Hello Everyone!

Yes I'm back again and I'm happy to have finished this chapter for you guys without too much of a wait. I'll try to work more on the next chapter tomorrow so you guys again won't have to wait so long for up coming chapters. Thank you all for being patient and also so support for this story as well as letting me know that you guys are in fact enjoying it and eagerly waiting for more.

Now go ahead and enjoy the next chapter of the story!

~wolvesfinalden

Fairy Tail: By Your Side

Chapter 20:Visions From The Past

Darkness. That was the first thing the white wolf remembered as he began to stur. As his eyes slowly opened he was greeted by darkness slowly fading to light. He began to stand as the scene before him started to look very familiar. It was strange because he couldn't remember this place nor could he imagine something that would remind him of it.

Duke began to take in everything he was seeing. It was a grassy field, a meadow. He began to slowly walk through it as something else came into his sights. It was a woman, sitting in the middle of the meadow. She had long blonde hair and resembled, no, looked exactly like his master. He began to run towards her until he forced himself to stop when another thing came into sight.

There walking behind her was another wolf with a brilliant white coat. He was more muscular than Duke was but still had the same features as himself. He walked closer to get a better look at them. From there he saw that the other wolf was scarred. He had a thin scar trailing down the right side of his face, going over his eye and a few inches down. He also had a slice of his left ear missing. Other scars could be found but none as noticeable as those that he first saw.

Something that most humans but not all did not understand nor know was that an animal or in his case wolf, with marks such as his was to be held with high respect. Showing that he has fought many battles thorough out his years and came out the winner. Duke felt the pride when he saw him and felt the outmost respect for this creature.

He watched the scene for a moment before questioning again. Why was he here? Where was he? More importantly was Lucy safe? Watching the scene more it quickly flashed again this time only showing the other white wolf. He was walking with a man and the wolf lost his scars he had acquired.

"Alright boy just this last job and we can go back home." The man told him.

Duke watched as the older wolf snorted at him. He knew what that meant, this wolf was irritated and angry, why he had no clue. Though he didn't have to ask why as he began to hear thoughts that weren't his own.

'May the king have mercy on my own soul. For I will not stand any longer to be used as such a horrid tool for unnecessary bloodshed and death.'

Duke shook in surprise at the thoughts. He knew they belonged to the wolf. Though he didn't understand what he was talking about nor what they meant. He only knew that this man, that walked beside him was no ally or friend.

The scene flashed again as it showed the man about to shout a command at the canine.

"Dispose of her!" he shouted.

The wolf paused at his command. Duke watched the conflict as if it were his own. Again the vision flashed and he found himself in the place of the other wolf. He looked up and saw to his horror he was staring at what looked like a young lady. She had long blonde hair, not as bright as his Lucy but much lighter almost reflecting to be white. She wore a pink dress and wore no shoes. She also whore a headband in her hair that had two triangles on the side almost resembling his own ears. Her eyes widened when the man shouted the command again.

She pleaded with the wolf in front of her with her own eyes, not to attack. That moment Duke either lost control of his body, or he never had it in the first place. He was not sure anymore of this or anything. All he did was watch as his body turned and jumped to attack the man behind him. He heard the man scream in pain as he felt his jaws connect to his neck.

When the man landed on the ground that's when Duke saw the celestial keys fall out of his hands. Then one in particular drew his attention. It wasn't gold nor silver like the keys his master owned. No this key was a different color, almost resembling a black like color but knew the name when the light hit it again. Onyx. It had a strange symbol inside but around it was a moon and the shape of a wolf.

His eyes widened in shock as the key laid there. The scene still played out he heard the man shout at him.

"You stupid, useless, pathetic excuse of a spirit! I gave you an order and you attack me! Your master!" He yelled in pure anger, though he was struggling on the words as the wound was dangerously close to his windpipe.

Duke then heard the familiar voice again.

"You have done enough ordering me around. Now it's time for you to pay for your crimes! May the Spirit King have mercy on me when I'm finished with you!" The voice yelled.

He knew it came out of his mouth but it was not him who spoke but the wolf that stood in his place. Duke then flashed back to his own spot and watched as the wolf attacked the celestial mage. He knew he should have felt remorse for the man or something as he was not one for such violence. However being in that place and hearing the thoughts of the other, made him rethink the position he was in.

Duke turned to look at the lady that stood before him moments ago. She watched as horror reflected in her eyes for a brief moment but then disappeared with a sense of understand and justice. She slowly walked to the wolf and put a hand on his back. The wolf turned to see her and knelt beneath her as if apologizing for the sight she had witnessed.

"A creature such as you should not have been through such torment and mistreatment. I can take you somewhere you can be free from such things." She told him gently.

The wolf looked at her and Duke heard him sigh.

"I cannot for you see, I am a spirit that resides in the spirit world. A tool for those that possess the magic ability to summon me and make a contract with me to do such deeds they ask of me. Today I betrayed my mage and foresee the consequences of my actions as it is forbidden to turn on such mages." He spoke.

"I see. If for some reason you change your mind come and find me." The girl told him.

She began to walk away until she suddenly collapsed. The wolf ran to her as did Duke when he saw it happen.

