_ AngeL .. † 121712&122012 †

For those who are playing DA 2, just imagine the place and the DA 2 characters as an anime because I don't feel like changing the setting anymore. Sorry please bear with me I'm too lazy…

BTW, I tried to draw the DA2 characters anime-style so please visit my deviantart .com. I'm not good at drawing so please don't criticize them too much, sorry I suck at drawing. :/

-You know I do not own FT nor DA2-

Chapter 11

Mistakes

Sun rays stretching tardily amidst the shadowed dawn, Lucy woke up with a smile turned into a quite disappointed frown after realizing she was only dreaming. Placing her now insignia-free hand on her still rapidly beating chest, she took a long deep breath before leaving the warmth of her soft spacious bed.

The sands of time are of the finest grits that the blonde could swear hours had passed instead of monhs. Yes, it had been months – seven fleeting months – since they landed on these busy streets of Kirkwall; enough time for them to adjust with their new life. Though not much has changed with Lucy, it was Zeref who changed dramatically. Not in a bad way, but in a good – no – great way. He was now outspoken, sociable, and has mastered the art of swordsmanship that the Captain even jested he might usurp her position; for Zeref manifested not only as a great warrior but also a smart and keen leader.

It was also enough time for her to get used with the people around her especially with the Viscountess. Before she met the said queen seven months ago, words avowed Queen Thea was a beautiful lady equipped with short temper and sharp tongue – a total opposite of her husband, Sebastian. True enough, the Queen of two cities and mighty champion of Kirkwall was as beautiful as she was irascible, that Lucy found it hard to believe she was begged by the people of Kirkwall to be their Viscountess. Though Thea was at first against Lucy staying at her estate, she was thankfully convinced by Varric who knew exactly how to assuage the leonine queen. Like what the handsome dwarf assured, the Viscountess was indeed mostly out of the estate and despite her attitude, was not treating Lucy and the other maids as servants. She just allow them to do whatever they wanna do as long as they kept the place clean and not causing trouble. They even have their own bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms and can move freely around the mansion. Either she's a really nice person deep inside, or just doesn't give a damn about them; Lucy can't really tell.

Waltzing toward the bathroom, Lucy smiled though with a hint of loneliness as she fell into nostalgia. She recalled how she would cautiously tiptoe before entering the bath for she would just find her dragon slayer friend inside her bathtub and would greet her with 'good morning Lucy!' as if it was a normal thing to do while she, on the other hand, would throw at him whatever stuff she could reach. Though it annoyed her, the blonde has to admit she sometimes miss those encounters. Chuckling to herself, Lucy moved the bath curtain aside to reveal not just the tub but also a handsome spirit half-soaked in the warm water with both arms draped over the brick tub. "Yo Lucy," Loke raised his naked arm before his surprised master. Disappointingly, Lucy was still fully clothed in her pink pajama – an attire new to the Free Marchers. "I have news from Fiore."

Clutching the small wooden pail, Lucy wasted not a second more to throw it at the lion's handsome face which surprisingly the latter wasn't expecting. "Get out of my tub!"

"Fine," Loke stood whilst massaging his forehead. Unlike Gray, the stellar spirit emerged clothed, much to Lucy's relief. "I'm just testing the water for you."

"But of course," the celestial mage rolled her eyes. "What's this news from Fiore?"

Adjusting his tinted glasses, Loke faced the blonde with a straight serious expression. "Bad news."

"Bad news?" Lucy's eyes widened. For seven months, this was the first time Loke brought bad news and the blonde can't tell whether she wanted to hear them or not. Bracing herself, she slowly phrased "tell me."

"Grandine is dead." the handsome lion answered without beating around the bush. Lucy gasped. Placing her hand on her mouth, she fought the urge to cry. Grandine… dead. To think, it shouldn't have been that surprising for the healer mage was indeed already old and yet the truth was still unimaginable. "Most believe it was of old age but even if Master Makarov isn't telling us, we knew he thought otherwise. Tomorrow's her funeral and the whole guild will be attending. Wendy is devastated… No one can comfort her." Loke continued. "Also, many dark guilds emerged from nowhere and rumors dictate they are forming an even stronger alliance – for a reason no one could guess what, other than to battle the official guilds. If that is true, there might be war but the Council assured such thing won't happen."

