Chapter 14: Forgiven but never forgotten

Silence reigned. He couldn't move -not when everything was seemingly frozen place -by what, he couldn't tell. His magic refused to answer his call and the air seemed to leave his lungs. There was a presence before him, dark and inky as a bottomless abyss filled with nothing but hatred and despair. And then there was a hand upon his throat, and it was squeezing and he couldn't make sound or breath and he was suffocating.

His eyes filled with tears and his skin burned and -it burned, the whole hand was aflame as was the figure that it belonged to -and he was going to die. The darkness parted and he could see -the person who he said was his best friend was the one who was going to kill him and leave nothing but ash because his magic refused to answer!

Just as he thought he couldn't hold any longer he was released and dropped into and icy darkness. It was more comfortable, more familiar than the scorching flames that had tried to burn him to ash. He would be safe in his own element. He relaxed, eyes closing as he floated before suddenly the feeling changed.

The air felt too cold, hateful and it stabbed him, burning in a way that someone other than him would most likely associate with being stabbed with ice. But he could feel it and he couldn't understand why. Then the feeling intensified and he was suddenly on his knees on freezing ground that burned at his skin. This time the figure before him wasn't burning, it was twisting and turning and it reeked of death, loss and despair.

Once again he couldn't move and he couldn't resist as hand reached out and slowly pierced his chest -the freezing feeling of death and such endless sorrow curling inside his chest as the hand reached deeper and the icy fingers wrapped around his heart and it was going to squeeze his heart or rip it right our his chest and he was scared, why couldn't he move, why can't he scream-!

Gentle hands shook Gray awake from his nightmare. Even though his panic he recognised the magic and the hands as Juvia's –the person who he could trust and who would never laugh at his nightmares. She held him when he sat up and allowed him to embrace her as hard as he could. It must have hurt -bruising her, but she bore it all without a complaint and kept running her hands through his hair as she whispered calming words to him. And it worked, he was slowly rocked back to sleep by her gentle motions and her calming voice, like the sea that kept moving, rocking him until he was calm.

FAIRY TAIL

Alexa kept her hands steady as she reached for her comb to run it through her hair one more time. One of the tangles seemed to be quite persistent and she wanted her hair smooth before she even thought of braiding it. She had been planning on going out to look for an apartment to stay at. She could have stayed at the dormitory but her situation with Natsu made her doubt that their activities later on would be appreciated and while she had nothing against his living arrangements she wanted her own space that he would most likely later invade if Lucy was to believed.

Alexa sighed as the tangle was solved and quickly started braiding the hair from the side of her to the back. After it was done she did it for the other side as well before tying it all up and getting dressed. Throwing on her red blouse and dark grey pants she grabbed a wool coat and a heavy scarf before heading out. She had been living in the hotel for the time being, but she couldn't afford the price if she couldn't work a while so monthly rent was a cheaper option.

Out on the street she hurried to the first location that had caught her interest from the news section where they advertised houses and apartments for sale and for renting. It was nice house with the apartment on the second floor, but the location didn't really interest her. So Alexa thanked the owner for the tour and moved on. Several palaces were available but most of them had some sort of issue: too small, way too expensive, or in a strange location with a poor view or all of them.

The second last place was her favourite as soon as she stepped in. It was airy, there was a lot of light and the space was open. She stood still for a moment before following the owner around the apartment. There was decent sized bathroom with a shower and a tub which were a must to her. The bedroom was behind a pair of double doors and offered a nice view of the ocean. There was also a walk-in closet which Alexa could already picture full of her clothing. The living room and kitchen space were combined to form a large open space with a view of the forest by the house. She liked it and the owner seemed to be open to the idea of doing some changes if the need or the want ever arose. The apartment itself was connected to the owner's house but the soundproofing was good, and the bedroom was located quite far from it so the apartment was also private.

"I'll take it." She had found her home and she could begin building her life here.

