Chapter 51
Matchmaking to Mirajane was more then a hobby. She considered it a non-paid second job. But the job she went on to help Rory and her brother out, and her own personal love life had delayed her a bit. She glanced at Freed across the room as she was drying a plate. Not that she was complaining.
But in a matter of days her new plan would be set into motion. She had planned out a mage festival of sorts. Similar to the Fantasia festival but unlike the Fantasia festival this one would not be limited to just Fairy Tail however.
Once Mirajane was done with the dishes she put them all away and looked down at her notebook. The first activity was honestly the most challenging. Unfortunately each activity after branched off from the first. If the first one didn't happen as planned the rest of the festival kind of fell apart.
'Oh,' she looked up at Freed as a clever idea began to formulate in her mind. When he smiled back at her she signaled him over.
"What can I help you with, Mira?" The question was simple enough. But the heated look in his eyes made Mira quiver for a moment.
"I was hoping you could help me with the first activity I have planned." She began to explain the activity in general.
Freed had mixed feelings about it. "And are you going to be taking place in this activity?"
"Well, technically I am single, and the first event does start with all the single females."
"I am not sure I like this..."
"You have nothing to worry about. I promise. I won't have trouble figuring out who's who. Plus, you can give me some kind of subtle hint also."
Freed sighed. What was the use in trying to put up a fight? Once, Mirajane got an idea like this it was just easier to see it through. He may dislike the idea. But her heart for caring enough to 'help' other mages find happiness.
"Fine, just tell me what I have to do."
Mira clapped her hands excitedly and threw herself at Freed. It surprised him. They weren't openly announcing their feelings for each other. Sure people here and there knew. But this was the first embrace they shared in public after they had began dating. It might still look like one out of happiness and friendship. But just the possibility that other males might realize she was his made Freed's heart swell with happiness.
OoO
Outside of Magnolia stood a willowy young girl. She had hair the color of blackberries, not quite indigo but not quite dark purple somewhere in between. Her molten silver eyes scanned the street, and she hesitated before entering the town. 'Is this where my journey truly begins?' She asked herself.
A pink exceed stepped up from behind her. "I think you need to actually go into the city to actually get to Fairy Tail."
The girl glared at her companion. "Linnea, you are always so pushy!"
"Yes but it compliments your timidness, Mikayla."
The girl sighed. She had to admit the journey that brought her here exhausted her. But she didn't like to jump into things feet first. It took her months to decide to come to Magnolia. It took her years to debate with herself on what guild was right for her. But now she was outside of Magnolia and still torn. Was Fairy Tail really the right choice?
"You're still second guessing yourself aren't you?" The exceed rolled her eyes at her companion.
"I shouldn't make these decisions lightly."
'She has debating with herself for years on what guild she wants to join and she thinks she is still making this decision lightly?' Linnea rolled her eyes behind Mikayla's back and impatiently waited for the girl to do something.
The two stood there for another five minutes when they heard a cluster of people come up behind them. Mikayla looked at Linnea in a panic. The exceed dragged her off the road and into a bush.
"Who cares what this festival is about? We have been over this time and again. If Fairy Tail wants to suddenly throw a festival then let's just enjoy it. I mean come on: free food, liquor, and merriment? That's all that matters to me." Even though they were now entering the city of Magnolia. Sting was still trying to get his guild members on board with the idea of attending the festival.
"I still believe that you just want to challenge Natsu to a fight again." Rogue stated. His voice wasn't as boisterous as Sting's and didn't carry the same distance. But Mikayla heard it just the same.
Sting shrugged. "I won't deny it. There wouldn't be much point. If Natsu wants to fight then so be it."
Yukino sighed. "I still don't think he is going to fight you. I mean I bet Lucy will discourage any fighting."
"Just because he's mated and married doesn't mean he has become some kind of pansy ass! Blondie isn't that scary!"
Rogue looked at Yukino then back at Sting. "Er, Sting?"
