Chapter-8

Various Encounters

The Fairy Tail headquarters was merely a place for the guild members to meet and discuss plans. However, on the second floor; there were a number of guest rooms for those who did regular work for Fairy Tail and couldn't afford to leave headquarters often.

Jellal and Erza didn't live in the building, but they did stay there often. Tonight was one of those nights.

Erza stepped out of the shower attached to the room she and Jellal shared. Instead of her usual armor, she was clad in a simple silk nightgown. It had been a long day and she was dying to get into bed and have a good night's rest.

Jellal was sitting in an armchair beside the bed, his head bent over a stack of parchment resting in his lap.

"What are you looking at, Jellal?" Erza enquired, making her way over to him.

"Just some files I took from the Council," Jellal replied, looking up. "Master Mavis requested me to get all the records I could on the war. This one's useless, though. I'll have to get the more detailed ones. Unfortunately, those are protected with top notch security. I'll need Warren's help with it, he knows more about the technical part of things."

"I see."

"And what about you? You were given a mission as well, right?"

"Yes-to take down the dark guild Eisenwald. Mira and I are going to do it together."

"My, the two of you? I almost pity the members of that guild."

"Really?" Erza asked dryly. "So why is there a smirk on your face."

Jellal chuckled. "Guilty as charged. Erza?"

"Hmm?"

"What do you think of the Princess?"

Erza sobered at once. "To be honest," she admitted. "She's got me a little freaked out."

Jellal raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

"Well, for starters-she wasn't as …..revengeful as I thought she'd be."

"Revengeful?"

"Yes," Erza nodded. "Think about it. The Princess-she lost her family, friends and kingdom, all in a few days. She's been forced into hiding and had to work in the castle as a servant. And to top it all off, the man who was responsible for her parents' death is after her life. You would expect her to be bitter and revengeful, wouldn't you?"

"Yes….."

"Yet, she was quite cheerful. A little wary of us, but that's to be expected. When Zeref was mentioned, she wasn't bitter at all, only somewhat resentful, don't you think?"

Jellal nodded. "I had the same observations. As expected, your views are similar to mine, Erza."

"I don't know what to make of her," Erza confessed. "I also feel as if she's hiding something, but I don't think it's anything particularly harmful."

"Did you also notice that she never mentioned the Prince?"

"Natsu?" Erza asked, confused. "Why would she need to talk about him?"

"Being Zeref's brother, he is a key element in this war," Jellal told her. "He is also a highly talented wizard and if he did fight on Zeref's side, he could take out a lot of our forces."

Erza shrugged. "Lucy probably knows that a lot of us in Fairy Tail are good friends with Natsu. She might not want to unintentionally hurt us."

"Hm," Jellal murmured. "I feel that there's more than what meets the eye, though."

Erza smiled. "I'm sure it will all come to light soon. I'm going to bed, Jellal. Don't stay up too late."

She stopped by his chair and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"Goodnight, Erza."

"Goodnight, Jellal."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Levy sighed loudly when she entered the servant's quarters and found Lucy sitting cross-legged on the floor, deep in meditation.

"Lu-chan, I told you to take it easy," She scolded, flopping down on the bed in exhaustion.

Lucy opened her eyes and grinned brightly at Levy. "Sorry," She apologized, getting up. "But harnessing my magic power is so much fun! Jellal's really a good teacher. I feel stronger than I ever have before!"

Levy couldn't help but smile. It was good to see her so excited about something for a change. She had been moping around for the past week, it was good to see her coming into her element.

"Well, go to sleep now," Levy yawned. "You should get all the rest you can….."

Not bothering to wait for a reply, Levy crawled under the sheets and was asleep in a few minutes.

Lucy watched her cautiously for a few minutes. After ensuring that Levy was really asleep, Lucy quietly left the room.

She wasn't tired, not in the slightest. After having slept the day away, Lucy felt active, restless and was bursting with energy. She was most definitely not inclined to sleep.

Lucy's thoughts began to wander. Fairy Tail. They were good people-if a little insane. Powerful, too. Lucy shuddered slightly upon remembering her spar with Erza-if it could even be called that. The Requip Mage had wiped the floor with her.