FAIRY TAIL

Mirajane didn't feel like this was a good idea. It usually wasn't a good idea to rush head first into your death but this time the knowledge that her guild mates had almost died because of this thing reinforced that feeling. She wanted to object when Lisanna raised her hand a volunteer to the battle but she couldn't -Mira didn't have the power to decide all of her siblings life decisions and even she didn't like it she couldn't do anything. And it was a bit hypocritical to put her own life on the line but say that her sister couldn't do the same.

None of it made her feel any better about the fight ahead. Most of the guild had mobilized for the fight and some had already left for the north via train. There were news of other guilds also joining the fight with their members and the groups heading to the are as well. They were their first line of defence if the seal broke now. Only Mirajane, Natsu, Alexa, Gray, Juvia and Lucy still remained.

Lucy had been ordered to stay behind by Wendy who was firm on the fact that the celestial mage needed more time to recover. Natsu had been rearing to go but his recovery was still slow so he had been told to wait for a few days before going. Alexa was still out of the game and though she was coming with them she had been told to stay away from the fighting. Mirajane had been getting the guild affairs in order as the master had left with the bulk of the guild forces. She was leaving that day with Gray and Juvia who had delayed leaving in order to rest from their last mission. Natsu had insisted on joining them and the group was leaving on the night train. Alexa had decided to wait a day or two before coming.

Mirajane was worried about the soul bonded pair. Natsu, who had always been the first to bounce back from anything, was still recovering slowly and was supplying a great deal of magic to Alexa whose recovery seemed slower and slower every day. It was a worrying idea, but Mira feared that the dragon slayer would be at a disadvantage with the slow recovery of himself and his bonded, not to mention the pair had also been inseparable since they met -they had been apart a few times, but for the past weeks they had been in close quarters almost constantly. It could be another shock to both if they were unable to handle the distance.

"Master, I still don't understand why you insisted that they share a bed." She had been clearing away a stack of papers when the topic of their light conversation had turned to the bonded pair downstairs. Makarov glanced at her before smiling a slight smile.

"They have a very strong bond. The closer they are to each other the stronger it will grow. And since the time for it to grow, and now heal as well, is short, we must ensure that it develops and heals as much as it can. Sharing skin to skin contact has been known to help some bonded heal faster and feel safer when injured."

Mirajane hummed and gave a slight smile. "It sounds romantic, being with someone who not only understands and loves you with all their being but someone who also desires to hold hands and to cuddle." She gave a slight chuckle which was answered by the master.

"Yes. The bond can be quite romantic and when its powerful enough, even those without the gift to sense bonds can feel the love and safety that a happy bonded pair feel. It spreads to the people around them like a drug and relaxes and in some cases heals people. It's no wonder that a bonded pair in a tightly knit community usually inspires more romantic relationship in the people around them." He paused, as though uncertain whatever to say the words that were on his mind. Mirajane turned her attention from the papers to the old man. He had lost his smile. She frowned.

"It can be a blessing unlike anything else. And it can also be a curse that ruins lives." He paused and turned his gaze from the papers to Mira. "Close contact can heal the bond and the bonded just as long distance can damage the bond and weaken the bonded pair. The power of the bond usually goes hand in hand with the amount of distance people can have -the stronger the bond, the more time bonded must devote to each other in the beginning and during a healing process. If the bond is stretched too thin it could be damaged further and cause immense pain to both or just one."

Mirajane shook her head. "I hope that's not the case with Natsu and Alexa." There was no answer from the white-haired man.

The take-over mage shook her head to clear it before shutting her briefcase. She locked it and picked it up as she left her room with brisk steps. The clock on the wall had shown that it was nearing 8pm and she wanted to reach the train station with time to spare. She left the dorm with a frown upon her face.

She really wasn't on board with this, but what was she supposed to do? There was little else she could do. The white haired mage paused to watch the people before her. They were hurrying to their homes, the cold winds and the pending darkness driving people into their warm houses and to their families. Mirajane had come to the guild with nothing but fear and hatred for these people. And then she started to take jobs and in time she stepped out of the guild with devotion not only to her guild but to those she could protect with her powers.