Lucy clutched her fists. She wanted to go back – she needed to go back. As if reading her thoughts, Loke firmly placed his hand on his master's shoulder, "you might only worsen it. You need not go back. Not now." Lucy knew he was talking about Zeref. There would be great consequences if the Council learned the dark wizard's alive – especially if the dark guilds learned about it. Lowering her eyes, she sadly stated "I understand."

.*.*.*.

Zeref watched as a swarm of elves, humans, and dwarves mobbed the docks eager to get hold of the freshest fish available, creating the usual noisy yet merry atmosphere of Kirkwall. Raven eyes scooting the vicinity, a smile painted the dark wizard's soft face at the sight of a cute blonde coursing to his direction. "Good morning, Lucy." He breathed the moment Lucy was within earshot and the latter beamed a "good morning, Zeref!" before standing beside the handsome guardsman not far from the throng of fish buyers.

The sun was just waking therefore the salty wind blowing from the sea was also frigid that Lucy trembled slightly from the cold while slapping herself mentally for forgetting to bring her shawl. Zeref, noticing Lucy shivered a bit whenever the wind blew, took hold of her soft hands and rubbed them with his own in an attempt to give her warmth. "You always forget to bring your shawl with you," he scolded lightly earning a pout from the celestial mage. "It's still in the laundry," Lucy lied even though she knew the dark wizard won't fall for it. "Of course," Zeref smirked whilst pinching her nose and Lucy was trying to take the former's fingers off. They had stayed like that for a while before someone caught their attention, "oh if it isn't Messere Lucy?"

Eyes narrowing for a second, the blonde turned her gaze to the caller and with an out of character fake smile greeted "good morning Freia."

"Lady Freia," the said girl about Lucy's age smiled irritably. Knowing Lucy, she always made friends with everyone around her but Freia was an exception. It all started, as the emerald-haired Freia kept on telling her over and over, when Templar Knight-Commander Cullen decided an engagement between his daughter – who just happened to be Freia herself – and a noble man from Orlais. Not wanting to be engaged to that man, Freia decided it best to run away the night before the arrangement. She was crying, alone on the wharf when Zeref approached her and asked what was wrong. It was Zeref who convinced her to go back and talk to her dad. Like what she kept on saying, Zeref saved her.

Since then, Freia can always be found near the handsome guardsman and when she learned about Lucy, Freia befriended her only because she wanted to get closer to Zeref while at the same time maybe get him and Lucy separated; after all, she's prettier than Lucy and she's not just a noblewoman but also the only daughter of the Templar Knight-Commander while Lucy's only a pitiful servant. "Good morning Zeref," Freia smiled warmly at the dark wizard and Zeref answered with a nod. Eyes falling into the entwined fingers of Lucy and Zeref, the noblewoman tugged at the blonde and smiled, "by the way Lucy, what are you here for? If I'm your master I'll fire you this instant for flirting instead of doing your job." Slapping Freia's hand away from her long sleeves, Lucy smiled back "and what are you here for, Lady Freia? I don't think noblewomen like you are fitted to be in such filthy place."

.*.*.*.

Thick dark clouds covered the gloomy afternoon sky whilst damp wind descended to warn the people of the advent of heavy rain. Leaves whistling a hollow tune, the horizon gave birth to thunder and lightning. Yet beneath the dreary sky, three figures can be seen moving hastily in attempt to find shelter before it falls to the ground. Seeing a dour cave, Lucy, Zeref and Freia did not hesitate to run into the said cavern. "Tell me again how we ended up in this situation?" Smiling, the emerald-haired noble asked the blonde, with accusation evident in between the lines.

"Because Queen Thea asked me to deliver an important amulet to the Dalish Camp and since today is Zeref's day off he decided to come with me. That's how we ended up in this situation. But you Freia, I'm also wondering how you ended up in this situation with us." Lucy smiled back with discernible sarcasm.

