Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters; that right belongs to Hiro Mashima.
Author's Notes: PLEASE FOR THE LOVE THAT IS CRACKFICTION AND ANIME/MANGA READ THIS! For those that asked, know why I stopped writing R.S.o.F in the first place and took it down off to begin with. It has now been a year, and I feel ready to talk about that reason. The person who got me started back writing was my grandmother. She passed away last year from Stage 4 lung and liver cancer. It was a sudden onset, and she was dead within a month of the diagnosis. That woman was a major part of my life, always inspiring me to do what I wanted as long as I was happy. She supported me through a lot of good and bad times. And the loss of her had me hating this story. I mean, all the handwritten chapters I had shredded, burned in complete anger.
So, now I am ready to start this again. But... AND I MEAN BUT, there will be changes to this story. It will not be like it was before. I will still follow the set up (backstory) I had that Lucy summoned the Celestial King to stop the Eclipse Gate, Yukino will have died because of the Eclipse Gate. Instead of defeating Zeref (We didn't know he had nothing to do with that event at the time), it will be the dragons being sent into the past. My chapters won't be more than 5K in words... or that if you get lucky. I want shorter, easier to read chapters. My style has changed in the last six years, folks; it is called growth. To make this more fun, I will have a few other canon things, and yes, the babysitters will still be there. That was too fun and cute to write. Now, I ask you to read this with an open mind and review once you are done. Thank you!]
Fairy Tail Guild
Gajeel had been talking with Levy, who was rather shocked and blushing darkly. His nose was picking up the scent of her pleasure and slight arousal easily. Then shit hit the fan with Natsu's arrival followed shortly by Lucy and the two younger Strauss siblings carrying an unconscious and bloody Gray. His eyes had gone instantly to Juvia, who had paled and looked frantic. He worried about his friend; knew she loved the Ice-Make Mage though he wasn't sure if it was returned.
Only for everything to go sideways on a shit show when he caught a whiff of the two slayers from Sabertooth. Two people who had just sat and watched with their guild as one of their own had tried to murder Lucy because she could. And one was in heat no less. What had him picking his jaw up was Natsu's reaction to their smell being on lucy as he heard Levy mutter about things making sense as he watched Lucy get angry. The acrid scent of anger mixing with her normally mellow smell was unpleasant and had him standing up.
He paused just long enough when Levy placed a small hand on his arm to stop him. The look in her brown eyes as she smiled darkly which had him lifting his pierced brows up his forehead. Lucy talking before he had to grab Levy and move as Natsu came flying in their direction courtesy of a Lucy Kick. It never ceased to amaze him that the bubbly blond was strong and had a violent streak that only showed when properly provoked.
Biting back a laugh as he heard Bickslow's little totems echo what he just said as Lucy left. He knew she was going to break. That girl never liked hurting anyone, let alone her friends or family members. Which was anyone in the guild! Sighing as he wrapped Natsu in an extra thick beam of iron and looked at Laxus, who seemed to be a bit grumpy and was sparking violently. Gajeel knew the man had gone through some shit and was only back in the guild because Gildarts had given the leadership back to Makarov and stated that Laxus was a member again.
"Gajeel, we should go talk to master about this. I think he needs to know at the very least," Levy said softly to him.
Looking down he debated for a few minutes before loosening his hold on his shrimp and giving her some space to move.
"I know. And it doesn't help that Natsu is currently... yeah. But the moment he wakes, he will want to focus on Lucy, she should be our priority," he stated worriedly for the blonde.
He knew that even he was drawn to her. It had to be her magic because physically she was not his type. And her bossy, slightly perfectionist nature didn't appeal to his inner dragon. Nope, that was all Levy. And her acceptance of what was going to happen to him. That she wanted to be his and only his was more than enough to have his inner dragon preening like a vain beast he knew it was.
With a small nod of his head and one last look at the doors to the guild. He hoped that Lucy would get to her home safe and sound with two other Slayers out there. One in heat and having marked her with his scent, superficial as it was. He led Levy down the hall to the Master's quarters. Giving a firm knock waiting for the man to holler before he opened the door and pushed Levy in before him.
"What can I do for you two?" Makarov asked, his black eyes looking tired.
