~~~Chapter Twelve~~~
"I haven't decided yet." Ciel admitted to Laxus.
"Well, you better figure that shit out fast. She," he pointed his head towards Lucy. "will never forgive you if you give up. We met a woman who was in a similar situation, dealing with the Phoenix Stone in the country of Veronica. Her name was Éclair and Lucy got way too attached to the woman in the short amount of time. She ended up disappearing once Natsu destroyed the Phoenix. Lucy started questioning magic after that. So, If I were you, I would fucking decide to live." Laxus watched as Ciel's eyes widened at his preach.
"Laxus?" A feminine voice shook him awake from his slumber. He opened his eyes meeting brown ones that were staring at him worrisome. Her gale glasses hung low on her nose, the book he had taken from her last night was back in her hands. Levy was stationed on the other side of the cave, nose deep in another book. Ciel was still a sleep next to them down the cave wall. Laxus grimaced as he resituated himself in his position. He stayed up late into the night with Ciel, talking.
"Blondie." Laxus cupped the side of her face smiling at her.
"Sorry for waking you. You were getting upset in your sleep." She commented. "Hopefully nothing too bad." He chuckled as he rubbed a hand down his tired face.
"It's no biggie. And I can't remember the dream if that helps." He said although he was lying. Ciel having to second guess if he wanted a second chance at life pissed him off to no end, knowing that that would kill Lucy on the inside if he chose to die. It didn't settle with him well, so of course the kids uncertainty haunted his dream.
"So, I think we have the first part of the rune figured out. This is a lot tougher than we thought it would be." Lucy said sadly. "Now I understand why they estimated two months for this mission, not to mention that it took a little over a week to even get to Silician." Laxus sighed having the slightest feeling that that was going to be an issue. Shifting noise made his eyes shoot up as Levy stood up and made her way over to where he and Lucy were sitting.
"Lu, I think I figured out the next part. So, what we have now is 'In the beginning of life, there was light'. This next part I believe says 'As there was darkness'." Levy said as she turned face down skimming through the book more that laid in her lap.
"Well it's a start." A voice grumbled as Ciel stood up roughly, wincing from sleeping in an upright position. Laxus turned and gave the guy a small nod in recognition, then turning his attention back to the blonde beauty.
"It's further than we were. Last night we didn't have anything. So, it's definitely a plus!" Lucy cheered. "It would just be easier having access to a library." There was nods in agreement.
Laxus grunted as he stood up, his muscles yelling at him. He walked over to the opening of the cave, peering out. The rain had stopped, but the air was still brisk. The ground was still wet, water trickling off leaves and the mountain side of the cave and runes.
"Ciel." Laxus called. Lucy glared at Laxus, wondering what he was pulling. "You're on scouting duty with me. Gajeel will guard entrance."
"Laxus?" Lucy questioned as she stood up quickly. She felt nervousness, anxiety. She slowly walked towards him, his body turning to face her. "I have a weird feeling and not in a good way." Her hand clutched his forearm.
"Calm down, Blondie. You could say the kid and I had a heart to heart convo last night. Call your cub out to help you and keep you company." He suggested. Lucy bit her lip looking away, but slowly sighing. It wasn't like Laxus to be sincere, especially suggesting her to call out Loke. Loke was her royal shining knight in armor. He loved her to death, she loved him. He always teased her confessing his love, but they both knew it was just infatuation because she saved his life. And she treated her spirits like family, friends, like they mattered.
"Not a cub once again." Loke stressed as he appeared behind Lucy. He walked up next to her, an arm wrapped around her shoulders causing her to break her hold on Laxus's arm. "Must I remind you lightning rod?" He smirked at the lightning slayer whom looked at him not amused.
"You'll always be a cub." Ciel walked up next to the group, Loke tensing up as his hand gripped Lucy's shoulder causing her to jump in surprise.
"Ciel." His name rolled off his tongue with pure anger.
"Loke, Ciel is not an enemy. So, please for me be civil?" Lucy pleaded turning to glance at him, her eyes leaving Laxus to look at Loke. Loke released his grip on Lucy and turned away walking. Lucy gave Laxus a worried look, Laxus shrugging. Maybe he shouldn't have suggested her calling him out? But he could tell she was going to panic, him leaving her. She normally didn't react like that, but he saw it in her eyes. Something was different. Knowing she had a weird feeling, he was going to heed her feelings. Which only made him want to scout the area even more. Bringing Ciel benefited him, being able to cover the area twice as fast, rather than him trying to scout the entire area himself.