Before Freia could answer back, lighting struck in front of them just outside the cave's entrance, causing the two girls to shriek in surprise and fright. Abruptly turning her stare at Zeref, Freia glowered at Lucy who was being held firmly by the handsome guardsman.

.*.*.*.

Fireflies strewn amid the serene night as if the stars themselves descended from the heavens, Lucy walked hand in hand with a dark haired mage. Glancing at his soft face, the blonde's lips curled into a smile as her dream that morning find its way into her brain. In that dream, she was wearing a white sophisticated gown with a matching veil, holding a bouquet of white roses, and was walking on a sanguine carpet with scattered rose petals. Stopping in front of the altar, she turned to face a handsome dark-haired man.

Squeezing Lucy's hand slightly, Zeref smiled in content and excitement as he recalled the amount of bronze, silver, and gold chips hidden in his drawer at the barracks. Soon enough, he will have enough money for a ring – the very reason why he was always enthusiastic to work each day. Stopping beside the calm sea, the couple watched with content a large wooden ship as it glided over the smooth waves. It's barely midnight yet the dancing wind was already icy cold so Zeref wrapped his arm around the blonde's shoulders to keep her from shivering, though slightly. Staring at each other, the dark mage brushed Lucy's hair away from her soft face, and closed the distance between their faces with a fondly kiss.

.*.*.*.

Freia walked aimlessly amid the cold wind. Ever since she was a child she would always get whatever she wanted, but these past few months it all changed. First, she only wanted to fall in love just like a normal girl and not be engaged to someone she doesn't even like. But no matter what she said, her parents won't listen that she decided to run away; until she met Zeref. And now that she has truly fallen in love, she only wanted to be with him but why was it so difficult to get him? She's beautiful, smart, famous and rich and yet why? Why would he rather be with a servant?

Kicking a pebble to the silent sea, she watched sadly a wooden ship as its sails waved in a distant; until something caught her attention. Diverting her gaze, searing needles pricked her chest and the pain coursed through her entire body.

Rays of afternoon sun cascading down into thin beams, Lucy hummed contentedly while skipping towards the merchant she frequent. Reaching the said vendor, they exchanged pleasant greetings before proceeding to choose the best curtain for the Hawke Estate. Athenril, the merchant elf, watched with concern as the blonde ran her fingers at the available curtains spread in front of her. Not able to suppress her curiosity and concern any longer, she gently placed her hand at Lucy's arm and asked carefully, "I'm glad you seemed okay, Lucy. What really happened between you and Zeref?"

Confused, Lucy stood agape for a second. Furrowing her brows, she wondered "I-I don't understand… What do you mean, Athenril-san?"

Athenril squeezed the blonde's arm gently and sighed, "I understand if you don't want to talk about it. Just don't forget that I'm your friend, Lucy."

The blonde's face turned into an expression indescribable. Putting both hands on the elf's shoulders, Lucy explained how ridiculous Athenril's words were, for she and Zeref were okay, as always. The merchant on the other hand, reflected shock and disbelief therefore flooding the blonde with curiosity. Wanting to know the reason behind Athenril's behavior, Lucy threatened she won't leave unless the elf tell her what she knew. Athenril scolded herself mentally for talking too much and ended up explaining how she saw Zeref and Freia together. Indicating the days and time, Lucy waved her hand saying it's impossible because during those times Zeref's on extended duties. But what the blonde doesn't dare admit was that she believed each word that came out of the elf's lips for she knew how sharp Athenril's eyes were and those 'extended duties' must have just been Zeref's excuse.

