Author's Notes: Welcome one and all to another one of my fanfictions! This time it's Fairy Tail! And there will be tons of pairings!

This will start with Owen telling the story during the Tekken Arc of my Freedom Writers series to Aqua. Just saying, since the start goes directly to where Chapter Three of that story continues.

But a rather unique character will be starring in this one. And, just like Owen with Aqua, will fall for someone in the Fairy Tail universe! Try and guess who.

For those that are familiar with the series, here's a tip: she was once crucified on a tree and was branded with the Phantom Lord's symbol on her stomach.

Try and figure it out through the story. Enjoy!

Btw. I don't own Fairy Tail or any of it's characters.

Chapter 9:

Present...

"So you really did manage to bring her back," Aqua said.

Owen nodded. "Yep. Scared the heck out of us when Jake slipped away for a bit."

"I see. But you mentioned before that something happened after. That it was successful, but at what cost?"

Sighing, he rubbed his forehead. "Oh, right. Well, I'm getting to that."

"Is it anything bad?"

"...Yes and no."

Story...

Sigh. Another day in the guild. A lot of crashing about due to the Fire Mage provoking the Ice Mage.

Or at least...attempting to provoke him...

A few weeks have passed since Ur joined Fairy Tail. The guild has become livelier. Why?

Because they now have an overly-joyed Gray Fullbuster. Because of his old mentor's return, he rarely gets pissed. It would take A LOT to get him angry.

So then...why is he fighting Natsu?

"HAHA!" the ice mage bellowed. "COME AT ME, FLAME BREATH! I'M FEELING GOOD TODAY!"

His "frienemy" gritted his teeth as flames engulfed his hands. "I'M GONNA WIPE THAT SMILE OFF YOUR FACE, POPSICLE!"

On one of the tables, Owen, Jake and Levy sat. They were a good distance away from the fight so as not to get caught in it, though not far enough to not see it unfold.

Jake took a swig of his beer. "Man, watching them fight never gets old."

Levy giggled. "Yeah.

Owen leaned back and grinned. "At least they keep things interesting. Let's just hope they don't-"

POW!

"...hit us..."

A flying chair had hit the more experienced writer square in the face. Good thing he's almost as hard as rock and the piece of furniture had broken. Still hurt like a son of a bitch, though.

Laughing, his junior placed a hand on his shoulder. "You alright, brah?"

"Hurt, but alright." Smiling once more, he turned to him. "Hey, Jake. How long has it been since we sparred?"

Blink. Blink. "...Eh?"

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Since you and I did a mock battle?"

He thought for a few seconds before the corners of his lips turned upwards. "Yeah. It HAS been a while."

"Right?"

His expression then turned grim. "And I remember why I never challenged you ever again..."

"Huh?"

The blue-haired mage quirked a brow. "Why?"

"..."

Owen then remembered something. "...Is this about that time?"

"I thought I was a goner..."

She turned to the older boy. "What happened?"

He smiled sheepishly. "He, uh... He was put into a semi coma."

Her eyes widened. "What?"

"I accidentally used a move that would put just about anyone in critical condition."

His junior sighed. "Your fucking...Black Inferno..."

"Black Inferno?"

"It's a special move he has that unleashes godly strength and damage upon his opponent. And it would happen so fast, you wouldn't know it hit you until you're down on the ground, losing a lot of blood.

"Not only that, you'd also be burnt to a crisp if you're any normal human. And at that time, I didn't even know how to manually adjust my body to any temperature yet."

She cringed. "Yeowch."

"Goes a bit farther than "yeowch". Try, "OH GOD! AGH! HELP! HELP! PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUT"!" He then glared at his senior. "I passed out from the pain and was bedridden for three days straight, because of you."

His senior bowed. "Gomenasai..."

"Really. I thought I was gonna die."

Levy giggled. "But you're okay now, right? And stronger. So why not try sparring together now?"

"Wha-right now?"

"Yup~! I wanna see you guys fight even if only once."

The two Writers exchanged looks before the senior smiled.

"That sounds good. Right, Jake?"

"Hell no! I almost died last time! I don't wanna test my luck again!"

"You're stronger now! Just like Levy said! And I agree with her."

Levy scooted closer to Jake. "Come on, Jake. Please? For me?"

The look on her face made his heart skip a beat. Hnnnnnghh!

Heh.

"Come on, brah. Just give up."

He clicked his tongue and scratched his head hard. "Fine! I'll spar with Owen. But if I end up in the infirmary again, you're paying for my medical bill!"