"Not much I can do. Your cub has a grudge that no one can fix. He'll be okay. Let him pout." Laxus stated turning around to leave. "We'll be back Blondie." Lucy turned towards Ciel who gave her a weak smile and a small wave as he followed Laxus out of the cave. She watched their backs as they disappeared. The sleeves of Laxus's coat swaying behind him, the tail of Ciel's cloak flapping. Lucy bit her lip. Them leaving didn't settle right in her stomach. It left a sour taste in her mouth.
"Bunny, they'll be fine." Gajeel said placing a gloved hand on top of her head, petting her. Lucy nodded slightly, still staring at the entrance. He noticed the sad look on her face as Laxus and Ciel left, feeling obligated, he decided to comfort the blonde.
"I don't doubt that, but I still have an odd feeling that isn't sitting right. And I had it before they even left. And I don't understand what it means? And if something does happen, will it be today, tomorrow, a week from today? I don't have a clue." Lucy expressed as she finally turned her attention up towards the confused iron slayer. His arm fell down to wrap around her shoulders as he led them back to where Levy, Loke, and Lily sat.
"Well, whatever it is, just know that they'll be wishing they never messed with Fairy Tail, gihi." Gajeel's voice caught the attention of Lily and Loke, Loke jumping up.
"Princess, what is he talking about?" Loke asked staring at her intently.
"I just have a weird feeling. Nothing to worry about." She gave him an unconvincing smile, but enough of one to where he didn't question her anymore for which she was grateful. She sat down cross legged on the ground, her hands tapping over her keys in thought.
"Princess, he's available if you're wanting to call him." Loke said to the girl in thought. She sucked the inside of her cheek.
"I've been debating. I'm trying to hold out and see how far we can get before calling him out. Maybe I'll call Freed." Lucy pondered.
"That's an excellent idea!" Levy squealed startling everyone. "He has access to the guild's library and if need be, Magnolia's grand library. I know how he wanted to be involved with this mission, so I can at least give him this much. I know Laxus has been referring back to him as well. So, he may as well be involved even though he's not physically here with us." Levy fumbled in her bag searching for her lacrima. Finding it, a wicked grin on her face she thought of Freed, placing the call.
"She looks just like her." Ciel said breaking the silence with the dragon slayer. Laxus stopped and turned towards the celestial-light mage. "Lucy looks like Layla. They both resemble Anna a great deal as well."
Thinking a moment, Laxus nodded and resumed walking. He had never met Lucy's mother or father for that matter. He knew at one point, her father had hired Phantom Lord to attack the guild, and then he stalked her, wanting money because he went bankrupt and lost the kozern. Then half of fairy tail was a sleep on tenrou and when they had all returned, she had found out her father passed away. He had remembered hearing about how her father had paid her rent all those years and sending gifts on every birthday she was missed, never giving up.
"I've never met them, but I'm sure she does. I've seen pictures. Her mother was a beautiful woman." Laxus finally responded. "It's a sore subject for her. About a month ago, when we went on our first group mission as a team, she talked about one of her spirits, said she was like a mother figure to her." Laxus stopped and searched the trees. About a moment later, he started on again.
Ciel moved a branch out of the way as they passed through some trees. "You are referring to Aquarius." He implied. "She was Layla's first celestial spirit." He ducked under a branch as they entered a clearing.
"So, you know where the key is?" Laxus asked his eyes turning towards the sky, the clouds darkening, and he could feel the thunder storm that was brewing above them.
"Indeed." Ciel replied. "It's actually not located far from here. I only know this because I came across it on my journey here. However, it's no use to me. I can't summon spirits. My power is kind of different. I can use celestial spells and I can cast light magic. I wasn't expecting to run into you guys where I did. It seemed my magic pulled her to me."
They started walking around the edge of the clearing, looping around to head back to the cave. Laxus stayed on edge, on the alert. Lucy admitting to him about not having a good feeling made him uneasy. Luckily, since they entered Seven, they hadn't had any real issues besides the small scuffle with Ciel.
"Her magic isn't one to reckon with. She's came a long way since she has joined Fairy Tail." Laxus announced gaining the attention of Ciel. He nodded at him agreeing.
"I sensed it. I can openly state that she has surpassed both Layla and Anna. Once she has a full handle on what she's capable of doing, she'll be unstoppable. Holder mages may not look like much on the outside, but really, we're just as dangerous. We get underestimated." Ciel pulled his necklace that was hidden underneath his shirt and pulled it off from around his neck. He stopped, mumbled a few words, as his necklace formed into a staff. "My power originates from this staff. This staff is the source of my containers. If I was to lose it, I would be royally screwed. Luckily, I can make it turn into such a small form, I can wear it. Most mages can't sense it when I wear it like this."