Mirajane wasn't on board with this plan, but she was willing to do anything to protect those precious to her. And since Laxus wasn't here to help, she had to do his part as well. After all, there was a reason for the nicknames and the terror that she had once inspired.

FAIRY TAIL

"We're leaving soon."

"Promise to be careful? I know you can be reckless on the best of days, but I'll never forgive you if die!" Natsu smiled and nodded.

"I promise, I'm going to be fine. We're all going to be alright. We'll be waiting at the guild when you and Charle finish your training." The blue exceed nodded and after a goodbye the connection closed and the lacrima became blank.

Natsu stood up and left their home with hurried steps. He picked up his backpack from where it had been leaning against the door frame. A quick glance around the house and he hurried out of the door, locking it behind him with a small smile. Running to the station he reached out to feel Alexa who was waiting nearby.

She was restless, the bond twisting with anxiety and dark thoughts. He only wished that he could reassure her that everything was going to be fine –but how could he when the battle ahead seemed impossible to win and death almost certain. So as he rounded the corner and saw the support mage leaning against the cold stone wall Natsu smiled walked to her. She locked onto his form with her stormy eyes.

"Hi." It was gentle and quiet as the winds swept it away. She nodded but then dropped her gaze as he stood with her in silence. What did you say when you put your life on the line and left someone behind? Inspiring words would not bring her any comfort nor would promises. So he didn't make them –no declarations of love, nor promises of his safe return.

The fire wizard lifted a hand and laid it on the brunettes shoulder. Alexa lifted her gaze and the sorrowful blue and green eyes met. Natsu frowned as the other lowered her gaze back down and reached out with his other hand to lift her chin. The tears that fell down her cheeks shook him to his core in that moment. He pulled her close, arms wrapping around her to protect her from everything. She cried for a few minutes before slowly pulling back and lowering her arms which she had warped around him. Alexa quickly wiped tears from her eyes and looked up at him.

"I had faith… I was supposed to have faith in you –that you would come back. I promised that I wouldn't cry, thinking that of course you're all going to be alright. And then I just…" Natsu opened his mouth to reassure her but she stopped him. She shook her head and then laid a delicate hand on his cheek –when had she become delicate, like a spring flower that was slowly withering under the harsh summer sun and pelted down by the unrelenting rain – and met his eyes.

"I can't ask you to come back, I can't make you promise that you're going to fine. I know that you would give anything to save and protect your friends and I will never ask you to abandon them. It will bring me no comfort to hear false promises. I know that and I know you that as well. But…" She paused and leaned closer, their noses almost brushing as he relaxed against her. "Alexa." Natsu breathed with reference. She smiled.

"But I know that my promise to be safe… that will bring you comfort. So I promise. I will stay here, I will keep Lucy company and await news, whatever they might be. I promise to stay safe and to keep her safe, just like all the others who await here. And whatever comes… you'll know that were are safe." She brushed her lips against his and Natsu felt more alive than ever before. The bond tied them closer together, healing them and itself as they basked in each other's presence. They broke the gentle kiss and Natsu opened his eyes to look her in the eye.

"Know that I love you and that I know whatever comes you love me as well." Natsu kissed her again then before returning the words.

"I love you Alexa. Thank you." Nothing more was needed. They waited a heartbeat before Natsu walked into the train station alone and greeted the others who were already waiting there. Lucy stood there, with a sad smile on her lips as she hugged those who boarded the train.

Natsu embraced her and gave her a grin as she wished them good luck. He made a promises of safe return and victory to her. He walked in the train and took a seat next to the others who all wore solemn expressions. None of them were looking forward to this.

FAIRY TAIL

Levy kept her hand steady as she readied another spell. Breathing in deeply she launched the attack and quickly dodged the incoming projectile. She rolled and then stood to release another spell but was stopped by a heavy blow that threw her back by several feet. She recovered and quickly moved position as another attack landed where she had been standing just seconds before.

