a park with a few trees. Laxus stopped right in front of it. The park looked familiar to him as he watched the children run around. Maybe I've walked through here before. He couldn't explain it, but he knew he had been here before. Laxus looked around, but the buildings around him didn't look familiar.

Without thinking he stepped forward and made his way to one of the trees. He didn't care if anyone saw him at this point. Laxus laid on the grass under the shade of the tree. Sunlight spilled through the spaces between the leaves. Wendy is right. He raised his hand and felt the warm of the sun on his palm. There is something soothing about the sun. He closed his eyes as he brought his hand down and pressed his forearm over his closed eyelids.

Laxus tried not to laugh as he ran from his mother. His chest already hurt from running so much, but he couldn't stop. He didn't want his mother to catch him just yet. The blond haired boy looked over his shoulder to see that she had fallen behind.

He did it! Laxus stopped running and grinned when he saw his mother stop running after him and instead leaned forward with her hands pressed against her knees as she tried to catch her breath. This was the first time she wasn't able to catch him. He was happy because he knew that he couldn't do much before growing very tired and having difficulty breathing. He was improving.

His mother always caught him before he pushed himself too far, but this time he ran faster than her. This meant that he was getting better! It wouldn't be long until he could run as fast and be as active as other kids his age. Once he did then his father would want to spend time with.

"Laxus!" His mother called out him.

"Coming!" He walked back to her feeling his lungs continue to burn. He was familiar with the burn and knew that if he tried to run again he wouldn't be able to breathe. Even now it hurt a bit to breathe.

His mother was laying on the grass when he reached her. She glanced at him with a smile. "Join me."

He didn't waste any time in lying down on the grass. The wind blew and rustled his hair. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue. The burn in his lungs lessened as he lay there beside his mother.

"Winds in the east." Her hand reached for the sky and swayed through the air as if she were trying to paint a picture. "Mist coming in."

Laxus eyes locked onto his mother's hand in wonder. He wanted to see the picture that only she could see. "Like something is brewing," her voice soothed him, "about to begin."

"Can't put my finger," she held out a finger, "on what lies in store."

"But I feel what's to happen," Laxus chuckled when her finger lightly tapped his nose, "all happened before."

She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close to her.

"Mom…" he said feeling warm and safe.

"I love you so much Laxus."

She always said that. She made sure to at least tell him once a day. It was almost as if she didn't want him to forget it.

Laxus felt the wind rustle his hair as he woke up. The first thing he noticed was the lack of pain. The small nap succeeded in calming his headache. The second thing he noticed was the smell of Celestial Magic and strawberries in the air. It was familiar and he couldn't explain how it made him feel warm and safe.

Winds in the east.

He felt a paw press gently against his forearm.

Mist coming in.

"Plue," Lucy whispered. "Let him sleep."

Like something is brewing… about to begin.

"Pupun."

Can't put my finger… on what lies in store.

"What do you mean he's awake? Did you wake him?"

But I feel what's to happen…

He removed his forearm from over his eyes to see Plue looking down at him and sitting beside him was Lucy.

…all happened before.

Her eyes contained a certain warmth he only ever saw in the eyes of a woman who was long dead.

He couldn't explain why the words his mother told him once came to his mind as he looked at her.

Neither the Dragon Slayer nor Celestial Mage noticed the old man who stared at them from across the park.

Years ago the old man stumbled upon a similar sight in that exact same tree. Instead of a young woman with blonde hair it was a slightly older woman with long silver hair that cascaded down her back and spilled onto the grass, her belly was extended with child. Instead of a man with a blonde hair laying on the grass it was a man with black hair.

Even though both couples looked different physically, they still looked similar. The young woman looked delicate and beautiful and the man contrasted her with his big size and gruff features. Just by looking at them he could see the connection between them.

The old man could see that same connection between the couple he saw now.

Although the Spirit was a new addition. He saw it climbed onto top of the chest of the man that lay on the grass. A smile curved on his lips when the man didn't shove the Spirit off of him instead it was the woman who reached for it and put it on her lap.

Though they looked similar to that one couple he saw years ago the old man hoped that their fate would be different.

"I tried to earn my way

I tried to tame this mind

You better believe that I have tried to beat this

So will this end it goes on and on

Over and over and over again

Keep spinning around I know that it won't stop

Till I step down from this for good"

-Sick Cycle Carousel (Lifehouse)

AN: I apologize for any grammatical errors. This chapter took a life of its own. Originally Natsu wasn't going to have his own POV, Gray wasn't supposed to come out until the next chap, and Levy's cameo was not planned. Don't even get me started on the Raijinshuu and Mira. They're doing their own thing now. Then there's Plue who seems to like coming out at any opportunity and has developed a far huger liking for Laxus than I had originally planned. But one my lovely reviewers has brought to my attention about letting the characters tell their own stories, which I'm trying to let happen but it's so hard at times.

Now to clear up a few things on this chapter. The old man's identity will be revealed in the next chapter or so, but I'm really curious to see who you guys think it is. The words Laxus' mother used in this chapter are from Mary Poppins. I loved that phrase since the first time I heard it and thought it fit this fic. As the fic progresses I'm hoping you'll get to see how it fits as well.

I would like to thank: XxShyxX, Blessed Unrest, LittlePrincessNana, GemNika, Feueriris, W1n6s-0f-F1r3, kaite4311, kurahieiritr JIO, gujennif, Eien ni Touko (I hope you know that you seriously made my day when I saw that you logged in through your phone. I'm so glad you loved the last chapter! I hope this one wasn't a let down.), Dragon'sHost, Aipom4, Leafy (lol I didn't think about that when I wrote it and only realized it when you brought it to my attention. Now I have a mental image of Laxus signing that song. _ ), vodooddollz, twilightamanda, JustLoverly, supercrazyperson, bebelynn, Kitten1318, and Liani for reviewing as well as everyone who added this fic to their favorites and/or alerts. I can't believe this fic has over 100 favorites and alerts! You guys are awesome! Thank you so much! =D

With that said please don't forget to review telling me what you think. I would love to hear from you guys and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. =)