Faking a smile, Lucy paid for the curtain and started walking back to the mansion. Her mind's in a mess – she does noticed the peculiar closeness of the two and how much Zeref fidgeted whenever he would tell her he'll be on an extended duty again. What if there's really something between them? But the thought's ludicrous because she knew Zeref… No, maybe seven months was not enough time to know a person. Maybe he's just starting to show his true face… besides, if there really was nothing between the two then Freia should have already been keeping her distance from the dark wizard and yet she was always there… Always there wherever they go…

As if Fate was making fun of her, Lucy's suspicion abruptly turned into a painful truth as she saw Zeref and Freia walking towards her direction. Unsure of how to react, she hastily hid in the nearest alley hoping they haven't seen her. As the two walked pass the alley, the blonde could see the dark wizard was too happy as his laughter rang above the other sound around her. "What if Lucy see us today? I wonder how she will react," she heard the noble laughed teasingly and Zeref answered with "no she won't. Hopefully she won't… She told me yesterday she'll be going with the Queen to the Dalish Camp anyway."

Too bad for you, Queen Thea postponed the visit. Lucy thought bitterly. Tightening her hold with the curtains, she wondered how long has Zeref been cheating on her? After all she's done for him this was how he's going to repay her? Wiping a tear from her damp eyes, she ran as fast as she could towards the mansion without even daring to look back.

.*.*.*.

Twisted shadows dancing with every gust of icy wind, Zeref shuddered slightly not because he's cold but because he felt regretful. Why was he so stupid? Maybe this was the Gods' punishment to him for deceiving Lucy. Even though he knew it was wrong, why does he still agree with Freia? But during that time he felt as if it was alright… as if no problem would arise. Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand to touch the blonde but stopped midway. "Lu-Lucy?" No response. Raising his eyes to the starless sky, he silently prayed for help from the very deities who were punishing him right now. Why was the blonde so near yet seemed so far? He just can't reach her anymore… "It's really not what you think… Please Lucy…" He just can't say the truth… he mustn't say the truth. Not yet. Besides, he wasn't even sure anymore if it would help him.

"What is it then?" Seething with concealed anger and hurt, Lucy turned abruptly at Zeref who jerked up at seeing the blonde's indecipherable expression that he felt the urge to reveal the truth. But doing so would ruin his long-since planned wedding proposal; yet if he doesn't, that day might not even come. "Am I only hallucinating? Was it just Athenril's delusion?" Lucy pressed on. She can't understand why but something's telling her to believe with Zeref, and indeed he looked pitiful – that look of a grieving innocent man. But what she saw earlier this afternoon was something not to be easily ignored. And his expression… he never saw him as happy as he was yesterday… with Freia.

"Please…" Pulling Lucy to a tight embrace, Zeref begged for an understanding – ludicrous, but it seemed to be the only option. "Please believe in me Lucy. I will never cheat on you… I won't ever do that. I love you so much, Lucy… Please…" Damn. Either from hurt of from extreme anger, the blonde felt like crying. Pushing the dark wizard away, she turned her back at him and whispered, "I don't know Zeref… I… I don't wanna se you anymore."

.*.*.*.

Peering from her mansion's balcony, Freia saw the blonde walked away from Zeref. Days ago, she 'accidentally' bumped at the handsome guardsman at a flower shop, obviously confused from all the beautiful fragrant flowers dispersed in front of him. Of course she knew he was looking to buy a flower or two for the dumb blonde but she never would have thought it will be for a wedding proposal. Though painful, Freia decided to help him, with the thought of being with Zeref for the last time… Yes, she has already surrendered… She has already accepted defeat… Though there was still a very, very frail hope that the servant would hopefully caught them together; not knowing it would come true.

"The Gods still favor me…" Smiling triumphantly, she waltzed toward her bed to welcome the pleasant dreams.

…

"Can't say I didn't warn you, junior…" Sighing, Varric stared pitifully at the dark wizard who has come to his palatial suite at the Hanged Man to ask for his help. When the handsome dwarf saw them together at a flower shop three days ago, he also thought Zeref was cheating on Lucy, has he not confronted them that very moment. Being a smart story teller that he is, Varric already knew what will happen next. He has warned him – warned him oh so many times – but Zeref just wouldn't listen.

"I never asked for Lady Freia's help. She would just always appear from nowhere and I can't simply tell her to go away 'coz she only wanted to help… Besides, I really do need help." Zeref insisted, regret evident.

