Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters, that right belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Author's Note: I am informing you all that the next chapter is the last chapter in this story. It is finally coming to an end after almost four years. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you toturn around and leave now. Because I don't see the point in you wasting your time and mine.

24 of 26 weeks,166 of 182 days

Mest looked around the large, secluded cabin as he listened to Lucy make small talk with the Wizard Saint, Warrod. He was still amused by the whole Christmas party four days ago. Getting to see Lahar's reactions to how Fairy Tail behaved was hilarious. And it was one he would find a way to imprint permanently into his memory. It was the one time of year that they were all on their best behavior. The Guild members still had fun, just was more respectful, because Mirajane going full demon would-be killer, literally. And to have Lahar see Natsu being well behaved, not staring an outright brawl or burning anything was shocking.

When Warrod called to him, Mest smiled and gave a quick nod of his head. Glad that the man understood that his magic took a toll, especially over long distances. It took the better part of yesterday and last night to get them there at sunrise. And all Mest wanted to do was find his bed and crash after some warm food. Right now, in his mind, Warrod was a God for providing warm food.

"Hey, Mest, thank you!"

Blinking now wide eyes, Mest turned to look at Lucy was standing behind him, arms behind her back. Mest smiled at her after collecting himself only to feel heat rush to his face and ears when Lucy launched herself at him, arms wrapping around his neck in a hug. He knew it wasn't anything more than a thank-you hug, even with his heart hammering against his ribcage. The feeling he still had for the bubbly woman hugging him had not diminished.

"You are welcome, Lucy. Now, can you let me go so I can eat and sleep? That was a lot of magic to expend," Mest said. "Especially with how quick we had to leave because Natsu got upset, he wasn't going on this trip with you."

The soft giggle he received for his commentary as she slid down the front of him had Mest wanting to hide in a hole. There were some things a man couldn't control and were damn embarrassing. Though a soft cough from Lahar, while a smothered chuckle from Warrod, drew Lucy's attention and gave him the ability to put some distance from Lucy and get to the table and sit, uncomfortably. The meal would have to be quick, magic depletion was dangerous.

"So, Lucy, are you excited to back here? And not have to rush off for a mission afterward?"

At this, Mest lifted his head and looked between Lucy and the Wizard Saint as she nodded her head. He knew that Team Natsu had come here at one point, but not why. And from how Lucy was smiling rather thinly, it was a topic that she didn't want to talk about. Shoveling the last bite of warm oatmeal into his mouth, Mest pushed his chair back (glad his body was back to normal) and gave a small bow to excuse himself from the table. The need to sleep was pulling at him hard.

As she stood out on the back deck overlooking the valley that lay behind Warrod's cabin, Lucy let her mind wander to all that had happened in the last five and a half months. It was a lot to process with all she had done, learned, and been through. But still, Lucy had a smile plastered across her face because out of it, she had gained a new friend, or so she hoped. And since Thanksgiving, she had changed in how she viewed Lahar Ziegler.

Feeling her cheeks heat in the chill breeze that blew across the mountain top valley, Lucy let her head duck. A part of her was ecstatic, and then another part was worried because of her guild members and spirits. But there was that one part, the cold, hard, and logical part that made her the rational person she realized that there was no chance for them to be in a romantic relationship.

"Lucy, you wanted to talk to me?"

Jerking her head up, Lucy looked over her shoulder to see Warrod standing there. She could tell by the way his gaze was hooded as he stood there, assessing her that he was aware of why she wanted to talk to him. Lucy had yet to tell either Lahar or Mest that Lucy knew who the Witch was and where she was located though she had plans to do that after they returned to Magnolia on the thirtieth. But first, she had to check something out on her own.

"Yeah," Lucy said. "And I know you are aware of what is going on with Lahar's situation, as well as my involvement."

When Warrod nodded his head and walked over to stand by her, Lucy took a few more seconds to calm herself.

"Lahar's situation is a serious matter. There are three ways to take care of it, Lucy," Warrod said to her. "One is to kill the Witch, but that has an adverse effect. The next is to get the Witch to annul the curse willingly, but considering it is the source of the Witches' youth and power, it is more than likely not going to happen. The last is to get the Witch to transfer it to another person, again not likely to happen."

Lucy nodded her head at Warrod. This was all the information she knew, thanks to her spirits. But Lucy had a theory she wanted to ask about. And Warrod was the only one she could confer with on this matter. His specialty in magic was of the green thumb variety.