Chuckling, Owen stood and cracked his knuckles. "Yo guys! Clear the place up! Me and Jake are gonna have a little spar!"

His eyes widened. "Wha-here?!"

"They won't mind. They do it everyday!"

We DO mind... everyone else thought.

He let out a "tsk!" and scratched his head furiously. "Whatever. I don't care anymore..."

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning his head, his eyes met Levy's gaze. She was giving him a look that both made him uneasy...and made his heart race.

She looked at him with eyes filled with expectation and excitement. That look instantly melted his worries away. In fact...

...it fueled him to take this seriously.

"I'll be rooting for you, Jake," she said, her eyes never leaving his.

His cheeks felt even warmer. "I...uh...I'll do my best..."

Giggling, she put her hands together. "Yay!"

Well, so long as this doesn't get too out of hand. Besides, this may be fun.

"Uh..." his mentor's voice cut in. "...what about me?"

Minutes later...

The tables and chairs were pushed aside, leaving the center part of the hall vacant. The space was wide enough, just like when the two Writers were tested in day one. Everyone stood in the sides as spectators, obviously to avoid getting caught in the crossfire of the battle.

Or at least...they hoped they wouldn't.

Owen clenched his fists as he fixed his gloves. Standing a good ten feet away from him was his opponent, "apprentice" and friend, Jake. He looked a bit nervous, but focused all the while.

The older Writer smiled and drew his sword, pointing it at Jake. "I hope you don't expect me to hold back, Jake."

He laughed nervously. "I...kinda wish you would..."

"Heh, don't worry. I won't use THAT move this time. But I think you can take me on with everything else since you've trained."

Sighing, he too drew his weapon. "I hope so."

Mirajane stood in the middle, holding her hand up high. "Are you two ready?"

They both got into stance and nodded. "Ready."

"Okay. Aaaaaaaaaaand..."

Everyone stood in their places, watching in silence, waiting for her mark. Taking her time wasn't to fill the crowd with anticipation. More like it was to help the fighters prepare themselves in all their beings.

"...FIGHT!"

After quickly running out of there, the two immediately dashed towards each other. Before anyone could blink their swords clashed. They stared there staring each other down before they broke contact of their weapons and began to slash away.

Jake swung his chainblade at Owen's chest, grunting as said fighter avoided it by leaping back. He quickly held his sword to a guarding position as his mentor's sword comes down on him. He successfully blocks it but is pushed away by the power of his swing.

The moment he lands though, he quickly loosens the chain and whips it towards his opponent. Owen ducked before the tip could reach, but is caught off guard when he gets hit by a flying kick to the face. He gets thrown back but does a quick recovery.

He looks over to Jake, smiling as he rubs his jaw. "Nice. You got me there."

The younger warrior retracted his chain and got into stance. "I learned from the best."

"Hmph."

Then, he charged again. This time he threw his blade Jake's way. The boy quickly sidestepped the incoming sword and threw his chain towards Owen. He mimicked his friend's dodge and charged a Shocker punch.

Jake cursed as he held his free arm in front of his face due to his chain currently coming back into place. Faster than a heartbeat, his fist came down on the other's arm, sending multiple surges of electricity through him.

The boy winced but quickly adjusted his body to the element and kneed the older fighter on the stomach. It may not have hurt him, but it did knock the more experienced Writer back. Jake ran up to him to do a follow up, but was met with a kick on the face.

As he staggers, Owen launches a flurry of punches and kicks on his torso. Each blow creates a shockwave that shakes the entire hall, scaring the guild members. They all wondered if this fight was a good idea after all...

Before he could land any more hits though, Jake quickly blocked an upcoming one and headbutted him. He staggered back before receiving multiple slashes on his torso. He grunted as he got kicked down.

Jake stood over him, pointing his sword at him. "Come on. We ain't done yet."

He merely smirked. He did a back-flip, knocking the boy's weapon out of his hand. After standing back up, he tore his shirt off. His body was riddled with slashes and blood. But after a deep breath, the wounds closed.

"Think you can handle this fight without your precious Kettenblatt?" Owen teased as he went into his mixed arts stance.

Jake laughed and threw his shirt off as well. "Bring it, SIR."

"Why did they take off their shirts?" Natsu asked, a drop of sweat rolling down his head. "Well, I understand Owen, but Jake-"

"WHO CARES?!" all the girls (except Erza and Lucy) exclaimed.

Owen jumped high into the air and held his arm back, electricity flowing into it. Jake's eyes widened at this.

"Whoa, Owen!" he yelled. "That move is gonna hurt EVERYONE!"

