A couple days early since literally everything in Wisconsin has been canceled. No work. No school. Absolutely no leaving the house. For those of you no in the US or who just don't know, I live in Wisconsin and right now it's -53 degrees outside, supposed to get to -65 tomorrow. Guys are bars are even closed. We don't close our bars. EVER! Anyways. It's supper cold. We're doing everything we can to keep our power on, while trying to keep up with school work. My Fiance and I have been stuck together for the past 24 hours and will be for the next 24 hours. Someone save me! LOL. Nah he's great company, Kingdom Hearts 3 got delivered today. I won't hear a word from him for at least two weeks! Hope no matter where you are in the world you're staying warm! Love you all!
Taylor
It was later that night that Laxus was leading Lucy to a surprise. She was trying to trust him, but he wasn't very good at leading her blindly. His hands were over his eyes, and she wanted to just tare them off her face. She hated having to blindly trust people. She hated surprises too. They put her on edge. She always felt like people were just going to pop out at her, and she hated being scared.
"Relax babe, nothing bad is going to happen. I'm just taking you somewhere that means a lot to me." He spoke softly. She was trying to calm down, but it wasn't working.
"How many times have you been here?" She asked trying to keep her voice even.
"I lived here, while I was away from the guild. And I'm taking you to my favorite spot. You've got your swimsuit on, right?"
"Yeah." He led her down a small hill, and finally uncovered her eyes. She looked out at the sea, and her mind stopped racing. She was calm. The sea had that effect on her. It always had. She looked over to her left and saw a small cave, she was sure that's why Laxus brought her here. Once her eyes left the cave, she saw a table set up on the beach. The sun was setting on the shore, and that table had the best seat on the beach. On the table was a vase of Roses, and a bottle of wine.
"I had no clue, if you'd rather sit at a table or on a blanket, so I did both." He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "It seems kinda dumb now." She turned into him. She placed her hands on his cheeks. Her eyes watered slightly. This was the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for her in the romance department. It was perfect.
"It's gorgeous. No one's ever put this much effort into a date for me. You're proving to be a great husband Laxus." The way she said his name, along with husband, made his heart race. He was really her husband. He was really the one she'd spend forever with. Her last name was legally change. There were no more Heartfillia's in the world. He took her as his. It brought him immense joy, but a shit ton of fear. Could he really keep her safe? Forever?
She knew he was overthinking everything. She pushed up into him to kiss him. And without even realizing it, he responded. His mind was still racing, but he was also kinda kissing his wife. She growled at him, which drew him from his thoughts.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"You aren't kissing me genuinely." She said rolling her eyes.
"Sorry. Caught up with the fact you called me your husband." He said looking away from her. She tilted her head to the side.
"Laxus, you are my husband."
"I know, but you had never said it like that before. I just," he paused, "I don't know it just got to me."
"In a good way I hope?" He chuckled.
"Always." He led her down to the beach. She had opted for the blanket overlooking the sea. The sand was soft, and felt better than the chair would. They talked a few moments before Lucy asked him a question that had bothered her since he told her why he had nightmares.
"Hey babe?" She asked.
"Yeah."
"Can I ask you something rather personal? It's about the other night." She watched him cringe. "It's okay. Never mind."
"No babe, go for it."
"I-I um, I want to know why you thought I'd think you were a monster." He watched her closely. His heart sank. He had a feeling that this would all come back again, but he also knew that he didn't mind talking about it with her. She was the only one he didn't mind talking to about it.
"I killed a child Lucy. That warrants monster status."
"To save a family. Laxus, babe, that makes you a hero to all of us. Well, me. I know I'm the only one who knows, but thank you for telling me. Your wife." He palmed her face, and kissed her softly.
"God, I need you. I need you so much." He picked up his pace, and her body ignited.
"I need some wine dragon. You took me how many times already? Let's drink, and then we'll get down and dirty some more." She said against his lips, letting out a small chuckled.
"I don't know. This could be a romantic place for me to take you."
"Yeah, till we get sand in places sand doesn't belong." She giggled. He pulled away from her.
"We're on a blanket." She rolled her eyes.
"Stop being a perv." He looked at her in all seriousness.
"You would've never been attracted to me, had I not been a major perv."
"No, I like bad boys." She smirked flirty.
"I'm the baddest slayer there is, aren't I?"
"Yeah, and that tool aint too bad either." She flirted.
"We need to stop this, so that we can enjoy our night, or I will fuck you out here." He growled. He stood up, and grabbed her hand.
"Where are we going?"
"To my favorite place on Earthland. Minus your arms of course." He winked. "Take your clothes off." He said shedding his shirt. She followed suit. She took off her summer dress, and a chill went through her. It was almost like someone was watching them. She quickly shook it off, and followed her husband to the cave. The water was warmer in the cave. It was on top of a hidden hot spring. Laxus had stumbled on it on accident when he was living here. It was his favorite place to go alone, but he loved it more with his wife next to him.
"This is so nice." Lucy moaned, dipping deeper into the water.
