Chapter 12 Realize by Colbie Calliet

The very thought of actually having peace and quiet sounded like a vacation. It was something he never realized he needed in his life. Was he that worried about his grandfather? Or was it the short auburn-haired woman that grew up without him knowing? He shouldn't even be worried about her because they went their separate ways which is for the best. It wasn't how it should have been but there was no way he could change things between them now.

A wince crossed Laxus' face as he felt a sharp pain radiate from his arms. It was too familiar for his liking especially as his stupidity from before came rushing back. All the pain he called to the people that became his family. He could almost remember the tears brimming in Emi's eyes because it was obvious, he disappointed her. He disappointed a lot of people that day but hers seemed to sting more than everyone else's. He shouldn't have been so power hungry, but he unfortunately was.

Biting down on his cheek the lightning mage tried to focus on the pain instead of the formation of scales. He was better than this and he was going to show that dragon inside him who was boss.

"Fool." A harsh growl echoed in his subconscious. So, this beast was listening to his thoughts again?

"You're the fool for thinking you'll be control again. I will never allow it to happen again." Laxus hissed as his hands balled into fists. He already expected a fight since they've been doing this for a month now. It didn't feel like that much time went by but from the way Freed talked it had.

One month of the same back and forth with this beast that resides in the lacrima his father selfishly implanted into him. A month of almost losing control of his body and hurting his friends. If it wasn't for the runes Freed would place beforehand, he could only imagine the chaos that would be the end result. Nor did it help when a small thought of Emi would calm the dragon down enough for him to take control again forcefully.

Why she would randomly come into his thoughts was beyond him. It made no sense especially when he really didn't see anything different about her.

"Lies." His dragon growled in his subconscious.

He knew he wasn't lying. He had no reason to lie about anything. All she was, was part of the group of people he called his second family. There was also the fact that she gave in and allowed him to stay with her after him finding out her secret. Most people would try to keep it hidden even after someone found out about it.

Grimacing slightly, he felt pain and heat start to radiate in the spot where the lacrima was located. So, it was going to be another one of those fights? He could already feel the exhaustion wearing at him physically and mentally which wasn't the sign he needed. If this spirit was able to take over his body and break the runes he didn't even want to think about the possible consequences.

"Hey Boss." The voice that called out to him was familiar but sounded so distant like an echo that floated with the wind.

"Give in fool." The deep voice of the beast drew his thoughts back to the task at hand. He could picture the white irises surrounded by gold staring at him with an intensity that could rival Natsu's. If there was anything that could rival his.

The childish part of him that he locked away long ago wanted him to shake his head repeatedly to get his point across to the beast. It wouldn't faze the dragon or possibly irritate it even more. He wanted to be like that, but he forced himself to grow up sooner then he was supposed to. It was all thanks to his father and the craziness that consumed him.

"Like hell I will." Laxus growled back letting acid leak into his words. All the times he's done this already he figured by now it would end in failure. He would have the power of his dragon and keep his body under control. All he would have to worry about would be discovering the secret technique then mastering it.

"Laxus!"

As if he was asleep and suddenly startled awake his grey eyes snapped open to the real world. Was he that focused on taming the beast that he forgot about where he was? He completely forgot that he was with the Thunder Legion trying to train for the upcoming Grand Magic Games that were fast approaching. Even the sight of the small clearing they've been using as a place for training was almost foreign to him. Was he that engrossed in the fight with his dragon?

"Laxus? Are you okay? Do you need some rest?" Evergreen's voice almost caused him to jump but he kept the reaction within himself. He didn't even realize she was in front of him waving a hand in an attempt to gain his attention. Was he that out of it that he thought she appeared like a ghost to him?

Slowly his gaze traveled up to meet hers. Worry was written in them along with a determination that screamed Evergreen to him. Even her face was tense which meant she had been trying to get his attention for a while now.

"What is it Evergreen?" Laxus inquired as he stretched his cramped-up legs. How long had he been sitting like this?

A sigh escaped the woman as she stood up. Relief was the main emotion she felt since it seemed like he was having a hard time with whatever he was doing. He said something a while back about a lacrima and needing to tame something, but she really wasn't paying attention to what he had to say. It wasn't like he was in danger, but it was perfect.

Ever since she's known Laxus he came off as thick skulled and tend to act without thinking of the consequences. Which in a way she felt like he deserved the punishment Makarov handed him even if it felt too hard. So, for him to focus on something to master it or whatever he was trying to do was possibly the best thing for him. It must be a Dreyer thing.

Taking in a deep breath the lightning mage tried to clear his mind. It wasn't easy when he had his dragon continuing to fight him for control of his body. Was this something Natsu and Gajeel had to go through or was it completely different for them? His pride to him not to ask because he didn't want to appear weak to those two, but he wanted to know also.

"Remember the deal we made with Master Makarov?" Evergreen questioned as she crossed her arms to show how serious the topic was. "Obvious today is the day, and the train will be here shortly. We have to go greet them and what not."

Laxus rolled his eyes as he heard a snicker come from Bixlow and a sigh from Freed. Why did all four of them have to do it? One could do it just fine then bring the person over to their impromptu training grounds. It seemed easier then having them all stop what they were doing for something he felt wasn't as important.

"Laxus." Evergreen threatened as her eyes narrowed behind her glasses. She knew he was going to be like this so it shouldn't come as a surprise to her. In so many ways he was like his grandfather, especially in the bullheaded department. "Master Makarov said for all of us to go. Apparently, it is this person's first request."

He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at her. From the look she was giving him told him he was going to be smacked with her fan or one of her spells if he crossed that line. Either way he wanted to avoid getting hurt at all costs.

Getting up from his spot the lightning mage felt various locations in his body pop or snap as if it was cramped. Which in a way he was. "So, does anyone know who this person is? It can't be Romeo since from the way people talked, he's been doing them for a while now."

Bixlow shrugged as Freed cleaned up some of the trash they accumulated from their stay. Even the look in Evergreen's face told him that she didn't have a clue. Usually she was trying to get the latest dirt on people but knew when to back off unlike Mira.

"No one?"

"No Master didn't tell us who it was. In the lacrima he just said we needed to get who was coming because they were new to doing requests along with the town. So, we agreed while you were off taking a soak in the bath." Freed slightly lied though his face didn't give anything away.

If Laxus were to find out that the person, they would be meeting was Emi then he would not come. The other scenario would be him following and complaining about it the entire time. Though he was the one that snooped around her place before leaving for the months of training. Knowing how Emi tended to act around Laxus she was probably enraged by his actions. Which all three of them agreed she had every right to feel that way.

"Fine. I'm starting to get hungry anyway." Laxus grumbled as he started to walk out of the clearing without looking back to see if his team was following.

Freed, Bixlow, and Evergreen looked at each other with looks of concern and relief. Deep down all three could feel the dread of what could happen within the next hour or so. All hell was going to break loose especially once their farmer caught sight of them. Mostly Laxus but either way they had a feeling it wasn't going to end pretty.

I promise I didn't forget about this. It might look like that with the other stuff I've posted but that isn't the case. My mood to write is just wonky between work and this whole virus situation. I will admit I hate it because where I work we stayed open and now that we're having cases they won't close for two weeks and bite the bullet. It scares me because of the fact that my lungs aren't the greatest thanks to having asthma and my mother having diabetes. We work in the same department but still scares me. Anywho, thank you all that reviewed, followed, and favorite.