"Then you better think fast!" the other yelled back.

He cursed under his breath. Is this his own way to bring me out as a hero?

"THOR'S..."

Jake crouched, his right leg stretched further back. He started to channel all his strength onto that leg. His heartbeat accelerated as he struggled to focus.

"Please time this right..." he told himself.

By this time, Owen was done charging. "...HAMMER!"

As the electrifying fist comes plummeting down, Jake quickly went into action. It all happened so fast, anyone would have missed it if they blinked.

He did a really strong and fast backflip, his right foot colliding with the older Writer's fist. This caused said fighter to go twirling back into high air. Jake landed on his feet and quickly shot up to Owen's direction.

Once he was at his level in the air, he did a downward spinning kick. "HIRONTETSU!"

And with that, Owen is sent crashing to the floor. The power of his kick made a crater on the ground, with Owen in the middle. The Writer quickly recovered and was about to go into stance when he found Jake right in front of him.

The boy's hands were placed together, while his upper body was slouched forward.

"Jayoku..." he muttered then did a full upward kick at his jaw. "...HOUTENJIN!"

Owen was launched high up into the air, almost hitting the ceiling. He then came crashing back down, creating another crater. Smaller, though.

He coughed and got back up. His lip was all bloody and he was bruised all over. When will he give up?!

Wiping his mouth, he smirked at the younger Writer. "Looks like you picked up a new move."

Jake smiled back. "Blazblue really taught me a lot."

"Right. But you should watch your front."

"Wha-?"

Suddenly, Owen was in front of him. Jake's eyes widened at this, though not because of shock. But because of the intense pain forming in his abdomen.

Blinking, he looked down to see Owen's arm...had gone right through him. The guild members gasped at the sight.

"Dude, were your spars in your world THIS intense?!" Natsu cried out.

"...No," he muttered as he began to tremble. He quickly took his arm out and, in the nick of time, caught Jake as he started to fall backwards. "Oh God, Jake!"

The others then came rushing in. Levy beat the rest to them and quickly knelt down beside them as Owen gently set Jake down.

"JAKE!" she cried and turned to the older boy. "WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!"

He shook his head, still trembling. "I...I didn't think...it'd penetrate."

"What?"

"I've...used this move on him before. His...skin is hard enough to prevent my arm from going through..."

Erza stepped in and knelt down with them. "It matters not. Right now we need to get him to the hospital ASAP."

Levy watched as Jake's eyes slowly closed. He didn't shake or make a single sound since being penetrated. He just laid there...staring blankly into space. Perhaps it was shock, but he soon passed out and unaware of the immense pain...

Hours later...

"...how is he...?'

He heard voices. It was dark, but he heard voices. Where was he?

"...organs are still intact...fast regeneration...out in a week..."

He sniffed lightly. It smelled like...alcohol. And disinfectant.

That combination of scents rose only one conclusion...

...I'm in a hospital.

He groaned as he felt pain on his abdomen. He tried to move his arm to touch it, but he had lost all feeling of it. He felt weak.

"Oh! He's waking up!"

His eyelids flickered and was nearly blinded by the light seeping through the window beside him. He gritted his teeth as the pain intensified.

"Don't push yourself, you'll only get hurt," a familiar voice said.

Blinking, he looked to his left and his vision almost instantly cleared up. "...Levy."

She was sitting down on a chair beside him. Her face was a bit damp, and her beautiful brown eyes were slightly red. She looked like she had been crying.

"Jake..." she whispered.

She then took his right hand and gently kissed it. Had he been in a normal condition, he would have felt flustered and embarrassed. But he was in pain right now, so it was hard to feel that way.

He's a tad bit shocked at the gesture though. "I can probably guess but...where am I?"

She caressed his hand with her thumb. "You're the hospital."

"How...long was I out?"

"Six hours," a voice said from his left.

He looked over to the source and saw Owen leaning against the wall. He looked quite upset, though his mood isn't directed at him. It was a look of...resentment.

"Owen...what happened?"

"I'd like to know myself." He walked over to them and grabbed a chair, sitting next to the bluenette. "My hand wasn't supposed to go through."

Straight to the point...

"Why can't I feel my arms?" Jake asked.

"You were given so much anesthesia to the point you would lose feeling in all limbs. I dunno why they gave you so much, though..."

"Yeah, well...that didn't do shit. My stomach hurts."

"Don't worry, you're healing pretty quickly. You'll be released in about a week."

"I heard." He turned to Levy. "Have you...been here all this time?"

She nodded. "Yes..."