Laxus stared at the staff, not expecting that to happen in the least. The staff was similar to one that Mystogan had used. It was wooden, an indigo orb in the middle, with dangles hanging off of two hoops beneath the orb. There was white fabric wrapped around the bottom of orb and around the hoops making it look like a poorly made bow. The staff started to shrink back to palm size as Ciel replaced it around his neck and tucked it back under his shirt.
"Sorry, it pulsates magical energy. If I left it out too long, we could have unwanted visitors." Ciel admitted.
Laxus nodded understanding. "Good idea."
"So, tell me more about Lucy." Ciel asked.
Laxus tensed, sending Ciel a weird look. "Why?" They were almost back at the cave, Laxus stopping and leaning against a tree he stopped by. Ciel turned towards him tilting his chin.
"Family related." Ciel mumbled. It wasn't the best answer, but he didn't know how else to explain. Lucy intrigued him. He didn't see her in any other sense besides a Heartfilia, family. It was always told how the Sirius men would protect the women of the house and the Heartfilia celestial mages.
"There's not a whole lot I can tell you because I'm still learning stuff about her every day. We've been in the same guild for years together, but we were never…close." He admitted. Ciel raised a brow, Laxus shrugging looking away embarrassed. "I've always been drawn to her, but never acted upon it. She was in love with someone else." He gritted his teeth at having to speak the last part. It still ate at him, how she used to be so in love with Natsu.
But she claimed she wasn't truly in love with him.
So where did that leave him? Did she love him?
"Oh?" Ciel commented. "Where's this person she's apparently in love with?" Ciel wasn't trying to upset the man, but he was rather curious, and he could tell that the slayer was struggling with discussing the topic.
"Gone. She says she's over him. We've been kind of seeing each other. I chased after her one day not understanding why, and we clicked. She's the one and I'm trying like hell to not fuck it up." Laxus released a long sigh and shifted his weight to his other foot.
"Why did you chase after her? What was the reasoning for her to be chased?" Ciel asked with a hint of amusement in his tone catching a glare from Laxus.
"What the hell is this, twenty-one questions?" Laxus hissed. Ciel grinned and let out a chuckle.
"Just trying to figure you all out is all." He rubbed the back of his head, glancing around. "What's the story on the other two?"
"To answer your first question, I chased after her because she needed comfort and I reacted on instinct. I chased after her when no one else did. She confessed her love for Natsu, who didn't exactly return the feelings the way she wanted. Her team left on a mission without her and could be gone for a year or so. She was all alone. I've always admired her." Laxus said quietly. "And as to Blue and metal face, she's her best friend and he's her boyfriend. He marked Lucy as kin or some shit. They helped her move on from Natsu, same as me."
"I see." Ciel responded quickly. "I know I wanted to know more, but I have a weird itching feeling. We should go in." Ciel suddenly turned and headed towards the cave.
The sight they walked into was Lucy, Loke, Lily, Levy, and oddly Gajeel surrounding a sleeping cross and a lacrima projection of Freed. Lucy was on the ground, a quill pen in hand with her tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth. Levy stood with a book in her hand as she talked to Freed. Gajeel caught their arrival, giving them a head tilt nod before turning back towards the group with his arms crossed. Laxus walked up towards the group and crotched down to Lucy's level whom was still oblivious to his return. He smirked, placing his mouth by her ear.
"Keep that sexy librarian look up, we may have a problem." He whispered only for her to hear. Lucy jumped with a shriek, her book flying up in the air. She turned towards him, clutching her chest, her heart racing.
"Gosh damn it Laxus." She hissed lightly smacking his arm. "Don't do that."
He chuckled. "Care to explain what's going on?" He signaled towards the huddle. Ciel joined in with Levy on books she had brought from the guild library that she thought would have helped. Out of nowhere, a loud noise screeched from the cross spirit, causing everyone but Lucy and Loke to jump out of their skins.
"Miss Lucy, if I may?" Crux asked with a snot bubble exhaling from his nose.
"What did you find out old man Crux?" Lucy asked taking Laxus's offered hand standing up to stand in front of her spirit. Crux's arms were crossed along with his legs as he levitated in the air.
"The next part to the rune is as stated: When the light and dark clash, there is no equal. Upon the moon and stars, the holy matrimony, will the darkness waiver under the light for the light precedes from the stars." Crux recited. "That is all I have for you at this time." Crux then disappeared with a poof of light. Laxus raised a brow at the start of the encrypted rune, but even more so at the strange helpful spirit she had summoned.