"I know. It makes my body feel great. After and hour in here, all your aches will be gone." He said, sliding next to her.
"I already feel it working." She sighed contently. "This is heavenly. When I get pregnant, I'm having the baby here." He chuckled looking at her lovingly.
"You've got baby fever too, huh?"
"You have it as well?" She asked shocked. She never imagined he'd have baby fever, especially after how he acted when he was told they had to have three. He put his arm around her shoulders and leaned back.
"I have it so bad that today I wanted to replace your birth control pills, with fakes. Then play it all up as an accident." He closed his eyes. "Fucking Levy." He groaned. "Seeing her all excited and pregnant, just makes me want to see you pregnant. And if Gajeel can be a damn good father, like he already is, there's no way I can't." He paused. "But the worst of it is, I know we can't. I know that'd put you in so much more danger. And Loke keeps saying there's a bigger problem than Ivan. There's something more sinister. And having a baby in this mess would put you and it in danger. So, I just have to keep telling myself that we need to wait. But I really, really, really don't want too." Her eyes watered. He really wanted to have a full life with her.
"I want to be pregnant. I want to feel everything Levy is feeling. The kicks, the fatigue, the happiness. I want that more than anything, but you're right. There's no way we can have a baby right now. And I need to keep my birth control. locked up." She giggled. "The moment this is all over, the second we win this huge war, we are having a baby. Even if we have to make that baby on the battlefield." He wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, it all just gets to me. My whole life all I've ever wanted to be was a mom, but then I thought I'd never find someone to have kids with. Natsu said he'd pose as a married couple with me so I could adopt, but I didn't want a child per say. I wanted the life that comes with having a baby. A husband, children, white picket fences, a dog, everything you dream of as a little girl. And even though I don't have a picket fence or a dog, I have a husband and a pond." She giggled through her tears. "I never thought you'd ever want to marry, let alone me. When we started this whole mess, I knew you didn't want a wife. I knew that and it was okay. I knew we'd still have kids and stuff, I just wouldn't be a wife. I really wanted to be Misses Dreyar though. It's been a dream." He chuckled.
"This may sound totally crazy, but I've always wanted to marry. It was having kids that scared me. Having a wife was the end goal. My ultimate happiness. I've always wanted that. I've always wanted the love my parents had. Now I do. I have you. Now I want kids. Now I want a dog, and picket fence. I want everything you want. I want a special life with you. I don't want to waste mine anymore. I want a forever with you and three kids, hell, maybe more. Whatever makes you happy makes me happy." They both felt a chill go up their spines.
"Lax- "
"Shh." He quieted her to focus his senses. He could feel the presence of another person, but something was off as well. Like it wasn't physically here. Like it was just a shadow. That put him on edge more knowing his father's Shikigami Magic. He knew that the thought projections gave off a different feeling than this. He needed to just keep his mate calm. He'd talk to the other slayer's later. "We're fine babe. Just a weird sensation." My boy, tread carefully. Keep her calm. There's no need to frighten her right now, I promise. I'm trusting you old man. I promise, it's nothing. Okay.
"So, you're a writer, right?" He asked quickly changing the topic. Her eyes lit up the way he loved, and she spent the next hour telling him everything about her passion for writing. That made Laxus' night. Watching her talk animatedly about her passions made him melt. They drank their wine before heading back to their cabin. Once inside, Laxus pulled out his phone. He shot all the slayer's a text saying they should all go to a bar tonight. To his surprise everyone responded vastly, and were all for it. That's when he knew they felt it too. Laxus knew of a great bar here in town, and they had good food as well.
A couple hours later the group all met up at the bar. They all took a seat, causing Lucy to speak. Laxus hadn't told her why they were here, but she knew why. "You all felt it too?" The group looked at her, and the slayers hung their heads low. "So that means,"
"Welcome to Midnight Rift!" A cheerful voice said. The group turned to see a woman greeting them. She had bright pink hair that went to her hips, that was in a ponytail. She was rather busty, but was covered up with a modest dress, and a black and white apron. She was about as tall as Lucy, and looked to be friendly. "Can I get you guys something to drink?" The group ordered their drinks, as Levy opted for just water. "My names Ava by the way. Call if you need anything!" She said happily.
"Thank you." Lucy said then turned her attention back to her group. "So, you all felt the feeling. What could that mean? Slayer's? You guys have any insight? You guys have heightened senses."
"The only way to explain it, Tink, was it didn't feel evil." Lucy breathed a sigh of relief too early, Cobra continued. "It felt so much worse. It felt like," he couldn't even describe it.
"Sinister." Natsu said as their drinks were set down in front of them, and they ordered some food, before continuing. "It felt likeā¦dude I was terrified, and I don't usually feel that way. I usually feel like I can take down anyone, or anything, but this? This I cannot beat. I could feel that just from its faint presence." Lucy closed her eyes and bit her lip.
"I think," she paused. "I think this is what my dragon warned me about. This whole bigger war, I fear is almost here. I feel like we're about at that point. It's about to get messy, and Levy you're not able to control your magic as much anymore. This is the worst possible time."