The guild exuberated a kind of warmth. Lucy smiled slightly when she thought of it. It was warmth she had only felt with her parents, in her home. Even with that nameless girl, who had saved her life. That girl whom Lucy desperately wanted to find, so she could thank her, and maybe they could be friends again, just as they were back then.

Master Mavis was lovely, too-though she unnerved Lucy somewhat. Her jade green eyes were sharp and piercing and made a person feel as if she were reading their mind.

Lucy briefly wondered what it was that Zeref wanted from Fairy Tail. Mavis hadn't elaborated, and Lucy got the impression that the other members didn't know, either.

Maybe it's some kind of powerful weapon, Lucy mused. Or something containing a good deal of magical power? Whatever it is, I won't let Zeref get his hands on it. Her eyes flashed, a fiery light kindling within them. I swear it.

"Lucy? What are you doing here?"

Lucy came to an abrupt stop as she nearly ran smack into Gray, who had just come around the corner. Her eyes darted around frantically-yes, this was the floor on which Natsu's room was. She cursed herself for coming here-it had been purely out of habit.

"Erm, ah-" Lucy stammered. "I couldn't sleep…..?"

Gray rolled his eyes, "I feel like everyone is saying that these days…..what is this, Camp Insomnia?"

Lucy blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Never mind. Were you going to see Natsu?"

Lucy turned crimson. "W-What?!" She sputtered. "No!"

"Then what are you doing here?"

"I just came here out of habit…."

"Right…"

"It's true!"

"Alright, keep your hair on," Gray took a step back when Lucy glared at him threateningly. "Shall I walk you back to your room?"

Before Lucy could reply, Juvia room door opened and the water mage stuck her head out. "Gray-sama, do you know where-"

She stopped abruptly upon seeing Lucy. Lucy felt herself freeze up as she looked into Juvia's eyes.

Uh oh, Gray thought nervously. I hope Lucy doesn't do something she'll regret….

Suddenly, Juvia staggered back against the doorframe, clutching at her forehead. Gray stepped forward with a cry of alarm. Lucy was rooted in her spot, unsure of what to do.

"Hey, are you alright?" Gray demanded, clutching hold of Juvia's shoulders. "Answer me, Juvia!"

"H-Headache-" Juvia choked out. Gray's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. This was no normal headache!

"W-Where's the Healer's office?" Juvia managed.

"It's-"

Natsu's door flew open. "Damnit, Gray!" He grumbled. "Quit making all that racket! Some of us are trying to sleep-oh." His eyes landed on Lucy. Gray began to panic internally.

Holy mother of-this is bad. I need to get Juvia away RIGHT NOW before Natsu says something. I doubt he even noticed Juvia.

"I'll take you to the Healer's office," Gray said hastily. Before Juvia could argue, he dragged her down the corridor.

Natsu and Lucy were left staring at each other blankly.

Then, he spoke.

"That friend of yours, Levy-she said you weren't well," Natsu scanned her for any visible injuries. "Are you alright now?"

Lucy nodded uneasily. "Yes," She said stiffly. "I-I'm sorry for worrying you."

"Don't be," Natsu suddenly took a step back and frowned. "Lucy….were you using magic? Your magical aura is stronger."

She laughed a little nervously. "Ah-I've been practicing lately."

Natsu narrowed his eyes. "Don't lie to me, Lucy," The dots connected in his head. "Wait, that's why you didn't come today, you were magically exhausted. Damnit, Lucy, don't be so reckless like that!"

"Like you're one to talk," Lucy muttered.

"This is serious-"

"I know!" Lucy snapped. "But there's a war coming up and damnit, I can't afford to be weak!"

They glared at each other for a few minutes. Natsu was the first to relent.

"I'm sorry for shouting at you," He mumbled.

"I'm sorry, too," Lucy said quietly.

Silence reigned.

"…..hey, Natsu?"

"Yeah?"

"Why does Lady Juvia call Gray 'Gray-sama'?"

"….I honestly have no idea."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Juvia perched on a bed in the infirmary, sipping on a potion the Healer had given her. Gray sat across from her, a concerned look on his face.