"Are you alright?" The wolf called to her.

"I am. I misjudged the severity of my wounds from my own battle that's all." She spoke weakly.

"Come I'll take you to your home." The wolf spok as he helped her on his back as he sprinted off in the distance.

Duke watched as he began questioning more of the scenes unfolding. What was this trying to tell him? Was he seeing the future? Or maybe he was seeing the past.

Natsu and Happy made distance from the strange mage and the others. Hoping to find some kind of sign of Lucy or Duke. He couldn't pick up their scent yet as the smell of death and decay still haunted the area.

"Happy fly ahead and see if you can find them. I'll follow you from the ground." Natsu told his friend.

Happy nodded and flew up ahead searching for any sign of the two. Happy wasn't having any luck but saw something black on a cliff ahead. He couldn't make out what it was but it ran away as quickly as he saw it. Though as he looked further something else caught his eye. He flew up ahead further hoping Natsu was keeping up with him.

He managed to see that it was two things that appeared to be falling. Happy picked up his spead and saw a gold flash appear below the objects. Then he saw pink fluff and knew exactly what they were.

"Natsu! I think I found them! They fell off a cliff but that weird ram lady softened their fall!" Happy called out.

Natsu's eyes widened as he picked up speed as did Happy. The scent was slowly going away to be replaced by something else. As they got closer Natsu picked up what the scent was. It indeed was Lucy and Duke's scent but mixed in with them was blood. He quickened his pace and the two found themselves in front of a crying Lucy and a bleeding Duke.

Natsu rushed to their side and inspected the wolf further. He was in bad shap. Blood was still pouring from his wounds and he knelt down further to hear his heart beat. Which he found but was dangerously soft. He quickly picked the canine up in his arms and had Happy take Lucy.

"We'll be quicker this way." Natsu told her.

"Where are we going?" she manged to get out.

"The camp. Mira and Gramps will know what to do and have the supplies. They can contact Wendy as well to get Duke more help."

She nodded and they rushed as fast as they could to get to the camp. Lucy looked down at her companion. He looked like he was at ease now but something bothered her. It was as if she could hear another voice in the air. It was faint but she could hear it. It sounded familiar to her and calming as it spoke. She began to feel exhausted and her eyes started to close. Before she let sleep take her she heard the voice loud and clear.

'Rest now my child. Duke is in capable hands and will be returned to you in due time.'

Duke now found himself in what he saw an older version of Fairy Tail. It looked as if it was just recently built by hand with few people there. Looking around there was no one he really recognized in the guild. As he was inspecting further he saw the group begin to rush towards the door.

There he saw the white wolf with the woman on his back. They ran to him and took the girl from his back, all while thanking the wolf for bringing her here. As they took her the wolf began to leave until a tall man told him to stay. The wolf was about to decline until they began insisting to him that they wanted him to and wanted to repay him for his act of kindness.

The wolf hesitantly agreed and was greeted with hugs from the members. They began explaining to him about the guild and what it stood for.

"You see Master Mavis built this with all of us to have a place where wizards can look for work and find a safe place to call home. A place that can be filled with adventures and more!" They told him.

"I see it sounds lovely. What is this place called?" the wolf asked.

"Why it is called Fairy Tail!"

"Fairy Tale? Like the stories you tell to young cubs at night?" the wolf asked.

"No, no Fairy TAIL."

"Alright, I'll bite and why exactly is this place called that?"

It was then that the woman stepped out holding bandages being scolded by other members to rest. She simply shook her head and smiled at the wolf. He turned to her and smiled a bit when he saw her up and moving again.

"Have you ever wondered do fairy's even have tails?"

He looked even more confused than what he already was and began to stare at her for further answers.

"You see it's that that became the name of this guild. Do fairy's have tails? Does anyone ever know or will ever know? It's an endless mystery a continuous TAIL! A story and a guild that will never end! Fairy Tail!" she exclaimed.

"Interesting. It does indeed have mystery to it and holds true. I like this place already my dear. This place suits you well." The wolf told her.

She smiled and giggled at him.

"I would hope so since I created it!" she exclaimed.

The wolf looked at her shocked and then smiled.

"I should have known. Job well done my dear lady. Now that I see you are better and returned to you home and family, I should be on my way." He said turning away.

"Wait!" she shouted.

He turned to face her again.

"I would love for you to be an honorary member of Fairy Tail! After all you've done it's the least we could do for you!"

"My dear you know I can't stay."

"That's not what I'm asking. I will make you a member an honorary member. You may leave as you wish but just know that if you are ever wondering on your own and need a place to call your own. You will always be welcome to Fairy Tail!" she said to him.

The wolf again smiled and accepted her offer as she stamped a Fairy Tail insignia on his chest that reflected the blue in his eyes. He looked down at the insignia and was about to say something when she smiled at him.

"Fear not it will only show when you are here with us in the guild or if you choose for it to show on your own. The wonders of magic! My names Mavis by the way!"

"Fang, nice to meet you Mavis." He said smiling.

Duke stood in shock but as soon as it was said it changed again and darkness was all Duke was able to see.

