Chapter 13:

Abi looked up at the sign of Bar Sun and let out a low exhale through her teeth. Inside, Fairy Tail thunderously partied. The sound of cups hitting tabletops, glass shattering, shouts, and howls of laughter filled the entire block. People on the streets looked at the bar with a mixture of curiosity and annoyance. How hard can they go? Abi wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer. She shifted her weight nervously and felt her palms prick with sweat.

I never should have bartered with Makarov; now it seems like I have to do what he says, she thought sullenly to herself. The thief might as well have joined the guild at this rate, then at least she could make an honest living. Abi let out a bark of laughter at the thought and shook her head. Honest work— what a joke.

"So what am I doing here?" She mused aloud to herself. Why in the world was she working with a guild— a guild where two people knew what she was— and doing it all pro-bono? Sure, the tickets could be considered payment, but still. Guards, dark guilds, and a particular dragon slayer posed as major hazards to her health and well-being. Why was she even here in Crocus? The thief studied the wooden Bar Sun sign as she contemplated leaving everything behind, and just walking away from it all.

You know you can't, Abi told herself. The magic energy has gotten stronger each year, and it's connected to the Morphos Lacrimas. And unfortunately, if it was connected to the Morphos Lacrimas, it was connected to Abi.

Suddenly, the bar door swung open. A tall, muscular, imposing woman stood in the entryway. The woman radiated confidence in a black turtleneck and a short navy blue skirt. Her legs went on for miles and tapered into a perfect hourglass figure. The woman's scarlet hair was pulled up into a ponytail and her dark brown eyes widened in surprise, as she didn't expect someone to be standing right outside the door.

"Oh, can I help you?" Erza Scarlet asked evenly.

Abi needed to pick her jaw up off the floor. Titania was standing in front of her. The thief's heart hammered in her chest and she rubbed her palms together nervously, trying to form a coherent sentence. All thoughts evaporated from her brain. A wave of nausea swept over the blonde woman as she realized she was standing five feet away from the most powerful female wizard in all of Fiore. Erza was the one wizard Abi ever really idolized when she was young. Somewhere in the rubble of the Blue Phoenix guildhall lay a trunk full of Socercer's Weekly featuring Erza Scarlet. Abi avidly followed her adventures and cover photos- the wizard's strength and prowess never ceased to excite her as a child. Hearing about her "death" seven years ago made Abi cry. Yet here Titania stood, proud and tall, cocking her head to the side as she looked at Abi appraisingly. It was like she came straight out of the Sorcerer Weekly's page.

"Miss, are you alright?" Erza asked, stepping toward the thief cautiously. Abi blinked.

Then she snapped out of it. "Oh, um, yeah- I mean yes! Everything's fine, no need to worry about me, Miss Titania- I mean Erza- I mean Miss Scarlet." Real fuckin' smooth, Abi thought to herself, flushing furiously. Erza smiled softly, closing the door to the pub.

"Erza is just fine. Are you a fan? Did you come here to see me?" Her demeanor was so gentle, which was not what Abi was expecting.

"Uh, no." Erza raised a brow at that. Abi wanted to bite off her own tongue, "Wait- sorry that came out wrong." she took a step back, running a hand over her face. The dim streetlight cast shadows over the two women; it highlighted sections Abi's pale blonde hair and obscured her dark skin, creating stark contrast on the contours of her face. The thief let out a huff of air and tried to meet Erza's intense brown eyes.

"I am, actually, a huge fan of your work. The way you took out those Vulcans back in August X784? Incredible." Erza smiled and looked down humbly, "It was nothing. If it weren't for my friends, I never would have been able to defeat my enemy."

Abi felt her insides melt and her heart float out of her body. Oh my god, she's so cool. Her heart hammered in her chest and she swallowed. Is it bad to ask for an autograph? The thief didn't want to appear pushy or weird. The sound of an a man shouting inside caused Erza to glance over her shoulder, and reminded Abi why she was here, looking like a fool. Makarov.

The thief cleared her throat. "Actually. I, um- Makarov- the guild master asked to see me…" Erza's head whipped around, eyebrows shooting up in curiosity. Abi's brain went to mush when they made eye contact, and she mumbled, "…your highness."

Erza furrowed her brow. "You're a wizard?" Most people had that reaction to Abi. Her type of magic emitted zero energy when it was dormant. The thief shrugged and stuck her hands in the pockets of her jeans.

"Somethin' like that."

Did that come off too mysterious? Like she was trying to be cool? Abi suddenly felt compelled to tell Erza everything- so that way she knows I'm not some try-hard. Abi stared at the ground and restrained herself. Her entire body quivered in excitement, fear, and admiration. Her heart thundered in her ears. "Would you be able to tell him really quickly that, uh… his guest is here?"