"Yeah?"
"I think you are forgetting that she is also pregnant. Her hormones are probably going to be haywire which will make her even more scary then normal."
Yukino turned around and glared at Rogue. "What would you know about a girl's pregnancy hormones?"
Rogue glanced up at Yukino in surprise. It wasn't like her to speak up when agitated. "I...I.." He couldn't formulate a coherent rebuttal to Yukino's rage filled question.
Yukino sighed and let her anger go. "Sorry, I guess I'm just testy. I don't see her often but she is my friend. I just felt I had to defend her. Perhaps, I took it too far."
"I think we should just get into Fairy Tail already and find out what this festival is all about. If anything, it should make a 'memorable' occasion." Rufus encourage the group forward.
As the group continued on, Mikayla and Linnea hopped out of their hiding place. "A festival? Perhaps, this isn't the time to introduce myself and look into joining quite yet." She said nervously. She turned around to begin walking the other way.
Linnea grabbed at the girl's hooded vest and pulled her along. "I swear all that power, but when it comes to social situations you are a scaredy cat!"
The irony of the statement was not lost on Mikayla. "I've told you so many times. When I use my magic, I'm not really me anymore."
Linnea would never understand how the girl's magic worked. Every time the girl tried to explain to her she would just tune it out. But now it made her remember how they had first met.
The two had crossed paths just after the fall of Edolas. Linnea wasn't overly upset to have been transplanted from her home. But she wasn't content with staying in one place. She wanted to wander and see this new mysterious world that had similarities to her own. So she left the little village the other exceeds now populated on a journey of discovery and adventure.
It was in the forest just south of Clover Town that she came across a young girl. The girl was no more then 11 at the time. She was alone and frightened.
"If you are so frightened. Then, why did you come into this forest on your own?"
"I needed to gather more shapes."
"More shapes?"
"Yes, I needed to gather some of the forest animal's shapes."
Yeah Linnea thought the little girl was crazy. But she couldn't leave the little girl alone in the woods by herself. Especially when she was frightened so.
Thus began their friendship and started their journey together. Over time, Linnea learned that Mikayla was clever and came up with great ideas. But she was nervous and scared of the world around her. Linnea realized that all the girl needed was a push in the right direction. So Linnea appointed herself as Mikayla's courage.
Back to present; Linnea was pulling Mikayla back toward the small town of Magnolia. "I think the festival is a great idea actually. You can mingle and learn more about Fairy Tail before making a decision."
Mikayla sighed. "Fine then!"
The two entered the guild hall to rambunctious noise and laughter. It looked like all the guilds were here.
Mirajane called attention to herself on a wooden stage at the back of the room. She nodded to Freed. A sense of magical aura filled the room. "Welcome everyone! I'm sure that magical aura just tickled your insides. So let me explain. If you look around the room you will see a symbol over some of the girl's heads." She pointed to herself. "Much like my own. Every girl with this symbol needs to please join me on stage."
Linnea looked at Mikayla. "Um, Mikayla?"
"Hmm?"
"I guess you aren't going to be mingling in the crowd after all?"
"Why's that?"
"Because you are going to be joining Mira on stage."
"No no no no no." Mikayla shook her head and proceeded to the large heavy doors. The doors that would lead her to salvation. Once she got there a barrier stopped her from her retreat.
"Oh? Did I forget to mention? Once you are marked with the symbol you can't leave until this first activity is completed."
Mikayla looked at Linnea in a panic. Linnea sighed and grabbed Mikayla by her hood again. "I swear. You need to someday grow your own courage!"
So, yeah very different chapter. I'm aware. I hope you all enjoyed it though. Before you all ask me, no Mikayla is not a dragon slayer herself.
I plan on next chapter being a lot of fun. Mirajane shenanigans coming into play!
Thank you all those that reviewed: kura, sabrina-luna-potter, AmericanOtakuMom, Erzatscarlett, RansomeNote, and Ayrmed.