"We have something to inform you of, Master," Levy stated softly.
Giving a grunt of agreement as he closed the door. He nudged Levy who nodded and lifted up her pen and wrote bubble of silence in the air. With a wash of magic and soft pop, he knew that no one would be able to listen. Her magic was really versatile and tasty when it made him a snack. Though he knew they had Makarov's attention when she had done that to give them much needed privacy.
"I take it this is very important?" he stated, sitting up in his chair, eyes pinning them where they stood.
Gajeel lifted a hand and ran it through his hair and nodded. "Yeah. It is very personal... to all Dragon Slayers. And explains what goes on with Natsu every August and how dangerous this can get."
The way Makarov's face smoothed out and became a mask of seriousness had Gajeel taking a deep breath and launching into his explanation about how Dragon Slayers are like Dragons. They go into heat during the hottest month of the year for about 5 to 7 days. That their aggressive nature got worse because they were hunting for a mate. Any other male, especially other Slayers were a threat. Dragons were territorial creatures. They did have clans or Tatsu. But that was only if all males were mated. And how Levy stated that she was worried about Lucy and her team because of Natsu's behavior. And how the longer he goes without a mate the more violent he could potentially get.
The talk lasted for almost an hour when he caught sight of a familiar head of ginger hair. He knew that the spirit wouldn't just come to the guild for no reason. Nudging Levy, who gave a small hum that she had seen. Her magic was gone in a second. Gajeel pointed to the window, causing Makarov to spin. Probably thinking someone was trying to eavesdrop. It was not unheard of in Fairy Tail. Only to smell the slight shift in Makarov's scent when he told Loke to enter.
At seeing the look on Loke's face as he glanced at him, Gajeel knew something had happened. But he wasn't going to leave the office, he still had a bit more explaining to do. Because he, himself, was only a few days out from his own heat.
Makarov was just tired. This was information he could have used years ago. But then again Dragon Slayer Magic was old and rare. Very little was known about it. The few texts where anything was recorded was kept in Era under lock and key by the Council and Rune Knights. And apparently not every dragon thought to educate their chosen brat in the biology and needs that came with the magic. When he spun after Gajeel had pointed to the window he was ready to snap at the offender. But when he saw a tired, stressed Loke he immediately had the former Guild Mage and Leader of the Celestial Spirits climb through his window.
Turning back to Levy, he gave her a look that let her know to return the bubble of silence. Which she did with speed. Once it was back in place he waited for Loke to speak up.
"Master, there is a small issue at... Lucy's apartment," Loke stated as he glanced at Gajeel and Levy. "When she arrived home there was an unexpected visitor who needs severe medical attention. Lucy sent Ares to Porlyusica and me here. Wendy's magic would be much appreciated."
This had him stiffening a little bit. He knew that Lucy had been training in self-defense with Erza because of her current lack of magic. And that the girl was a lot more physically stronger than she gave herself credit for. Seeing her kick several of the stronger guild members into or through walls was proof of that. But she never willingly harmed someone to the point of it needed medical attention.
"Explain a bit more clearly. And you can trust Gajeel and Levy. Who had just bought some new information to light that could have saved us a lot of headache with Natsu years ago," he said waving his hands?
He watched as Loke looked at the two before he saw a smile curl those lips. A soft growl of warning coming from Gajeel. He already figured out what hadn't been said after Gajeel explained about mating. Levy was his and he was possessive of her even before all this came to light.
"I am aware that you all know that Lucy ran into Sting and Rogue before coming to the guild. Well, Rogue was in her apartment to get his exceed back. Because the thing had decided to hide there for some reason. Lucy had defended herself not knowing that he had a hole in his abdomen. Which I am guessing is from when he rescued her from Sting mating her," Loke blurted out as he ran one hand through his hair and the other plucked his shades from his face.
Makarov felt something in him become cold and dead drop. Lucy had a mage, a dragon slayer mage, of Sabertooth alone with her in her apartment. And she had attacked him in self-defense. He knew little about the Twin Dragon Slayers of Sabertooth. Even now having sent out those who gathered information for him. They were younger than Natsu and the others in his guild, sans Wendy. That they were very strong and held grudges well enough. Rogue had one against Gajeel for a long time dating back to Phantom with Jose. And Sting just wanted to surpass Natsu. Both had taken a beating from Gajeel and Natsu during the games. Then Natsu had thrashed them on his own after making Gajeel vanish.