"I may not be able to fight, but I am still the smartest here." She giggled, causing Lucy to roll her eyes. "You know I'm kidding. I just mean that while you guys are out, I'm still useful. I can still be a huge asset, even if I'm sitting at the guild with Master, Mira, Thunder Legion, Team Shadow Gear, and everyone else with me. They'll keep me safe." She turned to her mate. "I know it scars you to be away from me right now. I know the thought of something happening to me petrifies you. But you need to be out there with these people." She cupped his face. "You need to fight for our future as a family, and you can't do that sitting in a guild hall with me. You know those people will keep me as safe as you would. You know they are all strong enough to protect me. Just trust me okay?" Gajeel nuzzled her hand.
"I know I need to be with them, it doesn't make it any easier. It makes it harder to leave you with people other than our group. It makes me fear the worst, but I know they've got us. I know that, so don't worry about me. I just hate the idea of leaving my gorgeous mate alone with a bunch of pervs." The group laughed, Levy kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear,
"They may all think I'm hot, but baby you're the only one I want." They all paused a moment, as Ava came back with their food.
"So where are you guys from?" She asked more cheerfully than before. Damn she's worse than Natsu, and Lucy in the morning.
"Magnolia." Lucy said softly. This woman put her on edge. She didn't know why. The group all watched her closely. They didn't have the same feeling she did, but they knew from the look on her face that she was uncomfortable. "Just here on our vacation." She said picking up her normal cheery voice. The slayers knew better than to believe this act. You need to keep calm Lucy. "It's a nice bar you've got here."
"Oh yeah. My family and I started it about fifteen years ago." Ava gushed putting her head in her hands. Her elbows were on the bars, and she had little hearts in her eyes. She's freaking me out dude. Lucy said to the dragon. I mean it Lucy! Keep your damn composure! You know something we don't! Jesus! This is it isn't it! This is what we're fighting! How? Just keep fucking calm! The dragon yelled at her. "Any-who I've got dishes to do! See you guys later, don't hesitate to call us over!" She said friendly, while walking away.
"Lu?" Levy asked grabbing her friend's arm softly.
"I need some air. Alone." She said walking away from the group. They looked at Laxus who just shrugged, before talking to Perun. What the fuck man?! She's just being moody. No. I know my mate. Don't do this shit old man! What the Hell are you guys not telling us?! Specifically me! Just chill. She'll be back in a minute. She just needed a moment alone. I keep telling you, all will be revealed in time. Loke's with her now.
Loke looked at Lucy, who was slid against the wall. He held so much guilt in his eyes that he was sure she could see it. She was always good at that.
"Tell me." She said ever-so-softly. "Please. I'm going crazy Loke. Tell me. Tell me why I feel so put off by a woman who seems nicer than most in our guild. Tell me why I'm still a mess. Tell me, damnit!" She yelled. "Tell me now! I'm done. Fuck your guys' clock! It's time to tell me! It's time for all of you to be adults! You aren't keeping us safe by having damn secrets!" She was seething, and Loke knew he should tell her. He just couldn't. He was sworn not to yet. He had pleaded and begged the dragons to let him, but they shot that down. Hell, he couldn't even understand why they weren't telling them.
"I-I,"
"If you say you fucking can't, I'll beat your ass!" Loke dropped to his knees. It was all too much now. He was breaking, and she had no clue the danger they were all in. His eyes swelled with tears.
"Kick my ass. Please! Do it!" He yelled at her. She shook her head.
"Loke, what's wrong?" She said softly.
"I've been sworn to not tell you by my superiors. I don't think it's fair that we are keeping this from you guys, but it isn't up to me. It isn't my call! God, I wish I could tell you everything, but if I did, I'd be in trouble and I need to keep you guys safe. I'm your number one asset. I've got you guys, but you need to trust us. You need to trust the process we're going through. I never want to see you guys hurt. You know that. You saved my ass, and now I'm going to save yours. Then we're even. And I want to be the God-Father to one of those brats! You have no idea how much this is all killing me. Not being able to tell you. Looking at you look at Levy the way you do. Looking at fucking Laxus, with his baby-fever eyes. It all kills me, because you guys should be able to start your lives together. And you can't because of this fucked up mess. It hurts Lucy, you have to believe me." Loke was in an all out bawling state. She slid closer to him, to hug him. She wrapped her arms around him, and she cried with him. The pain he was feeling was too much for her even in her angered state.
"Fuck this mess." She sob-chuckled. She pulled away from him to wipe her eyes.
"No one on this Earthland deserves you Lucy. No one." She chuckled standing up.
"Bullshit." She said helping him up. "You all deserve me. You all fought for me, now I'll fight for you guys." She paused. "Because we're family and that's what family does."
In a basement three people sat around a table. There were four people in this group, and they were the worst of the worst. They were unknown, and immensely powerful. The three hooded mages heard the frantic footsteps of their leader come down the stairs.
"So, it has started." The voice said.