"When do you plan to propose to Lucy?"

"Tomorrow night… I've already finalized the orders yesterday, I can't cancel them now – I won't cancel it. But Lucy won't talk to me..."

Slowly shaking his head, the dwarf sighed for the nth time. "Alright junior, I'll help you fix this mess. Just don't…uh…mess it again."

.*.*.*.

"I saw them with my own eyes, Loke. And he… he was so happy… I never saw him like that before; even when we're together. Besides… Freia confirmed it… When I confronted her this morning, she unfalteringly admitted they've been going out for weeks now. I was betrayed!" Lucy sobbed before her stellar spirit. Loke came to visit her because he said he and all of her other spirits felt her sadness even in the celestial plane that they all insisted to check on her. Even if they don't, Loke was sure to come since he was her knight in shining armor. Tightening his embrace, Loke battled with himself. Should he insist for Lucy to talk with both of them together, given that Freia was in love with Zeref for a while now and would undoubtedly lie in order to break them apart? Or let them break up considering he has been loving his master for so long already… was it alright to be selfish for once?

Adjusting his tinted glasses, the handsome lion gently pushed the blonde from the embrace and staring straight at her chocolate orbs firmly stated, "Wendy needs you. Fairy Tail needs you. Let's go home."

.*.*.*.

"A pleasant afternoon, Messere!"

The miner raised his brow. Lady Freia – that Lady Freia – greeting a commoner like him with a smile? It's all so weird… She was notorious among the commoners for being the proudest noble and yet now she was greeting them warmly? Something must have happened inside the Viscountess's estate, the miner laughed disbelievingly.

Smiling proudly with herself, Freia walked the streets of Kirkwall looking for a certain guardsman. This morning when the dumb blonde confronted her – accused her (A/N: Lucy doesn't mean it that way but it's how Freia perceived it) of having an affair with Zeref – she decided to ride with her suspicions and lied. Ah! How entertained she was with the servant's expression. Visiting the Hawke Estate in hope of seeing the blonde's ugly depressed face, Freia was told Lucy's in the cellar and to wait for her in the living room. Maybe she was crying her eyes out? The noble wondered, so she tiptoed to the said room. But what unfolded before her eyes was way better than she thought, for she saw the blonde being hugged by a handsome man in weird clothes. Now I have something against you, you infidel! Grinning, she was about to walk away when what happened next left her mouth open. The handsome man disappeared in a puff of smoke! Magic? There's no doubt about it! But she can't just simply accuse her of being a mage without firm evidence. Ineptly, she flew out of the mansion with a brilliant plan.

.*.*.*.

Winds howling in between the spreading darkness, a lone guardsman stood patiently and hopeful outside the Hawke Estate. Right after his duty he proceeded to try and talk to Lucy but in vain. He can't tell whether it's good that the Viscountess was in Starkhaven and won't be back until tomorrow morning or maybe its better if she's here so Lucy would have no choice but go out and talk to him.

Of course earlier he knocked at the wooden door a million times but was also sent away a million times so he therefore decided to just stand outside and wait. He waited and waited but no sign of the celestial mage… Staring at the darkening sky, heavy gray clouds hid the sparkling stars. As the first drop of rain fell on the sleeping ground, Zeref stood in-situ... still waiting. Still hoping.

Closing the curtains of the tall glass windows, Lucy bled to see the dark wizard standing in the cold rain. Her heart was telling her to go out and believe him but her head was telling her to leave him be. Clutching the thick curtain, she painfully covered the window, turned her back, and walked away. Because she has already decided… Tomorrow, when Queen Thea's back, she will tell her she's going back to Fiore… She even already told Mrs. Spetto who instantly cried a river…

"I'm not running away," Lucy assured herself while packing her clothes. "I'm correcting my mistakes… I'm getting back my life…"

Zeref ripped opened his eyes but groaned as the world turned around before him. Feeling the throbbing of his head and the lump in his throat, he tried to remember what happened. "Lu-Lucy…" he whispered bitterly. He knew he needed to stand up and go back to the Hawke Estate… he needed to talk to Lucy. Catching a faint yet clear sound below him, the dark wizard realized he was in the Hanged Man – specifically in Varric's palatial suite. Forcing to stand up, he stumbled at the table before falling to the floor together with the utensils therefore catching the attention of one of the tavern maids. "Ser Zeref!" The maid rushed to his side but as soon as he was on his feet again, the dark wizard wasted no time to go back to the celestial mage.