"Yeah, I know. But, what if there might be a fourth?" Lucy stated, keeping her gaze pinned to the Wizard Saint.

Lucy watched as he processed what she said. The way his brows scrunched as his eyes narrowed as he looked at her.

"That... Lucy that is dangerous ground. And comes at a steep price," Warrod finally stated. "And would not be easily pulled off. Because you'd have to take the Witch by surprise, and they don't let their guard down easily. The only place they do, even slightly, let their guards down is in their lairs."

Again Lucy nodded her head at the Warrod to show she understood and knew.

"Then ask what you would of me," Warrod finally stated.

She could tell by the tone of his voice he was not happy about this. But he knew her well enough to understand once her mind was made up, not much could change it.

"Do you have any seeds for the Rainbow Sakura Trees?" Lucy asked, enjoying how Warrod's brow jumped up to his receding hairline.

"Yes," he said. "That would be a beautiful way to do that. And powerful considering what it takes to get a small sprout to bloom into maturity."

The smile, Lucy knew that appeared on her face as she turned and hugged Warrod. Something told her that when D-day arrived, her plan had to be carefully constructed to execute it.

"Thank you, Warrod," Lucy whispered.

"You are welcome," he replied. "Have you started to make preparations?"

"Yes," Lucy whispered.

"Then I will get you the seed before you guys leave. Until then, please enjoy yourself and relax, because you will need to be in top form."

Grinning widely as she pulled away from Warrod, Lucy gave a quick, sharp nod of her head and went back to look over the valley. Enjoying the silent serenity and beauty of it all.

The heat helped to mask the semi-permanent blush on his face as he leaned back against the smooth rock covered edge of the Hot Spring. Lahar wasn't sure how to feel. Because across from him was Lucy, though her back was facing both himself and Doranbolt, a great view of smooth, flushed skin from the shoulder to right below the shoulder blades. It had been a shock when he and Doranbolt had been soaking and relaxing that Lucy had joined them clad only in a large pink towel covering her for the sake of decency.

Warrod had seemed amused that first night when he told them to walk down to the springs and bath the weariness of travel and holiday from their bodies. That and Doranbolt had almost fainted from a bloody nose at the sight of Lucy. Of course, Lahar had protested, and Warrod had pointed out that there was no harm because there was only this one Hot Spring, and taking turns would be a waste of time. Then got lectured by Lucy that her whole team had done this a few times.

Even now, two days later, it was still an issue for him. And not due to propriety. Lahar had come to see Lucy as more than a means to an end. But as a person, a female, who was intelligent, slightly violent, full of life, love, and acceptance. And not once in the whole time, he'd known her, starting with the Nirvana incident hadn't realized she was a gorgeous woman. And since Halloween, when he spent it as a woman, he'd come to feel differently about her as well.

Slumping down until the sulfur smelling mineral water was under his chin, Lahar did his best to keep thoughts of wanting more with her from his mind. Lucy was an enigma, a puzzle that fascinated him. Hell, she was like this void made of light that could suck anyone in and make them want to stay. And the past five and a half months had shown Lahar that he was not immune, especially after living with her.

"Hey, Lahar, you alright?"

Starting and swallowing some of the water, Lahar sat up and coughed, shooting a dark glare at Doranbolt. Who smiled and seemed to try and not laugh. When he turned his gaze away, Lahar wanted to slip under the water and drown himself. Lucy was staring at him with concern on her face and looked torn about staying where she was (where he had demanded she remain) and to come and help him. Squeezing his eyes shut so they wouldn't drop to the soft curves of her breast, Lahar nodded his head.

"Yes, Doranbolt, I am alright. Just deep in thought, and I guess the heat is starting to get to me," Lahar growled.

"If you say so," Doranbolt flippantly said.

Lahar wasn't fooled; he knew that tone. It was a mix of annoyed, upset, and brushing him off as if he was being difficult. Meaning that Doranbolt had figured out how he felt, though he hadn't acted on it. And Lahar wanted to act on how he felt, but first things first, breaking the geass on him. Being normal and not having to worry would be best before asking Lucy out. Lahar knew there'd be opposition from her guild, the Magic Council, Doranbolt (considering he still felt strongly for Lucy), and his parents. But he'd fight for her. Do almost anything to prove he wanted to be with her, even give up his place in the Rune Knights and join... Fairy Tail.

TBC!