Titania furrowed her brow. "Are you sure you don't wanna go inside? They're certainly a rowdy bunch, but no harm will come of you."

Yeah, right. Abi imagined walking inside. As soon as the door would click shut, Laxus would grab her by the throat and pin her up against the wall. The thief rubbed her neck and shook her head, giving a wan smile. "It's better I'm out here."

Erza shrugged and said, "Very well." She ducked back inside. While the door was open, the smell of sweat, booze, and cheap food bombarded Abi. The raucous sounds of music and laughter was amplified, and warm, bright light spilled onto the street. Then the door shut, leaving Abi alone on the street next to the canal. She looked up at the moon and stars, wishing she could see more constellations.

A few minutes later, the door swung open. Erza walked out, followed by a disheveled guild master. The old man stumbled outside with his hand bracing against the wall; his glassy drunk eyes scanned the area for his visitor. When his eyes landed on the blonde woman standing in jeans and a cropped wrap top, he pointed and slurred, "Abigal! So glad you could make it!"

Erza put her hand on the short man's shoulder and said, "I have matters to attend to, but I'll be back before midnight." She looked over at Abi, "It was nice meeting you…" The redhead cocked her head to the side, obviously trying to recall a name that was not provided. The thief smiled sheepishly and nodded, "It was truly an honor, Erza."

Titania narrowed her eyes but did not press the matter. She left the two of them and slipped away into the night.

The guild master pointed his finger at Abi, his voice elevated. "Abi!" He cheered with a smile, "Wha-why are you doing here again?"

The thief folded her arms, "I don't know, you told me to come here."

Makarov swayed on his feet, then rocked back and promptly sat down. "Right, right, right. I had some important news to tell you."

Duh. If the guild master reached out, it was important. The blonde woman's stomach churned at his words, but she felt impatient looking at the drunk old man sitting on the cobblestone street. The Wizard Saint was not at his finest. Abi brushed a lock of blonde hair off her shoulder and took a step back, "Maybe we should do this another time."

"No!" Makarov shook his head immediately and frowned at Abi, "We should go somewhere- do you know somewhere…." He paused, blinking as he tried to sober up, "Somewhere private?"

Makarov stared at the ground and furrowed his brow, clearly trying to make his clouded brain work. Abi glanced down the street apprehensively and folded her arms. She shifted her weight uneasily. Then, the guild master struggled to standing and turned around. His movements were unsteady and he searched forward and grabbed the door. "Nah, no, no! Let's go back inside."

Abi exhaled slowly as her patience disappeared quickly. "Why would we go inside for privacy?"

"Because I need another drink."

Abi crossed the street in three long strides. She grabbed him by the arm and pulled him off the door. "No, we agreed no one can know. Just tell me right now what's so important, Makarov, so I can leave."

"'No one can know' what?" A deep voice rumbled behind her. Cold, soul crushing dread washed over Abi. The blonde woman's entire body froze, her shoulders tightening. Every hair on her forearms stood straight up. Every nerve—no pun intended—felt electrified. She wondered what she did in life to deserve such such misfortune. Okay, she deserved it, but still. She exhaled slowly and prayed: Please. Please. Please don't let it be him.

God didn't answer her prayers. The old man peered over her shoulder and brightened instantly, "Laxus, my boy! What're you doin' out here?"

Abi didn't need to turn around to know the man behind her. Every rational thought went out of her brain. Her natural instincts insisted she fight or flee immediately.

"Get your hands off my gramps, Klepto."

Abi slowly put her hands up in the air and took a few steps backward. Makarov sagged back against the pub door and hiccuped. She looked down at the guild master, sneaking a glance down to the cobblestone street; Laxus's shadow placed him near the lamppost. Abi lowered her arms and an expression of innocence slipping over her face. "Would you look at the time?"

She turned and barely took a step before a firm hand closed around her bicep. The brute always moved too fast for her liking. Abi twisted over her shoulder to lock eyes on the insufferable Dragon Slayer.

Laxus's scowl morphed into a cruel smile; he flashed his canines at her as he said, "Stay. The night's still young, Abi." He pulled the thief in a little bit closer to his chest; a shiver went through her body. She pulled her arm back against his grip and smiled back at him coldly.

Despite his sinful smile, the broad shouldered man looked down at her with cold, stormy grey eyes. Her eyes traced over his defined jawline and down to his large, black coat draped over his shoulders, and then to the opening of his dark purple silk button-down. His powerful chest strained against the fabric, causing the shirt to pull at the buttons and offer a glimpse of tanned skin. Her hand tingled as she remembered the feel of his skin against her fingertips. Stupid aftershock, she thought crossly.

"I'm leaving." She told Laxus cooly.

Makarov struggled upward and shook his head, "No- no- stay! I still haven't told you what I needed to tell you!"