.*.*.*.

"What do you mean she's gone?" Zeref stared wide-eyed at one of the Queen's servant. When he awoken with a burning fever at the Hanged Man, the dark wizard realized he slept half of the day and therefore rushed to the Hawke Estate – not because he knew Lucy will be going back to Fiore but because he felt he needed to. He ran, stumbled, limped, crawled just to reach her only to find out she's gone… gone back to Fiore. Despite the throbbing of his head, the lump in his throat, and the turbulent world before his weakened body, Zeref ran as fast as possible towards the docks. It's still not too late. He can still make things right. No matter what happens, he won't ever give up… won't ever give up with Lucy.

.*.*.*.

Blonde hair dancing with the playful afternoon breeze, Lucy stood at the pier, waiting for the ship to Fiore. Being a very far country and with very few passengers, a ship from Fiore to the Free Marchers would arrive only once every three weeks, and the blonde was indeed lucky because today was exactly the schedule of its arrival. Taking a deep breath, she stared at the empty sea, silently hoping for something she too can't tell what. "Are you really sure with this, Lady L?" Mrs. Spetto held the blonde's hand, slightly begging… "I am, Mrs. Spetto. Don't worry; I'll always keep in touch with you." Lucy faked a smile even though she knew it won't deceive the old lady. As the noise from the other passengers grew louder with the appearance of a big ship bearing the symbol of Fiore, the celestial mage sighed for the nth time. He doesn't even come to stop me… Taking a last glance at the proud city of Kirkwall, Lucy board the ship with suppressed tears and strong resolve.

.*.*.*.

Falling to his knees, Zeref punched the ground with all his might. Too late… He arrived too late. Not even a hint of the ship was left… not even a hint of Lucy. Clenching his jaw, he recalled what the Queen's servant told him… Why would Freia, who showed them kindness and supported him all throughout, betray him? Was this how it's all going to end? Was it really over between them? Three weeks… He can't wait for three more weeks; he needed to go after her right now. But how? Sobbing silently and with a mixed-up mind, the dark wizard doesn't notice the short man standing beside him. "I need to record every detail of this," slightly startled, Zeref painfully turned his head beside him, to the merchant dwarf who was calmly staring at the sea. "This will make a good story, you know."

"V-Varric-san," the dark wizard clutched his fists. How could he be so calm? Doesn't he promise to help him? "Lucy's gone…"

As a gigantic, yet stunningly beautiful pirate ship wharfed in front of them, Varric smiled confidently at Zeref who in return snarled despair and anger. "We can't be sure of that, junior. You should know I'm always keeping a promise – especially with my friends."

.*.*.*.

Blue peaceful waters curling at the ship's wake, Lucy stared back at her distorted, faint reflection. "Why?" She asked. "Why did everything turned out like this? Where did I go wrong?" Sighing for the millionth time this day, she cried a bitter tear at all her mistakes. Has she known Zeref will end up betraying her; she shouldn't have risked it all… But who can blame her? She's just a normal girl who fell in love with an illusion… An illusion which she thought has turned into reality; but in the end was still just an illusion.

Eyes blurry with tears, the celestial mage doesn't notice a pirate ship hastily coming their way. As the passengers panicked at the sight, Lucy stayed unmoving; looking at the rippling water. "Lucy!" A semblance of the dark wizard's voice rung clearly in her head; it was coarse and obviously desperate. "Lucy!" Gasping, the blonde realized it was no illusion. Gazing at the strikingly beautiful pirate ship an inch away beside her ship, Lucy stared eye to eye with the dark wizard. "Ze-Zeref?"

