Hey Ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you so much for sticking it out I promise I have not abandoned this story and will try to get back to regular updates asap. I mentioned my computer kicked the bucket and I lost all of my pre-written chapters which breaks my heart. So instead of slap dashing my chapters I took the time to go over my notes and rewrite this as close as possible to the originals.

I'll do my best and I want to thank every single one of you for the positive comments and great encouragement. I hope you enjoy this next chapter :)

Chapter 20

Mira

I could see the interest but caution in Natsu's gaze, "I'm guessing by now you've realized none of you can destroy this barrier."

I bite my lip at the grumbles and hisses from the group before me, "I can't imagine how frustrating it is that even the grounds fix themselves." Natsu snorts at my sympathy.

"Not many know or remember our house mother or the fact that she was once a formidable earth mage. The barrier is made up of stones with script magic on them. There are tracts the move along at random. The lacramas are powered by the movement which then power the barrier."

I nod at Natsu's narrowed eyes, "seems silly to put such a protect on girls dorm. But if you'd know just how she loved us and this building then it would make perfect sense. And if you'd gotten here before Freed, blowing up the grounds would have worked. However now Freed along with a little help of Jura the very ground is enchanted. They were talking of using a similar technique on the new Council Headquarters."

I smile at the growing look of frustration on Natsu's face, Laxus however knew me well enough to know there was a point to all this. "However there is one very simple way to by pass everything. All you need is permission from someone within the barrier. Now I'm willing to give you that permission but I have a few conditions first."

I square my shoulders and let my inner demon shine through, "If you even think of going back on your word or this deal in any shape or form Laxus will not be able to stop me." I see a few of them growl but shift uneasily. Natsu cocks his head considering my words then raises a brow to Laxus who nods whether to acknowledge he couldn't stop me or what but Natsu seemed satisfied by it.

"One: each and every single one of you will ask permission and will accept that answer at face value. Two: You will not use any tricks or games to persuade your mate. Three: You will not cause and harm to anyone that stands between you and your mates. Four: after you kiss your ladies you will give them a 24 hr head start. And finally Five: you will give me until tomorrow night to give you permission to enter."

Natsu gives me his signature smile and I know we are in agreement. That last rule would give me enough time to make sure everyone was ready. Birth control was my first mission, which meant asking Porlyusica to talk to the girls at breakfast. Then working with the girls to make a plan for the hunt. I smile making my way back to my room taking one last look at Laxus before going to sleep. I had a big day tomorrow and I smile as I drift off to sleep hopefully to finish the previous dream.

Yukino

I woke up in the make shift infirmary to see Minerva sleeping in a chair at the end of my bed. I smile knowing how worried she had been about me and I also knew she'd never admit it.

"She's been like that for a few hours, can't convince the fool to crawl into a bed." Fairy Tail's healer stepped into view with her legendary scowl in place.

"Is she alright?" I ask tentatively

"Yes child she has made a full recovery thanks to Wendy although not without consequence," Ms. Porlyuscia tuts in a grim tone. "When the body is healed so quickly at first they might feel a renewed sense of energy but eventually they will crash into a healing sleep. Damn fools the lot of you."

I sigh relieved at knowing she would be ok, "am I able to get up?"

"Only if you take this other fool with you to a bed. There is a room set up for both of you down the hall." Ms. Porlyusica scowled at me.

I nod and slowly get up so not to wake Minerva, suprised by just how much I ache. I feel like I'd done a few sparing matches with Sting again.

"Use this before going back to sleep it will help with the soreness you are no doubt feeling." I catch the little jar Ms. Porlyusica tosses at me and thank her graciously.

"No need child I just don't want to see you in here again understood," She glares at me but softens at the enthusiastic nod.

I ease Minerva into a standing position and sling her arm over my shoulders, "Thank you for everything you've done and are continuing to do."

She simply nodded in acknowledgment and opened the door for us. I meet Kinana just outside the door.

"Oh my I was just coming to check if anyone needed anything, here let me help you." She reached over and grabbed Minerva's other arm taking a lot of pressure off of me. I smile and give her my thanks. We all hobble to our temporary room and after helping me get Minerva into bed Kinana gives me a hug, "I'm so glad you were able to make it here."

"Me too, I just don't even know what to think of all," I wave my hand around, "al of this."

Kinana sighs, "I know I don't either, it's just crazy how it all happened. I mean if Cana hadn't been able to give us a warning. It scares me to think of the damage that could've happened. But we can talk more about it in the morning I know you must be exhausted. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?"

I shake my head, "no thank you you've been more than helpful. Good night Kinana."

She reaches over taking my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before leaving. I crawl into bed next to Minerva only to almost jump out my skin when she starts mumbling. I lean over and ask, "Minerva? Are you awake?"

"Rogue? Hmmm," I flush crimson at the soft moan she's making, having a good guess at just what she is dreaming about. I got up and started to make a bed for myself on the floor when she almost gave me another heart attack by gasping and sitting up wide awake.

"Yu-yukino?" I pop up from the floor and we share a wide eyed glance before bursting in a fit of exhausted, delirious giggles. Minerva catches her breath first, "I'm so glad you're alright."

I smile and hug her, "I'm glad we're both alright. I can't believe we made it here without getting caught."

"I don't know about you, but I have a feeling that we didn't escape so much as they were herding us all together."

I look at her confused, "but why?"