Abi stiffened and looked between the Dreyer men. Her stomach churned. What did Makarov need to tell her, and why was it about to be shared with Laxus? A part of her knew it was naive to think she could use a Fairy Tail pass and not interact with Laxus, but she didn't feel like it was necessary to include him in everything. Their paths crossed far too often for her liking.

"Mind telling me what's going on here?" Laxus rumbled, tightening his grip. Abi shrugged and shook her head, biting back angry words.

"Not particularly." She spoke shortly.

She wrenched her arm from his grip and took a few steps back, exchanging withering glares with the Dragon Slayer. He backed up to lean against the stonewall of the pub and crossed his arms; his hands disappeared beneath his thick coat. They stood on the quiet street, Makarov leaning against the wall on the other side of the thick wooden door, Laxus draped in the shadows of the building, and Abi under the streetlight. Inside the bar, someone bellowed for more beer. The woman and the dragon slayer exchanged a silent glare.

Laxus kept his eyes on the thief but directly spoke to Gramps: "Whatever's going on here, Gramps, you can't trust her."

"Who says I do?" Makarov responded shortly.

Laxus turned to face Abi, "Is this why you were here last night? To strike some deal with Gramps?"

Abi's eyes rolled, "No. I came here last night to get drunk. Your grandfather found me this morning." Laxus raised an eyebrow and his lips curled into a slight smile at the thought of how unpleasant her morning must have felt. Abi stared back at him, unflinching. Then, Laxus pushed off the stone wall and walked towards her; his broad frame towered over her as they stood a few paces apart.

"Does he know I saw you talking to members of Raven Tail this afternoon?"

"Saw?" Abi echoed, her eyes narrowing quickly. "If you saw that conversation, then you would've realized that I didn't want to have it. Alexei had me against the wall." She rubbed her throat, feeling the ghost of a cold metal hand around her neck. Laxus looked at his grandfather to see his reaction; Makarov watched their exchange with a stony expression, his heavyset eyebrows lowered.

"So Black Snake didn't use your power today?"

Abi exhaled through clenched teeth and folded her arms. "He's a mimic mage, Laxus."

"So you interacted with him before the games, right? Just like you met Wendy in the palace gardens." Laxus's tone was sharp and accusatory.

Laxus knew at this point she hadn't attacked that little girl, but he kept drawing attention to the coincidences. His message was clear—she was not trustworthy. Abi threw her hands up in the air and groaned in exasperation. "Laxus Dreyer, you are an infernal pest."

"Pot, have you met kettle?" He mocked in reply, snorting in amusement.

Makarov stomped his foot down impatiently. "If you two are done building sexual tension, Abi might want to listen to what I have to say!" His words fluctuated up and down due to inebriation, but nonetheless, Abi felt heat rush to her face. Why did she feel embarrassed? She felt compelled to protest, and muttered to herself: "In order for there to be sexual tension, I think I'd have to find your repulsive grandson attractive."

A muscle in the Dragon Slayer's square jaw twitched. Then, Laxus laughed darkly. "I'm sorry, who tried to kiss who in Edera?" His muscles tightened beneath his coat, like he wanted to move forward again. Abi rolled her eyes.

"Utilizing my sexuality does not mean that I-,"

"-Wendy, Carla, and Porlyusica were kidnapped today," Makarov interjected.

The thief whipped her head around and looked at the guild master with furrowed eyebrows. That got her attention. Was the old man accusing her of playing a role in the kidnapping? Laxus cocked his head to the side and pivoted so he could face his grandfather and watch Abi's reactions carefully. She slipped into a neutral expression: eyebrows lowered and mouth in a straight line.

"Oh?" She tried to keep her voice steady. Don't jump to conclusions.

Makarov nodded gravely and leaned against the sidewall, closing his eyes. "Mercenaries hired by Raven Tail tried to break into the infirmary right after you…" He opened his eyes and glanced at Laxus, before failing to whisper the words, "healed Wendy."

The younger Dreyer's thick eyebrows shot up and he tossed Abi a suspicious look. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips together. The thief exhaled slowly though her nose. Drunk Makarov had a big mouth.

The guild master stumbled away from the pub wall, pointing at Abi. "Now, they said they were looking for the 'blonde girl in the infirmary'. And Lucy was there this morning, but I think Ivan was after you."

Oxygen seemed to stop working. The world constricted. It made so much sense— Black Snake must have figured it out, or Ivan did after seeing Black Snake's power this morning. The meeting in the hallway today— if Laxus hadn't come along… Agitation made her blood grow hot.