"I will continue to work on the other part of the encryption. I will report back as soon as I am able to. Stay safe everyone." Freed's line disconnected leaving the group to look at each other.
"Well, we have a quarter of it figured out." Lucy mumbled as she flopped back down. "This is going to be another long night." She picked up her fallen book she had tossed from Laxus scaring her and slapped it on the ground in front of her with a pop as she wrote down what Crux had recited.
A few hours had passed, Lucy stood up stretching and walked towards the cave's opening and peered out. The ground was still wet, but no sign of rain anymore. The stars were peaking out of their shadows of the dark sky. She smiled as she stared up, finding the stars that always made her smile. Muscular arms wrapped around her from behind, hot breath licking the skin of her neck. She placed her hands-on top of his that were clasped on her stomach. His lips pressed softly against her skin.
"Blondie." His gruff voice said in a low tone. She leaned into his chest as her eyes stayed glued to the sky.
"I'm scared Laxus." She whispered. "I have this feeling that keeps eating at me and I can't figure out what it means." Gajeel knew what was going on, but they kept Levy oblivious to not cause alarm. Not that Levy had been very observant as to what has been going on around her the past few days. She either had her nose in a book or was taking cat naps.
He gave her a gentle squeeze for reassurance. "I won't let nothing happen to you. Let's just get this thing figured out and get the hell out of dodge." She nodded wanting to giggle, but she couldn't find the energy to giggle. "Besides, I'm ready to take you out on a real date that doesn't include others."
Lucy twisted in his hold to face him, a smile appeared on her face. "Is that so? You want to take me out on a date?"
He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers as he stared into her eyes. "Is that a problem?"
She shook her head, her eyes staying glued to his. "Of course not. I would love to go on a date with you. I think it would be fun." He leaned down and kissed her lips, the kiss soft and tender. Her hands gripped his biceps as she stepped on her tip toes to endure the kiss. She felt his tongue slide against her closed lips, wanting permission. She graciously opened her lips inviting his tongue in, both of them exploring each other.
"Lucy." He panted as he pulled back. "Just wait until we get home. I'm going to make you beg for me." He winked at her. Heat rose to her face at his statement. Since the inn, they hadn't been as intimate, and then the small fight they had where she ignored him for a few days, they definitely needed that kiss. She leaned towards his ear, lightly nipping his lobe.
"Why do we have to wait until we get home?" She challenged seductively. She felt him stiffen before her, his grip tightening on her hips. She pulled back from his hold, walking backwards biting her lip. The moonlight casted a shadow over her curvy body, stealing the breath away from Laxus as he stared at the beauty the woman possessed. A grin stole his lips as he walked forward towards her, her hand outreached for him to grab. They dodged low hanging branches of trees as she dragged him at a jogging pace, giggling until a clearing came into eye view. The moon shone bright.
"Dance with me." She said twirling. Laxus stared at her in awe as he watched her in the moonlight. "Then if you're lucky, I'll give you a prize."
"If I'm lucky, huh?" He grabbed her by her outstretched arm and twirled her into his chest, swaying behind her.
"How much do you want me?" She asked as he spun her out. She spun back into his arms, positioning her left hand on top of his shoulder, her right hand clasped into his. He leaned down to where his mouth touched the crook of her neck, trailing down to her collar bone. He then spun her and twirled her out where she spun back into arms, her back to his chest. His hand explored her front side, stopping to grope her round, perky breasts as he nipped at her neck.
"Let me show you." He whispered into her ear as he reached for the hem of her top, pulling it over her head. He tossed the top next to them as she twirled to face him, then leaned forward to do the same with him. He launched himself to attack her lips as soon as the shirt came off his head, grabbing her by the waist pulling her to him as close as possible.
"La-laxus." She gasped out. He lowered her to the ground, her back relaxing on the cool damp grass. He sat up on his arms, pushing the hair over her eyes out of the way, then running the back of his fingers over her cheeks.
"You're beautiful. Don't ever forget that." He whispered passionately at her before claiming her lips once again. He never wanted this moment to end. He wasn't the guy who got all passionate and sappy, wasn't the guy to claim a relationship. But hell, here he was. He begged her for a relationship because he couldn't deny his feelings for her anymore. And now here he was getting all sappy, but did he regret it?
Hell no.
She was worth everything to him.
He never imagined something so perfect to happen to him.
The moaning he heard beneath him, as he trailed his hands up the frame of her body made him lose it. His hand made its way to her perky breasts, barely being contained by thin lace. He was a rather large man and her bust was more than a handful and he fucking loved it. He rubbed his thumb over her nip through the lace, causing her to arch her back and release another low moan, her knees rubbing together.
