Epilogue

The sun caressed quiet rural landscape with his warm spring lights. Everything was peaceful here - neat areas of cultivated land, thick cover of fresh grass between and around them, dim line of trees on horizon and small wooden cart around which two Dragon Slayers, two girls with FT emblems and two Exceeds were standing silently. All those present were looking at little thing, which seems was brought here for some agricultural purpose and just waited to serve one peasant or other. Only it wasn't. Moreover, it shouldn't be here at all because Stian destroyed it several days ago. But somehow, it was — same size and material as before, just slightly different in color and a bit rotten.

"I'll go first!" one of Slayers, the owner of pink hair, enthusiastically exclaimed and made a movement toward the cart. Probably something was fueling him from inside, cause he can't stand still and his arms start burning occasionally.

"The hell you will?" second man sharply retorted. He was gloom, collected and held the hand of one of the girls. "Have we ever asked you to come? Huh? Why the fuck you are here?"

"Vulkans are my specialty, Metal Head!"

"Oh, yeah? I don't give a fuck! This one is mine!"

"Who said that?"

"ME, burnt-out-brain moron! He hurt Levy. He will pay for that!"

"She is my nakama too!"

"Idiot!"

"Hey!"

"Guys," the girl, whose hand grumpy Dragon Slayer was holding, conciliatory addressed both men, "maybe there won't be the need to fight at all. 3 days passed, if he didn't manage to break my spell he may be dead for now or considerably weaken".

"It would be better for him if he is dead" taller man pronounced ominously. "Much better".

"He is alive, no doubts of that" observed black furred Exceed, attentively examining the cart. "Otherwise there wouldn't be any cart, you said you destroyed it, Levy".

"Yes!" said girl confirmed "We did. I saw how Stian broke it. And this one is looking slightly different".

"Judging by its appearance, the beast is seek or wounded at least. And it can make him more dangerous. I suggest, girls will stay here..."

"No!" Levy's response was so eager that everybody was taken by surprise and Gajeel, subconsciously, squeezed her hand more. "No, Lily, I appreciate your concern, but I want to help. I need to. Don't make me stay here!"

"No way we stay aside!" other girl added, whip in her hand, brows frowned. "I have my own scores with these creatures and besides it wasn't just Levy that he hurt! He is responsible for disappears of many people! The mother of that nice boy among them. We have to make sure no one else will be deceived and captured by him!"

"We can go only one by one. There is no place for two. So, I suggest, Gajeel will go first, then Natsu, Lucy with Happy next and then I with Levy. If needed we'll protect girls. Agree, Happy?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Why will Met…?"

"That's my cat!"

"Thank you, Lily!"

"Why WILL METAL HEAD BE FIRST?"

"Shut up, Natsu!"

"Salamander, you get on my nerves!"

"WHY MET...?"

"SHUT UP, NATSU!"

This little commotion caused a minor alteration in Lily's plan. Inflamed Natsu, aiming at Gajeel, had rushed to him, shoved Levy, she fell on the cart and despite the hold of Gajeel's hand was immediately engulfed by green light and disappeared. Broad Slayer's palm now held emptiness.

"Fuck!" Gajeel roared and instantly jumped into the thing, disappearing as well. Lily followed. Lucy, along the way smacking Natsu on the head, hurried to go next. Fire Dragon Slayer and his Exceed exchanged puzzled glances and rushed after their friends.

Fairy Tail mages found unexpected welcome at Vulkan's den. The host, looking seek and still partly in Levy's ropes clued to his partly shabby fur, was in his bed, surrounded by seven other vulkans. They all turned heads simultaneously and produced half-excited half-surprised yelp. The loudest one came from the owner of the house. 'This small weak crum, this pigmy, who dared to oppose me and wounded my pride so much decided to return here! And she is alone! Oh, I will tear her apart! I'll squash her! How I…' - it was a moment where his inspired hopes were destined to evaporate. For ever. Near his defenseless desired victim appeared big infuriated man, scooped the girl, checked her, then with a vicious roar rushed into the crowd of vulkans. All in 3 seconds. Then out of nowhere arrived blonde woman with whip and horned beast, fire breathing someone with a horrific ability to be everywhere at the same time, blue flying ball shouting something in a thin voice and huge black cat with a huge sword – too many unfriendly visitors, whom, by the way, neither Vulkan nor his relatives invited.

The battle was fierce. Vulkans, overwhelmed at first, fought with all their tremendous strength. But FT mages were stronger and used to help each other. Levy, Gajeel and Lily acted as they were a long-established team. Natsu and Lucy can defeat anyone together. The host fell first, this time without chance to rise again, then one by one the whole gang was defeated. Mages burned the place, destroyed the cart. Next day they returned to the spot. A new cart didn't appear. The place felt safe – the threat was finally removed. Levy felt happy and all the rest, including villagers, were glad too.

Script Mage and Iron Dragon Slayer decided to spend a few days here, but few days insensibly turned into 2 weeks. When they returned the eyes of Blue haired mage looked slightly different. If attentive observer take a closer look, he or she will be able to distinguish tiny red specks on her iris. Lily, who was very observant by nature, soon noticed it and along with few other indications formed a hypothesis. He conveyed his assumptions to Shagotte, whom he made a habit to visit two-three times in a week, preferably in the evening, pretty late evening, when the palace was mostly empty and dark. The Queen suggested to hold another Ball within a year or a little earlier. To celebrate the arrival of a newcomer, who, by that time, should have already entered this world. And maybe to celebrate one or two other pleasant events, that also have chances to happen.

:)

That's all for this story. I hope, it made you smile one or two times, and it was a pleasant reading. I am greatfull that you gave me piece of your attention and time.

Have a nice day or night! With best wishes, Oleandra.