Power began to seep through her pores, leaking into the air and tugging on those around her. It was like a lazy wave of exhaustion washed through the wizards before her, drawing magic energy back towards her. Abi pinched the bridge of her nose and tried to settle her breathing. Makarov flinched as her tendrils of ancient magic energy brushed against him. He seemed to sober up at the demonstration of her power. Laxus narrowed his eyes and watched her carefully.

Calm down. Breathe. Abi opened her eyes and the subtle magic dissipated. She took deep, unsteady breaths and ran a hand over her face. Grimacing, the thief composed herself and turned to face the guild wizards.

She needed to leave the city immediately. No. You need to stay on task.

Laxus narrowed his eyes, "So how does dear old Dad know who she is?"

Abi ignored the thinly veiled accusation. She focused on Makarov warily. "Raven Tail's a dark guild, right?"

Makarov nodded and scowled, "Legally, not anymore. But Ivan created the guild to destroy Fairy Tail, not to follow Zeref."

Abi snorted. "A lot can change in seven years."

"Pops would never worship other wizards, Klepto. He's completely devoted to himself." The bitterness in Laxus's voice made Abi turn and raise an eyebrow at the Dragon Slayer. There was clearly a history between these Dreyer men. Laxus looked at his grandfather, "'Sides, why are you bringing Zeref into this?"

Makarov ignored his grandson's question. Instead, he focused on the blonde thief beneath the streetlight: "My blasted son craves power. And having your blood would offer an unimaginable advantage. We have to assume his guild knows what you are, Abi."

Her expression darkened at Makarov's words. She folded her arms and said nothing. If Raven Tail knew she was a Praesidio, she had to act fast. Could she wipe out an entire dark guild by herself? It would take a lot. And it couldn't happen in Crocus- at least not without exposing herself in the process. She couldn't leave, either. Not yet. Guess I gotta' play ball. Makarov looked over her carefully, then glanced at Laxus. His grandson stood with his hands tucked under his jacket and watched the scene quietly. The Dragon Slayer's dark eyes regarded Abi with blatant distrust.

Makarov stroked his mustache and thought for a moment. "Perhaps you should have a guard at all times, until the games are over."

Abi laughed out loud. The guild master's expression remained stony. She paused. "Wait. You're serious?" Her eyebrows furrowed together in concern, "You think I'd accept a guard? Or that they could keep up?"

Makarov smiled at her kindly, like she was a child incapable of understanding. "Do not underestimate Fairy Tail."

Abi's smile remained, but her eyes flashed dangerously. She was tempted to throw the tickets right in Makarov's face. But the hallway. She found what she was looking for today, before she was rudely interrupted.

"You gave her access to the games?'" Laxus asked incredulously. A little flash of electricity flashed in his grey eyes, making his irises illuminate in the shadows.

Makarov cleared his throat, "Well… in exchange for some of her services, I granted Abi a VIP pass to the games."

Laxus glared at Abi and sneered, "Do you even know why she wants into the games?"

"Not in the slightest."

"Well that doesn't sound like she has an ulterior motive." Laxus muttered sarcastically.

"I'm right here."

"Are you saying you don't have an ulterior motive to get into the games?" He asked, rounding on her again. Makarov's expression darkened slightly. Abi opened her mouth and closed it. She glared at him and folded her arms. This side of Laxus's mouth curled up into a triumphant smirk. A thought occurred to him. .

"Gramps, if she needs a bodyguard, I'm more than happy to oblige."

Makarov clapped his hands together. "Perfect, my boy!"

Abi's eyes bulged, "Now wait a minute! Don't I get a say in this?"

The guild master chuckled to himself and turned around toward the door. He wobbled unevenly and hiccupped, "Abi, if you refuse protection, you won't be permitted access to the games and I will not extend Fairy Tail's generosity any further." Abi couldn't keep the scowl off her face. He smiled at her kindly, "You've become something of a liability, my dear." He looked at his grandson with stern, drunk eyes, "Laxus: deal with her… according-ing-ly if she breaks the rules."

His grandson nodded, not bothering to hide his smug smirk. This was the perfect way to hinder Abi, and both of them knew it. The thief glared murderously at Makarov's back as he pulled the Bar Sun's door open and wobbled back inside. Laxus wouldn't let her out of his sight just to spite her. Her teal eyes were storming as she brooded beneath the streetlight, as she tried to think of how she could get out of this, without incurring the wrath of Fairy Tail.

Laxus elbowed her and gave her a grin. "Lighten up, Klepto. You're getting a front row seat to the magic event of the century." Then, he leaned in a little closer. "And I'm not gonna let you outta' my sight for a second."

So I have the next few chapters written out, but they are super length-y so it all depends on how I want to space this experience out for you all. Some of the next chapters were my favorite to write, so I hope you all enjoy them! I'm thinking of posting every other day until school starts back up again. Read and review to tell me what you want, and I'll try to incorporate it!

Best,

Stew of Beaf