Levy stopped before a gate on the edge of Magnolia and glanced up at the hill that resided beyond. Pantherlily morphed into his larger form and opened the gate for her, holding it open so she could walk under his arm. She made her way past the headstones of the town citizens to the top of the hill, where the monolith resided. She stepped onto the perfectly smooth plane of rock that held the stones that marked her friends' graves. She read each one carefully, but did not stop before reaching the grave that lay a few away from the end of the line. She read it quietly and a tear rolled down her cheek.
Gray Fullbuster
Beloved friend, ally, and father
Anger and revenge are only the most foolish and weak of feelings; Love and hope prevail over all.
She crouched down before his stone and watched the pool of water appear. It shaped into a bowl-like form, and she placed the lotus gently in it. The flower's tendrils unfurled gracefully and stretched out to the edges of the bowl. Levy sighed and brushed the azure petals with her hand, then stood and glanced at the headstone in the very center.
Master Makarov
The greatest guild master, friend, and grandfather Fairy Tail has ever had before and will ever have again.
In courage there is nothing like fear. Only the will to do what is right, what is just, will defeat the darkness.
She traced the letters and sighed. "Rest well, Master." She whispered.
She turned away from the headstones to find Loki and Pantherlily waiting for her. 'Lily had returned to his smaller form and she picked him up. He wrapped his paws as far around her middle as he could and she hugged him to her tightly. She felt Loki's arms around her from the side and buried her face in his chest, tears streaming down her face. She made no sound except for a quiet gasping.
When her tears had subsided, he released her and walked to Makarov's headstone. He laid a hand on the warm granite and closed his eyes.
Thank you, Master Makarov. I owe you everything.
He turned back to Levy to find her watching him with those huge doe-like eyes, mournful and soft. "Come on," he murmured, looking at the blue sky, "It's time to go and meet Lucy and Natsu at Lucky Star." She nodded and took his hand, clutching it tightly. He squeezed back reassuringly and led the way back out into the city.
He couldn't believe it. Natsu Dragneel had returned to Magnolia. With Lucy Heartfilia. And their four children. He squinted at them from his perch on a rooftop and noticed that the eldest looked nothing like the rest. She had raven-black hair and was thin and lanky. She turned to say something to her sister behind her, which gave him full view of her face, and he recoiled. She was the spitting image of Gray Fullbuster. The voice hissed low in his mind as it sensed his intention to drop down and cut her head off.
Remember, Kurogane. Dragneel and Heartfilia are no longer members of Fairy Tail, and their children bear no semblance to the name. This young Fullbuster, she too is not in the guild. Do you not remember her from that night three years ago?
He focused on the memory and there she was, just a scared little thing, six years of age, and definitely not in the guild.
He followed Lucy's movements closely, but now out of curiosity instead of murderous intent. She tucked her hand into Natsu's elbow and smiled at him. The little boy waddled up to them and Natsu swept him up, making a face at the toddler, who giggled. The two middle sisters, the blonde and the ginger-headed girl, grabbed both of the Fullbuster girl's hands and the three walked down the street in a cute little line. Passerby smiled at them and laughed at their little actions. He found himself smirking at them; they really were a picturesque little group, and he was beginning to feel a bit envious of Natsu.
The girls suddenly paused, and the ginger-haired one shrieked. She let go of her sister's hand and ran forward. Lucy called out a halfhearted warning, snuggling into her husband's arm. Natsu yelled something out in greeting to someone, and Gajeel turned his attention to the approaching people. He saw Loki, the annoying Zodiac spirit, with the ginger girl on his shoulders, laughing and swinging her around. Walking at his side was Pantherlily. Gajeel tensed, his eyes glued to the black exceed. Bad memories surfaced.
The little cat turned to talk to a girl next to him and Gajeel followed his gaze. His eyes landed on petite tan boots that encased slim ankles. He followed those slim ankles to sleek legs that ended under a short orange dress. A flowery pattern danced up the skirt and bodice. Tiny, pretty hands were clasped in front of her waist. He glanced up at her face and his heart stopped.
"Levy…?"
She was watching the ginger-haired girl laugh, big hazel eyes sparkling. Her hair was still the same blue, as bright as the sky sometimes. An orange headband sat in her hair to hold it back, a few wilted white flowers woven into it. A fresh hibiscus was tucked into the rest, its brilliant white petals outshining the wilted petals of the other flowers.
The little boy waddled to her and leaned against her legs, gurgling happily. She picked him up and cuddled him close, but he saw that she didn't smile. He frowned. She was supposed to smile; it made her even more beautiful.
He considered jumping down and talking to her.
Probably a bad idea. Natsu would kill him.
So would Loki. Lucy too.
It isn't her, he reasoned. She died three years ago, he made sure of it. And yet… What is it, boy? What has you so…confused?
Ah, I see. So a Fairy Tail mage still lives. She survived me three years ago, yes?"Leave her be. She isn't in Fairy Tail anymore. The guild disbanded, remember?"
She has the guild mark tattooed on her back, does she not? She is still part of Fairy Tail."She is weak now. She can't fight anymore."
Oh? And how do you know this?He glanced down at the girl. "I don't even think that's her. She's probably a wannabe mage and besides, that girl doesn't smile at all. She can't possibly be McGarden."
Fine, Jose hissed, then I will let her live. For now. Let's go back to Phantom Lord.
He stood, casting a shadow over her. She whirled to look at him, but he ran before she could see him, opting to drop into the alley that ran beside the building he was standing on. He turned his back on the sunlit avenue she was standing in, pushing her out of his head, and darted through the shadows back to Phantom Lord.
He was Kurogane. He didn't need to worry over a stupid little bluenette. He didn't know her. She's a stupid tourist that just happened to meet Salamander and Bunny Girl-
He stopped. He hadn't called them that in over three years.
Anger seeped into him, cold and sharp. They're worthless names. Stupid titles.
He jumped up onto a rooftop and heard several satisfying shrieks of fear. The people here knew him as Kurogane. He is Kurogane. He doesn't feel any emotion except anger.
He laughed.
Fools. They would learn to fear him, just as the townspeople had.
And the blue-haired girl.
He would visit her later.
And tall, dark, and handsome makes his appearance!
What will happen next?
Stay tuned to find out, and follow me for other FT stories and drabbles, and check out my other stories as well!