Natsu, Lucy, and Happy made it back to camp in record time. Duke was still asleep in Natsu's arms and Lucy was starting to stir in Happy's grip. She saw they made it back and looked over to Natsu and Duke, who still appeared to be sleeping but didn't seem any worse than what he had been.

Mira was the first to see them as she rushed yelling for the master to come. She told Natsu to place Duke down on the blanket she had out for him. She ran back for the first aid kit they kept in case of emergencies. The master then showed up and had Lisanna, who was standing nearby, contact Wendy immediately. She ran ahead and was contacting the young dragon-slayer.

Mira then came back with the kit and began treating the major injuries he had that were still bleeding a bit but stopped for the most part on their journey back. The master looked to Natsu who at the moment was covered in the wolf's blood.

"Natsu go over to that tent there and wash yourself off and get other clothes." He instructed.

He was about to argue when he realized he was covered in blood and looked to Lucy. He sighed and went ahead doing what the master had asked of him.

Lucy on the other hand watched as her loyal companion was being treated. She felt useless and helpless to do anything for him. She looked to Mira who gave her some of the guaze they had and told her to wrap up the worst cuts he had to help her. Lucy nodded her head happy to help or her companion as they bandaged the worst cuts the canine acquired. Lucy looked up to see Natsu coming out in other clothes and turned to see that Wendy had finally arrived and began to use her magic as soon as she got to the wolf.

Lucy was relieved when it seemed to be working and Duke's injuries were slowly healing with the help of Wendy. She placed her hand against his chest and started to feel his heartbeat going back to a normal pace and becoming stronger the more Wendy used her magic. She sighed as she knew Duke would be just fine.

Once Duke was under control and under the care of Wendy Makarov looked to Lucy and began to ask questions.

"I know with what has happened it will be hard to speak about but could you explain what happened with you two? I know Duke shot the warning fire and howled at oncoming danger."

Lucy then explained about the appearance of the black wolf when they first got here on the island but did not want to strike any worry when they were unsure about the event themselves. Then she told them about their last encounter with the wolf. How it knew who they were and became angry when Duke figured out what it was trying to do.

"When he howled and fired the warning shot, the black wolf found us. It tried to attack me and I used my whip, while Duke attacked if he got close. He became too much and had really long and razor sharp claws. He went to take me out but Duke got in the way. That's how he got so bad. At the last moment when he was about to attack again, I gathered him up and jumped off the cliff hoping he wouldn't follow. He said this wouldn't be the last we'd see of him. Once I knew he wasn't following I summoned Aries and that was that."

"I see." Makarov took in the story.

"That's not all." Natsu chimed in.

They all turned to him as Natsu told them about the strange wizard he had encountered. The smell of death and decay and the strange things he said.

"When the shot was fired. He said that he had a companion here. That he was searching for a creature like him and a girl he traveled with. The second he said that I knew he was talking about Lucy and Duke. So Happy and I took off to find them." Natsu explained.

"If those two are together then they shouldn't be a problem with all of us together." Makarov said.

Lucy stared at him he wasn't saying everything he was thinking. There was more to this than he was letting on but out of respect she didn't call him out or anything. After all there might be a reason he wasn't saying anything to them yet.

"No there's more." A voice spoke.

Everyone turned surprise to see that it had been Duke. Now awake and sitting up much to Wendy's objections.

"While on that cliff I saw a boat heading this way. There's more here, I don't know what they're after or what they want but that doesn't help the fact that we might be out numbered. That man and the wolf, I doubt are even with them." Duke explained.

Makarov stared at them. Indeed he just might be right.

"Alright we all have to regroup. We can't let them pick us off one by one. Mira I want you to contact all those you can and get them to meet up here. Everyone here will have to stay put for now until we have about everyone here." Makarov told them.

Natsu didn't like the idea and was about to object when he was stopped by Lucy.

"He's right we can't just go out and get split up again. We need a plan and all of us being separated will just make it easier for them to pick us off one by one." Lucy told him.

"Fine if you say so."

Lucy smiled and turned back to Duke. Who was more than happy to see her and that she was fine. Natsu then joined them and Duke quickly thanked him for bringing him here and for finding them.

"You know I'd do it anyway buddy. Now just rest and we'll keep an eye on ya." Natsu told him.

Duke nodded his head and leaned closer to Lucy. He'd tell her later what he had seen and experienced. Right now he was still trying to comprehend what he had witnessed and why. That black wolf knew something about their parents and he couldn't understand what. The visions he had might have been a clue. He was unsure.

He needed rest. He slowly closed his eyes. He'd worry about that later, they'll need him to fight against the intruders. His father's story will have to wait.

Well there you have it guys for this chapter. Like I said before I'm going to work more so on the next chapter tomorrow that way you guys won't be waiting long for upcoming chapters. I'm also working on cosplay projects and CMVs in the meantime so please be patient and I promise the next chapter will be on it's way soon! Thanks so much for showing support and like always if you haven't yet go ahead and follow or fav this story to keep up to date when I post new chapters. It helps knowing that you guys are still into the story and gives me a drive to keep on going with this story which I have taken a lot of pride in. Until next chapter guys so please stay tuned!

~wolvesfinalden