"I had to go out and explain the situation to Makarov," Owen said and chuckled. "I got a stern scolding."

"I can imagine..."

He bit his bottom lip and hung his head. "Jake...I'm sorry."

"Don't be. There's just...something wrong with my body now."

"What do you think is wrong?" Levy asked.

"Not sure. Owen, think you can call the Director?"

Nodding, he pulled out his PDA and dialed their boss's number. After a few rings, he finally came into view.

"Fabian, may I help you?" he asked.

"Sir, there's been a problem."

"What's wrong?"

"Jake...got hurt."

His eyes widened. "Hurt?"

"Yeah. We were sparring and...well...I used a move that normally wouldn't hurt him but..."

And thus, he explained everything that happened in full detail. Jake apparently was pretty powerful for a while, but his defenses suddenly failed him and left him VERY vulnerable to even a pretty weak attack. It was odd, since he was normally as hard as a rock.

Hell, maybe even harder.

But something seemed to have struck the Director as he begins to recall something that happened not too long ago. Back in Galuna.

"Can I see him?"

He faced the screen to the injured comrade. Jake smiled weakly and let out a soft laugh.

"Hey, sir," he said meekly.

"Reynolds, how are you feeling?"

"Like shit, sir. But at least I'm alive."

"True. Listen to me, Jake. We're gonna have to run some tests to see what's wrong with you."

"Yes, sir."

"I actually have a speculation in mind. What is happening to your body is probably due to what happened back in Galuna Island. Right after you resurrected Ur."

"Seriously?"

"Like I said, only a speculation. We'll need a blood sample first. Owen, if you will?"

"Mhm," he said. "I'll ask the nurse to give me a syringe."

"Do it now so you won't forget."

"Yes, sir. Guys, I'll be back in a bit."

Jake nodded. "Alright."

And with that, he stood up and left the room. Levy scooted closer and sighed.

"I'm so worried," she muttered.

"Hey, come on. It's not like I'm dying or anything."

"Jake, this is the second time you've come knocking on Death's door! Shouldn't you be a bit more concerned?!"

"You obviously haven't seen my training."

"I know you've had some seriously intense training, and yet that is all the more a reason to wonder why your body is...like this now."

He smiled. "I appreciate your concern. But really, I'm fine. We'll get to the bottom of this so don't pull your hair out over it."

"You don't understand, Jake..."

"What?"

She sniffled and brought his hand on her lips once more. She closed her eyes as she squeezed his hand tighter. She was on the verge of tears once more.

"I almost lost you again..."

Damn. This girl seems to care a bit too much about this guy. Not that he's complaining or anything.

But really. They've only known each other for...a month? How could she harbor such care for him when she knew nothing about him?

It's odd, but not bad. In fact he was touched. Only a handful have ever cared for his well-being as much as this.

She stood up and lay herself beside him, being VERY careful not to hit or even touch his wound. She placed her hand on his chest and rested her head on the nape of his neck. She still held onto his hand with her free one.

NOW he blushes.

"Call me crazy, but you mean a big deal to me Jake. If I were to lose you, I dunno what I'd do."

"You...barely know me..."

She sniffed and giggled. "Same goes for you not knowing me that much. But what I do know is that...you're a good person. A great friend. Losing you would definitely make me lose it."

"Levy..."

Her grip on him tightened. "It scares me that I feel so strongly about you. You're a friend, yet I have this urge to always be by your side. To always see you. Hear your voice.

"You and Owen have kept me the happiest I can ever be since we first met. Especially you, Jake. You actually understand me more than anyone else. More so than Lucy..."

"Wait...Levy...are you saying you..."

She shook her head. "I seriously don't know. That's why it scares me. I don't know what I feel..."

This definitely surprised the boy. True the two have grown quite close since day one. But with Levy pouring out her complicated feelings for the Writer, it just caused him to ponder on what he did that made her feel this way.

And it also made him think about his feelings for her too. Truth be told he had grown quite fond of the young mage as well. He would do anything to keep a smile on her face, and he would protect her come what may.

Seriously, what exactly is their relationship?

"Forgive me," she whispered. "Can I just...stay with you like this? Even if it's just for a little while?"

Sighing, he smiled. "Stay as long as you like. I'm not gonna wish you away."

She let out a breath of relief and nuzzled her face on his neck. He closed his eyes and turned his head to kiss her forehead. She sniffed once more, scaring him a bit.

Whatever it is that we feel for each other...it's probably the best thing ever to exist. To happen in any of our lives. In my life.

"I like you, Jake."

To be continued...