It had been spectacular and scary. That boy was an unlimited powerhouse of potential and drive. Sighing as he looked from Loke to Gajeel and Levy.
"If there is nothing else other than you are keeping Levy as your own Gajeel, I think we need to get Wendy and to get to Lucy's," He stated. "The last thing I need is the Hag Queen that is Sabertooth's leader coming and harassing my own Celestial Mage. Because she has one of Minerva's Dragon Slayers, injured to boot, in her apartment."
The blush that burst across Levy's cheeks and the fact that Gajeel looked away spoke volumes. Then it occurred to him that Lucy had a Dragon Slayer in her apartment. One that had helped her, but was from an opposing guild and could go into heat. Muttering curse words under his breath he let his gaze harden on the three in his office.
"We all are going to Lucy's apartment. Gajeel, you need to inform Lucy of what the hell is going on. And I am sure that Wendy will be more relaxed with you there since she sees you as a big brother figure," he said using the tone that told him that he would be obeyed.
"Yes, Master!"
With a small, sharp nod of his head, he pushed his chair away from the desk as Levy removed her magic again and made his way to his office door. With a quick glance back at everyone, he noted that Loke had vanished. Meaning he didn't want to strain Lucy more than she probably already was calling on Ares. Opening it they exited. He noted how everyone stopped and looked at him and the two behind him. Pointing at Wendy and croaking his finger as he passed, no one questioned him with how serious he looked. One of his brats could be in a serious situation right now. He was a parent brimming with determination and a mission, only a fool would stop him.
She was worried about her master. Seeing her so tired and expending what little magical energy she had. Virgo was proud to serve Lucy. She was a sweet, kind, caring, accepting person. Though she teased Lucy all the time, it was more out of love and affection. Never before had she had an owner who saw her as a family member, trusted friend, confidant? Lucy got pissed when anyone bad mouthed any of them. Never saw them as a tool either. Going above and beyond to learn to move while using Holder Magic. Fighting by their side.
Looking over at her now sleeping Master, Virgo turned her attention to the little pink suited, green exceed. Who was staring at Lucy, then its friend on the bed beside her? Clearly worried and scared. Giving a soft smile, Virgo reached out and pick it up and hugged it. Rubbing small circles on its back earning a soft rumbling purr before she set the creature on the bed at the Shadow Slayers' feet.
"You may stay by his side, but you must touch his stomach. He is wounded badly and is in pain. As for Lucy, she meant no harm and is just very tired for personal reasons little exceed," she said softly.
It was not often she got to show the mothering side of her constellation. And she lived to serve and help. The small thing was just too cute.
"My name is Frosch, but Rogue calls me Fro! I'm a boy!"
At the exceeds self-introduction, Virgo flashed a warm smile as she felt Ares return to the spirit realm. This meant that some of the drain of Lucy's meager magical reserves was taken care of. She and Loke had come through on their own power, but it still drained Lucy even a little bit because of the bond they had with her.
"I am called Virgo. It is a pleasure to meet you, little exceed. I am a girl," she replied.
The way Frosch cocked his head to the side as he settled down in the crook of the Shadow Slayers' neck. She could tell he was thinking fairly hard.
"You smell like the friends Yuki had when she was in the guild. Uh... one was two fish! Fro likes fish!" Frosch explained trying to be solemn but getting excited.
With a soft laugh, Virgo reached across and rubbed his head through the suit. "That is because I am like your Yuki's friends. I am a Celestial Spirit. And those two fishes are called Pisces," Virgo explained.
"Makarov is on the way with Wendy, Gajeel, and Levy."
At those words from her brother, Virgo took a small relieved breath. Looking to Lucy who was half on the bed, bend over at the waist while sitting in the hard wooden chair. Virgo made an executive decision and picked her and placed her on the couch. Allowing her master some comfort before almost half a dozen people descended upon her tiny apartment. It was going to be a very long night.
TBC!