"Laxus." She whispered hungry. She stared at him through lustful eyes, his staring at her with adoration.
"You're mine." He whispered back claiming her lips as he climbed over the top of her, pressing his budge against her inner thigh. His lips nipped the nape of her neck, her hands pulling through his hair. He shoved an arm underneath of her, unclasping her bra, slowly removing it as her breasts were no longer restrained. He winked at her as he tossed it to the side with the clothes they had already stripped. He leaned up on an elbow, his finger hooking around the matching lacey panties, slowly removing them, her legs coordinating with him.
"Forever yours." She panted out, the intensity of his touch making her hot, almost unbearable. She craved his caressing touch. She watched as his lips curved up, smiling. Not a normal Laxus smile, but a smile she's never seen. A smile that showed passion, gentleness, and love. He lowered himself down, his lips gently stealing hers. Her legs wrapped around his waist, crossed at the ankles. Her arms wrapped around his neck. He grabbed his length, and thrusted inside of her, both gasping in unison.
There they were, in the wide open, making love under the stars. He couldn't have asked for a better way to make love to the woman he was in love with. She messed up now, because this dragon slayer was going to stick around for the long haul.
With Team Natsu…. Somewhere down South!
It had been nearly a month and half since they had set off on their mission. Wendy was starting to feel sad, missing the celestial mage that she had claimed kin, the title of older sister. She didn't want to leave without her. She fought her tooth and nail to stay with her, but in the end, she had given up and left with Team Natsu.
"Wendy?" Gray called stopping next to her. Wendy shook her head at the call of her name and sadly smiled up at him. He had a grim look on his face, worried about the young girl. Normally she would be all happy and cheerful, but as of late, she's barely spot and he could tell she was hardly sleeping.
"So-sorry. Was kind of spacing out." Wendy admitted. Carla crossed her arms as she hovered over them.
"You've been doing that a lot lately girl. Do you need to rest?" the exceed asked. Wendy shook her head declining.
"We can stop if you need to. It's not a problem." Erza pitched in as she back tracked to stand with Wendy and Gray. "I wouldn't mind a bit to eat." The red hair beauty put her hands on her hips.
"I mean, if you guys don't mind." Wendy asked quietly looking down. "It's just, I have a lot on my mind. Sorry."
"What's wrong with you?" Carla fluttered to float in front of the blunette. Wendy's eyes started to tear up.
"I just miss Lucy is all." She whispered. "But I know she had her reasons." She gave a weak smile, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands.
"We all miss her." Erza was the one to respond. It was a fact indeed, they had all missed Lucy abundant. Including Natsu. It just wasn't the same with the blonde missing. If Lucy had a communication lacrima, she would just check in with her, but Lucy and Natsu were some of the few who didn't have one. They could always check in with the guild, but then they all get side tracked and forget.
"Lushy.." a sad voice whimpered behind the group. They all turned around to come face to face with Natsu and Happy, Happy being the voice who spoke. He looked like he was about to burst into tears.
"I think this was a terrible idea going without her." Gray commented giving Natsu a side glance glare. They didn't really blame him. They knew it wasn't entirely his fault, Lucy was partially to blame too. But what happened, happen.
"I know. I'm sorry." Natsu hissed curling his hands into fists. "I was stupid to not realize it."
Carla watched as the humans started discussing about Lucy and Natsu's situation. Wondering how and what Lucy was doing. That sort. A weird feeling started making her body tingle, her eyes and pupils widening. She was having a vision.
A death, frightening cry came from the exceed as her vision ended. They all grew completely silent as they watched the female exceed drop to the ground in tears.
"Carla, what's wrong?" Wendy panicked picking Carla up. Carla couldn't look any of them in the eyes.
"Lucy….it was Lucy."
Not a word was spoken as they all stood there in pregnant silence, all eyes on the hysterical exceed.
A/N: Chapter twelve is up! Things are starting to unfold ;) The events that are going to start unfolding is probably the most major arc. There will probably be one more small arc after this one before book 1 of the series will be completed. However don't worry, this arc is a lengthy one due to all the juicy ideas I have, plot twists, etc. It's not going to be a rushed one, but I will definitely not drag it out to where everyone yells at me to 'hurry the hell up with it already'.
And to answer a statement from a reviewer about Ciel, I have thought about making him a member of the guild, but I guess you'll have to stay up to date and find out!
Thanks for reading. Feel free to review, favorite or follow! See you sunday!