"The potion should relieve the pain fairly quickly, Lady Juvia," The Healer said. "If the pain persists, please report back to me."

"Thank you," Juvia said cordially. The man bowed and disappeared into a little back door.

"How are you feeling?" Gray asked.

"Perfectly fine," Juvia replied airily.

"Are you sure?"

Juvia gave him a pseudo-innocent look as she set down her goblet. "Would I lie to you?"

"Yes," Gray said flatly.

Juvia shook her head with a sigh. "Let's continue this outside, okay?"

On the way back, Gray asked, "Have you ever gotten a…..headache like this before?"

Yes. "No," Juvia said calmly. "First time."

Gray seemed to accept this. "Are you feeling feverish or anything?"

"Are you a Healer, now?" Juvia teased.

With an aggravated sigh, Gray stopped walking, grabbed Juvia by the shoulders and forced her to look at him.

"G-Gray-sama?" Juvia stammered and then stiffened when he rested his forehead against hers.

"Okay, no fever," Gray announced, letting go of her shoulders.

"I-Is that what you were doing?" Juvia squeaked, her voice strangely high-pitched.

"Yeah. What did you think I was doing?"

Juvia quickly turned her flaming face away, refusing to acknowledge that, for a moment there, she had thought he was going to kiss her. "Never mind," She muttered.

Gray gave her a quizzical look but dismissed it as they came to a stop in front of Juvia's room. "Here we are. Goodnight, Juvia."

"Goodnight, Gray-sama."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

In Natsu's room, Lucy leaned against the wall, studying the floor as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. Natsu sat on his desk, absently swinging his legs.

He had dragged her into the room in case someone walked by and saw them. Now, there a heavy silence as neither knew what to say after their argument.

"So…." Natsu began awkwardly. "What'd you do yesterday for your day off?"

The minute he asked it, Natsu wished he had thought of a better question. He knew what Lucy did on her day offs, she normally trained or simply relaxed; since she worked 24/7 with no breaks in the castle.

Lucy hesitated, wondering if she should tell him. She was certain that Natsu would never betray her trust-he had proved it multiple times already. She trusted him more than anyone else in the world.

She took a deep breath. "I went to Fairy Tail."

Natsu nearly fell off his desk.

"WHAT?!"

"Do you want the whole castle to hear you?" Lucy asked dryly, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Sorry….." Natsu said sheepishly. "But…Fairy Tail?"

"Is it really that surprising?" Lucy shrugged. "They are on my side, after all."

"Are you joined the rebellion?" At Lucy's raised eyebrow, Natsu chuckled humorlessly. "Come on, Lucy. I'm Zeref's brother, remember? I know as much about the upcoming war as you do."

"You'll fight on Zeref's side, won't you?" Lucy asked softly.

Natsu stuck his hands in his pockets. "Dunno," He said casually. "Maybe I'll be neutral."

Lucy snorted. "This is war, Natsu," She emphasized. "And you're a key element. You can't stay neutral."

"Guess I'll decide when the time comes, then." Natsu declared.

"There's not much time left. Natsu?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't think I'll survive this war."

Natsu's eyes snapped up to meet hers, wide and panicked. Lucy laughed bitterly.

"There's no need to look like that, Natsu. I-I've barely received any training as a mage. There are only a few months left. Maybe more, if I'm lucky. I've always had the worst luck-"

Natsu strode over to her, his eyes dark and angry. "Shut up." He growled.

"Natsu-"

"You are going to live," Natsu interrupted her. "You will have a future. And you'll be happy, and-I won't let anyone take that away from you!"

"Sometime, there isn't a choice," Lucy whispered. "Fate-"

"Then I'll burn fate into a pile of ashes," Natsu snarled. "I won't let you die!"

He took her hand-it was the one with the Fairy Tail mark on it, Lucy realized belatedly, though he couldn't see the pink emblem. "Promise me that you'll live, Lucy."

"….I promise," Lucy murmured.

Natsu grinned. "Good! Celestial Wizards don't break their promises, do they?"

"No," Lucy smiled shakily. "They don't."

He kissed her. And this time, she didn't pull away.

(A/N): Next Chapter: Training.

See you all soon!