"Lucy!" Zeref panted. "I love you. I would never cheat to you… the truth is, I was planning to surprise you with a proposal and Lady Freia was only trying to help me. And whatever it is that she told you, it's not true. Please believe me, Lucy!"

Proposal? Blushing a deep red, Lucy stammered, "w-what do you m-mean?"

Kneeling in one knee on the pirate ship in front of the celestial mage, Zeref took out a small red box which he always kept in his pocket. Opening it to reveal a diamond-studded ring, Zeref blushed even more in addition with the fever. "Lucy Heartfilia. Please marry me!"

Realizing it was no pirate attack, the passengers went out to witness what was happening, as well as Varric and the owner and Captain of the pirate ship, Isabela. "Say yes! Say yes!" They cheered.

Unable to suppress her emotions anymore, Lucy struggled in wiping her ever flowing tears and with a quite muffled voice she phrased, "yes… yes I will marry you, Zeref!"

"Master!" Erza scrammed into the old man's office waving a once sealed letter above her head, "it's a letter from Lucy!"

"Lucy?" Master Makarov jumped on his table excitedly at hearing the celestial mage's name. It has been 7 months since Zeref's public execution and 7 months since Lucy's disappearance. For those months, they haven't heard a single word about her whereabouts and Natsu was always gloomy. It was thanks to Lisanna that the dragon slayer was somehow able to go back to his old self though there were still those days when he would just sat outside Lucy's apartment watching the empty house.

The old man instantly grabbed the letter from Erza's grasp the moment it was within his reach, but his eyes narrowed to see that the seal has already been broken and the scarlet-haired mage can't help but smile apologetically. Nevertheless, Master Makarov took out the stationery from the envelope and tears formed in his eyes while reading the blonde's letter.

Seven months ago, after witnessing the incineration of the dark wizard, the old man got bewildered had it not for the first master who explained to him that Zeref was alive and the one executed was Gemini. But after that incident, not a hint of the Celestial mage was found; even Natsu wasn't able to trace her. "Lucy has suffered enough. It is time for her to be happy." he explained at the dragon slayer who wouldn't stop searching for the blonde mage. They all knew how young Lucy was when her mom died and she was left in the care of his dad who doesn't have a time for her that Lucy decided to run away. Master Makarov recalled the celestial mage telling him how she would find comfort and hope with the Fairy Tales narrated to her by Mrs. Spetto before she sleep; and of how she would always dream about a certain man as being her own prince just like in those stories. "That's why we're here for her!" Natsu would protest. But the old man knew those people from one's childhood were different from those who've just recently stepped in one's life. Though of course if one would consider the time spent, it would appear that Natsu and the rest of Fairy Tail had been with Lucy way longer than Zeref; but then again, the dark wizard had been embedded in her mind, in her memories, in her heart, and in her life for even longer. "One does not need to spend days to realize how beautiful a jewel is. Even a single brief glance is enough to tell that that jewel is beautiful; and even if one is mingled with other different jewels, one cannot simply forget the beauty of the first; that if given the chance to hold it unlike before, would surely take the chances in order to do so." Master Makarov mused. Besides, it's only with a child's innocence that one would be able to unveil things that are most important; for they are using their pure hearts to see. Like what the fox told the little prince: 'it is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is important is invisible to the eye.'

"Lucy will be writing another wonderful chapter in her own fairy tale!" The old man cried infinitely while the whole guild started cheering. The big day will be in two months, and if possible, every mage in Fairy Tail will be sure to attend.

.*.*.*.

.*.*.*.

To be continued…

I honestly wrote 3,205 words already for this chapter but when a reader (not sure if she want me to mention her name ^^) told me to make a good story to make up for the late updates, I decided to re-write the whole chapter because I don't know... I suddenly felt the need to do so. Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter and my next update will also be the last, just give me 2 more weeks. Thanks a lot for everything! :) You've all been wonderful. :)

(For those who knew DA2, I'm not a fan of Sebastian. I prefer Anders but he has no last name and was an apostate, so…)

Happy Holidays! :D