"Too slow!" She couldn't dodge this time –her spell missed it's target by a mile and she was trapped by several metal rods that caged her in a heartbeat. Levy sighed and raised her hands in defeat. Gajeel pulled back the iron caging her while giving a wide grin.

"You've been slacking off with your training." He told her and she shot him a pleading look.

"The amount of jobs has kept me pretty busy. Didn't think I would have to be ready for a major battle on such a short notice."

"That's not a reason to be slacking off, training could mean the difference between victory and de-"

"Defeat, I know." Levy rolled her eyes but her tone was fond. Gajeel seemed to hear it and the mocking grin softened just a bit. The dragon slayer turned to survey the others who were all having similar mock battles all around them. A little to the side of the field was an encampment where the flags of the guild flew high. Sabertooth, Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus and Mermaid Heel were all gathered for the battle with their strongest members waiting for the moment that the seal would fail.

Levy had inspected the damage that had been done to the surrounding land by whatever magic had been used and she had been shocked by the shear detestation that it had caused. She had never seen anything similar and she had begun researching the spell that could be responsible for it. Of course she doubted that it would be found in a book –there were a great number of spells that had never been recorded for varying reasons. Some were so obscure that there was no reason to even write them down. Others were secret and when used would eliminate those that could talk of them not to mention new spells were created almost every day. Most of them absolutely useless but those that were useful were usually kept secret or applied to the public. So was there a possibility that the spell used here had been recorded in some book? Yes, but it was just as likely that this was the first time that it had been used in such a way that other people had gained knowledge of its existence.

Levy nodded as Gejeel turned to her with a questioning look. He turned around and walked over to Sting and Rogue who were practising a new move. The blue haired mage looked around –the people gritting their teeth as they honed their skills and pushed past their limits to reach new heights. Levy wondered if she could reach the same heights as these people around her –she had been suggested to become an S-class mage on several occasions but she could say with certainty that she would not hold up for long against those who were truly qualified as such because of their magical prowess. Her hand wondered briefly to her stomach which had become slightly rounded.

She had been taking on jobs after she found out, but she had been protected by the dark haired dragon slayer in all instances where she could have been put in harm's way. She had been slacking off though she hated to admit it. Levy cast her eyes to the sky. She had been considering leaving the field soon –three and a half months into her pregnancy she knew that she couldn't risk any serious injury. Gajeel had been hinting –rather unsubtly- that she should pull back from active work but she had refused. She had thought that she would be fine. But now Levy was beginning to consider the fact that if anything happened to her the child could also die with her. And she didn't want that.

Though the pregnancy had come as a surprise at the time, both she and her mate had welcomed the thought –after some major panicking of course. Levy had been looking forward to having the child for a while now; she had found that the thought of a child had been a pleasant one even if she had always thought of herself as bit young. Levy had even been looking forward to telling all of her guild mates about the child –come had already guessed, or smelled it, but some were totally ignorant of it.

Now, as she watched the people around her, and as she watched her mate talk to the two slayers, she wondered if her joining this battle was such a good idea. She had promised to hang back, keeping herself away from the front lines when the time came. Gajeel had known that he couldn't convince her to stay away from the fight –she couldn't leave the rest of her guild to fight alone and she felt the pull of sympathy toward Lucy and the others who had been ordered to stay behind for a reason or another.

She rubbed a thoughtful circle and felt the happy pulse of magic that came with the motion. It might have been small, but she had been able to sense the magic that was born with the conception of the child –a mix of hers and her mates. It was an all-consuming feeling that she found herself drawn to, just like Gajeel did. He had been spending several nights just keeping a steady hand on her stomach. Levy smiled as she remembered and then lowered her hand. She had to be ready for this –ready to defend her friends, her chosen and her unborn child.

A/N

Hi! Sorry for the long wait, but here we go –another chapter for your reading pleasure. Hopefully I will be able to edit and write a couple more so we can move on to the next phase of this arc.

Any questions, concerns, criticism or just happy comments are welcome! Please review!

Please forgive my grammar since I'm not a native speaker.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

See you soon!